2012/2013  KAN-CMO_PVCG  'Value Chains and the Global Economy: Governance, Upgrading and Sustainability'

English Title

'Value Chains and the Global Economy: Governance, Upgrading and Sustainability'

Course information
Language	English
Exam ECTS	7.5 ECTS
Type	Elective
Level	Full Degree Master
Duration	One Semester
Course period	Spring Changes in course schedule may occur Thursday 09.50-12.35, week 6, 8, 16-19 Thursday 13.30-16.05, week 9-12
Time Table	Please see course schedule at e-Campus
Max. participants	50
Study board	Study Board for BSc/MSc i International Business and Politics, MSc
Course coordinator
Stefano Ponte - Department for Business and Politics
Main Category of the Course
Globalization, International Business, markets and studies International Political Economy Corporate and Business Strategy Economic and organizational sociology
Last updated on 21-11-2012

Examination

Term paper, 10 pages: Type of test Term Paper Marking scale 7-step scale Second examiner No second examiner Exam period Spring Term Aids Open Book, Written and Electronic Aid is permitted Duration Please, see the detailed regulations below

Course content

Global Value Chain (GVC) analysis seeks to explain how the global economy is structured and how it is evolving. GVC analysis approaches the ‘global’ in a bottom-up fashion through aggregation of product-specific experiences and reflects upon regional and local dynamics. It aims at understanding where certain functions are located in value chains, who carries out these functions and how value is created, allocated and captured and by whom.   This course will provide students with the main theoretical, conceptual and analytical tools of GVC analysis so that they can apply them to specific case studies. A first area of focus will be on what kinds of mechanisms ‘lead firms’ use to govern GVCs. A second area of focus will be on upgrading trajectories and possibilities. A third area will be on the interplay of regulation, institutions and sustainability processes in terms of GVC governance and upgrading. Particular attention will be paid to the setting, management and application of sustainability standards and certifications and how they shape GVCs. Empirical material will cover a wide range of industries, but special attention will be paid to agriculture, forestry and food value chains and to biofuels.

Teaching methods

Lectures and discussion sessions