Agribusiness Context Research Articles

Bridging Big Data Analytics Capability and Competitive Advantage in China’s Agribusiness: The Mediator of Absorptive Capacity

This research examines the relationship between big data analytics capability (BDAC) and competitive advantage (CA) in China’s agribusiness sector, with a specific focus on the mediating role of absorptive capacity (AC). Although BDAC has been extensively studied in other industries, its role within agribusiness remains underexplored, particularly in developing economies like China. This study addresses this gap by investigating how BDAC can be utilized to enhance competitive advantage in the unique context of agribusiness. Grounded in Resource-Based Theory (RBT), a comprehensive framework is developed to elucidate the interconnections among BDAC, CA, and AC. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) on data collected from 287 agribusiness firms in China, the findings reveal that key resources—such as data quality, infrastructure, information systems, data governance, data-driven culture, managerial expertise, and technical proficiency—significantly influence BDAC. Moreover, BDAC is shown to positively impact CA, with AC serving as a critical mediator in this relationship. These results emphasize the strategic importance of integrating BDAC and AC to enhance the competitiveness of agribusinesses, particularly amidst rapid digital transformation. This study provides valuable contributions to the literature on BDAC, enriches the theoretical foundations of RBT in agribusiness contexts, and offers practical recommendations for digital transformation strategies in the sector.

The potential for blockchain to improve small-scale agri-food business’ supply chain resilience: a systematic review

PurposeWe conducted a systematic review to explore the potential for the application of blockchain technologies for supply chain resilience in a small-scale agri-food business context.Design/methodology/approachAs part of the research methodology, scientific databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar and Scopus were used to find relevant articles for this review.FindingsThe systematic review of articles (n = 57) found that the use of blockchain technology in the small-scale agri-food business sector can reduce the risk of food fraud by assuring the provenance of food products.Research limitations/implicationsOnly a few papers were directly from a small-scale agribusiness context. Key challenges that limit the implementation of blockchain and other distributed ledger technologies include concerns over the disclosure of proprietary information and trade secrets, incomplete or inaccurate information, economic and technical difficulties, low levels of trust in the technology, risk of human error and poor governance of process-related issues.Originality/valueThe application of blockchain technology ensures that the risks and costs associated with non-compliance, product recalls and product loss are reduced. Improved communication and information sharing can increase resilience and better support provenance claims and traceability. Better customer relationships can be built, increasing supply chain efficiency and resilience.

Crédito de Carbono e Macaúba: Avançando ESG na Produção de Gado Verde

ABSTRACT This case aims to explore the intersection between the financial sustainability of cattle production, the sale of carbon credits, and the cultivation of macaúba palm trees. The case identifies challenges and opportunities for ESG (environmental, social, and governance) practices in the context of contemporary agribusiness. The account involves a Brazilian rural farmer and presents the planting process and integration of macaúba palm with beef cattle production, the concept of the carbon market, and the social externalities of the project. The case raises the following dilemma: How to balance the economic potential of macaúba palm trees and their byproducts with the mission of producing cattle in an ecologically responsible manner while positioning favorably in the carbon credit market? The pedagogical objectives focus on analyzing the economic, financial, and environmental feasibility of integrating green cattle production and macaúba palm cultivation, understanding the dynamics and implications of carbon credits in the national agribusiness context, and reflecting on the importance and challenges of implementing ESG practices in agribusiness, this way stimulating the decision-making capacity in complex and multidimensional scenarios. The case can be applied in undergraduate and graduate level courses in finance and related fields. The case is recommended to encourage students to reflect on the financial structures and challenges of implementing the sale of carbon credits for small rural landowners.

