Agricultural Economics 9520

Economics of Agribusiness Strategy

University of Missouri

Instructor

  Michael L. Cook
  125C Mumford Hall
  Phone:  573 - 882-0127
  Fax:  573 - 882-3958
  Email:  CookML@missouri.edu
  Web: www.ssu.missouri.edu/faculty/mcook

 Administrative Assistant:  

  Gail Foristal
  127 Mumford Hall
  882-2823


 

Assignments

Reading List

Winter Semester 2005

Course Description:  This course is part of the PhD core in Agribusiness which includes AGEC 8050 (New Institutional Economics), AGEC 461 (Coordination of Agribusiness Networks) and AGEC 9510 (Economics of Agribusiness Organization).  
        The objective of this course is to study and analyze agribusiness strategy from the perspective of economics.  Much can be learned by benchmarking durable principles applicable to different strategic situations.  We will use the industry, the firm, the transaction, the business unit, and the decision as a unit of analysis.  We will explore how competing and complementary schools of thought address strategic issues. 
        The course will also introduce you to the world of field work in the study of agribusiness strategy.  
        The first day of class is very important for determining the direction of the course.  

Sources:  Most of the theoretic readings in the course are derived from 

All readings assigned must be read before class.  

Course Overview and Evaluation:  The class will include a balance of lecture, group and student discussion and dialogue with agribusiness leaders.  Theoretical and empirical studies will create the foundation for the industry participant dialogue.  
        Grades for the course will be based upon the following:  

Research Case Outline 5%
Research Case Instructor Notes 40%
Questions for Industry Speaker 15%
Quizzes 25%
Article Leadership 15%

Research Case Outline (5%):  (DUE OCTOBER 14)  A research case must be identified (either an original or current case).  The student is to outline the case and describe the strategic issue(s) to be addressed.  

Research Case Instructor Notes (40%):  (OUTLINE DUE NOVEMBER 4TH)  The instructor will review the alternative approaches of analyzing the strategic issue(s).  The research note will also review the empirical work relevant to these types of strategic issues and given current information and knowledge the author will suggest a solution or set of solutions for the identified strategic issues and finally the author will outline a research approach, including an appropriate field work approach.  (COMPLETE NOTE DUE DECEMBER 9th)

Questions (15%):  Derived from the theoretical readings, the student will prepare a set of questions for the invited speakers.  The student will submit the question to the instructor before the presentation by the invited speaker.  

Quizzes (25%):  There will be several short quizzes throughout the semester to help the instructor determine the level of understanding being acquired by the student.  

Article Leadership (15%):  Students will be given the opportunity to lead a discussion of assigned articles.  A format will be provided.   

 

  • If you have special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act and need special arrangements for this class, you may contact your professor or Pat Acton, 209 Mumford Hall, Social Sciences Unit.
  • Academic honesty is fundamental to the activities and principles of a university. All members of the academic community must be confident that each person's work has been responsibly and honorably acquired, developed, and presented. Any effort to gain an advantage not given to all students is dishonest whether or not the effort is successful. The academic community regards academic dishonesty as an extremely serious matter, with serious consequences that range from probation to expulsion. When in doubt about plagiarism, paraphrasing, quoting, or collaboration, consult the course instructor.