Course Overview
The global food industry presents a significant opportunity for growth and development. With a market size in the trillions of dollars, the food industry encompasses a wide range of sectors including agriculture, food processing, distribution, and retail. Our MBA program in Food Business Management is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this dynamic and ever-changing industry. The program covers a range of topics including food science, marketing, finance, and supply chain management, as well as the unique challenges faced by food businesses. With an emphasis on hands-on learning and industry-relevant case studies, graduates of the program will be well-prepared to take on leadership roles in the food industry, driving innovation and growth in the sector.
WHY YOU SHOULD DO AN MBA IN FOOD BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
As a professionals working in the food industry, our MBA program in Food Business Management will help you to:
- Stay competitive: The food industry is constantly evolving, and an MBA program can help professionals stay current with the latest trends, technologies, and best practices.
- Expand career opportunities: An MBA degree can open up new career opportunities, such as management roles or entrepreneurship, and increase earning potential.
- Develop strategic thinking: The program teaches students how to think strategically, analyze data, and make data-driven decisions. This skill set is essential for executives in the food industry.
- Networking: MBA programs provide a valuable opportunity to network with other professionals in the industry and build a professional network that can be invaluable throughout one’s career.
- Specialization: With a specialization in Food Business Management, professionals can gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the food industry, and be better equipped to drive innovation and growth in their organizations.
Ultimately, professionals working in the food industry who want to advance their careers, stay competitive, and drive growth in their organizations will benefit greatly from our MBA Food Business Management program, the first of its kind in West Africa.
WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?
- Top-rated industry practitioners with enviable track records in the Food Business Industry
- This program offers a unique learning pedagogue that combines insightful classroom learnings with in-depth analysis of industry case studies, business model simulations, team project activities and interactions with global industry players.
- A creative blend of academic leadership and Food industry excellence
- The Only double Certification MBA Food Business Management program in Africa
- Supports students in developing strong management capacities needed to excel in senior Food Business roles
- Helps entrepreneurial students to scale their food business operations and transition them into global niche leaders
- A unique and technology-driven blended study mode that allows students to study while maintaining their full time work roles.
- A carefully structured screening and enrollment process that ensures only the best applicants make it to class. This has helped in attaining high level of in-class interactions and in building an outstanding alumni network for the program.
PROGRAM FRAMEWORK
The Program is structured into three segments
- First Semester
- Second Semester
- International Study Tour
ACADEMIC STRUCTURE
FIRST SEMESTER
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | UNITS |
AGR 713 | Global Commodities and Food Value Chains | 3 |
AGR 740 | Food Product Innovation and Development | 3 |
AGR 728 | Applied Food Science | 3 |
AGR 730 | Operations Management in Food Processing | 3 |
AGR 712 | Managing Innovation for Growth | 3 |
AGR 703 | Business Analytics and Big Data in Agribusiness | 3 |
AGR 732 | International Trade Finance | 3 |
AGR 718 | Research Methodology | 3 |
AGR 740 | Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship | 3 |
AGR 755 | Food Sales and Marketing Management | 3 |
SECOND SEMESTER
COURSE CODE | COURSE TITLE | UNITS |
AGR 700 | Agribusiness and the Global Food Economy | 3 |
AGR 734 | International Business Law | 3 |
AGR 752 | Strategic Management of Food Businesses | 3 |
AGR 753 | Supply Chain Management in Food Industry | 3 |
AGR 751 | Financial Management for Food Business Managers | 3 |
AGR 720 | International Study Tour (Food Business Management) | 3 |
AGR 750 | Digital Transformation in Food Business | 3 |
AGR 705 | Organization Behaviour and Leadership | 3 |
AGR 706 | International Agribusiness Economics, Policy and Trade | 3 |
AGR 721 | Research Thesis | 6 |
DESCRIPTION OF MODULES
MODULE 1
Food Product Innovation and Development
This module covers the use of design thinking frameworks in developing innovative food products for high valued markets. It starts with an overview of the food product innovation process, including market research, consumer insights, and trend analysis. It then proceeds into Concept Development where the process of developing new product concepts, including brainstorming, prototyping, and testing are adequately covered. The topic on Ingredient and Flavor Trends cover the latest trends in ingredients and flavors, including natural, organic, and non-GMO options, as well as global flavor trends. Ultimately, students on this module will master the process of putting design thinking at the heart of their food product innovation and development processes using empathy, brainstorming, prototyping, and testing as a way to develop creative and user-centered food products and services.
MODULE 2
Applied Food Science
The course on Applied Food Science will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the scientific principles and technologies that underpin the food industry. The course will cover topics such as Food chemistry, Food microbiology, Food preservation, Food processing, Food packaging as well as new technologies and trends in food science. Students will learn how to apply these principles and technologies to the development and commercialization of food products. Ultimately, the module will focus strongly on the application of food science to the business of food product development, manufacturing, and commercialization.
