Minor: Agri-food Value Chains 4.0 

Economics and Business Students in the Netherlands need to diversify, as their job prospects, in comparison to other studies, need to be stronger, according to a report by Bakens et al,. (2020) . On the other hand, agriculture, Engineering and IT studies show a good level of potential in relation to the current job market needs, see for most current list of needs.

See: Bakens, J., Fouarge, D., & Goedhart, R. (2020). Labour market forecasts by education and occupation up to 2024. ROA. ROA Technical Reports No. 002 https://doi.org/10.26481/umarot.2020002

This minor aims to provide knowledge to prepare students for the digital transformation across agri-food value chains. The course is in two parts: applied theory on digitalisation in agri-food value chains and in a practical setting, i.e., a food company looking to implement digital technologies or a digital company looking towards the agri-food business.

The minor we focus on a series of disciplines related to Industry 4.0 concepts and apply those concepts in the agri-food value chain Towards Agri-Food 4.0 , to optimise efficiency, improve sustainability, and enhance overall productivity in the agri-food sector.

The course provides a range of topics that not compete with other minors, specifically the minor on smart agriculture, which is primarily focused on the production end of the chain. Although areas may cross over, this course will focus more on digitalisation and technologies that can be applied across the chain from the industrial 4.0 era. Specifically, the topics covered in the minor are:

 

Course One: Main Project Digital Transformation of Agri-Food Value Chain Company 

The student will work in a company to support the company concerning a need towards digitalisation, for example, requirements determination, feasibility studies, etc. 

 

Course Two: Applied Research Project

The student will work along side a real-life applied research project within this field.

 

Advanced Concepts in Digital Transformation of Agri-Food Value Chains. Topics are: 

Introduction to Industry 4.0 in Agri-food Supply Chains: Gain a comprehensive overview of the Industry 4.0 paradigm and understand its relevance and potential applications within the agri-food domain.

Identifying Barriers and Success Factors: Explore the challenges and opportunities that arise with adopting digital technologies in agri-food supply chains. Identify key success factors and learn strategies to overcome potential barriers.

Emerging Digital Technologies in Food Supply Chains: Discover the latest digital technologies that are transforming the agri-food industry. Explore case studies highlighting key technologies and their associated benefits.

Blockchain-based Food Supply Chains: Investigate the significance of blockchain technology in ensuring transparency, traceability, and trust in food supply chains. Learn how blockchain can revolutionise how we track and verify the origin and quality of food products.

Importance of People-Process-Technology (Who and What?): Understand the crucial role of people, processes, and technology in driving successful digital transformations in agri-food supply chains. Analyse case studies and apply the People-Process-Technology (PPT) framework to gain practical insights.

Digital Transformation: Examine transformation frameworks and discuss their relevance in agri-food 4.0. 

Requirements determination and learning how to prioritise technology implementation to maximise impact.

Feasibility Studies for Technology Adoption: Explore feasibility study models like Telos to evaluate the practicality and viability of adopting specific technologies in the agri-food industry. Learn how to conduct thorough assessments and make informed decisions.

Course three: Object-Oriented Programming for Non-computer Science Students

 

Professional Task
Researcher, engineer, consultant, manager
Precision Agriculture Specialist
Agri-food Digital Transformation Consultant
Agricultural Automation Engineer

Professional Role
Agri-food Supply Chain Manager
Sustainable Agriculture Technologist
Agri-food Process Control Engineer

Method of Instruction
Asynchronous lessons and class work online

Learning Objectives

Company Project or Internship:

• The student can decide one of two options a) company project with real life company, or b) internship related to industry 4.0 in agri-food systems.
• The student will understand how to enable digital transformation while operating within a company and throughout the entire supply chain.

Applied Research Project:

• The student is able to apply the theory towards a applied research project, at their internship companies, company project, or a research provided by a professorship.
• The student understand key trends and technologies in industry 4.0 in agri-food systems
• The student can identifying barriers and success factors for industry 4.0 in agri-food systems
• The student understand and can analyse the potential of emerging digital technologies in food supply chains
• The student can analyse a companies process of digital transformation and align it to readiness levels.

Theory:

• The student can perform requirements engineering tactics.
• The student can role out feasibility studies
• The student can identify how industry 4.0 technology will impact sustainability in the agri-food system.
• The student will be able to understand a systems approach and apply basic food system mapping.

Aeres competencies:

• To present (level 3)
• To research (level 3)
• To innovate (level 3)

End qualifications:

• Management of organizations, processes and project and people
• Optimizing logistics and managing the quality in agri-food chains

Mode of instruction:
This course will be offered in a blended format. Classes will be organized every second week, online and in the classroom

Pre-requisites
Completed three years of a business or engineering or related bachelor degree program.

Martindale, W., Duong, L., & Jagtop, S. (2022). Food industry 4.0: unlocking advancement opportunities in the food manufacturing sector. CABI.

Semester 1 2024-2025:
Every monday in week: 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51 and 2.

Elements: AAVC 10
ECTS: 5
Course: Company Project or Internship
Mode of Exam: Assessment
Period: 2

Elements: AAVC 20
ECTS: 5
Course: Applied Research Project
Mode of Exam: Assignment
Period: 2

Elements: AAVC 30
ECTS: 5
Course: Theory
Mode of Exam: Exam
Period: 1