• Location: Online, self-paced with weekly interactive sessions
• Start date: September 14, 2026
• Course duration: 3 Months (2 consecutive 6-week courses)
• Investment: € 200,00
• Target audience: Mid-career professionals in Agri-food, Value Chain Development, and Global Trade
  
  For more information, please contact Mr. Mehrab Marri (Coordinator), Telephone +31 634344188 Mehrab.marri@hvhl.nl
  Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (HVHL) reserves the right to make changes to a study program, teachers and content if this is necessary to achieve the result or in the event of force majeure.

The Foundation: Mapping and Analysis

In this first phase, you will master the fundamentals of value chain dynamics through mini-lectures and data-driven analysis.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Mapping: Identify chain actors, supporters, and influencers to create a visual value chain map.
• Data Analysis: Interpret product volumes, actor shares, selling prices, and gross margins.
• System Dynamics: Understand coordination, vulnerabilities, and the flow of information.
• Critical Issues: Analyze sustainability, quality control, and gender issues within the chain.
• Economic Parameters: Define micro-economic parameters for agricultural enterprises.

The Strategy: Power, Policy, and Sustainability

Building on your mapping skills, this course explores how power is exercised and how businesses can achieve a competitive advantage through sustainable governance.

Key Learning Outcomes:

• Governance Frameworks: Understand the structures that shape chain governance through real-world case studies.
• Control & Environment: Explain how actors exert control and the impact of institutional environments on inter-firm relationships.
• Competitive Strategy: Discuss business strategies to enhance performance and sustainability.
• Smallholder Inclusion: Evaluate performance issues related to "Producers Organisations" and smallholder inclusion.
• Food Systems: Differentiate between Value Chain concepts and broader Food Systems using a sustainable approach.

Final product:

To conclude the three-month cohort, participants will integrate the frameworks from both courses to present their own work-related value chain, which may take the form of a podcast, final presentation, or poster, to be decided based on time availability. This project demonstrates your ability to apply governance and mapping skills to solve real-world professional challenges.

• Start date: September 14, 2026
• Location: Online
• Duration: 3 Months (2 consecutive 6-week courses)
• Investment: € 200,00
• Coordinator: Mr. Mehrab Marri
• Email: Mehrab.marri@hvhl.nl
• Telephone: +31 634344188
• Institution: Van Hall Larenstein University of Applied Sciences (HVHL)