Food Chain Management

Specific content information

First semester

Minor Food Supply Chain Management

In European countries such as The Netherlands, the food sector is under increasing pressure. On the one hand it is necessary to meet the demands of a more and more sophisticated market in agricultural and food products. On the other hand there are social and legal pressures to protect and promote environmental quality. To meet these sophisticated market changes, it is important that companies and organizations develop strong supply chain and logistic strategies that ensure a smooth flow of products, services, people, funds, and information. Limiting any bottlenecks that may occur within a single company or throughout the whole supply chain.

 

Furthermore, as consumers demand for value increases, it is important to understand how to address those needs. This is done through value creation. Value can be created in various ways which include limiting waste in the supply chain, being able to respond quickly to consumer orders, becoming more sustainable, lowering costs, increasing quality, being on time, being reliable, and being able to handle reverse logistics within the supply chain.

The Minor Supply Chain Management enables you to gain deeper understanding of food value chains. Professional areas of competence include food supply chain management, logistics, purchase management, distribution management, sustainability and lean management. You are expected to work as a professional (junior) consultant to solve bottlenecks in relation to supply chain and logistical structure. In order to give good advice, you will learn to focus on the following activities:

  • Analyzing the problems
  • Developing of possible alternative solutions
  • Choice of best option
  • Writing of a professional advisory report about an improvement process
  • Presenting your solution in a convincing way

Minor Export Management

Today’s businesses are facing globalized markets, which provide both threats and opportunities throughout various industries. The ability to move into new markets offers businesses the opportunity to grow. To make sure this growth strategy is successful, the company must use the right international strategy.

Second semester

The second semester focuses on gaining experience. Here you will apply what you have learnt in the way of knowledge and skills in the field of food chain supply management, by working on a research project that covers a relevant subject.