Which THREE activities within Porter's value chain are considered support activities?

The identification of support activities within Porter's value chain is essential for understanding how organizations can create value through various functions. Support activities are those that assist primary activities in helping the organization function efficiently.

In this context, human resources (HR) management, procurement, and technology development are recognized as support activities. Each of these contributes indirectly but significantly to the value chain:

• Human resources management focuses on recruiting, training, and developing personnel who will execute the primary activities effectively. This ensures that the organization has skilled staff capable of driving its operations.

• Procurement involves the acquisition of goods and services needed for the organization's operations. This function supports the main activities by ensuring that the necessary resources are available and aligned with the company's needs.

• Technology development refers to the activities involved in the development and management of the company’s technological needs, which can lead to innovation and efficiency improvements in various processes. This support is crucial for staying competitive and improving overall performance.

In contrast, the other choices include a mix of primary and support activities, which is why they do not adequately represent the classification of support activities within Porter's framework. This distinction is vital to effectively strategize and enhance performance in business operations.