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Paul B. Stoddard, Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D., Joana Colussi, Ph.D., and Ailie Elmore

Learners in this course will examine global trade agreements -- including policies, barriers, and regulations -- of agricultural commodities, and discuss implications of world and economic disruptions on the food supply chain. Throughout this course, learners will also discuss issues of sustainability, technology, and the environment as it relates to the supply and distribution of food products.

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Learners in this course will examine global trade agreements -- including policies, barriers, and regulations -- of agricultural commodities, and discuss implications of world and economic disruptions on the food supply chain. Throughout this course, learners will also discuss issues of sustainability, technology, and the environment as it relates to the supply and distribution of food products.

This course is part of the College of ACES suite of online programs, including the graduate-level course, "Global Agriculture and Supply Chains" that can be stacked toward a graduate certificate and graduate degree. To learn more about online programs from the College of ACES and explore ways to apply your Coursera work toward a degree program at the University of Illinois, visit ACES Online @ aces.illinois.edu/online.

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What's inside

Syllabus

COURSE ORIENTATION
You will become familiar with the course, your classmates, and our learning environment. The orientation will also help you obtain the technical skills required for the course.
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Develops skills and knowledge that are important in the agriculture sector
Covers various facets of global trade in agricultural commodities, their implications, and future trends
Led by experts in the field, providing insights from both academic and industry perspectives
Examines the impact of sustainability, technology, and environmental factors on the food supply chain
May require prior knowledge in agriculture or economics to fully grasp the concepts
Can complement a graduate-level course in global agriculture and supply chains, leading to a graduate certificate or degree

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Reviews summary

Global food supply chain insights

According to learners, this course offers a highly relevant and comprehensive overview of critical issues in the global food supply chain. Students find the instructor's lectures engaging and the course material well-structured. While some experienced professionals initially found the content a bit basic, particularly older versions, recent feedback highlights significant improvements in depth and currency, especially in the technologies module. It provides valuable insights into global trade, sustainability, and economic disruptions, making it ideal for career-focused students and mid-career professionals seeking a strong foundational understanding or a comprehensive refresher.
Strong overview; advanced learners may desire deeper dives.
"A solid introduction to supply chain issues, particularly with an agricultural focus. While it provides a good overview, I wished for more in-depth case studies."
"It's a good starting point, but don't expect deep dives. The quizzes were straightforward."
"Good for a general overview, but for someone needing deep dives into specific regulations or technologies, it's a bit light."
Connects to a larger academic pathway for career advancement.
"The link to University of Illinois's ACES program is a great bonus."
"It sets a good stage for further learning and complements the graduate certificate program."
"I appreciate that this course can be stacked toward a graduate certificate and degree at the University of Illinois, making it a valuable investment."
Instructor is knowledgeable and delivers content effectively.
"The instructor's lectures were engaging. I found the section on economic disruptions very timely."
"The instructor was knowledgeable."
"The instructor brought a lot of expertise and clarity to complex topics."
Updated and improved, addressing earlier criticisms.
"Came back to edit my review: The course has improved significantly! When I first took it (early version), some parts were basic."
"Now, it's much more updated, especially the 'Technologies' module. It's a much richer experience now. Very practical and relevant."
"Initial concerns about slightly outdated data, mentioned in older reviews, appear to be addressed in newer iterations, making the content very timely."
Incredibly current and applicable to real-world challenges.
"This course is incredibly relevant for anyone in the food industry. The modules on global trade and future technologies were particularly insightful."
"As someone working in agri-food, I found the discussions on sustainability and technology highly relevant to my daily work."
"The course does an excellent job of highlighting the critical issues facing the food supply chain. The examples are relatable."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Issues in Supply Chain Management with these activities:
Organize Course Materials for Easy Reference
Stay organized throughout the course by compiling and structuring your notes and resources.
Browse courses on Study Skills
Show steps
  • Create a system for organizing materials, such as a binder or digital folder
  • Regularly add notes, readings, and other relevant materials to your organized system
  • Review your organized materials regularly to reinforce your learning
Explore Online Tutorials on Data Analysis for Agricultural Trade
Enhance your skills in analyzing data related to agricultural trade by working through online tutorials.
Show steps
  • Find reputable online tutorials on data analysis for agricultural trade
  • Follow the tutorials and complete the exercises
  • Practice applying the techniques to real-world data sets
Show all two activities

Career center

Learners who complete Issues in Supply Chain Management will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Sustainability Consultant
A Sustainability Consultant helps organizations develop and implement sustainability plans. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Agricultural Economist
An Agricultural Economist applies economic principles to the food and agricultural industries. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Supply Chain Analyst
A Supply Chain Analyst is responsible for managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of technology on the supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
International Trade Specialist
An International Trade Specialist helps businesses navigate the complexities of global trade. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Product Manager
A Product Manager is responsible for the development and marketing of new products and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of technology on the supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Purchasing Manager
A Purchasing Manager is responsible for the procurement of goods and services for an organization. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Quality Assurance Manager
A Quality Assurance Manager is responsible for ensuring that products and services meet quality standards. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of technology on the supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Regulatory Affairs Manager
A Regulatory Affairs Manager is responsible for ensuring that products and services comply with government regulations. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Sales Manager
A Sales Manager is responsible for leading and managing a sales team. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Transportation Manager
A Transportation Manager is responsible for planning and managing the transportation of goods and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Food Scientist
A Food Scientist develops and tests new food products and processes. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of the impact of technology on food production and distribution, the challenges of sustainability in the food industry, and the role of food science in meeting the needs of a growing population.
Market Research Analyst
A Market Research Analyst collects and analyzes data to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of economic disruptions on the food supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager is responsible for planning, coordinating, and supervising the production and delivery of goods and services. This course can help you develop the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, including an understanding of global trade policies and regulations, the impact of technology on the supply chain, and the challenges of sustainability in the food industry.
Sustainability Manager
A Sustainability Manager develops and implements plans to reduce the environmental impact of an organization. To be successful in this role, you should understand the principles of sustainability and how they apply to the food industry. This course provides a foundation in sustainability, covering topics such as the environmental impact of food production and distribution, and the role of technology in sustainable food systems.
Environmental Scientist
An Environmental Scientist studies the impact of human activities on the environment. This course may be useful for those interested in pursuing a career in environmental science, as it provides a foundation in sustainability, covering topics such as the environmental impact of food production and distribution, and the role of technology in sustainable food systems.

Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Issues in Supply Chain Management.
Provides a critical analysis of the global food system, covering topics such as trade, food security, and sustainability. It would be a useful supplement to this course, providing a broader perspective on the issues discussed.
This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of supply chain management principles and practices. It would be a useful resource for this course, providing a solid foundation in the subject.
Provides a theoretical framework for analyzing the relationship between trade and the environment. It would be a valuable resource for this course, providing a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between these two areas.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural economics. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the economic principles that govern the production, distribution, and consumption of agricultural products.
This report from the World Bank examines the role of trade in ending hunger and food insecurity. It provides evidence on the benefits of trade for food security and discusses the policy implications for promoting trade-led growth.
Provides a discussion of the challenges and opportunities facing global food policy. It valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the policy issues facing the global food system.
Provides a sociological perspective on the global food system. It would be a useful supplement to this course, providing a different lens through which to view the issues discussed.
Provides a theoretical and policy-oriented overview of international trade and development. It would be a useful supplement to this course, providing a broader perspective on the issues discussed.

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