Which activities are classified as primary activities in the value chain?

In the context of the value chain, primary activities are those that directly contribute to the creation, delivery, and support of a product or service, thereby enhancing its value. The primary activities typically include inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service.

The correct answer focuses on service, operations, and marketing and sales as these are directly linked to the production and selling of goods or services. Operations involve the processes of transforming inputs into the final product, service encompasses the assistance and support post-sale, and marketing and sales are vital for promoting and facilitating the purchase of the product or service. Each of these activities plays an essential role in maximizing customer value and achieving competitive advantage.

In contrast, activities like human resource management and infrastructure, research and development, and procurement and purchasing are classified as support activities. While they are important for creating an efficient and effective organizational framework, they do not directly contribute to the physical creation or sale of products or services in the same way primary activities do. Thus, recognizing the distinction between primary and support activities is crucial for understanding how organizations can create value through their operations.