CORE COMPETENCIES etc - SK TELECOM

What are the Core Competencies of SK Telecom? (example: Superior Technology?)

What are their "Barriers to Entry" Do They Need to Overcome? (example: High Cost to Consumers?)

What are their Competitive Advantages? (example: Use Revenue from Korean Market to invest into Expansion into China...??)

Dae Hee Responded with these answers:
My definition of core competence is that a company with major strength in certain area. A major strength of a company helps the company to succeed in the market at a highest probability. Ex) the core competence of SK Telecom is that they offer the highest quality of service in mobile service sector. In detail, SKT is able to offer the highest quality of service because they have the largest number of mobile base station closely spreading around the country. So basically the core competence of SK Telecom is the number of mobile base station which helps the company to win the market.

Mark's Response:
This is a superb definition of core competencies. Simple, and straight to the point - the hallmark of good business writing. It will work well for you when you have to write proposals, in any language.

Your point about SK Telecom having more mobile base stations though, could be called a core competency, (perhaps) but it really is instead a Competitive Advantage, in that their competitors in Korea - KTF, LG, etc. could also build out base stations, or use a new technology. But what is preventing them from doing it? What are their "Barriers to Entry'? (Financial, technology maybe?)

Next class we will learn about "S.C.A." Sustainable Competitive Advantage. This is the case where a company has an advantage that no other firm can copy. Did you know Incheon has one? LOCATION! You guys are close to Japan and China by air and sea.

A good "company" seeks to maximize its competitive advantage. InHa University with the G8 consortium of Schools, including my home university, the University of Rhode Island are cooperating on logistical research projects. You took me to your library - remember how beautiful your 4th floor is? Does that not tell you something?

I would instead say SK Telecom's "Core Competencies" when it put in the base stations definitely is "Good Customer service", but it could also be things like "superior technology implementation", or "strategic thinking" or maybe even "good financial management allowing good capital investments"? What do you think - especially about the Financial activities? BTW, does SK Telecom list on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange? ;-)

Great Job DaeHee - Keep Up the Good Work! To quote an old US ad campaign, "Have a Coke and a Smile!"