Abstract

Purpose - This study aims to develop diagnostic indices for managerial performance of agro-food distribution corporations. In particular, weights of diagnostic indices were estimated using the AHP method. Management diagnosis on agro-food distribution corporations is expected to increase their competitiveness in the domestic market as well as in international markets. Research design, data, and methodology - It develops weights or importance of the diagnostic indices based upon the survey of 21 experts in food distribution management. The survey was carried out using e-mail. Management diagnostic indices were developed based upon four BSC(Balanced Scorecard) perspectives of finance, learning/growth/leadership, customer, and internal process/technology. Results - Diagnostic indices on financial perspective consist on profitability, productivity, growth, stability and activity. Learning and leadership perspective indices consist of management will, CEO leadership, level of learning, innovation, and level of management information system. Customer perspective indices are branding, customer and channel management and internal process/technology indices consist of fourteen sub-indices representing technologies, efficiency, and dynamics. It was estimated that the weight of financial perspective index was 0.3, internal process/technology perspective index 0.248, customer category index 0.247, and learning, growth and leadership perspective index 0.205. This study also estimates weights of sub-indices for managerial diagnosis by four different perspectives. Estimated weight of profitability (0.085) is the greatest among financial perspective indices, followed by stability (0.072), growth (0.053), productivity (0.051), and activity (0.038). While estimated weights of leadership, capability, and information indices are 0.100, 0.061, and 0.044 respectively, weights of marketing, customer management, and quality and service indices are 0.104, 0.093, and 0.051, respectively. Among internal process/technology perspective, estimated weights of efficiency, technology, and innovation indices are 0.106, 0.088, and 0.054, respectively. Conclusions - The diagnostic indices for managerial performance of agro-food distribution corporations would be utilized by agro-food distribution corporations themselves, extension service institutions, and consultants. It is also expected that central and local governments use diagnostic indices developed in this study for the purpose of evaluating the effects of governmental support programs for agro-food distribution corporations. Futhermore researchers and consultants would modify diagnostic indices developed in this study, reflecting characteristics and situation of types of agro-food distribution corporations.