Body Shop - Value Chain

a. Where in the value chain is the organisation creating value for their customers?

Primary:
Value chain activity Yes/No How does The Body Shop create value for the customer?
Inbound Logistics No Not imperative to creating value to the customer.
Operations Yes Operations and technological development are covered in the The Body Shops stance on animal testing (one of their values). Testing comes under operations and technological development as they have had to think of innovative ways to test their products. Providing value to the customer through a feeling of ethical betterment and also the knowing that focus is placed on the business operations in that the products purchased are still safely tested.
Outbound Logistics No Not imperative to creating value to the customer.
Marketing and sales Yes The values of "self esteem, is aimed at marketing and sales in an indirect manner.
"Self esteem": The Body Shop promotes individuality, the respecting of ones own body and being proud of who you are. The Body Shop Claims "Our products will help you look after yourself - feel good about yourself." Creating value for the customer because when they purchase a product they will be purchasing on the basis that they are indulging their bodies and not trying to change them, providing a feeling of self worth for the customer.
Service No Once a product is purchased the customer has no need for additional service to improve the value of the product. Sales and marketing is the focus.

Support:
Value chain activity Yes/No How does The Body Shop create value for the customer?
Procurement Yes One of the five values of The Body Shop is "community trade", an attempt by the body shop to create fair trade with suppliers all around the world. Value is created for the customer through ethical enrichment as they feel they are purchasing high quality products from communities in need, helping the community's local economy.
Technology Development Yes Operations and technological development are covered in the The Body Shops stance on animal testing (one of their values). Testing comes under operations and technological development as they have had to think of innovative ways to test their products. Providing value to the customer through a feeling of ethical betterment and also the knowing that focus is placed on the business operations in that the products purchased are still safely tested.
Human Resource management Yes Most of the Body Shops values are geared towards the good of man kind. A view that ultimately attracts employees who have similar views, motivations and ethical reasoning as the body shop. In developing their employees these values would be core to everything. This ensures that the service provided to the customer through interaction with the staff represents the values of the firm.
Administration The values of "community trade and human rights" support the activity of administration by addressing public affairs.
"Community trade": Value is created for the customer through ethical enrichment as they feel they are purchasing high quality products from communities in need, helping the community's local economy.
"Human rights": Value is created for the customer when purchasing a product as they feel that they are supporting the Body Shops attempts the effect social change.