Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis Module

Abstract:: This module was developed from the first topic of the Collaborative Masters in Agricultural and Applied Economics course titled Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis. The module is subdivided into five sections. In section one introductory remarks, module objectives and expected learning outcomes are expounded. In section two, sub module 1 whose main thrust is to discuss economic role of prices is presented and related case studies and assignments unveiled. In section three, sub module 2, which centres on the various approaches to the study of agricultural market organization and performance, is presented and the related case studies unveiled. In section four, key issues discussed in the module are summarised. Finally in section five, two abstracts of the findings by masters' students during the application of the modular approach to the maize and dairy subsector stakeholders are annexed.

Agricultural Marketing and Price Analysis - Review of the Economic Role of Prices and Approaches to the Study of Agricultural Marketing

Abstract:: The objective of this course is to provide students with a theoretical and empirical basis for valuating agricultural marketing organization and actors for market performance and public policy decision, and to enable them develop and use the tools of economic theory to analyse issues related to the marketing of agricultural commodities. In addition, case study reports and video footage that demonstrate coffee marketing in Ethiopia are included. After completing this course, the students should: Apply economic theory to problems of agricultural marketing; Design strategies for effective market performance; Use marketing concepts for analyzing market structure and performance in agriculture and formulate effective agricultural marketing policy; Apply theoretical models of imperfect market structures to inform public policy; Appreciate organizational forms unique to agricultural industries; and Understand price discovery mechanisms under different market structures.

Abstract:: Develops facility with concepts, language, and analytical tools of economics. Covers microeconomics, macroeconomics, and international trade and payments. Emphasizes integration of theory, data, and judgment in the analysis of corporate decisions and public policy, and in the assessment of changing US and international business environments. Restricted to Sloan Fellows. The fact of scarcity forces individuals, firms, and societies to choose among alternative uses -- or allocations -- of its limited resources. Accordingly, the first part of this summer course seeks to understand how economists model the choice process of individual consumers and firms, and how markets work to coordinate these choices. It also examines how well markets perform this function using the economist's criterion of market efficiency. Overall, this course focuses on microeconomics, with some topics from macroeconomics and international trade. It emphasizes the integration of theory, data, and judgment in the analysis of corporate decisions and public policy, and in the assessment of changing U.S. and international business environments.

Abstract:: A survey of world economic history, designed to introduce economics graduate students to the subject matter and methodology of economic history. Topics chosen to show a wide variety of historical experience and illuminate the process of industrialization. Term paper due at the end of IAP.

Abstract:: " This course is a survey of world economic history, and it introduces economics students to the subject matter and methodology of economic history. It is designed to expand the range of empirical settings in students' research by drawing upon historical material and long-run data. Topics are chosen to show a wide variety of historical experience and illuminate the process of industrialization. The emphasis will be on questions related to labor markets and economic growth."