Arvoketjuanalyysissä

Arvoketjuanalyysi, or value chain analysis, is a business management tool used to understand the full range of activities required to bring a product or service from conception through the different phases of production, delivery to final consumers, and eventual disposal. It was developed by Michael Porter in 1985. The primary goal of value chain analysis is to identify areas where a company can gain a competitive advantage and improve efficiency.

The analysis breaks down a company's activities into primary and support activities. Primary activities are directly involved in the creation, sale, maintenance, and service of a product or service. These include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service. Support activities, on the other hand, are those that enable the primary activities to be performed effectively. These typically include procurement, technology development, human resource management, and firm infrastructure.

By examining each of these activities, businesses can pinpoint where costs are incurred and where value is added. This understanding allows them to optimize processes, reduce costs, enhance product or service quality, and ultimately increase customer satisfaction. Identifying areas of strength and weakness within the value chain is crucial for strategic decision-making, helping companies to focus resources effectively and build a sustainable competitive edge in the marketplace. It is a fundamental concept in strategic management and operations research.