A company has recently gained a competitive advantage in its market. Which underlying cause is most likely responsible for this change?

A company’s sudden competitive edge usually comes from a strategic change that improves its value proposition, such as launching a new product that meets a unique customer need or cutting costs so it can price lower while keeping quality. This shift shows that the firm has identified a gap in the market and acted on it, either by innovating or by streamlining operations. For instance, a smartphone maker that introduces a battery‑lasting feature that competitors lack can instantly attract more buyers. In short, the underlying cause is a deliberate, well‑executed strategy that delivers something customers value more than rivals do.