Understanding the Dynamics of the Value Chain

Since Michael Porter's book Competitive Advantage introduced the value chain in 1985, it has shaped how businesses think about competitive advantage. But while the world has transformed, the model-and the way it's taught-has largely stood still.

Today's organizations still struggle with silo thinking, fragmented decision-making, and a lack of integration across functions and partners. The result? Missed opportunities and weakened competitive performance in an increasingly interconnected global economy.

Understanding the Dynamics of the Value Chain challenges that status quo.

This book introduces a modern, updated conception of the value chain-one that reflects the realities of today's business environment. Drawing on decades of insight and grounded in the idea of "metanoia," or a fundamental shift in thinking, it equips readers to move beyond silos and manage value creation holistically.

Designed for both professionals and students, this book provides the perspective and tools needed to understand how organizations truly create value-and how to leverage those dynamics for sustained competitive advantage.

William D. Presutti, Jr., PhD, CPM, is adjunct professor of supply chain management in the Palumbo-Donahue School, Duquesne University. He earned his undergraduate degree from Duquesne, a Master's in Economics from Northeastern University, and a PhD from Carnegie-Mellon University. He founded Duquesne's Supply Chain Management program in 1991 and codeveloped the MBA-level course in Value Chain Management, which he has taught to over 300 students in the past 10 years. He is the author or coauthor of 14 peer-reviewed publications that address many of the elements of value chain management.

John R. Mawhinney, EdD, CPIM, CTL, is assistant professor and director of supply chain management programs at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, Duquesne University. He earned a BS in logistics and marketing at The Ohio State University, an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh, and an EdD in supply chain education from Duquesne University. He has coauthored several peer-reviewed publications including Human Collaboration: A Key Component to Supply Chain Performance with Professor Ken Saban, which appeared in the Journal of Applied Marketing Theory in 2010.