Exploring the factors and attributes of value-adding activities and their impact on moderators and mediators within Rice Value Chains in the Ayeyarwady Delta

McCrudden, P

Abstract

Supermarkets across the globe have direct points of contact and data capture systems and records of customers buying behaviour. Often these are multiple forms of real-time datasets. These datasets allow for both extrapolations of historical data that can provide predictability of future customers' needs and wants. In addition, customers often link quality to value subconsciously. This thesis intends to identify gaps in operational and management theory and practice between three independent actors, first mediators or business owners within 'rice milling production and second moderators or government officers and employees or those involved in agricultural management and policy mandates within Myanmar. This research seeks to contribute to operational management theory and practice, by examining selected academic literature, some examples of which are: Global Value Chain theory, Porters value chain theory, Porter's diamond theory, GVC-Power-theory and Operations research theory and other well-chosen source materials to identify if mediators are employing value-adding activities or processes or methods during the 'rice milling processing' stages; ultimately, increasing economic value of the final rice product. Utilizing an empirical qualitative case study driven approach employing datasets to interpret the responses from the research questions. Thus, the thesis primary evidence came from critically reviewing the interviewees' responses to the semi-structured interview questions. The comparing of three case study groups responses was performed, each interviewee's answer was evaluated using a technique called pattern matching of qualitative data method. Furthermore, to enhance the integrity and reliability of the research findings, observational research was conducted at specific locations for all three case study groups. Often, real-time 'live' documents were provided and 'when available' archival documents were critically reviewed and triangulated to understand the dynamic of the case study group. Lastly, this research illustrated a theoretical framework to identify value-adding processes at specific stages of rice milling production within agricultural supply chains; and the drivers associated with value creation to further develop a competitive advantage.

• Thesis Type: Thesis
• Deposit Date: May 12, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 12, 2025
• Award Date: Apr 11, 2022