Baseline for the Application of Cooperative Practices in the Business Management of the Dairy Sector of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Province of Pichincha, Canton Pedro Moncayo (Phase 2)

This thesis project aims to establish the baseline for the implementation of cooperative practices in the business management of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in the dairy sector, specifically focusing on milk collection centers in the Pedro Moncayo canton, Pichincha. The primary goal is to analyze how these practices can enhance negotiation capacity, consequently generating more stable income for small producers, addressing historical difficulties such as the lack of means to improve product quality and the absence of community spaces for joint offerings. The methodology involves constructing a state-of-the-art review on horizontal cooperation networks and adapting a management model, referencing the work of Bortolaso et al. (2013) and strengthening it with criteria from the European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) Model. Subsequently, collection centers will be categorized as SMEs according to Andean Community regulations and internal legislation. Finally, an expert judgment (Delphi method) will be implemented to validate the adapted model, seeking to obtain clear information on the sector's weak points to promote the strengthening of the production chain and ensure the sustainability of cooperative practices.<br/><br/><b>Goal</b>: <br/>To establish the baseline for the application of cooperative practices in the business management of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the dairy sector located in the Pedro Moncayo canton, Pichincha province.<br/><br/><b>Research lines</b>: <br/>Sustainability of dairy production systems