A study of the marble industry in the local economy of Romblon: a structure-conduct-performance approach
Date
2005-10
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Abstract
This paper focuses on the marble industry of Romblon. It attempts to determine the factors behind its decline and the extent to which each of them affects the performance of the industry. The paper also attempts to determine whether the decline of the industry is the main factor responsible for the poor economic performance of the province.
The study made use of the Structure- Conduct- Performance paradigm as framework to determine the factors behind the industry's decline. The competitiveness of the industry in both the export and domestic market is also determined to assess the performance of the industry.
Based on the results of the study, the inefficient and uncompetitive structure of the industry as well as the conduct of the firms are the main factors behind its decline. The presence of cheaper imported substitutes also contributed to the decline. It should not, however, be blamed entirely for the industry's poor performance for it has only served as a reality check for the firms to become competitive in order to stay in the market.
There is a need for the government and the firms in the industry to cooperate and collaborate in order to strengthen and boost the industry to make it more competitive in the market. More importantly, the firms must be educated on the the importance of producing efficiently and providing good quality products. They also have to realize that informative advertising is necessary in order to not keep the buyers in ignorance of the existence and the important qualities of their products.
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Marble, Marble industry, Mining, Local economy, Romblon, Local industry