Typical business organizations (or parts within a business organization) design , produce , market , deliver , and support its product(s)/service(s). Each of these activities adds cost and value to the product/service that is eventually distributed to the customer. The value-chain consists of a series of activities designed to satisfy a business need by adding value (or cost) in each phase of the process. In addition to these primary activities that result in a final product/service, supporting activities in this process also should be included:
• Managing company infrastructure
• Managing human resources
• Obtaining various inputs for each primary activity
• Developing technology to keep the business competitive
