Final answer:
False. Manufacturing is not the only value-chain activity that firms outsource abroad. Other activities like design, engineering, research, development, marketing, and distribution can also be outsourced internationally.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement given in the question, 'Given the complexities of international business, manufacturing is generally the only value-chain activity that firms outsource abroad,' is False.
In today's globalized economy, firms outsource various value-chain activities abroad to take advantage of different factors such as cost, expertise, and resources. While manufacturing is one activity that is commonly outsourced, other activities like design, engineering, research, development, marketing, and distribution can also be outsourced internationally.
For example, many companies outsource their customer service or call center operations to countries like India or the Philippines, where skilled labor is available at a lower cost. This allows companies to focus on their core competencies while benefiting from specialized resources and expertise in other countries.