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Paul B. Stoddard,
Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D.,
Joana Colussi, Ph.D.,
and
Ailie Elmore
Learners will be introduced to the production and distribution of agricultural commodities and food products. Topics will cover the full range of the agriculture supply chain, from pre-farm to the consumer, to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation for where and how crops and livestock are produced, and the systems used to distribute products to consumers. As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to describe the global nature of food chains from input supply to final consumer and explain the important drivers of demand for food products throughout the world.
Read more
Learners will be introduced to the production and distribution of agricultural commodities and food products. Topics will cover the full range of the agriculture supply chain, from pre-farm to the consumer, to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation for where and how crops and livestock are produced, and the systems used to distribute products to consumers. As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to describe the global nature of food chains from input supply to final consumer and explain the important drivers of demand for food products throughout the world.
Read more
Learners will be introduced to the production and distribution of agricultural commodities and food products. Topics will cover the full range of the agriculture supply chain, from pre-farm to the consumer, to provide students with a better understanding and appreciation for where and how crops and livestock are produced, and the systems used to distribute products to consumers. As a result of completing this course, learners will be able to describe the global nature of food chains from input supply to final consumer and explain the important drivers of demand for food products throughout the world.
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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/djv7zf/supply
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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.
Read more
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.
Read more
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
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what should give you pause and
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Teaches global agriculture and supply chains, which is highly relevant for understanding the food system and its global challenges
Taught by Gary Schnitkey, Ailie Elmore, Joana Colussi, and Paul B. Stoddard, who are recognized experts in the field of agricultural economics and supply chain management
Provides a comprehensive overview of the agricultural supply chain, from input supply to final consumer, helping learners understand the complexities of the global food system
Covers key topics such as productivity variables, seed genetics, environmental concerns, and the consolidation of the agricultural industry
May require learners to have some background knowledge in agricultural economics or supply chain management, or be willing to do additional research
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Reviews summary
Foundational overview of agricultural supply chains
According to learners, this course provides a comprehensive and well-structured overview of the agricultural supply chain, covering topics from pre-farm inputs to final consumer distribution. Students appreciate its ability to offer a solid foundational understanding of global food chains and agricultural productivity. While the course content is widely considered clear and easy to follow, some experienced professionals note it can be too basic for advanced learners, suggesting it's best suited for those new to the field or seeking a refresher. A few learners also expressed a desire for more real-world case studies and interactive elements to enhance engagement.
Informative; some learners find delivery dry.
"While the course provides a good introduction, I felt some parts were a bit dry."
"The instructor's voice was a bit monotone, but the material itself was sound."
"Enjoyed the course, especially the discussions on precision agriculture and technology, making it engaging at times."
Offers relevant insights; more practical examples desired.
"Wish there were more real-world case studies to provide concrete examples."
"I would have liked more interactive elements or perhaps more contemporary examples."
"I found it very applicable to understanding current market dynamics and how food gets to the table."
Ideal for beginners; limited depth for experts.
"For someone already working in agriculture, some parts might feel basic, but it's great for refreshing knowledge or for newcomers."
"Found this course too basic for my needs. I was looking for more advanced concepts and a deeper dive."
"Probably good for absolute beginners, but not for me with a background in logistics."
Well-organized modules make complex topics easy.
"The modules were well-structured and the content was easy to follow, making complex topics accessible."
"The course content is well-organized, providing a logical flow through the complex topic of agricultural supply chains."
"The concepts are presented clearly, and the structure helps build knowledge progressively."
Provides a strong, foundational understanding.
"This course provided an excellent comprehensive overview of the agricultural supply chain."
"A good introductory course. It covers a lot of ground from farm to consumer."
"The course gives a solid foundation in the agricultural supply chain. It broadened my perspective on the industry significantly."
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 Supply Chain of Agriculture with these
activities:
Review critical thinking skills
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing critical thinking skills, such as analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and solving problems.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
-
Identify and summarize the main arguments in a given text.
-
Evaluate the strength and validity of evidence used to support an argument.
