Learning objectives
a. Knowledge and understanding This course aims to provide students with the main keys to interpretation and management of modern agri-food network ..
b. Ability to apply knowledge and understanding. Students will be able to apply policies enhancement of food chains using the typical tools of network management policies addressing both consumers in the management of the production process and especially in quality management
c. Making judgments. The main problems that students will be able to cope with concern the management of the application (in relation to the characteristics of the network of consumers) for the management of quality (in relation to the management of supply of raw materials)
d. Communication skills. The main stakeholders involved are businesses, consumers and stakeholders in the agri-food sector.
and. Ability to learn The study method provided include moments of lectures, group work, individual analysis, discussion of the topics covered in class
Prerequisites
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Course unit content
The topics will cover the specifics of the agri-food sector, the food network, the agri-food chains, the market of agricultural production, the role of quality and its management, the management of the agri-industrial and local productions through the use of networks.
Full programme
Network analysis
• The food supply chains
• The Global Value Chain of the agri-food sector
• The role of territory in the agro-food policies
• From supply chains to networks in the agri-food sector
• The policies for managing agri-food network
• The inter branch organisation in the food networks
• The dynamics of food consumption in developed countries
• The dynamics of food consumption in developing countries
• The model of food production in the society of satiety
• The conditions of failure in the agri-food markets
• The role of quality, theoretical models and their interpretation
• The certification of food products: mandatory and voluntary standards
• Supply chain management
• Food security and environmental protection
• Food policy: evolution and policies
• Risk management in agri-food networks
• The typical foods: regulatory, organizational and marketing
Bibliography
Lecture notes available at the office of the teacher photocopies
- Fischer C, Hartman M, (2010), Agri-food Chain Relationships. Wallingford, Oxford and Cambridge, Massachusetts: CAB International.
Teaching methods
Acquisition of knowledge: lectures, seminars and study visits
Acquisition of the ability to apply knowledge: exercises and group work
Acquisition of judgment: During the course students will be encouraged to develop a capacity for critical analysis and evaluation methods.
Acquisition of learning skills: each topic will start from the illustration of the theoretical background and will be analyzed the on-going dynamics related to the socio-economic reality.
Acquisition of technical language: students will learn the meaning of the terms commonly used by businesses operating in the agri-food systems
Assessment methods and criteria
The methods of learning will be assessed through:
- Evaluation of a work group
- Oral examination
The group work will be assessed a total of 5 points
The knowledge will be assessed with 3 open-ended questions that will be assessed up to 7 points each
The autonomy of judgment and the ability to learn will be assessed with 1 open-ended questions that will be assessed up to 4 points each
Other information
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