#MBA Agribusiness

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MBA in Finance and Agribusiness

The MBA Agribusiness is a two-year postgraduate program in the monitoring of farming services. Subsequent to approving their 4 year university education and learning, any kind of person who desires to obtain an understanding of how the exceptional agribusiness is managed despite market affects is qualified to look for the program. We offer among the most effective MBA programs in Pune. Our B-School curriculum is developed to ensure that students can learn all of the course requirements via both academic and practical instruction. The abilities in business management and task monitoring that are educated in our Agribusiness programs are extremely valued by companies in both the public and also private sectors. We are just one of the most effective Agribusiness Management universities in Pune. Some of one of the most successful organizations worldwide hire our students. Trainees that register in the MBA in Financial Management course obtain thorough training on the many sides of finance, consisting of management, control, and also analysis of data collection, financial investment, and also administration. A two-year postgraduate degree in finance called an MBA furnishes trainees for a series of administration settings in the industry. The monitoring and control of a company's financial resources is a focus of numerous economic techniques. The qualification requirements for the MBA in Finance are comparable to those of various other MBA programmes. First-year MBA Finance training courses attend to basic subjects, whereas second-year training courses concentrate on specialized concerns. Most of B-Schools give admission to MBA in Finance students based on their entryway test outcomes. Our B-flagship College's MBA programme is currently considered as Pune's finest MBA programme. The topic is covered in a department university program at the Savitribai Phule Pune University in Pune. Employers in the personal and also public sectors extremely value the project monitoring and also business management skills that are consisted of in our MBA educational program. Some of our well- known employers are amongst the most effective business to take into account. One of the most prominent locations to research the MBA is Pune. Because of its standing as a prestigious scholastic facility, it is referred to as the "Oxford of the East." Pune MBA universities, which have established Pune as an academic center of national renown, deal expertise in a variety of related fields, including retail, health and wellness, monetary solutions, banking, consulting, manufacturing as well as various other related fields. Our B-School's flagship program, commonly considered Pune's premier MBA college, is its program. Through superb sector connections and also a cutting-edge curriculum, we are placing the development of effective leaders at the leading edge. Using a choice-based credit scores system, a postgraduate degree in administration can be earned in two years and 4 terms. To fit trainees with varying degrees of academic proficiency, the school uses a variety of specialties with a student-centered positioning, consisting of small and also significant specializations. This is what sets us apart as one of the very best colleges for MBA in Pune. On its campus, it arranges a wide range of after-school activities like conventions, symposiums, seminars, pupil competitors, guest speakers, worldwide programs, social occasions, and also connections with industry.

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Best Symbiosis MBA Programs: Which One is Right for You?

When it comes to pursuing an MBA, especially in one of the specialised disciplines like Agri-Business Management or International Business, the institution one chooses can make a great difference in one’s career path. Out of many MBA AB and MBA IB colleges in India, Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) is ranked as one of the best symbiosis colleges for MBA. At SIIB, the expertise gained from more than twenty years of delivery of agricultural educational programme has been directed towards the purpose of training and equipping aspirants with managerial skills. In this article, we will focus on the MBA in Agri-Business offered by SIIB.

Established Legacy in Agribusiness Education

SIIB has been one of the pioneer institutions continuing its education in agriculture business management for more than twenty years, holding updated curriculum which reflects the industries’ requirements. This is because the institute understands the importance of good infrastructure and the delivery of quality education. Students are not only equipped with theories that are complex in nature, which are the general undertakings, SIIB is popular for overall training and developing the young agribusiness managers.

Comprehensive Curriculum Tailored to Agribusiness Needs

At SIIB, the MBA in Agribusiness Management programme offers a rich and remarkable course that covers every manageable aspect of agribusiness. The courses are intentionally designed to cover aspects related to agriculture, exploitation, and business management inclined to the content of this study. This wide scope guarantees that sensitive areas such as supply chain management, marketing, and financial mechanisms cultivation geared to agribusiness are all covered.

The programme underlines and appreciates the concepts of modern inventions in organic agriculture and the future outlook of agribusiness. Given the focus of the Government of India on agriculture and also policies promoting agri-exports from India, SIIB prepares its students to make best use of these opportunities to build promising careers in this sector.

