Duration

36 months

Objectives of the action

Overall objectives: To contribute to…

I ) ...adaptation of the production and marketing process in horticulture to changing market dynamics and demands in Asian countries

II ) ...creation of sustainable and quality-oriented regional, national and international food supply chains in Asian partner countries

III ) ...enhanced qualification of Asian students/graduates to cope with changing requirements in their future jobs as actors in the agri-/food sector

IV ) ...adaptation of curricula at Asian universities to changing requirements in agri/hort sector, involving multidisciplinary and problem-based learning and functioning university-industry networks

V ) ... an European - Asian academic partnership network for further development of the supply chain management concept in general and its adaptation to Asian reality

VI ) ... development of insider knowledge on the respective other‘s development dynamics in food production and trade, as well as of continuing exchange with a view to ensuring equal process and product quality standards

VII ) ... internationalisation of agricultural and horticultural education and research at European universities

Specific objectives:

1. Dense linking-up of European and Asian partner universities and industry for the applied and problem-oriented education in supply chain management and post-harvest technology in horticulture

2. Equipment of teaching staff and students at the Asian partner universities with the theoretical, social and practical know-how necessary for sustainable and quality-oriented food supply chain management, for analysing and solving complex problems thereof as well as for transferring knowledge to actors in these supply chains.

Partner(s)

1.                   Swedish Agricultural University (SLU), Sweden

2.                   Copenhagen University (KU, former KVL), Denmark

3.                   Katholieke Universiteit Leuven (K.U.Leuven), Belgium

4.                   Hanoi Agricultural University (HAU), Vietnam

5.                   Syiah Kuala University Aceh (UNSYIAH), Indonesia

6.                   China Agricultural University (CAU), China

Target group(s)

Present and prospective teaching staff as well as Msc. and doctoral students of horticulture at the Asian and European partner universities;

Enterprises and extension services in the horticultural and food sector in the Asian partner countries participating in university-industry network operations

Final beneficiaries

Scientific and teaching staff as well as students at the partner universities;

Enterprises, associations and governmental bodies in the horticultural and food sector in the partner countries; Consumers in the Asian partner countries

Estimated results

1.1 cooperation between 4 European and 3 Asian universities has been established / intensified

1.2 teaching staff at the partner universities has gained insight into educational structure, curriculum design and teaching methods at the other partner universities

1.3 teaching staff at the partner universities have identified key issues for further research and education in FSCM and post harvest technology which are specific for the respective countries and regions

1.4 exchange of experiences, of relevant know-how and of research outputs between partners is institutionalised

1.5 European students and young scientists gain insights into food supply chains in the Asian partner countries

1.6 Networks between partner universities and the agri/horticultural industry have been established, institutionalised and are used for joint activities

1.7 Actors in industry are involved in the finding of research and education topics relevant to their needs

2.1 Prospective teachers at Asian partner universities have gained know-how in using and supervising problem-based learning and multidisciplinary student research

2.2 Know-how of teaching staff from Asian partner universities in the fields of FSCM and PBL upgraded

2.3 Staff members at Asian partner universities use the problem-based learning approach in their teaching activities and support it with MOODLE (e-learning methods)

2.4 New modules (covering FSCM and post harvest issues) incorporated into horticultural curriculum and taught to students at Asian partner universities

2.5 Asian students of horticulture conduct applied and multidisciplinary research  (problem-based learning) and practical training through university-industry networks in the Asian partner countries

2.6 Asian students are advised in planning their career through university alumni in a mentoring programe

2.7 Regular curriculum evaluation and improvement institutionalised

2.8 Modern interactive study and teaching facilities (via MOODLE) incorporated

2.9 Knowledge transfer between universities and industry facilitated

2.10 Project participants have gained experience in curriculum development and are able to convey the approaches used to colleagues from other faculties and universities

Main activities

Activity 1: Project coordination and management

Activity 2: Sandwich programme (HRD)

Activity 3: Summer schools (HRD)

Activity 4: Module development (CD)

Activity 5: University-industry network operations (CD, ISD)

Activity 6: Curriculum evaluation system (ISD)

Activity 7: Internet platform, MOODLE and publications (ISD)