B2832 - Food Supply Chain Management and Sustainability

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide the students an understanding of how a food supply chain is structured, operates, performs, and is managed to increase its competitiveness and sustainability. It also integrates theoretical and operational understanding on environmental economics, and on economics of environmental policy. At the end of the course the students are able to: - understand the main concepts and theoretical approaches defining the value chains and supply chains' structures, strategies, and dynamics; - approach the basic features of the main supply chain management tools and indicators; - understand the role of the main factors influencing the food supply chain management and its sustainability, in particular: - analyze challenges and opportunities driven by green economy concepts; - evaluate the economic implications that sustainability implies for the food supply chains management; - design and develop strategies for competitive and eco-friendly activities involved in the food supply chain; - design, implement and manage research and development projects and eco-management schemes based on sustainable criteria- develop capacity to design and manage sustainable development strategies and activities – use eco-management tools.

Course contents

1. Understanding the relevance of food supply chain management
2. Understanding the factors influencing the companies strategic adjustment to markets globalization and other drivers of change
3. Understanding and adopting tools to manage a supply chain
4. Developing critical thinking: discussing Supply chain real world experiences
5. Experiencing the uncertainty in supply chain management

Readings/Bibliography

Text: Teachers' own material (Lectures + links to relevant Papers on Food chain management)

Readings:

David Simchi-Levi, Philip Kaminsky and Edith Simchi-Levi (2003) Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies and Case Studies, McGraw Hill Professional.

Martin Christopher (2016) Logistics & Supply Chain Management, 5th Edition, Pearson.

Teaching methods

- Lectures

- Teamwork

- Discussion with representatives of Relevant organizations

Assessment methods

Written test. The following evaluation grill is considered

• <18 failed
• 18-23 sufficient
• 24-27 good
• 28-30 optimum
• 30 cum laude excellent

Attending the lessons will support the learning process considering the constant interaction with the students and the adoption of work groups discussions during the lesson

Teaching tools

- Computer and video

- Material for teamwork (supply chain simulation game)

Office hours

See the website of Cesare Zanasi

See the website of Luca Falasconi