Search result: Catalogue data in Autumn Semester 2017
Agroecosystem Sciences Master | ||||||
Master Studies (Programme Regulations 2016) | ||||||
Minors | ||||||
Agricultural Economics and Policy | ||||||
Number | Title | Type | ECTS | Hours | Lecturers | |
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751-2903-00L | Evaluation of Agricultural Policies | W | 3 credits | 2G | M. Stolze, S. Mann | |
Abstract | The course focuses on agricultural eeconomic research with particular focus on policy evaluation. We impart insights in the issue of policy evaluation as part of agricultural economics research. | |||||
Objective | Focus: Policy Evaluation ------------------------------------------- The students are to... - have a critical look at different angles of agri-economic research - study scientific literature of the focus theme - consider strengths, weaknesses and the application of research approaches - apply knowledge gained from other courses with respect to the focus theme - get insights in agricultural economic research of the national research institutions by visiting Agroscope and the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) - be capable to conduct evaluations and critically reflect evaluation results | |||||
Content | Unit: Subject ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 01: Introduction 02: The normative frame for policy evaluation 03: Excursion to Frick 04: Public Politics for Evaluation 05: Application of Evaluations 06: Quantitive Methods 07: Excursion to Tänikon 08: Qualitative Methods 09: Case Study 10: Examination | |||||
Lecture notes | Handouts (power point presentations) | |||||
Literature | 1) Bussmann Werner, Klöti Ulrich und Knoepfel Peter, 2004 (Hrsg). Einführung in die Politikevaluation. Helbling&Lichtenhahn. In German language. Will be privided by the lectures in unit 01. 2) Vedung Evert, 2000. Public Policy and Program Evaluation. ISBN 0-7658-0687-8. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Unit 03: 1 day course at FiBL in 5070 Frick, Link Unit 09: 1 day course at Agroscope in Tänikon, 8356 Ettenhausen, Link | |||||
751-2205-00L | Advanced Management in the Agri-Food-Chain | W | 2 credits | 2G | M. Weber | |
Abstract | Advanced Management in the Agri-Food-Chain (Vorlesung wird in deutscher Sprache abgehalten.) | |||||
Objective | After the lecture the students ... ... know the characteristics and consequences of complexity in the organizational world, ... know and can apply selected comprehensive models for managing in complex situations, ... know possible practical applications and examples of the treated contents to organizations in the Agri-Food Chain and ... are able to deepen the relevant topics in an autonomous way. | |||||
Content | In the lecture the following contents will be treated: - State, reasons and effects of complexity in the organizational world. - A basic framework for shaping and governing intelligent organizations. - Selected contemporary models for managing in the complex organizational world. - Transfer and adaption of the models to organizations in the Agri-Food Chain. | |||||
Lecture notes | Reader with selected contents. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | - Vorlesung "Management in the Agri-Food Chain" in D-USYS | |||||
752-2122-00L | Food and Consumer Behaviour | W | 2 credits | 2V | M. Siegrist, C. Hartmann | |
Abstract | This course focuses on food consumer behavior, consumer's decision-making processes and consumer's attitudes towards food products. | |||||
Objective | The course provides an overview about the following topics: Factors influencing consumer's food choice, food and health, attitudes towards new foods and food technologies, labeling and food policy issues | |||||
751-2103-00L | Socioeconomics of Agriculture | W | 2 credits | 2V | S. Mann | |
Abstract | The main part of this lecture will examine constellations where hierarchies, markets or cooperation have been observed and described in the agricultural sector. On a more aggregated level, different agricultural systems will be evaluated in terms of main socioeconomic parameters like social capital or perceptions. | |||||
Objective | Students should be able to describe the dynamics of hierarchies, markets and cooperation in an agricultural context. | |||||
Content | Introduction to Sociology Introduction to Socioeconomics Agricultural Administration: Path dependencies and efficiency issues Power in the Chain The farming family Occupational Choices Consumption Choices Locational Choices Common Resource Management in Alpine Farming Agricultural Cooperatives Societal perceptions of agriculture Perceptions of farming from within Varieties of agricultural systems and policies | |||||
Lecture notes | Link | |||||
Literature | see script | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Basic economic knowledge is expected. | |||||
751-1573-00L | Dynamic Simulation in Agricultural and Regional Economics | W | 2 credits | 2V | B. Kopainsky | |
