University of Minnesota, Duluth
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Olive oil from the Southwest of Buenos Aires (Argentina) according to some models of business failure
No full textBusiness failure models identify intrinsic and external elements of firms that explain their performance. The objective of the work is to build a matrix of strategies based on the SWOT matrix of the production of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) in the Southwest of Buenos Aires, Argentina (SWBA) within the framework of one of these models. This sector forms a regional and sectoral cluster that translates into advantages for its members, such as joint purchases, and better access to training and technical advice, among others. However, they face disadvantages in other aspects such as access to credit, not having enough volume to export, to mention some of the sectors own, in addition to the country's macroeconomic instability (high inflation, changing policies). The information comes from a census carried out on the forty-eight producers and subsequent updates in 2023 through interviews with key references. This article presents major results as a SWOT analysis, highlighting the producing farms' strengths and weaknesses, and the opportunities and threats derivate from their environment. The analysis focuses on the economic-financial aspects, comparing producer statements with the analysis results to determine alignment with business failure theories. Finally, a Matrix of strategies is built based on the variables that entrepreneurs should monitor to avoid business failure. Based on these recommended strategies to avoid business failures, the following stands out: (i) diversifying your points of sale, advancing in the process of establishing a collective brand by overcoming the rivalry between them; (ii) increasing the number of extractors so that there is no bottleneck at that stage; (iii) promote the healthy aspects of EVOO consumption so that the consumer is willing to pay the price differential compared to traditional oils; (iv) improve the accounting and formality aspect of the farms; and (v) join the already existing Olive Route, among others
Benefits of Adopting Measures to Facilitate Trade: A Case Study on Forest Permits for Exporting Horticultural Products
No full textGovernments often mandate that traders secure permits before importing or exporting certain products to fulfill objectives such as protecting endangered species, endemic flora, and ensuring consumer safety. The time, cost, and unpredictability associated with obtaining these permits impact the competitiveness of businesses engaged in international trade. This research brief outlines steps to overcome various obstacles that hinder the streamlining, simplification, and automation of these processes to make them more business friendly. Using the issuance of forest permits for horticultural exports as a case study, it shows how adopting steps to facilitate trade can reduce trade costs and strengthen regulatory oversight
Enhancing Market Access for Smallholder Farmers in Indonesia: The Role of Managerial Capacity and Member Motivation in Collective Action within Farmer Groups
No full textcompetitive markets. The objective is to investigate the impact of managerial capacity and member motivation on collective action and market access among smallholder farmers in Indonesia. A survey was conducted with 249 kepok banana farmers belonging to farmer groups in Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire that included demographic information and perceptions of managerial capacity, motivation, collective action, and market access. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to assess the relationships among the constructs. The results indicate that managerial capacity significantly enhances the role of farmer groups (β = 0.494, p < 0.001), while member motivation does not show a significant effect (β = 0.076, p = 0.290). The role of farmer groups significantly influences both collective action (β = 0.616, p < 0.001) and market access (β = 0.240, p < 0.001). Furthermore, collective action has a significant positive effect on market access (β = 0.479, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the critical role of farmer groups in organizing collective strategies to enhance market access. Managerial capacity is pivotal for successful collective action. Policymakers should strengthen farmer group institutions to foster collective action, reduce market barriers, and achieve sustainable agricultural growth
Profile of U.S. Comprehensive Health Planning Areas -- Supplemental Data: Characteristics and County Composition of CHP Areas: Regions VI, IX, and X
No full textThe supplement is divided into 4 parts as follows: 1) The definition of terms explains the meaning and derivation of each code. Organizational codes include: agency type, formation status, source of funds, congruence with general purpose planning areas, and number of counties. Socioeconomic variables include land area; income and poverty status; housing that is crowded and/or lacking in plumbing, or is without access to a phone. 2) A listing of all 416 CHP areas showing organizational status. 3) A table showing the above characteristics for the CHP areas in the regions listed on the title page, their component counties, and the CHP-State. 4) Footnotes giving organizational changes since May 1973 (when the coding was done), the 314(b) status of the CHP and each county according to HEW's CHP directory 10/74, and the transition to Health Service Areas
Profile of U.S. Comprehensive Health Planning Areas -- Supplemental Data: Characteristics and County Composition of CHP Areas: Regions VII, and VIII
No full textThe supplement is divided into 4 parts as follows: 1) The definition of terms explains the meaning and derivation of each code. Organizational codes include: agency type, formation status, source of funds, congruence with general purpose planning areas, and number of counties. Socioeconomic variables include land area; income and poverty status; housing that is crowded and/or lacking in plumbing, or is without access to a phone. 2) A listing of all 416 CHP areas showing organizational status. 3) A table showing the above characteristics for the CHP areas in the regions listed on the title page, their component counties, and the CHP-State. 4) Footnotes giving organizational changes since May 1973 (when the coding was done), the 314(b) status of the CHP and each county according to HEW's CHP directory 10/74, and the transition to Health Service Areas
Economic viability of establishing a pig slaughter and processing unit.