Robust Placement History with Different Positions

One of the most convincing reasons why one should consider SIIB as the best symbiosis college for MBA is the redeeming features of placement. The institution has placed its alumni in a wide range of positions within agribusiness. Almost every  possible sector is populated by the qualified alumni of SIIB, this happens because of the placement cell and supportive industry ties.

Industry-Integrated Learning and Pedagogy

SIIB refers to its learning as industry-integrated learning, the importance of which is guided through its pedagogical approach. The faculty includes people with vast exposure to the industry and therefore the education is more practice oriented. This crossing over does not only happen in the classroom context; students are also able to learn from the industry by getting involved in workshops and internships as well as engaging in constructive activities projects.

Besides, SIIB trains students to be entrepreneurs and venture into their business ideas rather than being confined to the classrooms. Quite a number of graduates have gone out and established their businesses successfully.

As far as the MBA in Agribusiness Management is concerned, one must say that SIIB is a very good college for MBA since it offers the best MBA in Agribusiness Management. The college’s rich history and well-developed programme design, enhanced placement, and practical education, give a possibility to stand out from competitors in this sphere.

If you want to pursue an MBA in agribusiness management, do consider joining SIIB.  With a focus on preparing future leaders equipped to tackle the challenges and opportunities in agribusiness, SIIB stands as a beacon for ambitious students ready to make a difference in the industry.

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Understanding MBA in Agribusiness Management

An MBA in Agribusiness Management is designed for individuals who want to take on leadership roles in the agricultural and allied industries. The curriculum typically includes subjects like agricultural finance, supply chain management, rural marketing and agri-technology. It aims to create professionals who not only understand the complexities of the agriculture sector but can also apply modern business strategies to improve productivity and profitability.

The demand for MBA graduates in agribusiness is growing as more businesses recognize the need for efficient management. From startups in the agri-tech space to large multinational corporations in food processing, there are numerous opportunities for MBA graduates. Companies are looking for skilled professionals who can bridge the gap between agriculture and business, making an MBA in Agriculture Business Management highly valuable.

Benefits of Pursuing an MBA in Agribusiness Management

One of the key benefits of pursuing this degree is the wide range of career opportunities it opens up. Graduates can work in various sectors including agribusiness firms, food processing industries, agri-input companies, and government organizations. The blend of business acumen and agricultural knowledge makes these professionals highly sought after.

In addition to career opportunities, this degree also equips individuals with the skills needed to tackle some of the biggest challenges in agriculture today, such as food security, sustainable farming, and efficient supply chain management. With a focus on innovation and technology, MBA graduates in agribusiness are well-prepared to contribute to the future of agriculture in India and beyond.

Leading Institutes Offering MBA in Agribusiness Management

Several prestigious institutes in India offer MBA programs tailored to the agribusiness sector. The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad, IIM Lucknow, and Xavier School of Management (XLRI) are some of the top names that provide comprehensive programs in this field. These institutes offer world-class education and exposure to the latest trends in agriculture and business management.

SIOM – A Specialised Approach

While many institutes offer specialized programs in agribusiness, it’s important to consider Symbiosis Institute of Operations Management (SIOM) for those looking to expand their expertise in operations within agriculture. SIOM focuses on creating leaders in operations and supply chain management, which plays a critical role in the agriculture sector. The skills gained through SIOM’s program can be effectively applied to the unique challenges of agribusiness, making it an excellent option for students interested in this field.

For those serious about careers in MBA in Agriculture Business Management or MBA in Agribusiness Management, SIOM offers a path that combines operations excellence with a focus on the agricultural sector’s needs.

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What are the recommended MBA agribusiness colleges in Pune with top placement guarantees?

Top MBA Agribusiness Colleges in Pune with Strong Placement Guarantees

Pune offers excellent opportunities for students pursuing an MBA in Agribusiness. Here are some of the top colleges that are well-regarded for their strong placement records: 1. Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) 2. MIT College of Management (MITCOM) 3. Dr. D.Y. Patil Institute of Management Studies (DYPIMS) These institutes not only offer top-notch education but also ensure strong placement support, making them ideal choices for students aiming to build a career in agribusiness. Also check Top MBA Colleges in Pune.

