QUESTIONNAIRES

PRIMARY QUESTION
1.WHEN DID YOU FIRST START YOUR BUSINESS?
2.What are the key components or stages of your value chain?
3.What are the different types of mushroom products your organization produces?
4.How many kilograms of mushrooms does your organization produce annually?
5. What is the average monthly production volume of mushrooms?
6. What is the maximum production capacity of your mushroom facility?

7.Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding mushroom
production capacity?

1. If you are a grower put check to ‘’YES’’ then proceed to question set A, if not, just put check to
‘’NO’’ then proceed to question no. 2

o YES
o NO

2. If you are a product retailer put check to ‘’YES’’ then proceed to question set B MARKETING, if
not, just put check to ‘’NO’’ then proceed to question no. 3

o YES
o NO

3.If you are in food processing of mushroom put check to ‘’YES’’ then proceed to question set C, if
not, just put check to ‘’NO’’ then proceed to question no. 4

o YES
o NO

4.If you are in PRODUCTION of mushroom put check to ‘’YES’’ then proceed to question set D, if not,
just put check to ‘’NO’’.

o YES
o NO

SET A

How long have you been involved in mushroom cultivation? What types of mushrooms do you
currently grow or have experience growing? What cultivation methods do you primarily use for
growing mushrooms? (e.g., indoor, outdoor, controlled environment) What is the average monthly
or annual production capacity of your mushroom farm? Do you primarily sell fresh mushrooms or
processed mushroom products? How do you ensure the quality and freshness of your mushrooms?
Which market segments do you primarily target with your mushroom products? (e.g., retail
consumers, restaurants, local markets) What distribution channels do you use to sell your
mushrooms? (e.g., direct-to-consumer, wholesale, farmers markets) How do you price your
mushroom products? Are there different pricing strategies for different customer segments? Have
you explored any collaborations or partnerships within the mushroom industry? If yes, please
provide details. Are there any specific challenges or areas where you would like support or resources
to further develop your mushroom growing operation? Please share any additional insights,
experiences, or recommendations you have as a mushroom grower.

SET B
MARKETING
1. What marketing strategies does the company employ to promote and sell mushroom products?
2. How does the company identify and target its customer base for mushroom products?
3. What platforms or channels does the company utilize for marketing its mushroom products? (e.g.,
social media, email marketing, website, print media)
4. How does the company create awareness about its mushroom products among potential
customers?
5. Does the company collaborate with influencers, bloggers, or experts in the mushroom industry to
promote its products? If yes, please provide examples.
6. How does the company differentiate its mushroom products from competitors in its marketing
efforts?
7. Does the company engage in educational content marketing to inform customers about the health
benefits, culinary uses, and nutritional value of mushrooms? If yes, please provide examples.
8. What kind of promotions, discounts, or special offers does the company employ to drive sales of
its mushroom products?
9. How does the company engage with customers on social media or other online platforms to build
brand loyalty and advocacy for mushroom products?
10. Does the company participate in trade shows or other industry events to showcase and market
its mushroom products? If yes, please elaborate.
11. How does the company measure the effectiveness of its marketing efforts for mushroom
products? Are there any specific metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) tracked?

12. What are the challenges faced in marketing and selling mushrooms?

13. What are some successful marketing campaigns or initiatives the company has executed for
mushroom products? How did they contribute to sales and brand recognition?
14. Is there any particular feedback or suggestions you would like to provide to improve the
company's marketing efforts in selling mushroom products?

SET D.
 PRODUCTION

a) What are the common challenges or difficulties faced during the production process?

b) Are there any specific technologies or techniques used to enhance mushroom production?

c) What are the different types of mushroom products your organization produces?

d) Could you outline the step-by-step process involved in manufacturing your mushroom
products?

e) What is the key equipment or machinery used in the production process?

f) c. Are there any specific techniques or technologies employed to enhance product quality or
efficiency?

g) Do you have specific packaging requirements to maintain product freshness and shelf life?
Quality Control:

h) What quality control measures are in place to ensure the consistency and safety of your
mushroom products?

i) How do you monitor and address factors such as taste, texture, aroma, and overall product
quality?

j) Do you follow any specific quality standards or certifications?

Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding mushroom
products operation?

OUTBOUND LOGISTICS

a. How do you transport mushrooms from the production site to the distribution points or
customers?

b. What transportation modes (e.g., trucks, air freight, cold chain) do you utilize?

c. Are there any specific considerations or requirements for transporting mushrooms, such as
temperature control or packaging?

d. Do you employ any specialized handling techniques to prevent damage or spoilage during transit?

PROCUREMENT OPERATION
 a. What is your operation of procurement such as purchasing and negotiating process of raw
materials consumables, machinery, equipment, office supplies, and buildings that are
needed for all activities within the value chain?

Participant Information:
a. Name:
b. Organization:
c. Role/Position:

Mushroom Procurement:
a. What is your organization's role in the mushroom value chain?
b. Do you procure mushrooms from external suppliers? If yes, please provide an estimate of the
percentage procured externally.

Supplier Selection:
a. What criteria do you consider when selecting mushroom suppliers?
b. How do you assess the quality and reliability of potential suppliers?
c. Are there any specific certifications or standards that suppliers must adhere to?

Quantity and Frequency:

a. How do you determine the quantity of mushrooms to procure?
b. Is there a set procurement schedule, or is it based on demand and market conditions?
c. What factors influence the frequency of procurement?

Price Negotiation:
a. How do you negotiate prices with mushroom suppliers?
b. Are there any specific factors or market conditions that impact price negotiations?
c. Do you engage in long-term contracts or negotiate on a per-order basis?

Quality Assurance:
a. What quality control measures do you have in place for procured mushrooms?
b. How do you ensure that the mushrooms meet the required quality standards?
c. Do you conduct any inspections or audits at the supplier's facilities?

Supply Chain Visibility:

a. How do you ensure visibility and transparency in the procurement process?

b. Do you track and monitor the movement of mushrooms from suppliers to your organization?

c. Are there any measures in place to address issues such as delays or supply disruptions?

Supplier Relationships:

a. How do you build and maintain relationships with your mushroom suppliers?
b. Do you engage in regular communication or have any collaborative initiatives with suppliers?

c. Are there any specific challenges or opportunities in managing supplier relationships?

Sustainable Sourcing:

a. Do you have any sustainability practices or initiatives in place for mushroom procurement?

b. Are there any specific considerations related to environmental or social impact when selecting
suppliers?

c. How do you ensure ethical sourcing practices in your mushroom value chain?

3. Payment and Terms:

a. How do you handle payments to mushroom suppliers?

b. Are there any specific payment terms or arrangements in place?

c. Have you encountered any challenges related to payment processes?

Risk Management:

a. What measures do you have in place to manage risks in mushroom procurement?

b. How do you address potential issues such as supply shortages, quality fluctuations, or supplier
reliability?

c. Are there any contingency plans or alternative sourcing strategies?

Improvement Opportunities:

a. Have you identified any areas for improvement in your procurement processes?

b. Are there any emerging technologies or practices that could enhance your procurement
efficiency? c. How do you stay updated on industry trends and best practices in mushroom
procurement?

Conclusion:

a. Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding the processes of
procurement in the mushroom value chain?

b. Thank the participant for their time and willingness to participate in the questionnaire.

TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT
Current Technology Landscape:

a. What are the existing technologies currently employed within your mushroom value chain?

b. How are these technologies utilized in different stages of the value chain, such as cultivation,
harvesting, processing, packaging, or distribution?

c. What benefits or improvements have these technologies brought to your mushroom value chain?

Technology Needs Assessment:

a. What are the main technological needs or challenges faced by your mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific areas or processes where technology can bring significant improvements or
address existing limitations?

c. How do you identify and prioritize technology needs within your mushroom value chain?