Syirkah Maza'arah Business Model for Economic Recovery: A Case Study of D'Durian Park


 
 
 
 
 
 The COVID-19 pandemic's profound impact on the global economy and Indonesia's growth necessitates innovative solutions. This study investigates the efficacy of the syirkah maza'arah business model for fostering microeconomic growth and accelerating economic recovery. Through a qualitative case study approach, the research examines the implementation of the syirkah maza'arah theory in the context of D'Durian Park, an agribusiness in Jombang. The park operates under a cooperative system between landowners and managers, contributing to a balanced profit-sharing mechanism. The study offers insights into the applicability of this Islamic business concept in rejuvenating economies, particularly in times of crisis, and highlights its potential for wider adoption.
 Highlight:
 
 Global Economic Impact: This study addresses the far-reaching consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global economy and Indonesia's growth, emphasizing the need for innovative solutions.
 Syirkah Maza'arah Model: Investigating the effectiveness of the syirkah maza'arah business model, the research delves into its potential to foster microeconomic growth and expedite economic recovery.
 Real-world Application: Through a qualitative case study of D'Durian Park, the study demonstrates how the syirkah maza'arah theory is applied in an agribusiness context, showcasing a cooperative profit-sharing system between landowners and managers. The research highlights the concept's relevance in revitalizing economies during crisis and suggests its broader adoption as a viable strategy.
 
 Keyword: COVID-19 Pandemic, Syirkah Maza'arah, Microeconomic Growth, Economic Recovery, Qualitative Case Study
 
 
 
 
 

Key Driver of Repurchase Intention in the Poultry Farming Input Market in Indonesia

Regulatory changes increase the competitiveness of agribusiness input market, thus requiring input supply companies to improve service quality to maintain customer loyalty. This study aims to determine the role of customer comfort, salesperson expertise, and salesperson affection to influence customer satisfaction and delight and the effects on repurchase intention in poultry agribusiness context. Respondents were selected through judgmental sampling method who were the farmers who buy certain brand of poultry input for farm production process. Data were collected through survey using self-reported of questionnaire. The data obtained were tested for validity and reliability and examined by path analysis with Partial Least Square software. The results showed that customer comfort and customer affection influenced customer satisfaction and customer delight. However, salesperson expertise did not influence customer satisfaction and delight. Furthermore, repurchase intention in poultry farming input market was affected by customer satisfaction but not by customer delight. Therefore, it can be concluded that salesperson affection was found as the most important factor and followed by customer comfort to influence repurchase intention behavior through customer satisfaction.

Going in Circles: Key Aspects for Circular Economy Contributions to Agro-industrial Cooperatives

The global agribusiness context faces at the same time challenges of feeding a growing global population that is used to safe and nutritious food, opportunities based on innovation, high technology and efficiency in the agri-food production systems from field to table. Given the context, this article aims to present the main key aspects of the circular economy to agro-industrial cooperatives. These contributions were named key aspects, such as circular and symbiotic practices, competitive advantages, innovation, cooperation and barriers and opportunities. The field presents a problem that few literature in fact discusses circular economy approaches in the context of agro-industrial cooperatives. As a methodological procedure, a literature review was carried out in three databases to obtain relevant documents and thus analyse and discuss some characteristics based on circular economy practices applied in agro-industrial cooperatives. As a result, a diagnosis of the current scenario that agro sector organizations are facing in terms of the main rural activities and sustainable practices that relate to the circular economy; measures taken to generate competitive advantage; innovation behaviour; and how linear and circular business models are being applied in the agroindustry. A framework is presented to show potential routes strategies for closing the cycle in an agro-industrial cooperative. The opportunities are based on the implementation of high technology in the field, the use of bioenergy and the development of new circular business models throughout the agro-value chain. The study has contributions to rural properties and managers of cooperatives in terms of waste reduction, innovation generation and increases in activities and processes based on circular economy.

TRANSFORMASI HUBUNGAN PEMASARAN DI ANTARA PELAKU AGRIBISNIS MANGGA MELALUI JARINGAN PASAR MODERN

Market access development for agricultural products has uncoverd various new marketing networks for many local agricultural commodities. Agribusiness tropical fruits, such as mangoes, has gained substantial market potentials in market access development for domestic and global markets. The study explores how relationship marketing amongst agribusiness actors of mango commodity using modern market networks with relational marketing orientation and how value exchange occurs amongst these market actors of mango commodity in modern market chains. An inductive research method was used in this study by employing in-depth interviews, and data were analysed qualitatively using descriptive analysis. The results indicate the marketing transformation of mango commodity using modern market channels, such as supermarket and export markets, related to relationship marketing amongst the market actors that led to more relational marketing. The exchange value that occurred through this relational marketing has proposed market certainty, risk reduction, knowledge sharing amongst market actors to fulfil customer needs, and competitive solutions that benefit the involved business actors. This study proposes theoretical and practical contributions as the basis for concept development and implementation of relational marketing in the agribusiness context.

