Final answer:
The correct option is 'd. all of the above', as value chain analysis examines how an organization interacts with value chain partners to produce, market, and distribute new offerings, which reflects the trend of splitting up the value chain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Value chain analysis is a strategic tool used to analyze an organization's activities to produce, market, and distribute new offerings. By examining the stages involved in creating a product, a company can identify ways to create value for the customer. This includes designing, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and marketing activities. In an increasingly globalized market, different stages may occur in different countries, utilizing international trade to optimize parts of the production process.
Improvements in communication technology, sharing information, and transportation have made it possible to split up production stages across international borders. This trend towards splitting up the value chain allows firms to specialize in certain stages of production. For example, the iPhone's value chain consists of designing and engineering in the United States, sourcing parts from Korea, assembly in China, and marketing again in the United States. Such specialization fosters innovation and productivity in intra-industry trade, contributing to economic gains.