The resource-based model argues that: a. all resources have the potential to be the basis of sustainable competitive advantage. b. resources alone can be a source of sustainable competitive advantage. c. the key to competitive success is the structure of the industry in which the firm competes. d. resources that are valuable, rare, costly to imitate, and non-substitutable form the basis of a firm's core competencies.

d. resources that are valuable, rare, costly to imitate, and non-substitutable form the basis of a firm's core competencies.

Explanation:

The resource-based model argues that only resources that are valuable, rare, costly to imitate, and non-substitutable; form the basis of a firm's core competencies.

According to the proponents of resource-based model, Intangible assets that have no physical presence like Brand reputation, trademarks and intellectual property are all intangible assets unlike physical resources, cannot buy from the market by other competitors. They are developed within a company and constitute the source of sustainable competitive advantage.

In particular, the resources that generate competitive advantage are those that possess the VRIO characteristics, which implies that they are

Valuable, hence there will be no competitive disadvantage

Rare, hence there will be no competitive parity

Imitate, - are costly and difficult to imitate hence they cannot be copied

Organised to Capture Value - which means they are non-substitutable.