Caterpillar, the world’s leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment, diesel and industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives, had 2015 revenues of $47 billion. The company consists of three product segments: construction industries; resource industries; and, energy and transportation. Its financial products segment provides financing and related services.

1. Where in Caterpillar’s value chain is the firm creating value for its customers?

2. What are the important relationships among Caterpillar’s value-chain activities? 

3. What are the important interdependencies? For each activity, identify the relationships and interdependencies?