In talking about the global $\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_,$ the best firms are able to maximize the cost advantages in the $$earlier$$ parts$/$activities $($sourcing$,$ logistics$,$ warehousing, design, manufacturing, etc.$)$ and then benefitting from customization and focus in the $$later$$ parts$/$activities $($advertising$,$ sales, retail management, customer relations, service, etc.$).$