Print Syllabus

Syllabus

FÖ0454 Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy, 15.0 Credits

Värdekedjans nätverk med tillämpning i bioekonomin

Subjects

Business Administration Business Administration

Education cycle

Master’s level

Modules

Title	Credits	Code
Examination	6.0	0302
Project work	6.0	0303
Active participation	3.0	0304

Advanced study in the main field

Second cycle, has only first-cycle course/s as entry requirements
Master’s level (A1N)

Grading scale

Language

English

Prior knowledge

Knowledge equivalent of 180 credits, of which 90 credits in business administration. English 6.

Objectives

The course aims at bringing students the analytical tools and skills needed to understand the functions of value chains and networks in the agri-food industry, and their importance in the overall bioeconomy. By combining new institutional economics, such as transaction cost theory, contract theory and agency theory with strategic decision making theories, students will reach advanced understanding and acquire skills for evaluating value chains and networks. Different types of organizations and agri-food systems are examined: local-, short-, long-, and global- value chains, multinational agri-food hierarchies, cooperatives and producers’ organizations and within different types of institutional contexts.

Upon successful completion of the course, students will have the ability to:

• analyse governance and organization in the agri-food value chain and overall bioeconomy

• analyse various organizational forms and governance structures in the agri-food value chain

• apply quantitative and qualitative tools to analyse organization and governance in the value chain

• map and analyse the role of the agri-food value chain and organizations in a variety of institutional environments in different countries

• map and analyse networks of linkages between individuals and organizations in agri-food value chains.

Content

The course is based on a set of lectures, both from the instructor and guest lecturers, readings from international classic and recent literature, and case studies of Swedish and international agri-food value chains and networks.

The course uses empirical examples from the agri-food industry and bioeconomy, in Sweden, Europe, and in developing countries. Several theoretical perspectives and analytical tools are employed: industrial economics, organization theory, transaction cost economics, agency theory, new institutional economics, social network analysis, and supply chain management.

Grading form

The grade requirements within the course grading system are set out in specific criteria. These criteria must be available by the course start at the latest.

Formats and requirements for examination

Passed exam.

Passed project assignments.

Participation in mandatory actitivies.

• If a student has failed an examination, the examiner has the right to issue supplementary assignments. This applies if it is possible and there are grounds to do so.

• The examiner can provide an adapted assessment to students entitled to study support for students with disabilities following a decision by the university. Examiners may also issue an adapted examination or provide an alternative way for the students to take the exam.

• If this syllabus is withdrawn, SLU may introduce transitional provisions for examining students admitted based on this syllabus and who have not yet passed the course.

• For the assessment of an independent project (degree project), the examiner may also allow a student to add supplemental information after the deadline for submission. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Other information

• The right to participate in teaching and/or supervision only applies for the course instance the student was admitted to and registered on.

• If there are special reasons, students are entitled to participate in components with compulsory attendance when the course is given again. Read more in the Education Planning and Administration Handbook.

Responsible department

Department of Economics