Sustainability Analysis in the Agri-Food Sector

44M0505

Master

German

5.0

only summer term

1 semester

The module “Sustainability Analysis in the Agri-Food Sector” provides a comprehensive overview of the topic of sustainability, including definitions, dimensions and their relevance, as well as a discussion of current trends and political framework conditions. The course also focuses on the development of sustainability concepts and an introduction to sustainability indicators and standards. Students learn techniques for data collection and preparation, which are essential for sustainability analysis, and deal with quantitative and qualitative assessment methods. In addition, students learn how to use the RISE software for the practical analysis and evaluation of sustainability-relevant data and use it to evaluate and optimize the sustainability of an agricultural business. Finally, strategies for the development of sustainable business models are discussed, with a focus on integrated sustainability management.

1) Introduction to sustainability (analysis)

• Definition, dimensions and relevance of sustainability
• Debate on trends and political framework conditions
• Discussion on the evolution of sustainability concepts in the agri-food sector
• General introduction to sustainability indicators and standards

2) Data collection and preparation

• (Internal & external) data as a core element of sustainability analysis
• Techniques for collecting and organizing relevant farm data
• Strategies for ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data
• Methods for involving relevant stakeholders in the data collection process

3) Economic evaluation methods

• Overview of qual. and quant. Methods of economic evaluation
• Introduction to and practical application of life cycle cost analysis
• Return on investment for identified optimization measures
• Case studies on the application of different assessment methods

4) Material flow management and life cycle assessments

• Introduction to the methodology of material flow management
• Classification in the agri-food sector: background and objectives
• Analysis, interpretation and verification of material and substance flows
• Approaches to the implementation of optimization measures

5) Practical analysis and evaluation using the RISE software

• Introduction to the theoretical principles of RISE
• Instructions for data entry, analysis and interpretation of results
• Implementation of a complete evaluation project of an agricultural enterprise
• Classification of the results and development of recommendations for improvement

6) Sustainable profitability strategies

• Introduction to the field of sustainability strategies
• Transferring the results into a sustainability target system
• Development of business models: Sustainability and profitability
• Transfer of the results into an integrated sustainability management system

Independent work: After the introduction to the topics described above, students must independently familiarize themselves with the preparation of the sustainability analysis using RISE. In doing so, they deal intensively with the individual life cycles and the respective indicators for the analysis and deepen their knowledge. An initial interpretation of the analysis results is also carried out independently and must be presented and discussed by the students in plenary sessions.

The total workload for the module is 150 hours (see also "ECTS credit points and grading").

The course takes the form of an introductory event and a 2.5-day block seminar.

• Lecture and presentation
• Group work and discussion rounds
• Practical exercises and case studies
• Comprehensive assessment of a real agricultural business
• Group presentations

• Homework / Assignment or
• Written examination

Term paper:

• The term paper covers one of the thematic focal points from the jointly conducted RISE sustainability assessment - these are determined/assigned in the lecture.
• The requirements for writing a scientific paper should be adhered to when writing the term paper (HSOS guidelines).
  The term paper is written in small groups (2-4 people) and comprises 15-20 pages per person (depending on the number of graphics)
• Before the term paper is written, there is an ungraded presentation of the project by the respective small groups (initial findings from the joint assessment, presentation of the relevant indicators and potential for improvement)

alternatively: written exam, 2 hours

Previous knowledge in the field of sustainability management is helpful, but not required.

The module provides students with in-depth knowledge of current methods of sustainability assessment and development in the agri-food sector. They gain a deep understanding of the theoretical foundations of the RISE software and learn to apply this knowledge in practice. By engaging with real-life case studies and applying analytical techniques, theoretical knowledge is transformed into practical skills. This effectively prepares students to make science-based decisions and develop innovative solutions to sustainable challenges in the agriculture and food sector.

The module provides in-depth knowledge of data collection, processing and interpretation in order to create a reliable basis for sustainability analyses in the agrifood sector. Students acquire knowledge of various assessment methods and their practical application. These methods are used for the targeted derivation of optimization measures and the development of effective sustainability management. The RISE software is used in practical exercises to independently analyze agricultural enterprises and integrate the results into sustainable profitability strategies and business models.

In addition to the developments and relevance of the topic of sustainability in the agrifood sector, this module also focuses on comprehensively understanding and specifically applying assessment methods. A key focus is on deriving relevant sustainability indicators and understanding their interactions in order to interpret and coordinate them coherently. In addition, the identification and evaluation of specific leverage effects that can be used to optimize sustainability strategies in the agrifood sector is also made possible.

The module promotes students' ability to effectively transfer theoretical concepts and applied methods of sustainability analysis into real operational contexts. By focusing on the collection, organization and interpretation of internal and external data, students learn to systematically use relevant information and adapt it to specific use cases. The practical application of the RISE software also enables them to convert analyzed data directly into strategic decision-making processes. In addition, the transfer of results into sustainable business models and integrated management systems is supported, which facilitates the implementation of theoretical concepts into practical, economically viable strategies and also requires consideration of other scientific disciplines.

By examining current trends and political frameworks for sustainability development, students are encouraged to discuss innovative solutions to the challenges in the agri-food sector and to question the status quo. They are also given the opportunity to explore creative approaches to optimizing processes, developing sustainable business models and developing effective resource efficiency strategies through the practical application of a wide range of analytical methods and the use of RISE software. Overall, however, students' innovation skills are also promoted by learning how to design forward-looking sustainability strategies and transfer these into integrated sustainability management.

Students learn how to communicate effectively about the different aspects of sustainability and their relevance. They develop the ability to clearly present and justify findings and trends from the debate on policy frameworks and evolutionary concepts in the agri-food sector. They also practise presenting and discussing data-based results and economic evaluations with precision. Another focus is on communicating with relevant stakeholders during data collection to ensure their active involvement and to guide them professionally through an interview situation. By presenting, discussing and defending their analysis results in plenary sessions, students also strengthen their ability to communicate complex issues orally and in writing.

The module promotes students' ability to critically scrutinize and analytically process theoretical findings. By dealing with complex topics such as the relevance of sustainability and relevant concepts in the agri-food sector, a deep understanding of scientific discourses and their application in practice is developed. In addition, students are introduced to precise, methodical data collection and analysis, with an emphasis on ensuring data integrity and the involvement of relevant stakeholders. By applying evaluation methods and software tools such as RISE in practical projects, students hone their ability to make well-founded decisions and justify them in a comprehensible manner. The independent processing and presentation of analysis results in plenary sessions also promotes communication skills and the ability to present scientific results.

• Berstermann, Jan

• Berstermann, Jan