-
Identify and evaluate different perspectives on a topic.
-
Construct and evaluate a logical argument.
Review the parts of a plant
Show steps
Review the parts of a plant to recall their functions and how they work together to support the growth and development of the plant.
Show steps
-
Gather resources such as textbooks, online articles, or videos on plant anatomy.
-
Identify and label the major parts of a plant, including the roots, stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
-
Describe the functions of each plant part and explain how they contribute to the overall growth and survival of the plant.
Volunteer at a local farmers' market
Show steps
Volunteer at a local farmers' market to gain practical experience in agriculture and connect with the local food system.
Show steps
-
Contact local farmers' markets and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
-
Choose a farmers' market that aligns with your interests and availability.
-
Attend volunteer training sessions to learn about the market's operations and procedures.
-
Assist farmers with tasks such as setting up stalls, selling produce, and interacting with customers.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Form a study group with classmates
Show steps
Form a study group to collaborate with classmates and enhance understanding through discussions and shared perspectives.
Show steps
-
Identify classmates with similar interests and schedules.
-
Establish a regular meeting time and location for the study group.
-
Set group goals and develop a study plan that aligns with the course objectives.
-
Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, and facilitating Q&A sessions.
Solve agricultural supply chain case studies
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of agricultural supply chain concepts by solving case studies that simulate real-world challenges.
Browse courses on
Agricultural Supply Chain
Show steps
-
Analyze a case study to identify the key issues and challenges.
-
Develop and evaluate alternative solutions to the challenges identified.
-
Present the recommended solution and justify its benefits.
Practice identifying crop diseases
Show steps
Practice identifying crop diseases to enhance diagnostic skills and improve decision-making for disease management.
Show steps
-
Collect images or specimens of crop diseases from various sources.
-
Study the characteristics of different crop diseases, including their symptoms, causes, and management practices.
-
Use diagnostic tools such as field guides, online resources, or expert consultations to identify crop diseases accurately.
-
Develop a systematic approach for diagnosing crop diseases based on their symptoms and environmental conditions.
Attend a workshop on precision agriculture technologies
Show steps
Attend a workshop to gain hands-on experience with precision agriculture technologies and their applications in the field.
Browse courses on
Precision Agriculture
Show steps
-
Research and identify relevant workshops on precision agriculture technologies.
-
Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements for travel and accommodation.
-
Actively participate in the workshop, engage with experts, and learn about the latest advancements in precision agriculture.
-
Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to enhance understanding and improve practices.
Develop a plan for an agricultural enterprise
Show steps
Develop a plan to start an agricultural enterprise and apply the knowledge gained in the course to real-world business scenarios.
Show steps
-
Identify a specific agricultural enterprise that aligns with your interests and skills.
-
Conduct market research to assess the feasibility of your enterprise and identify target customers.
-
Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your production strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections.
-
Present your business plan to a panel of experts for feedback and guidance.
Create a visual representation of agricultural productivity trends
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of agricultural productivity by creating a visual representation of historical and current trends, using tools like charts, graphs, or infographics.
Show steps
-
Gather data on agricultural productivity from reliable sources.
-
Choose an appropriate visual format to represent the data.
-
Create a clear and visually appealing representation of the data.
-
Interpret the trends and insights revealed by the visual representation.
Develop a presentation on sustainable agriculture practices
Show steps
Develop a presentation to showcase understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and their benefits for environmental preservation.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Agriculture
Show steps
-
Research various sustainable agriculture practices and their impact on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.
-
Design a presentation that clearly explains the principles and benefits of sustainable agriculture.
-
Incorporate real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of sustainable practices.
-
Practice delivering the presentation and gather feedback to improve its clarity and impact.
Review critical thinking skills
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing critical thinking skills, such as analyzing arguments, evaluating evidence, and solving problems.
Browse courses on
Critical Thinking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify and summarize the main arguments in a given text.
- Evaluate the strength and validity of evidence used to support an argument.
- Identify and evaluate different perspectives on a topic.
