Which of the following processes is essential for the effective management of a business but is invisible to external customers?

The process that is essential for the effective management of a business but remains invisible to external customers is the business-facing process. These processes include internal operations, systems, and tasks that support the organization's ability to deliver services or products but do not directly involve customer interaction. They are crucial for the overall functioning of the company, including areas such as human resources, finance, and internal communication.

In contrast, customer-facing processes are visible to external customers as they involve direct interaction with the service or product delivered. The value chain process encompasses a broader view that includes both customer-facing and business-facing activities, highlighting how each contributes to creating customer value. Operational processes focus on the actual procedures and workflows that deliver output but can include both visible and invisible elements. Overall, it is the business-facing processes that specifically address the internal workings necessary for effective management while remaining unseen from the customers' perspective.