Driving Sustainable Popcorn Breeding for Drought Tolerance in Brazil.

Drought currently affects several regions worldwide and tends to be more frequent due to climate change. It might compromise food security and the economic structure related to agribusiness. Popcorn has a crucial role in the Brazilian economy, but the cultivars that adapt to water stress, the most prejudicial abiotic stress for crop productivity, are unknown to date. This deficit of popcorn varieties adapted to heat and drought stresses will become more limiting with climate change. Given this scenario, knowing the genetic basis of agronomic traits under stress conditions is essential in promoting crop productivity and plant adaptation to abiotic stresses. Under two contrasting water conditions (WC) and different crop seasons (CS), we aimed to generate information about the combining ability of 10 popcorn progenitors and 15 hybrids through a partial diallel-mating design. The water stress was initiated at the male pre-anthesis stage. Significant genotype*crop seasons (G*CS), genotype*water condition (G*WC), and genotype*crop seasons*water condition (G*CS*WC) interactions were present. Regardless of CS and WC, non-additive effects controlled grain yield (GY), grain number per row (GN), ear length and diameter (ED), and 100-grain weight, while additive effects were present for popping expansion (PE). For each CS, regardless of WC, the cause-effect of GN (2018) and ED (2020) on GY seems to be an opportunity for indirect selection. Utilizing genetically broad-based hybrids is also a good opportunity for obtaining superior genotypes for GY and PE as it is possible to select inbred lines for both of these traits. We recommend the L76 × L61 hybrid for the Brazilian agribusiness context due to its greater productivity and dominance deviations.

Knowledge Sharing, Absorptive Capacity and Innovation in the Brazilian Apple Production Chain

An innovative and highly technological spirit characterizes the Brazilian agribusiness sector. This sector is important not only for generating wealth but also for being responsible for the movement of other economy's sectors. In this context, knowledge sharing has been treated as an antecedent of innovation, but not always considering the role of absorptive capacity. In the agribusiness context, this relationship is still less explored. Thus, in this paper, we propose a structural equations model to analyze the relationship between knowledge sharing, absorptive capacity and its influence on innovation in the Brazilian apple production chain. To validate the model and the proposed hypotheses, we use a quantitative-descriptive methodology, empirically investigated based on a survey. We apply a questionnaire with 166 actors from the apple value chain, from the production and packing-houses segments of Southern Brazil. The results obtained provided strong support for hypothesized relationships, which demonstrated that the sharing of knowledge significantly influences innovation in the Brazilian apple production chain. However, must be integrated with the absorptive capacity to maximize its effects.

Supply chain management and logistic presentation: Mediation effect of competitive advantage

Supply chain management (SCM) practices have become strategic resources and capabilities for enhancing both competitive advantage logistic performance (ORGPER). However, it is not clear how SC Practices influence logistic performance in the agribusiness context. However, the mechanism of SCMPs effects is not yet understood since extant literature has produced mixed results. Hence, this study sought to test the impact of mediation of the competitive advantage of relations between SCMP and Reperform the point of view of Kenya's dairy supply chain. The study examined four estimates that were tested using partial minimum square structural equation modeling (PLS-SAME) techniques to work out the purpose of the study. Across-departmental survey design has been used to collect preliminary data from109 dairy cooperatives in thirteen major dairy producing counties in Kenya. The results reveal that SCM practice has a positive and significant effect on CA(P=0.730) and ORGPER (P=0.237). In addition, THERE is a positive, statistically significant effect on THECAORGPER (P=0.522). Further results show that CA mediates the relationship between SCMP and ORGPER. Consequently, the study concludes that SCMPs first generate CA, which in turn enhances ORGPER in a logistic sense. Theoretically, the study provides insights on the resource-based view theory as well as a conceptual framework for its validation. Similarly, the study informs managers and policymakers in knowing specific SCMPs to focus on to enhance CA and ORGPER of the dairy cooperatives in Kenya.

