Which of the following is NOT considered a primary activity in the value chain?

The value chain, as proposed by Michael Porter, comprises primary and support activities essential for creating value in a business. Primary activities are directly involved in the creation and delivery of a product or service. Inbound logistics, operations, and marketing and sales are all core processes that directly facilitate the transformation of inputs into finished products, as well as the dissemination of those products to customers.

Inbound logistics involves receiving, warehousing, and inventory management, which are crucial steps for producing goods. Operations cover the processes that convert inputs into outputs, making it central to production. Marketing and sales engage in activities that promote and sell the products, which is vital for revenue generation.

In contrast, human resource management pertains to the support activities that underpin the primary activities, focusing on the management of an organization's human capital. While essential for effective functioning, it does not directly contribute to the production or delivery process of a product or service, thus classifying it outside the realm of primary activities in the value chain.