This document discusses core competencies and how they are essential for competitive advantage. It defines core competencies as skills, assets, and capabilities that differentiate a company and fuel innovation. Core competencies determine a company's strategic architecture and should be developed into core products that significantly contribute to customer benefits. The document provides examples of companies like Honda and Canon that structure their organizations around core competencies and continuously develop new products using these competencies. It stresses that companies should focus on building and improving their core competencies for long-term success.

1. Core Competencies Steven Forbes Marriott School November 2005

7. The Diversified Corporation

11. Real World Example: Every end product offered by Canon has at least one core product that makes a significant contribution to the perceived customer benefits.