Our Research
Research Overview
Our research has a primary goal: to understand the complex micro-retailing ecosystem. We achieve this by conducting empirical research using primary data from various stakeholders (i.e. Suppliers, Micro-retailers and Consumers). Our approach involves conducting studies for each of these stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities within this sector.
Through these efforts, we contribute to the sustainable development of the region, a critical component of our mission to alleviate poverty. To enable large-scale initiatives, we collaborate with partner universities across Latin America. These collaborations involve the participation of thousands of students each year. These students undergo rigorous training and employ technology to ensure the reliability of data collected through immersive experiences, shadowing, and observation. This meticulous approach enhances the credibility of our findings
Ongoing Research Projects
Lupita
99% of companies in Latin America have fewer than 10 employees and 40% of those track sales with pen and paper.
The new “Alexa” for nanostores, Lupita works to assist in all aspects of a micro-retailer’s daily operations.
LIFT Performance Index
This monthly economic indicator tracks micro-retail trends in emerging economies. Applying advanced econometric methods, the index delivers timely insights into the growth or contraction of this vital economic sector.
CuantoTengo
Using image recognition, CuantoTengo extracts inventory data from shelf images to support the growth management of nanostores.
ChecaPrecios
Determining the appropriate selling prices for products is one of the most crucial decisions shopkeepers face. ChecaPrecios is a freemium web application that enables shopkeepers to search for product prices and compare them with those in modern retail stores.
CuantoCompro
Despite 28% of firms having a Point of Sales (POS) system, most do not leverage these systems for decision-making purposes. Using Generative AI can allow shopkeepers to make better data-driven decisions.
Last Mile Delivery
Delivery vehicles spend 90% of the time idling. Addressing the lack of designated parking for freight vehicles in urban areas, this project improves goods distribution, leading to lower logistics costs, traffic congestion, and carbon emissions.
Publications
Learn more about our studies and interests by downloading one of our papers:
Supply Chain Management for Micro and Small Firms in Latin America
Supply Chain Management (SCM) primarily concentrates on large firms, neglecting micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Latin America, which make up 99% of businesses. This chapter explores the relationship between MSEs’ productivity and SCM, highlighting research approaches, such as company size, surveys, and field interventions.
The Coexistence of Nanostores within the Retail Landscape: A Spatial Statistical Study for Mexico City
The grocery retail landscape in Mexico city has changed over the past decade. This paper investigates the growth of convenience and modern channel stores, their impact on nanostores (mom-and-pop stores), and discusses the logistics and managerial implications for stakeholders.
Adoption of Best Business and Supply Chain Practices and Micro/small Firms' Performance: Evidence from Northern Peru
Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) make up 99% of Peruvian firms, contribute 42% to the GDP, and employ half of the labor force. This study investigates how adopting Business and Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices affects MSEs’ performance.
All Publications:
- Mora–Quiñones, C. A., Fransoo, J. C., Velázquez-Martínez, J. C., Cárdenas-Barrón, L. E., & Escamilla, R. (2024). Assessing the impact of loading-unloading zones in emerging markets: Evidence from Mexico. Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment, 137, 104486.
- Mora Quiñones, C. A. (2024) The impact of loading-unloading zones for freight vehicles on the last-mile logistics for nanostores in emerging markets. Doctoral thesis. Tecnológico de Monterrey.
- González-López, P., & Cantú, J., Mora Quiñones, C. A. (2024). Tax privacy concerns hamper digitization of the nanostore channel. Decision Sciences. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1111/deci.12643
- Sonnenberg H. & Eustis E. (2023) Transforming Micro-Retailing in Emerging Markets. Master Of Applied Science In Supply Chain Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
- Fredericks, E, Pardo Rodriguez, M.P. (2022). The influence of manager-centric competencies on the performance of micro and small enterprises in Latin America. Master Of Applied Science In Supply Chain Management, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. https://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/142948
- Mogollón Linares, M., Stimpson, B. (2021). The Impact of Trade Credits in Nanostore Distribution. Master thesis capstone project. MIT. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Mora-Quiñones, C. A., Cárdenas-Barrón, L. E., Velázquez-Martínez, J. C., & Gámez-Pérez, K. M. (2021). The Coexistence of Nanostores within the Retail Landscape: A Spatial Statistical Study for Mexico City. Sustainability, 13(19), 10615.
- Illipronti, R.G. (2021). Improving survival of micro & small firms in Latin America during COVID-19 via SRM and CRM strategies. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Velázquez-Martínez, J. C., & Tayaksi, C. (2020). Supply Chain Management for Micro and Small Firms in Latin America. In Supply chain management and Logistics in emerging markets. Emerald Publishing Limited.
- Thompson, T.N., Cabrera Hernández, A. (2020). Improving the Cash Availability of Small Firms in Latin America via Better Inventory Management. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Mora-Quiñones, C.A. (2020). The evolution of the grocery retail landscape in a megacity in emerging markets. The case of Mexico City. Master thesis. Tecnológico de Monterrey.
- Chacra, F., Rocha, J. (2019). Behavioral Management Patterns: Small Firms’ Recipe for Growth. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Chin D., Hidalgo B., Silva B. (2019). The Impact of Leadership in Small Firms’ Supply Chains. Capstone project. GCLOG Capstone project. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics. Request information
- Su, Y.N. (2019). Gender Impact on Small Firms in Latin America. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Yoshizaki H.T.Y., Velázquez-Martínez, J.C., Mejia-Argueta, C. (2018). Supply Chain Management and Logistics in Latin America: A Multi-Country Perspective. Emerald Publishing.
- Castañon Choque, X. (2018). The hidden impact of micro retailers’ survival rate on the logistics cost of consumer packaged goods companies. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Pereira Nunes, R., Paulino, R. (2018). The $100 question: Supply chain priorities for small firms. Master thesis. MIT Supply Chain Management program. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.
- Tanco, M., Escuder, M., Heckmann, G., Jurburg, D., & Velazquez, J. (2018). The impact of Latin American research in Supply Chain Management: Challenges for the region. Supply Chain Management: an International Journal. Supply chain management in Latin America: current research and future directions. Supply Chain Management: An International Journal.
- Velázquez-Martínez, J.C., Yoshizaki, H.T.Y., Mejia-Argueta, C. (2016). Introduction to Supply Chain Management and Logistics in Latin America.
- Lambert, C., Salum, C., Romero, K., Builes, R., Castañon, X. (2016) What challenges are small firms in Latin America facing to survive? GCLOG Capstone project. MIT Center for Transportation and Logistics.