Track: Undergraduate Research Competition

Abstract

This research paper aims to create an integrated online platform that can address the issues faced by members of the supply chain of frozen processed chicken products in the Philippines during the Covid-19 pandemic. These groups are namely the customers, retailers, and producers/suppliers of the mentioned product. As a mixed-methods study consisting of a quantitative and qualitative aspect, two modes of data gathering were executed. A survey questionnaire was given to the group classified as the customers. For the retailer and producer/supplier group, a semi-structured interview was conducted. The respondents were from Region IV-A and NCR. The researchers first identified the significant factors as well as the direct and indirect relationships existing between the latent variables Covid-19 challenges, Market Opportunities, and Supply Chain Effectiveness based on the survey responses. This was carried out using Partial Least Squares and Bootstrapping in Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) with the help of SMART PLS 3. A formative measurement model was also constructed. According to the results, Closure of Markets, Inter-city/municipality Transportation Restrictions, Labor Shortage, and Purchases from Home all significantly affect and directly contribute to the latent variable Covid-19 challenges (C19C) - signifying their contribution to the difficulties in the pandemic supply chain of frozen processed chicken products. For Market Opportunities (MO) and Supply Chain Effectiveness (SCE), it was observed that Price Increases, Purchasing Frequency, and On-site Purchase were directly related to MO while Quality of Online Ordered. Products, Courier Availability, Sufficient Number of Drivers, and Price Differences of Delivery Services were all directly related to SCE. Indirect observed constructs were referred to as relatively important factors. As for the creation of the agile online supply chain platform, the researchers utilized content analysis for the qualitative aspect. Existing literature was used to further back up the features and functions to be included in the agile integrated platform for customers, retailers, and suppliers. The following are the topmost features that were prioritized as part of the design of the product based on the responses: Product Transparency, Shared Information on Real-demand, Order Visibility, and Fast Communication.