Technology Identification and Evaluation:

a. How do you identify potential technologies for adoption within your mushroom value chain?

b. What criteria or factors do you consider when evaluating the suitability of a technology for your
mushroom value chain?

c. Have you conducted any technology assessments or feasibility studies for mushroom cultivation,
processing, or other value chain activities? If yes, please provide an example.
Technology Adoption and Implementation:

a. What factors influence the adoption of technology within your mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any barriers or challenges to technology adoption that you have encountered?

c. How do you plan and implement the adoption of new technologies within your mushroom value
chain?
4.Innovative Technologies:

a. Are there any specific innovative technologies that you have recently implemented or plan to
implement in your mushroom value chain?

b. How do these innovative technologies differentiate your mushroom products or enhance the
efficiency of your operations?

c. What benefits or outcomes do you expect to achieve through the adoption of these innovative
technologies?

4. Collaboration and Partnerships:

a. Do you engage in collaborations or partnerships with technology providers, research institutions,

or other stakeholders?
b. How do you identify potential collaborators or partners for technology development in your
mushroom value chain?

c. Have you had any successful collaborations that have resulted in technology advancements within
your mushroom value chain?

Technology Monitoring and Evaluation:

a. How do you monitor and evaluate the performance and impact of technology within your
mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific metrics or indicators used to measure the effectiveness of technology
implementation?

c. Do you conduct regular reviews or assessments to identify areas for improvement or further
technology development?

Scalability and Sustainability:

a. How do you ensure that the technologies implemented within your mushroom value chain are
scalable and sustainable?

b. Have you encountered any challenges in scaling up technologies from pilot projects to full
implementation?

c. What strategies or considerations do you have in place to ensure the long-term sustainability of
technology solutions?
Future Technological Trends:

a. What are the emerging technological trends or disruptions that you foresee impacting your
mushroom value chain in the future?

b. How do you stay updated on industry trends and advancements to anticipate future technology
needs?

c. Are there any specific areas where you are exploring or planning to adopt new technologies in the
near future?

Conclusion:

a. Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding the technology
development within your mushroom value chain?

b. Thank the participant for their time and willingness to participate in the questionnaire.

HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

Participant Information:

a. Name:
b. Organization:

c. Role/Position:

Workforce Planning:

a. How do you determine the required workforce for different stages of the mushroom value chain,
such as cultivation, harvesting, processing, packaging, or distribution?

b. What factors influence your decision-making process for workforce planning?

c. Do you utilize any specific techniques or tools to forecast and align your workforce needs with
business objectives?

Recruitment and Selection:

a. What strategies do you employ for recruiting talent within the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific skills or qualifications that you prioritize when selecting candidates?

c. How do you ensure a diverse and inclusive workforce in your mushroom value chain operations?

5. Training and Development:

a. How do you provide training and development opportunities for your employees in the
mushroom value chain?

b. What types of training programs or initiatives do you offer to enhance their skills and knowledge?

c. Do you have any mechanisms in place to assess the effectiveness of your training programs?

Performance Management:

a. How do you evaluate the performance of employees in the mushroom value chain?

b. Do you have a formal performance appraisal system or regular feedback mechanisms in place?

c. Are there any specific performance indicators or metrics used to assess individual or team
performance?
Compensation and Benefits:

a. How do you determine the compensation structure for employees in the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific benefits or incentives provided to attract and retain talent?

c. Do you conduct regular bench marking to ensure competitive compensation and benefits
packages?

Occupational Health and Safety:

a. What measures do you have in place to ensure the health and safety of your employees in the
mushroom value chain?
b. Are there any specific risks or hazards associated with the mushroom cultivation or processing
activities?

c. How do you promote a safe working environment and prevent occupational injuries or illnesses?

Employee Engagement and Motivation:

a. How do you foster employee engagement and motivation within the mushroom value chain?

b. Do you have any programs or initiatives in place to recognize and reward employee
contributions?

c. What strategies do you employ to encourage a positive work culture and promote employee
satisfaction?