No full textTraditionally, families in the Centro-Serra region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul raise pigs (Sus scrofa domesticus) as a source of subsistence. However, only a few small agro-industries involved in the slaughter and processing of pork are located in this region. One of these agro-industries is certified for commercialization only within the municipal territory; however, due to interest in expanding the business to the state, the construction of a new industrial plant is necessary. Therefore, in order to analyze the economic viability of implementing a new industrial unit in this region, a field questionnaire and market research were used, in addition to analyses of the infrastructure budget to determine the costs of implementing a new unit. The data obtained were presented in a ten-year cash flow to assess economic viability. The Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), and payback period were used to analyze the investment. The economic analysis resulted in an IRR of 22%, an NPV of R$ 271,099.67 for an attractiveness rate of 10%, and a payback period of three years and eleven months. With these positive results, from an economic standpoint, the implementation of a new pig slaughter and processing unit for the aforementioned region presents itself as a highly attractive investment
The importance of strategic planning combined with the use of control tools to maximize profitability in feedlot cattle production.
No full textThe feedlot market demonstrates a high degree of complexity regarding the variables that influence it, generating difficulties in establishing strategic guidelines for the activity. The need to generate thousands of simulations of results to achieve a broad business view led to the creation of a tool that cross-references the largest possible amount of technical and market data, concatenates the available information, and returns scenarios directly to the manager, enabling them to determine objectives and strategies that would increase the company's competitiveness. To this end, a feedlot in the state of Goiás was studied, obtaining real production and financial results information for the year 2012. Real and simulated scenarios were compared to compare EBITDA, and a brief explanation of the factors that directly influence the calculations performed was presented. The studies demonstrate that the use of a strategic plan can contribute positively to profitability by addressing the best time to confine, the animal profile, and the ideal maintenance period in the fattening regime. Due to business confidentiality reasons, the source of the data could not be disclosed
Study of the Market for Soybean Cultivar Support Companies in the State of Mato Grosso
No full textThis study analyzes the market structure and competitiveness of companies that maintain soybean seed cultivars. After properly analyzing the market structure, the focus shifted to analyzing and classifying the strategies used, as well as the competitiveness of companies in the state of Mato Grosso, through strategies and thus identifying the determining factors in competition, using the Hirschman-Herfindahl Index (HHI) as a tool for measuring results. The observations of the analyses point to a level of concentration among companies, as well as an oligopolistic trend and, obviously, an increase in competition
Peru: An Emerging Exporter of Fruits and Vegetables
No full textOver the past two decades, Peru has emerged as a significant fruit and vegetable exporter. The United States is one of its most important markets. This rise in exports was driven by advantages in climate, low production costs, and preferential trading arrangements with major countries. But because many of the same products exported by Peru are grown in the United States, increased Peruvian exports will continue to affect U.S. growers as well as consumers. In this report, we highlight the success stories of three commodities—asparagus, processed artichokes, and table grapes—that represent different impacts on U.S. growers. Despite Peru’s success in developing a fruit and vegetable export industry, challenges remain. In order to continue on its current export trajectory, the country must confront a number of constraints, including water access, land rights, and underdeveloped export infrastructure
Analysis of Economic Benefits Brought by Industrialization of Natural Enemy Insects
No full textIn the field of biological control of agricultural and forestry pests, natural enemy insects play an important role, constituting the core of modern integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, providing solid support for the zero growth goal of chemical pesticide use, and helping the sustainable development of green agriculture. The rise of the natural enemy insect industry has become a key driver of the transformation of green agriculture, injecting vitality into the sustainability and ecological protection of agriculture. With the increasing concern about food safety, environmental protection and ecological balance all over the world, the application scope of natural enemy insects as biological control means is constantly expanding. Its unique ecological adaptability and environmentally friendly characteristics help to reduce dependence on chemical pesticides, ensure the safety of agricultural products and maintain ecological diversity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the current situation of natural enemy insect industry, evaluate its cost and benefit, emphasize its great significance in promoting the transformation of green agriculture, improving production efficiency and promoting ecological protection by drawing lessons from foreign successful experiences, and explore an efficient and sustainable new agricultural development model