a best$-$cost provider strategy aims at achieving the best cost $($as compared to rivals$)$ for each activity in the industry's value chain is an ideal strategy for competing in large, fast$-$growing market segments where rapid product innovation is the norm seeks to defeat a low$-$cost provider strategy by attracting buyers on the basis of charging the best price for the best product produced at the best cost is a middle ground competitive approach aimed squarely at the sometimes great mass of value$-$conscious buyers looking for a good$-$to$-$very$-$good product or service at an economical price.