Which of the following is categorized as a support activity in the value chain?

In the context of the value chain, a support activity enhances the performance of the primary activities by facilitating and coordinating them. Procurement specifically refers to the process of acquiring the goods and services that an organization needs to support its operations. This includes the sourcing of materials and resources necessary for production and other business functions. By effectively managing procurement, a business can lower costs, ensure quality, and maintain supply chain efficiency, thereby supporting the primary activities like operations, marketing, and service.

In contrast, activities such as marketing and sales, operations, and service are considered primary activities. These are directly involved in creating and delivering the product or service to the customer. Understanding the distinction between primary and support activities is key to analyzing how value is created and maintained within an organization.