Digital Adoption by Agri-Based Enterprises in District Jammu : Benefits and Barriers

The pervasiveness and ubiquity of technology have brought significant changes in customer behavior and preferences. In light of the rapidly changing social, psychological, and recently, health-related paradigm, diffusion of technology is becoming more of a necessity. In the business context, digital metamorphosis has changed the dynamics of buyer-seller relationships around the world, irrespective of the size and scale of operations. However, this change has been non-uniform and highly versatile with consumer-based businesses showing greater acceptance and digital orientation than B2B businesses. Underlying the significance of digital technologies for adapting to the new normal in the agri-business context in India, this paper focuses on exploring the benefits and barriers of digital adoption by agriculture based (agri - based) enterprises (manufacturing/processing and trading). Findings show that technology used by businesses follows an overlapping pattern with an evident low to moderate usage of tools. Asmall percentage of businesses have shifted to advanced functions such as e-commerce. The overall perception is positive but restricted to information and communication-based functions only. In terms of hindrances, accessibility as well as lack of technical know-how drastically affects the institutionalization of such technologies.

Entrepreneurial Orientation, Synergy and Firm Performance in the Agribusiness Context: An Emerging Market Economy Perspective

Entrepreneurship researchers have called for more investigation on the contribution of context in advancing entrepreneurship theory. The aim of the paper is to analyse the agribusiness enterprise performance by introducing collaborativeness as a dimension of entrepreneurial orientation. Agribusiness is a key regional sector representing a crucial ratio of employment, economic production. and future growth. Due to the sector`s importance and the many challenges it faces, the impact of a synergy approach entrepreneurial orientation model on agribusiness performance is tested.Structural equation modelling is used to test data collected from 120 agribusinesses located in Albania. Study results show collaborativeness as a dimension of the extracted entrepreneurial orientation model which provides a synergy between the actors of entrepreneurial value creation and has a significant direct contribution to enterprise performance.Implications for Central European audience: Even though the results are related to agribusinesses in Albania, the findings of this research may advocate that to enhance enterprise performance in fragile sectors and emerging economy markets, the synergy among the value creation actors of the entrepreneurial process is a necessity. Besides the theoretical implications, this study has also some practical implications for policymakers, entrepreneurs and researchers.

Produção e Utilização de Energia no Contexto do Agronegócio Tocantinense: uma Abordagem Pautada nas Relações Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade para o Ensino Médio Técnico

Este trabalho tem por objetivo investigar a articulação entre o conceito de energia e questões sociais e ambientais dentro do contexto do agronegócio no estado do Tocantins, pertencente à região centro-oeste brasileira, com ênfase nas relações Ciência, Tecnologia e Sociedade (CTS), amparadas em um conjunto de intervenções didáticas e pedagógicas. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram estudantes do 3º ano do Ensino Médio Integrado ao Ensino Técnico em Administração e em Agronegócio do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Tocantins (IFTO) – Campus Palmas. Foram utilizadas estratégias de ensino como leitura e discussão de textos, apresentação de vídeos e PowerPoint, atividades experimentais em laboratório, além de visita técnica à uma usina solar pertencente à própria instituição. Como resultados dessa investigação, verificamos que apesar dos desafios inerentes à abordagem CTS, a mesma pode oferecer uma educação de melhor qualidade, integrada e próxima à realidade e expectativa dos alunos, permitindo compreender que a aprendizagem em Física vai muito além de seus conteúdos básicos. A proposta possibilitou aos estudantes a adoção de uma postura mais crítica, reflexiva e o desenvolvimento de valores e atitudes relacionados à questões sociais e ambientais, bem como um compromisso com a aprendizagem para a vida e para o exercício da Cidadania.