Abstract | In this class, students learn the basics of system dynamics and its application to agricultural and regional economic questions. In the second half of the class, students develop their own simulation model, with which they evaluate potential interventions for improving the economic as well as the ecological sustainability of food systems. | |||||
Objective | - Students learn the basic theory and practice of dynamic simulation - Students can develop, analyze and extend a dynamic simulation model and interpret its results. - By applying the developed simulation model, students gain insights into food system issues. They also learn to recognize the benefits and pitfalls of dynamic simulation, both from a theoretical and an applied perspective. | |||||
Lecture notes | slides (will be provided during the class) | |||||
Literature | articles and papers (will be provided during the class) | |||||
751-0423-00L | Risk Analysis and Risk Management in Agriculture | W | 3 credits | 2G | R. Finger | |
Abstract | Agricultural production is exposed to various risks which are important for decisions taken by farmers and other actors in the agri-food sector. Moreover, risk management is indispensable for all actors. This course introduces modern concepts on decision making under risk and recent developments in risk management. The focus of this course in on agriculture applications. | |||||
Objective | -to develop a better understanding of decision making under uncertainty and risk; -to gain experience in different approaches to analyze risky decisions; -to develop an understanding for different sources of risk in agricultural production; -to understand the crucial role of subjective perceptions and preferences for risk management decisions; -to get an overview on risk management in the agricultural sector, with a particular focus on insurance solutions | |||||
Content | - Quantification and measurement of risk - Risk preferences, expected utility theory and alternative models of risk behavior - Concepts on the decision making under risk - Production, investment and diversification decisions under risk - Risk management in agriculture | |||||
Lecture notes | Handouts will be distributed in the lecture and available on the moodle. | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | knowledge of basic concepts of probability theory and microeconomics | |||||
363-0305-00L | Empirical Methods in Management | W | 3 credits | 2G | F. von Wangenheim | |
Abstract | Evidence-based management requires valid empirical research. In this course, students will learn the basics of research design, fundamentals of data collection and statistical methods to analyze the data acquired in social science research. Students are expected to apply their knowledge in class discussions and out-of-class assignments. | |||||
Objective | - Ability to formulate research questions and designing an appropriate study - Ability to collect and analyze data using a variety of methods - Ability to critically assess the quality of empirical research in management - Applied knowledge of empirical methods through out-of-class assignments | |||||
Content | 1) Introduction to empirical management research 2) Research designs: exploratory, descriptive, experimental 3) Measurement and scaling 4) Data collection and sampling 5) Data analysis methods 6) Reporting and presenting empirical research | |||||
Prerequisites / Notice | Assignments and projects: This course includes out-of-class assignments and projects to give students some hands-on experience in conducting empirical research in management. Projects will focus on one particular aspect of empirical research, like the formulation of a research question or the design of a study. Students will have at least one week to work on each assignment. Students are expected to work on these assignments individually. Duplicate answers will receive no credit and will be subject to a disciplinary review. Assignments will be graded and need to be turned-in on time. Class participation: Class participation is encouraged and can greatly improve students' learning in this class. In this spirit, students are expected to attend class regularly and come to class prepared. | |||||
851-0626-01L | International Aid and Development Number of participants limited to 40 Prerequisites: Basic knowledge of economics | W | 2 credits | 2V | I. Günther | |
Abstract | The course gives economic and empirical foundations for a sound understanding of the instruments, prospects and limitations of international development aid. | |||||
Objective | Students have a theoretically and empirically sound understanding of the prospects and limitations of international development aid. Students are able to critically discuss the various aid instruments of bi-and multilateral donors and NGOs. | |||||
Content | Introduction to the Determinants of Underdevelopment; History of Aid; Aid and Development: Theories and Empirics; Political Economy of Aid; Experience and Impact of Aid; New Instruments of Aid: e.g. Micro-Finance, Budget-Support; Fair-Trade. | |||||
Literature | Articles and book abstracts will be uploaded to a course website. |
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