Talent Retention and Succession Planning:

a. How do you retain top talent within the mushroom value chain?

b. Do you have a succession planning process in place to identify and develop future leaders?

c. Are there any specific career development opportunities or pathways for employees in the
mushroom value chain?

Communication and Collaboration:

a. How do you facilitate effective communication and collaboration among employees within the
mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific platforms or tools used for internal communication?

c. What measures do you take to promote teamwork and cross-functional collaboration?

Continuous Improvement and Feedback:

a. How do you encourage employee involvement in continuous improvement initiatives within the
mushroom value chain?

b. Do you have any mechanisms for collecting employee feedback or suggestions for process
optimization?

c. How do you ensure that employee feedback is considered and implemented when appropriate?

Conclusion:

a. Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding the processes of
human resource management in the mushroom value chain?

b. Thank the participant for their time and willingness to participate in the questionnaire.
FIRM INFRASTRUCTURE

Organizational Structure:

a. How is your organization structured within the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific departments or functional units responsible for managing different aspects
of the value chain?

c. How does the organizational structure support the overall coordination and management of the
mushroom value chain activities?

Strategic Planning:

a. How do you develop and communicate the strategic direction of your organization within the
mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific frameworks or tools used for strategic planning?

c. How does the strategic planning process align with the goals and objectives of the mushroom
value chain?

Governance and Decision-making:

a. How are major decisions made within your organization pertaining to the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any formal governance structures or committees responsible for decision-making?

c. How do you ensure transparency, accountability, and effective decision-making processes within
the mushroom value chain?

Legal and Regulatory Compliance:

a. How do you ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards in the
mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific licenses or certifications required to operate within the mushroom
industry?

c. How do you monitor and update your practices to stay compliant with changing legal and
regulatory requirements?

Financial Management:

a. How do you manage the financial aspects of your organization within the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific financial management practices or systems in place?

c. How do you ensure financial transparency and accountability in your operations within the
mushroom value chain?
Information Management:

a. How do you manage and utilize information within your organization pertaining to the mushroom
value chain?

b. Are there any specific information systems or technologies used for data collection, analysis, and
decision-making?

c. How do you ensure the security and confidentiality of sensitive information within the mushroom
value chain?

Infrastructure and Facilities:

a. What types of physical infrastructure and facilities are required for your organization to operate
within the mushroom value chain?

b. How do you ensure that your infrastructure and facilities meet the operational needs and quality
standards?

c. Do you have any plans for infrastructure expansion or improvement within the mushroom value
chain?
8.Risk Management:

a. How do you identify, assess, and manage risks within the mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific risk management processes or tools used?

c. How do you mitigate potential risks and ensure business continuity within the mushroom value
chain?

Sustainability Practices:

a. How do you incorporate sustainability principles into your organization's operations within the
mushroom value chain?

b. Are there any specific environmental or social initiatives implemented to promote sustainable
practices?

c. How do you monitor and evaluate the impact of your sustainability practices within the mushroom
value chain?

Stakeholder Relationships:

a. How do you manage relationships with stakeholders within the mushroom value chain, such as
suppliers, customers, or industry associations?

b. Are there any specific mechanisms or channels of communication used to engage with
stakeholders?

c. How do you address stakeholder needs and expectations within the mushroom value chain?

Conclusion:
 a. Is there any additional information or insights you would like to share regarding the firm
infrastructure within the mushroom value chain?

b. Thank the participant for their time and willingness to participate in the questionnaire.

a. What is the current market demand for mushrooms in your area or organization?
b. Are there any specific consumer preferences or trends observed in mushroom consumption?
c. How do you assess or gather feedback on customer satisfaction and preferences?

1. What metrics or key performance indicators (KPIs) do you use to measure the success of your value chain?
1. How do you stay updated on industry trends and emerging technologies that could impact your value
chain?