ITIL4F ITIL Service Value System Practice Question
Which activity of the service value chain is responsible for ensuring that service components are available when and where they are needed?
⚠ Common exam trap
It's easy for candidates to confuse Obtain/build with Deliver & support, thinking that 'delivering' includes component acquisition, but ITIL 4 clearly separates the procurement/building of components from their release and deployment.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Obtain/build
The Obtain/build activity of the ITIL service value chain is responsible for acquiring, developing, or assembling service components to ensure they are available when and where needed. This includes procuring hardware, developing software, and managing supplier deliveries to meet agreed service requirements. It directly addresses the availability of components by coordinating with procurement and development processes.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Deliver & support
Why it's wrong here
The "Deliver & support" activity focuses on the actual provision of services to users and the management of ongoing operational activities. This includes fulfilling user requests, resolving incidents, managing problems, and ensuring service continuity. While it relies on components being available, its scope does not encompass the procurement, development, or acquisition of those service components; rather, it consumes them to deliver value.
- ✗
Engage
Why it's wrong here
The "Engage" activity is primarily concerned with understanding stakeholder needs, managing relationships, and fostering effective communication across the service value chain. It involves interacting with customers, users, suppliers, and other stakeholders to gather requirements, provide transparency, and ensure expectations are aligned. This activity sets the stage for service creation and delivery but does not directly involve the physical acquisition or building of service components.
- ✓
Obtain/build
Why this is correct
The "Obtain/build" activity is specifically responsible for ensuring that service components are available when and where they are needed. This encompasses activities such as procuring new hardware or software from suppliers, developing custom applications, or acquiring existing components. Its core purpose is to make sure all necessary resources, whether internal or external, are ready for use in service provision.
- ✗
Design & transition
Why it's wrong here
The "Design & transition" activity focuses on creating new or changed services and ensuring they are fit for purpose and fit for use before being introduced into the live environment. This involves designing service architectures, processes, and measurements, as well as testing and validating new services. While it defines the specifications for components, it does not perform the actual procurement or construction of those components; that responsibility lies elsewhere in the value chain.
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