MODULE 3
Operations Management in Food Processing
The course on Operations Management in Food Processing will focus on the management of the production and operations of food processing companies. The course will cover a range of topics including process design, lean manufacturing, supply chain management, inventory management, production planning, and quality control. The topic on process design will cover flow analysis, process mapping and process improvement while the topic on lean manufacturing will address waste reduction in production, continuous improvement and Kaizen. The theme on Food Safety and Hazard Analysis will cover HACCP, GMP and Food Safety regulations. Ultimately, the course will provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to optimize the operations of a food processing company, from raw materials to finished goods, and to make data-driven decisions that will improve efficiency and productivity.
MODULE 4
Food and Nutrition Entrepreneurship
This course will provide students with an understanding of the unique opportunities and challenges of starting and growing a nutrition-based business. The course will cover topics such as nutrition across human life cycle, innovative product development of wellness products for each niche of the human life cycle, market research, branding, marketing, and financial management. Students will also learn about the latest trends in nutrition and health and how to apply them to a business context. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skills necessary to develop and launch a successful nutrition-based business. During the course, the students will be required to complete hands-on-projects by developing innovative food and wellness products and pitch them to a virtual mock investment audience.
MODULE 5
Strategic Management of Food Businesses
The course on Strategic Management of Food Businesses will provide students with an understanding of the strategic decision-making process for food companies. The course will cover topics such as competitive analysis, market research, business planning, and strategic marketing. Students will learn how to analyze the food industry and develop strategies that will enable food companies to compete effectively and achieve long-term success. The course will use case studies to focus on the application of strategic management in the industry, thereby helping students to develop the capacity to make data-driven decisions that will improve the overall business performance of their food businesses.
MODULE 6
Supply Chain Management in Food Industry
Supply Chain management is a vital component for any business, and it is especially important for companies in the food industry. It is a complex area that involves many different functions and departments, so having an in-depth knowledge of it is crucial for MBA Students in Food Business Management. The course on Supply Chain Management in the Food Industry will provide students with an understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities of managing the supply chain in the food industry. The course will cover topics such as logistics, inventory management, procurement, and food safety regulations. Students will learn how to optimize the supply chain to improve efficiency, reduce costs, minimize risks in supply chain activities, attain competitive advantage in business operations and ensure food safety.
MODULE 7
Business Analytics and Big Data in Agribusiness
Business analytics is the process of using data, statistical algorithms, and other techniques to extract insights and knowledge from data, which can be used to inform business decisions while Big data refers to the large and complex data sets that are generated by organizations today, and the technologies and techniques used to store, process, and analyze this data. This module will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to analyze large and complex data sets and extract insights that can be used to make informed business decisions in the agribusiness industry. These analytical skills will help students of the program to be more effective in their roles and make a positive impact on the industry.
MODULE 8
Digital Transformation in Food Business
Digital transformation is helping food businesses to increase revenue, improve efficiency, reduce costs, and gain a competitive advantage in the market. With data analytics, food businesses are able to collect and analyze data on customer behavior, sales, and supply chain. This allows them to make data-driven decisions and improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase revenue. Traceability systems are making it possible for food businesses to provide customers with more information about the origin and quality of their products while digital marketing is helping food businesses to access a wider market base. This module on Digital Transformation in Food Businesses will provide students with an understanding of the digital technologies and strategies that are transforming the food industry. The course will cover topics such as e-commerce, digital marketing, data analytics, and automation. Students will learn how to use these technologies and strategies to improve efficiency, increase revenue, and gain a competitive advantage in the food industry.
MODULE 9
Food Sales and Marketing Management
This course will provide students with an understanding of the strategies and techniques needed to successfully market and sell food products. The course will cover topics such as market research, product development, branding, pricing, promotion, and distribution. Students will learn how to analyze the food industry, identify target markets, and develop effective marketing and sales plans. They will also learn how to use digital and traditional marketing channels to reach and engage customers. Additionally, students will learn how to evaluate the performance of their marketing and sales efforts and make data-driven decisions to improve results. Through Case Studies and hands-on projects, they will also be able to develop and implement their own marketing and sales strategies.
MODULE 10
Global Commodities and Food Value Chains
This is an extensive module where students will be exposed to various factors that drive the performance of global commodities and food value chains. The module will introduce students to the key actors in these value chains and their roles. The module will discuss Commodity markets and price analysis where students will be exposed to the economic principles and theories that govern commodity markets, including supply and demand analysis, market structure, and price volatility. It will also cover topics such as Global food value chains where the various stages of the global food value chain, including production, processing, distribution, and consumption are intensively analyzed.
