Final answer:
The question that does not belong is related to a company's internal resources and capabilities, not external factors. Strategic thinking about a firm's external environment should consider competitive forces, market positions of rivals, and macro-environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a strategic analysis of a company's external environment, the questions to be answered focus on the competitive landscape and macro-environmental factors impacting the industry. The query that does not pertain to the external environment and therefore should not be included is d) What are the company's competitively valuable resources and capabilities that can be used to form the foundation of its competitive approach? This particular question looks internally at the company's own strengths, capabilities, and competitive resources rather than the external competitive forces, market positions of rivals, and macro-environmental influences.
Understanding the market structure, characterized by kinds of competitive forces, market power of firms, similarities in products, and barriers to entry, is vital. Additionally, gauging the macro-environment involves considering broader societal forces that can influence business performance, such as economic, demographic, cultural, and political factors.