- Construct and evaluate a logical argument.
Review the parts of a plant
Show steps
Review the parts of a plant to recall their functions and how they work together to support the growth and development of the plant.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather resources such as textbooks, online articles, or videos on plant anatomy.
- Identify and label the major parts of a plant, including the roots, stem, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
- Describe the functions of each plant part and explain how they contribute to the overall growth and survival of the plant.
Volunteer at a local farmers' market
Show steps
Volunteer at a local farmers' market to gain practical experience in agriculture and connect with the local food system.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Contact local farmers' markets and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
- Choose a farmers' market that aligns with your interests and availability.
- Attend volunteer training sessions to learn about the market's operations and procedures.
- Assist farmers with tasks such as setting up stalls, selling produce, and interacting with customers.
Seven other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all ten activities
Form a study group with classmates
Show steps
Form a study group to collaborate with classmates and enhance understanding through discussions and shared perspectives.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify classmates with similar interests and schedules.
- Establish a regular meeting time and location for the study group.
- Set group goals and develop a study plan that aligns with the course objectives.
- Take turns leading discussions, presenting summaries, and facilitating Q&A sessions.
Solve agricultural supply chain case studies
Show steps
Develop a deeper understanding of agricultural supply chain concepts by solving case studies that simulate real-world challenges.
Browse courses on
Agricultural Supply Chain
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze a case study to identify the key issues and challenges.
- Develop and evaluate alternative solutions to the challenges identified.
- Present the recommended solution and justify its benefits.
Practice identifying crop diseases
Show steps
Practice identifying crop diseases to enhance diagnostic skills and improve decision-making for disease management.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Collect images or specimens of crop diseases from various sources.
- Study the characteristics of different crop diseases, including their symptoms, causes, and management practices.
- Use diagnostic tools such as field guides, online resources, or expert consultations to identify crop diseases accurately.
- Develop a systematic approach for diagnosing crop diseases based on their symptoms and environmental conditions.
Attend a workshop on precision agriculture technologies
Show steps
Attend a workshop to gain hands-on experience with precision agriculture technologies and their applications in the field.
Browse courses on
Precision Agriculture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research and identify relevant workshops on precision agriculture technologies.
- Register for the workshop and make necessary arrangements for travel and accommodation.
- Actively participate in the workshop, engage with experts, and learn about the latest advancements in precision agriculture.
- Apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop to enhance understanding and improve practices.
Develop a plan for an agricultural enterprise
Show steps
Develop a plan to start an agricultural enterprise and apply the knowledge gained in the course to real-world business scenarios.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify a specific agricultural enterprise that aligns with your interests and skills.
- Conduct market research to assess the feasibility of your enterprise and identify target customers.
- Develop a comprehensive business plan that outlines your production strategy, marketing plan, and financial projections.
- Present your business plan to a panel of experts for feedback and guidance.
Create a visual representation of agricultural productivity trends
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of agricultural productivity by creating a visual representation of historical and current trends, using tools like charts, graphs, or infographics.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather data on agricultural productivity from reliable sources.
- Choose an appropriate visual format to represent the data.
- Create a clear and visually appealing representation of the data.
- Interpret the trends and insights revealed by the visual representation.
Develop a presentation on sustainable agriculture practices
Show steps
Develop a presentation to showcase understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and their benefits for environmental preservation.
Browse courses on
Sustainable Agriculture
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research various sustainable agriculture practices and their impact on soil health, water conservation, and biodiversity.
- Design a presentation that clearly explains the principles and benefits of sustainable agriculture.
- Incorporate real-world examples and case studies to demonstrate the effectiveness of sustainable practices.
- Practice delivering the presentation and gather feedback to improve its clarity and impact.
Career center
Learners who complete Supply Chain of Agriculture will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Commercial Farmer
Commercial Farmer
Commercial Farmers oversee the production of crops or livestock for sale. Taking this course could help them better understand the agricultural supply chain and how their role fits within it. This may help them make better decisions about production and distribution.
