Applying the analytical hierarchy process to prioritize risks of rice distribution activities: A case study in Quang Ngai city

Abstract

This study aims to prioritize risks of rice distribution activities in Quang Ngai City. With research methods combining qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research conducted in-depth interviews with 5 experts from 3 businesses, including 1 rice production and distribution business and 2 rice distribution businesses to identify risk factors. Next, structured interviews with experts were conducted to collect data comparing each pair of risks. Then, apply the analytical hierarchy method (AHP) to prioritize risks. The results show that 7 risk factors need to be prioritized out of a total of 14 risks. These 7 risk factors mostly originate from the management and sales side. The group of 3 most important risk factors among the 7 risks mentioned above of rice distribution activities in Quang Ngai city include: Risk that the enterprise has difficulty controlling inventory, with overall weight is 0.2807; Distribution management support tool risk, with an overall weight of 0.1581; The risk of lack of sales staff, has an overall weight of 0.1115. On that basis, the study offers some management implications to improve efficiency in rice distribution activities in Quang Ngai City.