Which of the following is a primary activity in Porter’s value chain?

• A. Inbound logistics
• B. Procurement
• C. Human resource management
• D. Marketing and sales

Answer: (A)

Porter’s value chain splits activities into primary and support. Primary activities are those that directly create value by moving inputs toward output and delivering the product to customers. Inbound logistics fits here because it covers receiving, storing, and distributing inputs, and these steps directly affect production efficiency, cost, and quality. They occur at the start of the value chain and set up everything that follows, so they are a direct part of value creation. Procurement and human resource management are usually classified as support activities—they underpin the chain but don’t directly transform inputs into the product. Marketing and sales is also a primary activity, showing that several stages directly contribute to value; however, inbound logistics is a clear example of a primary activity focused on the initial handling of inputs.