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IGNOU School of Agriculture: Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) School of Agriculture is launching Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness Management) which aims to prepare competent business professionals to promote agribusiness and farmer’s economy.

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Top Engineering Colleges in Jaipur 2024

A Legacy of Excellence

Established in 2000, Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology (SMCET) is a testament to the unwavering commitment to academic excellence and innovation. The college is named after the visionaries Late Shri Brijlal Ji Khetan and Late Smt. Shantidevi Ji Khetan, who believed in the transformative power of education. Their dream was to create an institution that would nurture engineering and technology talent, and SMCET has diligently carried this vision forward.

Academic Programs

SMCET offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs, preparing students to meet the evolving needs of the technological landscape while instilling critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These programs cater to a broad spectrum of interests and career aspirations. Key academic programs offered by SMCET include:

Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech): SMCET provides B.Tech programs in various disciplines, including Computer Science and Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering, and Information Technology.

Master of Technology (M.Tech): Postgraduate students can pursue M.Tech programs that provide advanced knowledge and expertise in specialized engineering fields.

Master of Business Administration (MBA): SMCET offers an MBA program for students interested in combining engineering knowledge with business acumen, producing leaders who can bridge the gap between technology and business.

Diploma in Engineering: The college provides diploma programs in engineering disciplines for students seeking practical and skill-oriented education.

Doctoral Programs: SMCET encourages research and innovation through its Ph.D. programs, fostering a culture of research and development in the engineering and technology fields.

Quality Faculty

The faculty at SMCET plays an integral role in nurturing the potential of young minds and ensuring academic excellence. Comprising experienced professors, industry experts, and scholars, the teaching staff is dedicated to providing a conducive learning environment that encourages critical thinking and fosters a passion for innovation. The faculty’s active engagement in research and industry collaborations contributes to the college’s academic vibrancy.

A Holistic Approach to Education

SMCET believes in holistic education, recognizing that an engineer’s development involves more than just academic prowess. The college places significant emphasis on character-building, ethics, and soft skills. Through co-curricular activities, technical events, and participation in professional clubs and societies, students have the opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and communication skills that are crucial in the modern engineering world.

Impact on the Industry

Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology has had a significant impact on the industry and engineering community. Here are some ways in which the college’s graduates and initiatives have influenced the industry:

Industry-Ready Graduates: SMCET’s emphasis on practical skills and real-world experience ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of the industry. Employers often seek SMCET alumni for their ability to contribute meaningfully from day one.

Innovation and Research: The college actively promotes research and innovation. Graduates and faculty are involved in cutting-edge research projects that have the potential to revolutionize various sectors, from robotics and artificial intelligence to sustainable energy solutions.

Entrepreneurship: SMCET’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship has led to the creation of startups and companies founded by its alumni. These ventures have contributed to economic growth and technological advancement.

Industry Partnerships: SMCET has established strong ties with industry leaders, facilitating internships, guest lectures, and collaborative research projects. These partnerships provide students with invaluable exposure to industry best practices.

Success Stories

The impact of Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology is best exemplified through the success stories of its alumni:

Tech Innovators: SMCET graduates have developed innovative technologies and solutions that have been recognized nationally and internationally. Some have even received patents for their inventions.

Corporate Leaders: Many alumni have climbed the corporate ladder and taken leadership roles in prominent organizations, contributing to the growth of the technology sector.

Entrepreneurs: SMCET has produced a new generation of entrepreneurs who have successfully established startups, generating employment and pioneering new solutions.

Researchers: Graduates have made significant contributions to the field of engineering through their research and development work, pushing the boundaries of knowledge.

Conclusion

Stani Memorial College of Engineering and Technology, with its rich history, commitment to academic excellence, and a holistic approach to education, is not just a college but a hub of innovation and transformation. Through its dedication to nurturing engineers and technologists, SMCET is not only shaping the future of its students but also influencing the industry and the technological landscape of the region and the nation.