Identificação e análise dos riscos corporativos associados ao ambiente de valor do negócio de cacau da Cargill

Resumo Este artigo identifica e analisa os riscos corporativos associados ao ambiente de valor do negócio de cacau da Cargill. Para isso, adota-se a abordagem qualitativa e o método de estudo de caso. Para a coleta de dados, de modo a obter uma perspectiva sistêmica do fenômeno, executivos de diferentes áreas da empresa foram entrevistados e seus discursos foram submetidos à técnica de análise de conteúdo. Assim, sob a perspectiva da gestão de riscos corporativos (GRC), identificou-se que os principais riscos internos se originam a partir dos processos de beneficiamento de cacau, devido ao elevado grau de complexidade das operações e do alto valor agregado dos produtos desse sistema e os externos a partir das relações com seus fornecedores, tendo em vista a dependência de atravessadores no processo de compra da matéria-prima. Observou-se, ainda, que aspectos políticos, legais e sociais se apresentam como pontos de atenção e importantes fontes de risco nesse sistema de valor. Tais resultados contribuem, portanto, para o avanço da literatura de riscos corporativos em ambientes de negócio associados ao contexto do agronegócio, ao mesmo tempo que apresentam a aplicabilidade de modelos científicos para a identificação e classificação desses riscos. São recomendáveis futuros estudos de natureza longitudinal e que contemplem os riscos da cadeia de valor do chocolate em sua completude.

Corporate social responsibility in emerging economies: A case of Indian agribusiness

This empirical article investigates indicators and motives of modern corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices in Indian agribusiness context. The study uses content analysis of semi-structure interviews of 28 managers in four large Indian agribusiness firms. This study follows an inductive approach and offers a framework that provides insights into the indicators of agribusiness sector specific real motives of Indian firms for pursuing CSR. According to this framework, Indian agribusiness firms engage into participatory approach of community development as a proxy to CSR resulting finally in community ownership of CSR projects leading to sustainable CSR engagement. Interestingly, the findings of the study emphasise that there is an apparent shift from earlier prevalent ethical and philanthropic approach of CSR to stakeholder approach in the context of Indian agribusiness. The study reveals that there are two clear indicators to gauge the CSR intentions of agribusiness firms; the 'visible community development actions' and 'quantum of fund invested in CSR'. The study also divulges that more often than not 'quantum of CSR fund' is a function of the real nature of business of the firm and its legal/business requirements rather than philanthropic or altruistic motives.

A qualitative analysis of capital budgeting in cotton ginning plants

PurposeTo analyze capital budgeting practice in a group of small cotton ginning firms in Brazil. The study aims at describing how investment decision-making in the agribusiness context may be influenced by heuristics and by the business setting.Design/methodology/approachThis research adopted an exploratory and qualitative approach in gauging the practice of capital budgeting in Brazilian cotton ginning firms and discussing actual managerial decision-making. Data collection involved interviews with managers of ten different firms and a further content analysis was performed.FindingsResults reveal a practical managerial approach aimed at ensuring satisfactory net operating results in the short run. Sophistication in capital budgeting is not considered as essential, as institutional and strategic environment influences directly affect impose high risks. Investment decision-making is highly influenced by managerial experience.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen research approach, results may lack generalizability. However, in addressing a specific sector in a specific location, one can identify and craft strategies in response to managerial needs more effectively.Practical implicationsThe paper clarifies how heuristics, managerial experience and the institutional context may influence investment decision-making in cotton ginning operations. It also suggests how actions aimed at evaluating risk and improving the screening of investment perspectives could contribute to improve investment decisions.Originality/valueThe paper provides an in-depth perspective in addressing the practice of capital budgeting in the context of a specific activity and describing key issues related to it.

