What is included in the support activities of the value chain?

In the context of the value chain, support activities play a crucial role in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of primary activities. Firm infrastructure, which includes the company's systems, structures, and policies, is considered a support activity as it provides the necessary framework for the organization to operate successfully. This may encompass various functions such as management, planning, finance, legal, and quality management, which are vital for supporting the overall value-creating activities of the firm.

In contrast, marketing and sales, operations, and outbound logistics are classified as primary activities. These activities are directly involved in the creation and delivery of a product or service to customers. They focus on specific operations that contribute to the value the firm provides to its customers, making them essential for generating revenue. Therefore, the designation of firm infrastructure as a support activity highlights its role in enabling and optimizing these primary processes, thereby reinforcing its importance in the overall value chain framework.