Texas A&M University (TAMU) ISTM209 Business Information Systems Concepts Exam 1 Practice

In the context of the value chain, primary activities directly relate to the production and sale of goods or services. These activities are essential for realizing a product's value and include actions such as inbound logistics, operational processes, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and customer service.

Human resources management, while crucial to an organization's overall functioning, is categorized as a support activity rather than a primary activity. Support activities, such as human resources, technology development, and procurement, provide the necessary backing to enhance the effectiveness of the primary activities but do not directly contribute to the manufacturing or delivery of a product or service.

Therefore, the distinction lies in understanding that primary activities focus on the core operations that add value to a product, while human resources management serves as an essential support function within the company. This clarification helps students grasp the framework of the value chain and the roles different activities play within it.