Support activities (Porter’s value chain)
Support activities in Porter’s value chain enable and improve activities across the organisation. The standard categories are procurement, technology development, human resource management and firm infrastructure, including general management and related systems. They can be important sources of advantage; the label does not mean unnecessary overhead or a lower priority.
Worked example
Specialist recruitment and training improve an engineering service’s quality, while procurement secures suitable equipment. These support activities strengthen delivery rather than creating value only through cost cutting.
Common mistake
Putting marketing and sales among the standard support categories, or assuming procurement means the same activity as receiving and storing inputs.
Where it appears in your exams
| Qualification | Exam | Relationship | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACCA | BT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| ACCA | SBL | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
| FIA | FBT | Direct | September 2026–June 2027 |