As the college continues to empower students with knowledge and values, it reaffirms the belief that education is the key to unlocking a brighter and more innovative future. SMCET’s legacy of producing engineers and technologists who can contribute to the advancement of society is a testament to its founders’ vision and the dedication of its faculty and students.

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Exploring the Benefits of Pursuing an Online MBA in Agribusiness Management

 Sow the seeds of your career in agribusiness management. DPU-COL's Online MBA program offers a fertile ground for growth and excellence.

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Look at The Best Agribusiness Management University in India | CAMUTKAL

With a specialized research and development centre actively engaged in creating new technologies and solutions for the agricultural industry, CAMUTKAL also places a high priority on innovation and research. By emphasizing research and innovation, CAMUTKAL maintains its leadership position in the field of agricultural management and generates graduates who are qualified to propel the sector forward. Apart from its outstanding academic programs, CAMUTKAL also provides a lively campus community with an array of extracurricular activities and events that foster students’ leadership and social skills. Graduates from this well-rounded program not only possess the technical expertise but also the soft skills and leadership abilities necessary for success in the agricultural industry. In summary, CAMUTKAL is the best agribusiness management university in India because of its top-notch instructors, cutting-edge facilities, emphasis on real-world experience and exposure to the industry, focus on research and innovation, and active campus community. By delivering graduates of the highest calibre, prepared to thrive in the agricultural industry, CAMUTKAL is establishing the benchmark for agricultural management education in India and abroad.

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One of the fastest-growing fields for professionals and entrepreneurs is the MBA in agribusiness. In addition to conducting ongoing research on farm maintenance, the course aims to comprehend and innovate ways to protect and preserve agrarian resources.

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Kick start a High-Growth Career with an MBA in Agriculture Business Management

Agriculture forms the backbone of the Indian economy as it serves the living of nearly 50% of the people. The industry accounts for approximately 18% of the country's GDP. As an agricultural goods manufacturing country, India is second in the world by farm output and plays a key role worldwide in this category.

In this scenario where food production and distribution has become at the top of the national and global priorities, an MBA in agriculture business management is also becoming increasingly an attractive course for the students to join in making meaningful contributions towards agribusiness and its allied sectors.

This article covers why an MBA in agribusiness management is inevitable, its career potential, and the key areas of the study and how programmes like Symbiosis College Pune MBA are preparing the students of today to work in these fields.

Why MBA in Agriculture Business Management?

Indian agriculture has undergone a transformation. In this regard, the intensification of globalisation and changes in consumer purchasing power significantly alter consumption patterns. Herein lies the opportunity to face challenges in the context of agribusiness compared to traditional agriculture. Broadly, agribusiness involves production, input supply, post-harvest processing, distribution, and access to markets.

Since they range from food production itself to a host of associated services like commodity trading, managing the supply chain, agricultural finance, and many other such services, an agribusiness industry is one that received an enormous importance post-globalisation.

Management programme in agribusiness management helps students get knowledge about the intricacies present in these areas and the strategic moves to enhance the agricultural value chain.

Agribusiness has emerged as a highly important component for the government and private sector along with international organisations due to its critical role in economic stability and food security. This has developed a need for trained professionals who understand both the agricultural aspects as well as the business and financial framework dominating the sector. The MBA in Agriculture Business Management would suit those planning to get into this industry, it encompasses technical knowledge with the application of core business skills.

Key topics involved in an MBA in Agribusiness Management:

An MBA in Agribusiness Management curriculum is so designed as to be able to equip individuals with profound knowledge of conventional business essentials and specific agriculture sector needs. Core courses generally would include management fundamentals such as Financial Management, Marketing Management, Organisational Behaviour, Human Resource Management, and Supply Chain Management.

Agribusiness programmes also include various special subjects based on the respective needs of the agricultural sector. These are a few of the important ones:

- Rural Marketing: Focusing on how one can penetrate rural markets that form the vast Indian market.

- Agricultural Finance: Discussing the finance principles relevant to agriculture, credit, loans, and investments in agricultural enterprises.

- Microfinance: Understanding the micro-financial services required in agriculture by small-scale farmers and the rural entrepreneur.

-  Export Potential Analysis of Agri-Commodity: Skill set to estimate and increase export opportunities in agriculture.

