Clustering Production and Operational Practices of SME Using Correspondence Analysis: A Case Study of Northern OTOP Thailand

Abstract

This study aims to identify the actual conditions of the current operational practices of the One Tambon One Product (OTOP) and the actual sales and income. This research summarizes and classifies the existing practices concerning different groups of OTOP products and presents empirical evidence on how and what practices correspond to the actual business performance. This research adopted correspondence analysis as a data analysis and visualization tool to summarize and present if clusters or relationships exist among categorical variables of OTOP groups, operation practices and their revenue performances. The results can then be used to define the right set of operations on the OTOP group for the Thai government to develop a supporting policy.