Corporate Social Responsibility: Exploring a Framework for the Agribusiness Sector

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has long been an issue for research and practice. More recently, in response to growing public scrutiny, it has also gained importance in the agribusiness sector. Research has highlighted a growing gap between public perceptions of farming and food production processes and the realities of modern agriculture and the food industry. This can threaten the reputation and legitimacy of companies operating in this sector. One proactive means for companies to meet societal expectations is to make an active commitment to society and its needs by implementing a CSR policy. However, there is still no clear definition of CSR, and what important stakeholders actually expect from companies remains largely unknown. This paper focuses on consumers’ perception of CSR. Its objective is to explore a CSR policy design for German agribusiness based on Archie B. Carroll’s famous pyramid model. A consumer survey was conducted to evaluate the CSR demands society places on agribusiness companies. An explorative factor analysis was employed to discover the outline of the construct in the German agribusiness context. The results reveal that Carroll’s model, which was developed from a U.S. point of view, cannot be confirmed for German agribusiness. Instead of Carroll’s four responsibility groups, three areas of responsibility were identified: economic, internal and external. These results have manifold implications for CSR strategies in agribusiness firms and represent an important origin for future investigations on CSR in other countries as well as in specific agribusiness subsectors.

Why try Lean? A Northumbrian Farm case study

The purpose of this research paper is to evaluate the applicability and potential benefits of Lean Principles to a farm business. This research opted for a case study research strategy that is implemented through in-depth personal interviews with different actors along the supply chain. This is augmented by further data collection from experts in the field of Lean. Using the Five Principles of Lean, Value Stream Mapping and the Seven Wastes this study suggests that there are benefits from applying Lean Principles to a farm business in terms of reducing waste and improving the quality of food supply. The present study makes a contribution to the validity of Lean principles when applied to an agribusiness context.

Evidences of the sustainable innovation in the cashew agribusiness context in Ceará - Brazil

The state of Ceará is the major Brazilian cashew producer and highlights the social and economical feature of its agribusiness, capable of generating wealth and assisting in people's settlement in the countryside. Despite the support of several organizations which compose the local innovation system, seeking generation, adaptation and diffusion of innovations, the productive chain of cashew agribusiness lacks of innovations. In that context, it is assumed that the "sustainable innovation" would appear from the social-environmental management, stimulating, consequently, the local system. Based on this discussion, this paper contributes on the identification of innovation possibilities through the introduction of the Cleaner Production approach, contemplating on the mobilization of local system of Ceará's cashew agribusiness. The qualitative methodology is based on the documental compilation and in interviews/debates with a group constituted by specialists who work in the sector. The analysis was performed using the Thematic Analysis technique, which belongs to the Analysis of Content techniques group. It was verified that the local system mobilization includes the increasing of interactions among participant agents, facilitating the spread of sustainable innovations from the complete use of cashew, enlarging, consequently, the economical spaces with new business and market opportunities.

An economic study of small scale cattle fattening enterprise of Rajbari district

The small scale cattle fattening enterprise is represents an important component of the agribusiness sector of the economy with great economic, income, poverty reduction and social implications. A large number of farmers involved in cattle fattening just before 3 or 4 months of Eid-ul-Azha (Muslim festival), when they sell the animals with profitable prices. Cattle fattening for beef production have become an important business of the small farmers in Bangladesh. This study examined the profitability as well as operational economics efficiency of cattle fattening enterprise of Rajbari District. Data used to achieve this objective was obtained from 120 nomadic farmers, which were randomly selected using a multi-stage sampling procedure. Data were generated using a survey schedule as well as direct observation (cost-route method). Descriptive statistics, economics analysis as well as operational efficiency index were used to analyze the data. Results showed that small scale cattle fattening enterprise were profitable and flexible. A net enterprise income of BDT 5559 per cattle was realized by an average enterprise in study area. It was also shown that operational efficiency was not generally high among the entrepreneur. Based on these results, the study advised less efficient entrepreneurs to adopt the practices of the efficient ones in order to make the enterprise more profitable. The study shows that small scale cattle fattening enterprise is profitable due to agribusiness context. Farmers used three years old cattle for beef fattening. Cattle fattening period is 4.5 months in rural study areas of Rajbari district in Bangladesh. Keywords: Economic efficiency; Cattle farming; Profitability DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jbau.v9i1.8756 JBAU 2011; 9(1): 141-146