- Agricultural Supply Chain: Management of logistics and transportation from farm to market level of agricultural products.

- Agri-Input Marketing: Marketing of inputs such as fertilisers, seeds, and machinery that are required in modern agricultural farming.

- Cold Chain Management of Agri Products: Bringing in temperature-sensitive logistics in the preservation of agro-products.

- Agri Commodity Market: Facilitating students with trading, prices, and market analysis of different agro-commodities.

- Agricultural Economics: Encompassing principles of the economy pertaining to agriculture demand-supply market dynamics impacts of policies.

- Agri Retail Management: Instructing student management of retail businesses on agro-products based on specific requirements of an agro sector.

- New Product Development in Agriculture: Innovation and new product development for the agri-sector with a thrust on sustainability and demand in the market.

These programmes increase the students' understanding of the sector but also encourage entrepreneurial thinking, which is what is needed in those who intend to innovate in agriculture.

Advantages of doing an MBA in Agribusiness Management

An MBA in Agribusiness Management opens up many high-income jobs. Its graduates may serve in international agribusiness firms, work in the government sector, or set up agri-preneurial businesses.

Among the benefits of the MBA Agribusiness is:

1.  Flexibility of Skill Set: It equips both managerial and technical skills acquisition, making a student versatile and employable in any role of an agribusiness enterprise.

2. Experience in Real Life: Curriculums include field visits and internships to show practice and insights reflecting what current industry practices are and various interactions with industries in agriculture.

3. National and International: An agriculture business is a totally universal industry, and there lies a need to aware student understanding of how the activities under agriculture locally are actually working with the internationalised agri-markets by gaining operating capability in the very range of economic environments around.

4. Sustainability and Innovation Focus: Agribusiness is not just about producing, but it's about making sustainable systems that would help both the producers and the consumers. The curriculum mostly highlights sustainability and innovation through courses on sustainable practices and new technologies.

MBA in Agri-Business from SIIB: The First Choice

For those interested in an MBA in Agriculture Business Management, Symbiosis Institute of International Business (SIIB) is a great place to learn. SIIB's MBA in Agri-Business has been initiated with a view to offer a much-needed platform for all the stakeholders of agriculture. The programme takes up all the key areas such as Agri-input Marketing, Commodity Trading, Agricultural Supply Chain Management, Procurement Management, Microfinance, and Agricultural Finance with a comprehensive background for students intending to make a difference here.

The curriculum at SIIB not only equips the student with knowledge but nurtures the entrepreneurial potential within themselves, enabling them to pursue opportunities and innovate in that sector. Based on proper industry exposure and the kind of theoretical coursework provided during the programme, it helps ensure that the graduates become very confident, skilled, and ready for the dynamic world of management in agribusiness.

Pursuing this programme will be quite an opportunity. For those thinking along this path, Symbiosis college Pune MBA in Agri-Business is one such excellent option, which makes a well-rounded programme by bridging the gap between agriculture and business, getting them ready to lead the future of agribusiness not only in India but the world at large.

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MBA in Agriculture

An MBA in agriculture is a postgraduate degree that prepares students for careers in the agricultural sector. The program typically covers topics such as agricultural economics, agricultural marketing, and agricultural finance. Students who graduate with an MBA in agriculture are in high demand by employers in the agricultural industry, including government agencies, agricultural businesses, and research institutions.

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The one weird monopoly trick that gave us Walmart and Amazon and killed Main Street

I'm coming to BURNING MAN! On TUESDAY (Aug 27) at 1PM, I'm giving a talk called "DISENSHITTIFY OR DIE!" at PALENQUE NORTE (7&E). On WEDNESDAY (Aug 28) at NOON, I'm doing a "Talking Caterpillar" Q&A at LIMINAL LABS (830&C).

Walmart didn't just happen. The rise of Walmart – and Amazon, its online successor – was the result of a specific policy choice, the decision by the Reagan administration not to enforce a key antitrust law. Walmart may have been founded by Sam Walton, but its success (and the demise of the American Main Street) are down to Reaganomics.