INTERNATIONAL STUDY TOURS
The study trip is an important component of our MBA Food Business Management Program. During the trip, students do the following:
- Visits to food processing and manufacturing plants: Students will have the opportunity to see firsthand how food products are made and learn about the latest technologies and processes used in the industry.
- Meetings with industry leaders: Students will have the opportunity to meet with industry leaders and learn about the latest trends and challenges facing the food industry.
- Tour of food distribution centers: Students will have the opportunity to see how food products are stored, packaged and distributed to retailers and consumers.
- Visits to supermarkets and grocery stores: Students will have the opportunity to observe consumer behavior and learn about the latest trends in food retailing.
- Cultural Immersion: Students will have the opportunity to try learn about the food culture of the host country and gain a global perspective on the food industry.
- Real-World Application: The study will provide students with a hands-on learning experience that will complement the classroom learning
RESEARCH
All the students on the MBA Food Business Management conduct in-depth and independent research on themes of their choice within the food industry. The outputs of these researches have been valuable to the global industry by helping professionals to improve the quality of their practices.
DURATION AND MODE OF STUDY
The duration of the program is ONE YEAR. The program has two entries annually; in March and September. The blended mode of the program allows professionals to combine their full time work engagement with their studies seamlessly. During the international study module, participants will spend one week at any of our partner institutions in other African countries to immerse themselves into the dynamics of export activities in that environment. During this international session, participants will learn firsthand management of food business operations from a different cultural orientation. They will also gain global exposure and build new business relationships. The choice of the country for the international study module will change in every academic session of the program and would be determined by the program directorate.
DOUBLE CERTIFICATION
In a unique structure of integrated curriculum and collaborative learning, graduates of the MBA Food Business Management also automatically earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness. This double Certification continues to put graduates of the program in an elite league of food business leaders. The curriculum and structure of the two programs are already integrated, so students do not have to do any extra work or pay extra fees.
FINAL DEGREE AWARD
Graduates of this program earn an MBA Food Business Management degree of Lead City University, Ibadan. They also earn an Executive Diploma in Agribusiness Leadership from Nigerian College of Agribusiness, an NBTE accredited awarding body under the National Skill Qualification Framework
ENTRY REQUIREMENT
Candidates seeking admission to the Food Business Management program must have minimum of an HND/BSc qualification from recognized institutions. Holders of professional qualifications such as ACCA, ACIB, ANAN e.t.c can also apply.
NEXT START DATE AND APPLICATION DEADLINE
The next start date for the 2023/2024 Academic Session is March 7, 2023. Admission screening exercise will be conducted for all applicants. Due to the limited class size for each cohort, early application is advised
TUITION
Application Form- N20, 000 (Application Fee is payable to Lead City University Ibadan, Access Bank, Account Number: 0014074992). Application Fee Receipt should be attached to Completed Application Form and Supporting Documents at the point of application.
First Semester Fee Structure:
Tuition Fee: N375,000
Field work: N120,000
Total Tuition for First Semester: N495,000
Second Semester Fee Structure:
Tuition Fee: N375,000
Field work: N120,000
Total Tuition for Second Semester: N495,000
Full tuition fee includes University Tuition fee for the semester and field work fees. Installmental Payment Plan is available upon enrollment.
APPLICATION DOCUMENTS
The required application documents are:
- Completed Postgraduate Application Form of Lead City University Ibadan
- A detailed resume
- Copies of all academic qualifications
- Senior Secondary School Certificate
- Primary School Leaving Certificate
- NYSC Discharge/Exemption Certificate
- Three reference letters
- Passport photographs
- Postgraduate Application Fee of N20,000 payable to Account Name: Lead City University, Account Number: 0014074992, Access Bank Plc. Downloaded evidence of payment should be submitted alongside
Completed Application Documents should be sent to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
To request for the Postgraduate Application form of Lead City University Ibadan for the program, send an email to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
APPLICATION AND ADMISSION PROCESS
Are you strongly motivated and interested in enrolling for the March 7, 2023 intake of the MBA International Agribusiness and Food Chain Management program, fill in a pre-application form through the link below. Thereafter, the Program Directorate will schedule you for pre-admission screening session. After that session, you will be able to apply for the program. Please note that early application is advised. If you have any urgent enquiry to make, kindly send an email to: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng
FOR GENERAL ADMISSION ENQUIRIES, CONTACT
Do you need specific information about the program that is not on this page?
Please contact our program specialist for personalized advise about your specific case
or contact:
Program Coordinator
Post Graduate Agribusiness Programs,
Lead City University, Ibadan
e-mail: agribusiness@lcu.edu.ng