A rice research solution for Thailand
by Michele Nardelli
Its not every day that the completion of a degree program has
the potential to change the way a whole country does business.
But when Thailand’s Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade of Ministry of Commerce and a leading authority in rice exporting, Dr Siripol Yodmuangcharoen (pictured), began his Doctorate in Business Administration with UniSA, he recognised that theory could be put into practice in ways that could change the lives of rice farmers and improve economic outcomes for the entire industry.
Thailand exports 35 to 40 per cent of the world’s rice to key countries such as Nigeria, Senegal, Iran, Iraq, Syria and the Philippines. But for local rice growers the industry is not high profit.
Through his research into the concept of strategic alliances, Dr Yodmuangcharoen believes there is strong potential to improve.
“If we can bring together a strategic alliance of rice sellers, transporters and warehousers then I have high hopes that we can improve effectiveness.”
Dr Yodmuangcharoen said his experience in being able to apply his business education to issues important to his working life was invaluable. “When I finished my research I had such a clear understanding of strategic alliance management principles that I now believe they will provide the right solution for our rice industry.”