Define core competencies and give an example of how core competencies in the operations and supply chain areas can be used for competitive advantages?

Core competency differentiates you from others. This is an efficiency or capability which is not so easy to copy, imitate or duplicate. There are different reason for that :

a) Patent

b) Copy rights

c) Technology

d) Resource requirements or investments required

e) Experience, knowledge and skills

Example :

Core competency of Intel is manufacturing processing chips which is not manufacturing by Microsoft. The same way, Intel is not a provider of software.