• Login
• Admin

Shibahara, Aki (2007) A Study of the Fair trade Business model in the UK and its applicability in Japan. [Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)] (Unpublished)

PDF - Repository staff only - Requires a PDF viewer such as GSview, Xpdf or Adobe Acrobat Reader Download (562kB)

Abstract

This project seeks to analyse the fair trade business model in the UK and explore its applicability to Japan. The research questions are: what are the competitive advantages of the fair trade business, why are UK fair trade companies commercially viable, and whether the UK fair trade business model is applicable to the Japanese market.

Today, fair trade businesses in the UK are showing a significant presence in the commercial market, having moved away from their original niche market. In contrast, Japanese fair trade shows significantly different features in the business context, product attributes, and its presence in the society. The comparison raises questions about what causes those differences, especially with respect to the social and cultural features which contribute to the competitive advantages of the fair trade business.

The research will evaluate fair trade businesses using conventional business model analysis frameworks, in an attempt to identify the sources of competitive advantage. Based on this exploratory study, the discussion of the conditions influencing UK fair trade will follow to discover what factors in the market and nonmarket environment provide a competitive advantage to the fair trade business. The Cafe direct plc case study is presented as an empirical example for the discussion. Following the investigation of the UK fair trade model, the research will move on to an examination of fair trade in Japan. To ensure a true comparison with the UK, equivalent Japanese market and nonmarket issues will be analysed whereas Japanese specific factors will also be considered. Finally, this research will conclude by presenting strategic options for fair trade businesses in the Japanese market.

Item Type:	Dissertation (University of Nottingham only)
Depositing User:	EP, Services
Date Deposited:	20 Nov 2007
Last Modified:	17 Feb 2018 17:41
URI:	https://eprints.nottingham.ac.uk/id/eprint/20959

Actions (Archive Staff Only)

Edit View