Which of the following is NOT a primary activity in Porter's value chain?

• A. Inbound logistics
• B. Marketing and Sales
• C. Procurement
• D. Service

Answer: (C)

Porter's value chain separates activities into primary and support ones. Primary activities are those that directly add value as the product moves from inputs to the customer: inbound logistics handles getting and storing inputs, operations transform those inputs, outbound logistics distributes the finished product, marketing and sales create demand and facilitate purchases, and service provides after-sales support. Procurement, the process of obtaining the inputs and resources needed, is a support activity that enables the primary activities but does not itself directly add value through the product’s flow. So, procurement is the NOT a primary activity, while inbound logistics, marketing and sales, and service are.