Final answer:
Improving operational effectiveness is not usually sufficient on its own to achieve superior profitability, as it must be combined with differentiation and other strategic factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
Is improving operational effectiveness sufficient to achieve superior profitability? The best choice from the given options would be A. not usually sufficient. Improving operational effectiveness can lead to improved efficiency, cost savings, and streamlined processes, but it is just one aspect of achieving superior profitability. Competition and the ability to differentiate are also crucial factors. Companies that rely solely on operational effectiveness may find themselves in a 'red ocean' of intense competition, where the only differentiation is price. This can lead to a race to the bottom where profit margins are eroded. Therefore, while operational effectiveness is important, it is just one part of a more complex strategy that includes innovation, market positioning, customer experience, and other factors that contribute to a firm's competitive advantage and profitability.