The law that Reagan neutered? The Robinson-Patman Act, a very boring-sounding law that makes it illegal for powerful companies (like Walmart) to demand preferential pricing from their suppliers (farmers, packaged goods makers, meat producers, etc). The idea here is straightforward. A company like Walmart is a powerful buyer (a "monopsonist" – compare with "monopolist," a powerful seller). That means that they can demand deep discounts from suppliers. Smaller stores – the mom and pop store on your Main Street – don't have the clout to demand those discounts. Worse, because those buyers are weak, the sellers – packaged goods companies, agribusiness cartels, Big Meat – can actually charge them more to make up for the losses they're taking in selling below cost to Walmart.

Reagan ordered his antitrust cops to stop enforcing Robinson-Patman, which was a huge giveaway to big business. Of course, that's not how Reagan framed it: He called Robinson-Patman a declaration of "war on low prices," because it prevented big companies from using their buying power to squeeze huge discounts. Reagan's court sorcerers/economists asserted that if Walmart could get goods at lower prices, they would sell goods at lower prices.

Which was true…up to a point. Because preferential discounting (offering better discounts to bigger customers) creates a structural advantage over smaller businesses, it meant that big box stores would eventually eliminate virtually all of their smaller competitors. That's exactly what happened: downtowns withered, suburban big boxes grew. Spending that would have formerly stayed in the community was whisked away to corporate headquarters. These corporate HQs were inevitably located in "onshore-offshore" tax haven states, meaning they were barely taxed at the state level. That left plenty of money in these big companies' coffers to spend on funny accountants who'd help them avoid federal taxes, too. That's another structural advantage the big box stores had over the mom-and-pops: not only did they get their inventory at below-cost discounts, they didn't have to pay tax on the profits, either.

MBA programs actually teach this as a strategy to pursue: they usually refer to Amazon's "flywheel" where lower prices bring in more customers which allows them to demand even lower prices:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaSwWYemLek

You might have heard about rural and inner-city "food deserts," where all the independent grocery stores have shuttered, leaving behind nothing but dollar stores? These are the direct product of the decision not to enforce Robinson-Patman. Dollar stores target working class neighborhoods with functional, beloved local grocers. They open multiple dollar stores nearby (nearly all the dollar stores you see are owned by one of two conglomerates, no matter what the sign over the door says). They price goods below cost and pay for high levels of staffing, draining business off the community grocery store until it collapses. Then, all the dollar stores except one close and the remaining store fires most of its staff (working at a dollar store is incredibly dangerous, thanks to low staffing levels that make them easy targets for armed robbers). Then, they jack up prices, selling goods in "cheater" sizes that are smaller than the normal retail packaging, and which are only made available to large dollar store conglomerates:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/03/27/walmarts-jackals/#cheater-sizes

Writing in The American Prospect, Max M Miller and Bryce Tuttle1 – a current and a former staffer for FTC Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya – write about the long shadow cast by Reagan's decision to put Robinson-Patman in mothballs:

https://prospect.org/economy/2024-08-13-stopping-excessive-market-power-monopoly/

They tell the story of Robinson-Patman's origins in 1936, when A&P was using preferential discounts to destroy the independent grocery sector and endanger the American food system. A&P didn't just demand preferential discounts from its suppliers; it also charged them a fortune to be displayed on its shelves, an early version of Amazon's $38b/year payola system:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/11/28/enshittification/#relentless-payola

They point out that Robinson-Patman didn't really need to be enacted; America already had an antitrust law that banned this conduct: section 2 of the the Clayton Act, which was passed in 1914. But for decades, the US courts refused to interpret the Clayton Act according to its plain meaning, with judges tying themselves in knots to insist that the law couldn't possibly mean what it said. Robinson-Patman was one of a series of antitrust laws that Congress passed in a bid to explain in words so small even federal judges could understand them that the purpose of American antitrust law was to keep corporations weak:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/14/aiming-at-dollars/#not-men

Both the Clayton Act and Robinson-Patman reject the argument that it's OK to let monopolies form and come to dominate critical sectors of the American economy based on the theoretical possibility that this will lead to lower prices. They reject this idea first as a legal matter. We don't let giant corporations victimize small businesses and their suppliers just because that might help someone else.

