Resources and capabilities need to be valuable, rare, and inimitable in order to provide a competitive advantage. Perhaps more so today with technology and the desire to outdo competitors, it is very difficult to prevent imitation, even for patented processes or products. A sustainable competitive advantage also requires the ability to prevent appropriation of the value of the resource or capability by others. Moreover, a sustainable competitive advantage requires ensuring that your firm’s core competencies adapt to changes in the external environment, which usually requires continuous improvement in cost structure or continuous innovation or both. Technology now allows the capability for vehicles without human drivers on board as commercial delivery systems. This opens new challenges with respect to trust. So, with that in mind:
Looking at the emerging capabilities of autonomous commercial delivery systems (over-the-road trucks, urban pizza delivery, drones, etc.) and considering the different ways to assess competitive advantage thus far in the course. What factors must an organization consider in creating or maintaining competitive advantage in a world of autonomous delivery systems? Of the various internal and external stakeholders of an organization, how would you address stakeholder needs and expectations with respect to autonomous delivery.
Please provide examples of at least three internal and three external stakeholders.
Remember to provide correct citations for research supporting your assertions.
