G.E. Zúñiga-Arias: "Analysis of coordination, business environment, buyer-seller relationships and national and international regulations, in the case of mango from Costa Rica"

The subject of this research is the supply chain of mango from Costa Rica for both markets (export and local), and the relationships amongst actors through the chain. This research merges social and natural science to determine economic incentives for the producers to improve quality of the produce.  In the same vein, a study is done on how variability in mango quality can be explained by analysing management variability of the different agent throughout the chain.

Its is also determined which are the factors to choose between the national and export market.  It is found that price is not the key determinant for selection but the relationships between buyers and sellers are more important.  Bargaining power and revenue distribution are another themes of interest.  A simulation game (board game) is used where real producers interact and show their business strategy playing in a controlled environment.

Title Thesis: "Quality management and strategic alliances in the mango supply chain from Costa Rica:  An interdisciplinary approach for analysing coordination, incentives and governance"