Beyond this, there's the realpolitik of monopoly. Yes, companies could pass lower costs on to customers, but will they? Look at Amazon: the company takes $0.45-$0.51 out of every dollar that its sellers earn, and requires them to offer their lowest price on Amazon. No one has a 45-51% margin, so every seller jacks up their prices on Amazon, but you don't notice it, because Amazon forces them to jack up prices everywhere else:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/03/01/managerial-discretion/#junk-fees

The Robinson-Patman Act did important work, and its absence led to many of the horribles we're living through today. This week on his Peoples & Things podcast, Lee Vinsel talked with Benjamin Waterhouse about his new book, One Day I’ll Work for Myself: The Dream and Delusion That Conquered America:

https://athenaeum.vt.domains/peoplesandthings/2024/08/12/78-benjamin-c-waterhouse-on-one-day-ill-work-for-myself-the-dream-and-delusion-that-conquered-america/

Towards the end of the discussion, Vinsel and Waterhouse turn to Robinson-Patman, its author, Wright Patman, and the politics of small business in America. They point out – correctly – that Wright Patman was something of a creep, a "Dixiecrat" (southern Democrat) who was either an ideological segregationist or someone who didn't mind supporting segregation irrespective of his beliefs.

That's a valid critique of Wright Patman, but it's got little bearing on the substance and history of the law that bears his name, the Robinson-Patman Act. Vinsel and Waterhouse get into that as well, and while they made some good points that I wholeheartedly agreed with, I fiercely disagree with the conclusion they drew from these points.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out (again, correctly) that small businesses have a long history of supporting reactionary causes and attacking workers' rights – associations of small businesses, small women-owned business, and small minority-owned businesses were all in on opposition to minimum wages and other key labor causes.

But while this is all true, that doesn't make Robinson-Patman a reactionary law, or bad for workers. The point of protecting small businesses from the predatory practices of large firms is to maintain an American economy where business can't trump workers or government. Large companies are literally ungovernable: they have gigantic war-chests they can spend lobbying governments and corrupting the political process, and concentrated sectors find it comparatively easy to come together to decide on a single lobbying position and then make it reality.

As Vinsel and Waterhouse discuss, US big business has traditionally hated small business. They recount a notorious and telling anaecdote about the editor of the Chamber of Commerce magazine asking his boss if he could include coverage of small businesses, given the many small business owners who belonged to the Chamber, only to be told, "Over my dead body." Why did – why does – big business hate small business so much? Because small businesses wreck the game. If they are included in hearings, notices of inquiry, or just given a vote on what the Chamber of Commerce will lobby for with their membership dollars, they will ask for things that break with the big business lobbying consensus.

That's why we should like small business. Not because small business owners are incapable of being petty tyrants, but because whatever else, they will be petty. They won't be able to hire million-dollar-a-month union-busting law-firms, they won't be able to bribe Congress to pass favorable laws, they can't capture their regulators with juicy offers of sweet jobs after their government service ends.

Vinsel and Waterhouse point out that many large firms emerged during the era in which Robinson-Patman was in force, but that misunderstands the purpose of Robinson-Patman: it wasn't designed to prevent any large businesses from emerging. There are some capital-intensive sectors (say, chip fabrication) where the minimum size for doing anything is pretty damned big.

As Miller and Tuttle write:

The goal of RPA was not to create a permanent Jeffersonian agrarian republic of exclusively small businesses. It was to preserve a diverse economy of big and small businesses. Congress recognized that the needs of communities and people—whether in their role as consumers, business owners, or workers—are varied and diverse. A handful of large chains would never be able to meet all those needs in every community, especially if they are granted pricing power.

The fight against monopoly is only secondarily a fight between small businesses and giant ones. It's foundationally a fight about whether corporations should have so much power that they are too big to fail, too big to jail, and too big to care.

Community voting for SXSW is live! If you wanna hear RIDA QADRI and me talk about how GIG WORKERS can DISENSHITTIFY their jobs with INTEROPERABILITY, VOTE FOR THIS ONE!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2024/08/14/the-price-is-wright/#enforcement-priorities