IM511 Blockchain in Agribusiness

DESCRIPTION

The unit equips students with an advanced understanding of blockchain technology and its significance in agriculture. It explores topics such as cryptography, the concept of blockchain technology, its role in agriculture especially in agricultural insurance, supply chains, green bonds, and traceability. Students will also develop knowledge that is needed to build applications based on blockchain technology, by offering an architectural view of software systems that make beneficial use of it. This unit examines the principles of blockchain technology and provides practical examples, through case studies and research papers, of how those principles should be and are applied in agriculture..

RELEVANT COURSES

Master of Agricultural Information Management
Master of Business Administration (Agribusiness)

Elective unit

CREDIT POINTS

10

DELIVERY MODE

On campus

PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

MK400 Agribusiness Marketing
IM401 Introduction to Agroinformatics

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Demonstrate detail knowledge of key blockchain technology strategies

LO2 Critically reflect on the disruptive impact of blockchain technology on agribusiness and society

LO3 Assess and design basic blockchain applications in a structured manner

LO4 Interpret the technology and reflect on the opportunities and challenges in implementing blockchain-based systems in agriculture

LO5 Communicate blockchain technology strategies to general audiences

LO6 Identify and analyse significant contemporary auditing issues

CONTENT

  • Introduction and history of blockchain
  • Software architecture: Blockchain basics and cryptography
  • Blockchain design principles
  • Digital ID and cyber security in agribusiness
  • Financial system challenges & opportunities
  • Blockchain and agricultural supply chain management
  • Blockchain technology: Agricultural insurances
  • Blockchain technology: Green economy
  • Financial and agricultural risk management
  • Blockchain: public policy frameworks
  • Industry speaker: trade, finance, and supply chain
  • Threats and opportunities in emerging issues

ASSESSMENT METHODS

  1. Blog Entries – 20%
  2. Case Study – 30%
  3. Group Research Paper and Oral Presentation – 50% (20% is allocated for individual reflection + presentation)

PRESCRIBED READINGS

Sylvester, G. (Ed.). (2019). E-agriculture in action: Blockchain for agriculture—Opportunities and challenges. International Telecommunication Union

Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks