Chapter One — 1.1 Background to the Study

Organizations that depend on agricultural supply chain management are under increasing pressure to modernize, and Heuristic Evaluation Methods has emerged as one of the more promising avenues for doing so, given its demonstrated impact in related domains.

Despite this potential, many existing agricultural supply chain management were not originally designed with heuristic evaluation methods in mind, resulting in persistent gaps in navigation efficiency that limit their overall effectiveness. This study examines how Heuristic Evaluation Methods can be applied to help close that gap.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Existing approaches to navigation efficiency within agricultural supply chain management remain largely reactive and fragmented, with little systematic use of heuristic evaluation methods despite its demonstrated value elsewhere. This study addresses the resulting gap by designing and evaluating a solution built specifically around heuristic evaluation methods.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

1. To design and implement a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to improving navigation efficiency in agricultural supply chain management.
2. To evaluate the effectiveness of Heuristic Evaluation Methods in enhancing navigation efficiency within agricultural supply chain management.
3. To identify the key requirements and constraints relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context.
4. To assess user and stakeholder perception of the resulting system.

1.4 Research Questions

1. How can heuristic evaluation methods be applied to improve navigation efficiency in agricultural supply chain management?
2. How effective is Heuristic Evaluation Methods at enhancing navigation efficiency within agricultural supply chain management?
3. What requirements and constraints are relevant to deploying heuristic evaluation methods in this context?
4. How do users and stakeholders perceive the resulting system?

1.5 Significance of the Study

Beyond its immediate technical contribution, this study offers value to organizations evaluating whether to invest in heuristic evaluation methods for their own agricultural supply chain management, and contributes to the broader literature on applied UI/UX design by documenting a concrete implementation and evaluation case.

1.6 Scope of the Study

The study is limited to the design, implementation, and evaluation of a heuristic evaluation methods-based approach to improving navigation efficiency within agricultural supply chain management. Reflecting its BSc-level scope, it does not extend to a full commercial rollout or long-term post-implementation review beyond the study period.