Risk Management in the Retail Segment of the Gold Supply Chain
Rodriguez Badillo, Gabriela Maria (2025)
2025
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Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052013830
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025052013830
Tiivistelmä
The artisan segment of the gold retail industry operates in a highly unpredictable environment, where operational and regulatory risks frequently threaten business stability. Although small-scale retailers contribute significantly to the global gold market, they often lack the formal structures and resources required to manage risks effectively. As a result, they are particularly vulnerable to theft, inventory losses, supply chain disruptions, and compliance issues. This thesis investigates these challenges by examining the operational and regulatory risks faced by artisans in Querétaro, Mexico, using a mixed methods approach that combines qualitative interviews and quantitative surveys.
The research applies concepts from ISO 31000 Risk Management, supply chain risk management, and regulatory compliance theories to propose practical and affordable solutions tailored to the needs of small gold retailers. Findings reveal that while artisans show considerable resilience through informal strategies, the absence of structured risk management and compliance processes increases their exposure to operational setbacks and legal risks.
In response, this study develops a dynamic, accessible framework designed to support artisans in strengthening inventory management, improving supply chain resilience, and meeting basic compliance requirements without generating significant financial burden. The research contributes to the academic literature on supply chain risk management in high-value sectors
and provides actionable recommendations to enhance the stability, and credibility of small gold retail businesses. By focusing on real-world challenges and offering practical tools, this thesis aims to bridge the gap between theoretical risk management models and the everyday realities
faced by artisan retailers. Furthermore, it calls on policymakers, industry institutions, and other stakeholders to recognize and support the critical role of artisans in building a more ethical, resilient, and inclusive gold supply chain.
The research applies concepts from ISO 31000 Risk Management, supply chain risk management, and regulatory compliance theories to propose practical and affordable solutions tailored to the needs of small gold retailers. Findings reveal that while artisans show considerable resilience through informal strategies, the absence of structured risk management and compliance processes increases their exposure to operational setbacks and legal risks.
In response, this study develops a dynamic, accessible framework designed to support artisans in strengthening inventory management, improving supply chain resilience, and meeting basic compliance requirements without generating significant financial burden. The research contributes to the academic literature on supply chain risk management in high-value sectors
and provides actionable recommendations to enhance the stability, and credibility of small gold retail businesses. By focusing on real-world challenges and offering practical tools, this thesis aims to bridge the gap between theoretical risk management models and the everyday realities
faced by artisan retailers. Furthermore, it calls on policymakers, industry institutions, and other stakeholders to recognize and support the critical role of artisans in building a more ethical, resilient, and inclusive gold supply chain.