An Enterprise Study on the Buko Pie Manufacturers in Los Baños, Laguna

Date

4-2010

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness Management

College

College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Tricia C. Ascan

Committee Member

Nanette A. Aquino, Carol V. Melgar, Dinah Pura T. Depositario, Reynaldo L. Tan

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For non-UP researchers, requests for access to this material may be directed to the CEM Library at cemlibrary.uplb@up.edu.ph or to the UKDR administrator at uscs-mainlib.uplb@up.edu.ph

Abstract

This study entitled, An Enterprise Study on the Buko Pie Manufacturers in Los Baños, Laguna, was conducted 1.) to present the profile of the buko pie enterprises , from the small time producers to the established ones, in Los Baños, Laguna including that of the entrepreneurs managing and handling the business; 2.) to identify the different characteristics and traits of the entrepreneurs on how they act and perform in the business and its positive and negative effects in the business operations; 3.) to identify and analyze the environmental factors: economic, technological, competition and legal-political affecting the enterprises; 4.) to identify possible management practices to help solve the problems encountered by the entrepreneurs and the ones they do in order to adapt to the ever changing market; 5.) to further strengthen the benefits, contributions, and importance of the whole industry to the town and thus help initiate more government support; 6.) to recommend other possible ways for the continuous improvement of the businesses through time.

The focus of this study dealt with those enterprises which are originally from Los Baños and have their manufacturing site in the town. Aside from this, it is also in this town that the famous Buko Pie was born dating back late 1960’s. This claim is supported by other previous studies conducted related in this subject and even the entrepreneurs engaged in this present study.

The study was conducted in the town of Los Baños in October 2009 – January 2010. Analysis and presentation of data happened in January 2010 – March 2010. Sources of Primary Data are from two questionnaires that were prepared and facilitated through the respondents. The first set dealt with the general profile of the entrepreneurs and their corresponding enterprises which revolved around the four management functions: Marketing, Personnel, Production and Finance. The other set involved the Personal Entrepreneurial Competency (PEC) Questionnaire in order to find out and observe the general characteristics and behaviors of the entrepreneurs while engaging in the business. Secondary Data was acquired through the researches/interviews done with different institutions such as the Municipal Hall of Los Baños, DOST and the CEM Library. Method of data analysis used the SWOT Analysis, PEC Ratings Guideline, Cost and Return Analysis, and the Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model.

This study involved eleven (11) total enterprises, both registered and unregistered. The enterprises are classified based on the levels of marketing: zero-level and one-level, scale of operations: micro and small and others. Most of them have been in the business for more than years now. Different sources of capital were also observed including the reasons for choosing the enterprise.

Most of the entrepreneurs engaged in the business are female and are all married. They have dependents ranging from age of less than a year old up to those who are married and have their own families. The exposure on trainings of the entrepreneurs and even their interests and hobbies were presented. It was observed that many of the entrepreneurs are engaged in cooking and baking practices and have been involved in business activities ever since their younger years.

The four environmental factors affecting the business operations were also highlighted: economic-increase in price, environmental condition, job preference; technological-faster facilitation of general baking processes, modern facilities extending shelf life; customer-preference on taste and quality; competition-own share of market; legal-political-assistance from DOST, business permits, trade fairs and expos.

In terms of the business operations aspect: the four management functions were observed. In marketing, enterprises have their own ways in terms of marketing channel, promotions, nature of buyers, variety and price of products, product packaging, and brand name. In production, operating hours, volume produced and raw material sources are some of those that were discussed. In personnel, issues on salary and benefits and qualifications of employees were presented. And lastly in finance, sources of capital, initial capital investment and current expenses with the estimated monthly income of the micro and small- scale enterprises were the highlights.

The enterprises’ strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats were identified and made used in coming up with some of this study’s recommendations. The Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model presented that the industry’s intensity of rivalry is moderate, buyer bargaining power is low, supplier bargaining power is high, barrier to entry is moderate, and threat of substitute is low.

Overall, the buko pie business in Los Baños continues to be promising not only for the enterprises engaged in it but also for the local economy of the town. Through the availability of assistance, better technology, flexible sources of capital, and the opportunity of the export market, the business will continue to sustain its operations despite the economic events that happen. And as what the entrepreneurs say: as long as there is a market for buko pie, they will continue to work hard for what they started to establish.

Language

English

LC Subject

Business enterprises--Philippines, Pies, Coconut products

Location

UPLB College of Economics and Management (CEM)

Call Number

LG 993 2010 M17 D45

Notes

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Document Type

Thesis

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