ECONOMICS OF AGRI FOOD CHAINS
cod. 1009347

Academic year 2024/25
2° year of course - First semester
Professors
Academic discipline
Economia ed estimo rurale (AGR/01)
Field
Attività formative affini o integrative
Type of training activity
Related/supplementary
49 hours
of face-to-face activities
7 credits
hub:
course unit
in ITALIAN

Learning objectives

The course aims to provide students with basic knowledge of: 1. the agri food systems and agri food chains; 2. the methodological tools for the interpretation of the topics under analysis. At the end of the lectures, students will be able to analyse the agri food chains, the dynamics and main issues of present agri food systems that are facing an increasing competitive pressure in a globalized market.

Prerequisites

Basic knowledge of microeconomics.

Course unit content

he agri food chains are very heterogeneous and rapidly changing.
They can be classified according to several variables: structural characteristics, strategic behaviour of the firms, distribution channels and final market.
The first part of the course is focused on the characteristics of the agri food systems and agri food market and proposes some theory and methodological approaches for the supply chain analysis.
The second part analyses some supply chains and the strategic behaviours of the actors.

Full programme

1. Introductive concepts and definitions for the agri food systems and chains
2. Agri-food systems and consumer behaviour analysis
3. Coordination mechanisms in the agro-food chains
4. Institutional politics
5. Quality schemes products: brands, labels and certification

Bibliography

Menozzi D. (2023). Economia del sistema agroalimentare. EdiSES Università and slides used in class.

Teaching methods

Lectures, intermediate quizzes, critical view of videos, seminars, group work.

Assessment methods and criteria

Written examination. The final grade is expressed out of thirty.The exam consists of 20 multiple-choice questions and 5 open-ended questions.
The evaluation of the multiple-choice questions is as follows: 1 point if the answer is correct; -0.2 points if the answer is wrong; 0 points if no answer is selected.
The evaluation of the open-ended questions ranges from 0 to 2 points.
The open-ended questions are graded only if a score of at least 10 is achieved in the multiple-choice questions.
Voluntary participation in group work is also provided. The evaluation of the group work ranges from 0 to 2 points, which are added to the score of the written exam.
The test, being structured with both closed and open questions, will allow the assessment of knowledge and comprehension skills, judgment autonomy, learning ability, and the ability to communicate using appropriate technical language.
Honors will be awarded to students who, in addition to meeting the necessary requirements for a full grade, have demonstrated an appreciable systematic knowledge of the subject, an excellent ability to apply the acquired knowledge, significant judgment autonomy, and particular care in the formal drafting of the answers to the open-ended question(s).
Grades will be published on ESSE3.

Other information

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2030 agenda goals for sustainable development

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