Final answer:
The major department store chain's strict policy of banning photographs or videos and not allowing academics to conduct studies indicates that the management believes its core competencies are b. unobservable.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major department store chain's strict policy of banning photographs or videos of its sales floor and back room operations, as well as not allowing academics to conduct studies of it for publication, suggests that the top management of the firm believes its core competencies are b. unobservable.
These policies aim to keep the inner workings and practices of the organization hidden from competitors and the public.