The aim of the course is to explore value chains in collaboration with international students from Italy, Switzerland and The Netherland and, at the same time, to learn working in virtual international Teams featuring different expertise (agriculture, business and economics and food technology).
The aim is that the students collaborate to define the characteristics of the value chain and make at least one proposal to improve it. Improvements can mean in terms of sustainability or in terms of adjustments to leverage markets (for example prices/demand/offering, emerging value chains with particular benefits and agricultural, scientific, consumer/strategic/business point of view).
The main topics will focus on: characteristics of agricultural markets; procurement dynamics, purchasing strategies and operations; commodities, factors influencing quality and prices.
Partner University:
Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Zurigo, Svizzera) and The Haugue University of Applied Sciences (L’Aia, Paesi Bassi)
Assigend Professor UC:
Professor Giorgia Spigno (giorgia.spigno@unicatt.it), Professor Roberta Dordoni (roberta.dordoni@unicatt.it), Professor Castellari (elena.castellari@unicatt.it)
Target students:
Students enrolled in:
- Second / Third year of the Bachelor degree in Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari (Piacenza and Cremona)
- Second / Third year of the Bachelor degree in Food Production Management (Piacenza)
Dates:
19 February - 15 June 2026
Credits:
- Students in the second / third year of the Bachelor degree in Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari (Piacenza): 6 CFU out of the 18 credits for elective Other Academic Activities, to be included in your study plan as ‘international activity’.
- Students in the second / third year of the Bachelor degree in Scienze e Tecnologie Alimentari (Cremona): 6 CFU out of the 12 credits for elective Other Academic Activities, to be included in your study plan as ‘international activity’.
- Students in the second / third year of the Bachelor degree in Food Production Management (Piacenza): 4 CFU out of the 12 credits for elective Other Academic Activities, to be included in your study plan as ‘international activity’.
Participants will find the instructions for completing the Programme Plan in the “Documents” section of the International Mobility Portal Dashboard.
In addition, the recognition of 1 extra ECTS credit for international activities is provided.