Case 1 - Organisation of a Local Food Supply Chain

Conversations were held with personnel in store, the hubs or consolidator and producers using an Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry seeks to find the best of something, things that really worked well or things that people really admire and replicate these. These conversations were held about the organisation of the supply chain from consumer to supplier or producer. Most comments were about Supply Chain issues (These were a mixture of practical issues, but also seeing the supply chain as an end-to-end process) and then concern for cultural, local and local employment. Many aspects relating to the local community were important. Support for local producers & farmers was high. There is considerable scope for learning between producers, hubs and stores. A number of outcomes have already occurred within these supply chains, and this work is being followed up with a number of clients to discover the better practices and what can be improved.

Case 2 - Strategic profile of European breeding companies

Companies throughout Europe were asked for written information on their products and this was followed up by telephone interviews. Information on companies was also obtained from press articles, publications etc. Various SWOT analyses were undertaken to provide further description. This method has been used successfully to gain insight into company strategy, marketing and technical capability.

Case 3 - Review of a sectors' business models

A sector review of supply chain business models which encompassed vertically integrated, cooperatives and separate entities. The opportunities for operators in one sector to participate in another sector were investigated. The business model that a firm chooses may be the result of historical and personal preferences and the context within which the firm operates. Uncovering some of the advantages and disadvantages helps inform current decisions.