This is a well written article which is accurate.  Typical supply chain strategy often includes low cost, flexibility, global, NPI, technology, cycle time, etc.  This is not enough, the strategy needs to align and support the overall business strategy.  Hence, there needs to be a clear business strategy (not always present).
"An effective supply chain strategy must focus on aligning the business and supply chain strategies, designing the differentiators to build advantage, and pursuing a coherent technology strategy to support them—we call this supply chain nirvana."

http://www.supplychainmusings.com/2012/06/business-strategy-must-drive-supply.html

The Intangibles

This is an amazing statistic, not sure how to validate, however, if it is 50% correct it is huge. The corporate environment, culture and leadership drive the intangibles with ethics being a big portion. "Three decades ago, according to a report published by Thomson Reuters and Interbrand, 95 percent of the average corporation’s value was composed of tangible assets. Today, 75 percent of the average corporation’s value is now intangible. Accordingly, the most valuable asset for most corporations is their good name, or their brand and reputation."


Ethics Matters

Integrity

Character and integrity will usually trump intellect. Business laws exist to control weak individuals, integrity controls great individuals. When building an organization, character and integrity are investments that don’t fail.