The Role of Value Chain in Enhancing Competitiveness and Operational Efficiency of Organic Rice Business

Abstract

This research aims to study the role of value chain in the model of enhancing the competitiveness and operational efficiency of the organic rice business. Data was collected and analyzed from a sample of 400 organic rice entrepreneurs in Thailand using a 4-step statistical package, including corroborative component analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), Structural Equation Model Analysis (SEM), and Sobel's test. The results showed that value chain factor significantly influenced operational efficiency through enhancing competitiveness. Moreover, the combined model developed from the study was harmonious with the empirical data by the statistical values that have passed the specified criteria for every item. From the research results obtained, the information can be applied to the organic rice industry and also useful in the study and development of value chain factors and model to increase competitiveness and operational efficiency further.