Agronomist
Agronomist
Agronomists work to improve soil quality and crop production. This course can provide them with a good foundation in agricultural production and supply chains, which can help them make better decisions about how to improve crop yields.
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Manager
Supply Chain Managers oversee the flow of goods and services from suppliers to consumers. This course can help build a foundation in the agricultural supply chain, which is important for Supply Chain Managers in the agricultural industry to understand.
International Agricultural Development Specialist
International Agricultural Development Specialist
International Agricultural Development Specialists work to improve agricultural practices and food security in developing countries. This course could help them better understand the agricultural supply chain and how it can be used to improve food production and distribution in these countries.
Food Chain Analyst
Food Chain Analyst
Food Chain Analysts examine the food supply chain to identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. This course would help them understand the agricultural supply chain, from farm to consumer, which is a key part of the food supply chain.
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economist
Agricultural Economists analyze data to understand how agricultural products are produced and distributed. This course would help equip them with knowledge about the agricultural supply chain, from farm to consumer, which can help them produce more accurate, informed economic analyses.
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Manager
Quality Assurance Managers oversee the quality of food products. This course could provide them with knowledge about the agricultural supply chain and how it can be used to ensure the quality of food products.
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Engineer
Agricultural Engineers apply engineering principles to improve efficiency and technology in the agricultural industry. This course would help provide a foundation in agricultural supply chains and production, which is important for engineers to know so that they can create solutions which best meet the needs of the industry.
Commodity Broker
Commodity Broker
Commodity Brokers facilitate the buying and selling of agricultural commodities. This course can help build a foundation in the agricultural supply chain and the factors that drive demand for food products, which is important knowledge for commodity brokers to have.
Market Analyst
Market Analyst
Market Analysts research market trends and consumer behavior to help businesses make informed decisions. This course can help build a foundation in the agricultural supply chain and the factors that drive demand for food products, which could be helpful for market analysts in the agricultural industry.
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Regulatory Affairs Manager
Regulatory Affairs Managers ensure that their company's products and practices are in compliance with government regulations. This course can help build a foundation in the agricultural supply chain and the factors that drive demand for food products, which can help Regulatory Affairs Managers understand the industry and its regulations.
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientist
Animal Scientists study the biology, breeding, and management of animals used for food and fiber production. This course may be useful in helping them understand how animals are produced and distributed in the agricultural supply chain.
Technical Writer
Technical Writer
Technical Writers create instruction manuals and other documents that explain complex technical information. This course may be helpful to them in understanding the agricultural supply chain and how it can be used to produce food products. This knowledge can help them write more accurate and informative documents.
Policy Analyst
Policy Analyst
Policy Analysts research and analyze public policy issues. This course may be helpful to them in understanding agricultural policy and the role of the agricultural supply chain in food production and distribution.
Food Scientist
Food Scientist
Food Scientists research and develop new food products and processes. This course may be helpful to them in understanding how food is produced and distributed, which is a key part of the food industry.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/djv7zf/supply
Reading list
We've selected six 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
Supply Chain of Agriculture.
Save
Explores the complex issues of food security and sustainability, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities facing the global food system.
Provides a comprehensive overview of agricultural production systems, including crop production, livestock production, and aquaculture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable food systems, including the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of sustainable food production and consumption.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the economics of agricultural production. It discusses the principles of agricultural production, the challenges and opportunities facing agricultural production, and the future of agricultural production.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the political economy of food. It discusses the principles of the political economy of food, the challenges and opportunities facing the political economy of food, and the future of the political economy of food.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the social life of food. It discusses the principles of the social life of food, the challenges and opportunities facing the social life of food, and the future of the social life of food.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/djv7zf/supply
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Effort
4 weeks of study, 2.5 hours/week
Level
Intermediate
Via
Coursera
Institution
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Instructors
Paul B. Stoddard
Gary Schnitkey, Ph.D.
Joana Colussi, Ph.D.
Ailie Elmore
Language
English
Transcript
tiếng Việt
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