Cold Chain Quality Management: The Case of Yakap at Halik Multipurpose Cooperative Aquaculture, A Social Enterprise in Padre Burgos Quezon

Date

12-2024

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Ma. Teresa A. Acda

Committee Member

Maria Noriza Q. Herrera, Rolando G. Allam Jr., Dia Noelle F. Velasco

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Abstract

Cold chain management is crucial in aquaculture for preserving the freshness and safety of perishable products. It involves effective temperature control, which prevents spoilage and extends shelf life, thereby ensuring food quality and profitability (Food and Agriculture Organization, 2012; Siddiqui et al., 2024). However, research of cold chain management on small-scale, community-based social enterprises in rural areas remains limited.

The purpose of the study was to analyze cold chain quality management practices of Yakap at Halik Multi-Purpose Cooperative Aquaculture Social Enterprise in Padre Burgos, Quezon. Specifically the research aimed to (1) describe the profile of Yakap at Halik Multi-Purpose Cooperative Aquaculture Social Enterprise, (2) determine the external environment and internal environment focusing on cold chain quality management systems of the enterprise, (3) assess the factors that can optimize or lead to efficient cold chain quality management systems of the enterprise, (4) evaluate the prospects, opportunities, and issues affecting the cold chain quality management of the enterprise, and (5) recommend ways to optimize the operational efficiency of the cold chain quality management systems of the enterprise.

The research employed a mixed method research design. The qualitative data were collected through Key Informant Interviews of 16 qualified aqua farm department members selected using purposive sampling technique. Observation through documentation was also used to further understand the enterprise’s cold chain operation. The quantitative data were gathered from the cold chain experiment. The experiment aimed to assess the efficiency of the enterprise cold chain practices during transport, with a focus on temperature, ice, and commodity quality.

Yakap at Halik Multi-Purpose Cooperative Aquaculture Social Enterprise, a faith-based enterprise in Padre Burgos, Quezon has been operating since 2014 aiming to establish a social enterprise primarily for a sustainable business system. By 2023 it established its own Micro Ice Plant for its cold chain management operation. Hence, the enterprise faces competition, market demand fluctuations, environmental considerations, and challenges from competitive rivalry, supplier power, and the threat of substitutes.

It operates a six-stage aquaculture cycle, with its Micro Ice Plant utilizing both ballot and crushed ice for cold chain management. Skilled personnel are hired and trained to ensure effective operations. YHMPC markets its seafood and ice products by emphasizing quality, affordability, and sustainability. Financially, the enterprise is transitioning from initial losses to sustained profitability, with improving ROI. The cold chain experiment conducted in this study demonstrated that crushed ice is more effective than ballot ice in maintaining lower temperatures and preserving product quality. This finding highlights the potential of extensively utilizing crushed ice to significantly improve cold chain efficiency and enhance the preservation of perishable goods throughout the supply chain.

Using the Internal Factor Evaluation (IFE), YHMPC scored 2.86 suggesting moderately effective, requiring improvement on resource utilization and operational efficiency. The External Factor Evaluation (EFE) scored 2.45 indicating the enterprise could enhance its response to external opportunities and threats, especially by expanding its market reach and addressing competition more effectively.

Given the results of qualitative and quantitative data, key challenges in cold chain management at YHMPC include underutilization of the Micro Ice Plant, reliance on external suppliers, and operational inefficiencies. To address these, the researcher proposes formalizing contracts for key positions, such as the Micro Ice Plant Project Coordinator, to improve HR management, expanding market reach through online platforms and competitive pricing strategies, strengthening financial practices to manage volatility, investing in additional refrigeration capacity, and optimizing the Micro Ice Plant to produce larger ballot ice. These improvements would optimize cold chain management, support growth in the aquaculture sector, and strengthen YHMPC's competitive edge in its cold chain management systems.

Language

English

LC Subject

Aquaculture industry, Quality of products, Social entrepreneurship

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2024 M17 B35

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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