Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy
Information from the course leader
A warm welcome to the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences and the course Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy!
Below, you will find general information about the student account, registration for the course and other practical information.
The student account
You will need your student account to access e.g. your e-mail, Ladok and Canvas. For information regarding how to create your student account, follow this link: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/it-support/support/new-student---start/
Registration for the course
Self-registration for the course is done in Ladok between 2025-03-11–2025-03-25. Remember that you must be admitted and registered in Ladok to be able take the course. Having access to Canvas does not mean you are registered in the course and without registration, you are risking losing your place in the course. If you have been admitted to the course with conditions, you need to send your credit list to the course leader who will review it and decide if you can register. Do this as soon as possible as reviewing credits may take a few days due to the course start.
Educational support
If you are entitled extra educational support, please inform the course leader at the start of the course so that special arrangements can be made.
For educational support for an exam, see instructions in the exam registration in Ladok Student. You need to register for alternative exam arrangements no later than 15 workings days prior to the examination day. More information here: https://student.slu.se/en/study-support/study-support/funka/.
Discontinuation of a course
If you want to discontinue the course, you should immediately notify the educational administrators at econ-edu@slu.se, who in turn will inform the course leader and register a non-completion of the course in Ladok after your approval. You are also able to register an early non-completion of the course (within three weeks after course start) in Ladok yourself.
Exams
You need to register for exams in Ladok. The registration closes 10 workings days prior to the exam. You can find your anonymity code in Ladok Student. It's not possible to register for the exam after the deadline has passed.
On Wednesdays between 12:30-14:30 we have an exam hand out at the department (Ulls hus, 4th floor). Please remember to bring your ID-card.
- Do not hesitate to contact us at econ-edu@slu.se if you have any questions!
Kind regards,
The educational administrators
Course evaluation
The course evaluation is not yet activated
The course evaluation is open between 2025-06-01 and 2025-06-22
Additional course evaluations for FÖ0454
Academic year 2023/2024
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-40162)
2024-03-20 - 2024-06-02
Academic year 2022/2023
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-30133)
2023-01-16 - 2023-03-21
Academic year 2021/2022
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-30207)
2022-01-17 - 2022-03-23
Academic year 2020/2021
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-30183)
2021-01-18 - 2021-03-23
Academic year 2019/2020
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-30169)
2020-01-20 - 2020-03-24
Academic year 2018/2019
Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy (FÖ0454-30195)
2019-01-21 - 2019-03-25
Syllabus and other information
Syllabus
FÖ0454 Value Chains and Networks in the Bio-Economy, 15.0 Credits
Värdekedjans nätverk med tillämpning i bioekonominSubjects
Business AdministrationEducation cycle
Master’s levelModules
| 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 requirementsMaster’s level (A1N)
Grading scale
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.
Language
EnglishPrior 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
Further information
Litterature list
Literature list, FÖ0454 Value Chains & Networks in the Bioeconomy
Spring semester 2025
Please note that there is no textbook for this course, but the articles and book chapters listed below will be found in Canvas.
Readings related to Karin’s lectures:
- Lewandowski, I. 2017.* Bioeconomy: Shaping the transition to a sustainable, biobased economy* (Ed.). Springer. Chapters 3, 5 and 8
- Priefer, C., Jörissen, J. and Frör, O., 2017. Pathways to shape the bioeconomy. Resources, 6(1), 10.
- Bennich, T. and Belyazid, S., 2017. The route to sustainability—prospects and challenges of the bio-based economy. Sustainability, 9(6), 887.
- Teräs, J., Johnsen, I.H., Lindberg, G., Perjo, L. and Giacometti, A., 2014. Bioeconomy in the Nordic region: Regional case studies. Nordic Centre for Spatial Development: Stockholm, Sweden
- Abu Hatab, A., Owusu-Sekyere, E., Esmat, A.R. and Lagerkvist, C.J. (2023). In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceived risks, management strategies and emerging opportunities for small and medium agri-food enterprises in a developing country. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 97, 104045.
- Pakseresht, A; Yavari, A; Ahmadi Kaliji, S & Hakelius, K. 2023. The Intersection of Blockchain Technology and Circular Economy in the Agri-Food Sector. Sustainable Production and Consumption, 35, 260-274
- Bijman, J., Iliopoulos, C., Poppe, K.J., Gijselinckx, C., Hagedorn, K., Hanisch, M., Hendrikse, G.W., Kühl, R., Ollila, P., Pyykkönen, P. & van der Sangen, G. (2012). Support for farmers' cooperatives. Wageningen UR.
- Valentinov, V. (2007). Why are cooperatives important in agriculture? An organizational economics perspective. Journal of Institutional Economics. 3(1), 55-69.
- International Cooperative Alliance (ICA). 2024. World Cooperative Monitor. Exploring the Cooperative Economy. ICA.
**Readings related to Jens’ lectures:**
- Akerlof, G. A. (1970). The market for “lemons”: Quality uncertainty and the market mechanism. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 84(3), 488-500.
- Anderson, J., Vadnjal, D. & Uhlin, H. E. (2000). Moral dimensions of the WTA–WTP disparity: An experimental examination. Ecological Economics, 32(1), 153-162.
- Banterle, A. and Stranieri, S., 2008. The consequences of voluntary traceability system for supply chain relationships. An application of transaction cost economics. Food Policy, 33(6), 560- 569.
- Bogetoft, P. and Olesen, H.B., 2002. Ten rules of thumb in contract design: lessons from Danish agriculture.* European Review of Agricultural Economics*, 29(2), 185-204.
- Borgatti, S.P. and Li, X., 2009. On social network analysis in a supply chain context. Journal of Supply Chain Management, 45(2), 5-22.
- Brousseau, E., and Glachant, J.M. 2004. The Economics of Contracts: Theory and Applications. Cambridge University Press. Chapter 1
- Crespo, J., Réquier-Desjardins, D. and Vicente, J., 2014. Why can collective action fail in local agri-food systems? A social network analysis of cheese producers in Aculco, Mexico. Food Policy, 46, pp.165-177.
- Furubotn, E.G., and Richter, R. 2005. Institutions and Economic Theory: The Contribution of New Institutional Economics. University of Michigan Press (Second Edition). Chapters 2 and 5
- Hanisch, M., Rommel, J. & Müller, M. (2013). The cooperative yardstick revisited: panel evidence from the European dairy sectors. Journal of Agricultural & Food Industrial Organization, 11(1), 151-162.
- Höhler, J. & Schreiner, J. A. (2020). Unfair milk prices? Lessons from a split-sample choice experiment. British Food Journal, 112(2), 515-530.
- Rommel, J., Sagebiel, J. & Müller, J.R. (2016). Quality uncertainty and the market for renewable energy: Evidence from German consumers. Renewable Energy, 94,106-113.
- Spence, M. (1973). Job Market Signaling. The Quarterly Journal of Economics, 87(3), 355-374.
- Stuckey, J. and White, D., 1993. When and when not to vertically integrate. MIT Sloan Management Review, 34(3), 71.