Khon Kaen University - SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Agribusiness

SDG Alignment for Master of Science Program in Agribusiness

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Master of Science Program in Agribusiness is strategically designed to cultivate leaders who can drive sustainable economic growth within the agricultural sector. The curriculum provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire agrifood value chain, from production to marketing, with a strong emphasis on innovation, financial viability, and social responsibility. This holistic approach makes the program a significant contributor to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. It directly addresses SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 1 (No Poverty) by equipping graduates with the skills to create and manage profitable and sustainable agricultural enterprises, thereby creating jobs and enhancing rural livelihoods. The focus on supply chain management, logistics, and innovation aligns strongly with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) by improving the efficiency and resilience of food systems. By integrating principles of sustainable production and resource management, the curriculum also supports SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As an advanced degree, the program is a pillar of SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the collaborative mindset essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

SDG Related Course(s)

SDG 1: No Poverty

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Alignment Summary: This program contributes to poverty reduction by training professionals to build and manage robust agricultural value chains. By improving market access, financial management, and entrepreneurial skills in the agricultural sector, graduates can help increase the incomes and economic resilience of smallholder farmers and rural communities.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 712	Agricultural Marketing Management	Contributes to poverty reduction by teaching how to create market linkages for agricultural products, which is essential for increasing the incomes of small-scale producers (Target 1.2).
AG 157 722	Financial Management for Agribusiness	Supports poverty eradication by providing skills in financial management for agricultural enterprises, helping to ensure their long-term viability and ability to generate income (Target 1.1).

SDG 2: Zero Hunger

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum directly addresses the challenge of achieving food security by focusing on the entire agricultural supply chain. Courses in production, marketing, and logistics management are designed to improve the efficiency of food systems, reduce post-harvest losses, and ensure that nutritious food reaches consumers, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture and ending hunger.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 711	Agricultural Production Management	Directly supports Target 2.3 by teaching methods to increase agricultural productivity and the incomes of food producers through efficient management.
AG 157 712	Agricultural Marketing Management	Contributes to ending hunger by improving the efficiency of food distribution systems, ensuring that food produced reaches consumers and markets effectively (Target 2.1).
AG 157 732	Supply Chain and Logistics Management for Agricultural Business	Aligns with Target 2.4 by focusing on creating resilient and efficient food supply chains, which are essential for sustainable food production and food security.

SDG 4: Quality Education

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Alignment Summary: As a Master of Science program, this curriculum provides high-quality, specialized education that combines agricultural science with business management. It equips graduates with the advanced technical, managerial, and research skills necessary for leadership roles in the agribusiness sector, fostering lifelong learning and innovation.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 791	Research Methodology in Agribusiness	Directly supports Target 4.4 by providing students with the advanced technical and research skills required for relevant, high-level employment in the agribusiness sector.
AG 157 891 / 892	Seminar in Agribusiness I / II	Enhances lifelong learning opportunities (Target 4.3) by providing graduate-level training in critical analysis, scientific communication, and industry trend analysis.
AG 157 898 / 899	Thesis / Independent Study	Represents a capstone lifelong learning opportunity (Target 4.3) where students conduct original research, thereby acquiring superior technical skills for employment and innovation (Target 4.4).

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

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Alignment Summary: The program is a direct driver of sustainable economic growth by training a workforce capable of modernizing and adding value to the agricultural sector. It focuses on strategic management, entrepreneurship, and innovation to increase economic productivity and create decent jobs in the agrifood industry.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 721	Human Resource Management and Organization Behavior	Contributes to full and productive employment and decent work for all (Target 8.5) by teaching principles of effective and ethical human resource management.
AG 157 731	Strategic Management in Agribusiness	Promotes sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth by equipping graduates with the skills to lead and develop high-productivity agricultural enterprises (Target 8.2).
AG 157 732	Supply Chain and Logistics Management for Agricultural Business	Enhances economic productivity through diversification and technological upgrading (Target 8.2) by optimizing the efficiency of agricultural supply chains.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

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Alignment Summary: This program fosters innovation and supports the development of resilient infrastructure within the agricultural industry. By focusing on the entire value chain, from production to logistics, it enhances scientific research and upgrades the technological capabilities of the agribusiness sector, promoting sustainable industrialization.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 732	Supply Chain and Logistics Management for Agricultural Business	Contributes to building resilient infrastructure (Target 9.1) and upgrading the technological capabilities of industrial sectors (Target 9.5) by focusing on modernizing agricultural logistics.
AG 157 733	Innovation and Technology in Agribusiness	Directly supports Target 9.5 by enhancing scientific research and promoting innovation within the agricultural industry to foster sustainable development.

SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

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Alignment Summary: The curriculum promotes responsible production patterns by focusing on the efficient management of the entire agricultural supply chain. This approach is key to reducing food losses, optimizing resource use, and encouraging agribusinesses to adopt sustainable practices and reporting.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 711	Agricultural Production Management	Supports the sustainable management and efficient use of natural resources (Target 12.2) by teaching principles of resource optimization in agricultural production.
AG 157 732	Supply Chain and Logistics Management for Agricultural Business	Directly aligns with Target 12.3 by focusing on reducing food losses along production and supply chains through improved logistics and management.
AG 157 733	Innovation and Technology in Agribusiness	Encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices and to integrate sustainability information into their reporting cycle (Target 12.6) through the application of new technologies.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

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Alignment Summary: The program embodies the spirit of partnership by preparing graduates to work across multiple sectors of the agribusiness industry. The curriculum's focus on research, strategic management, and supply chains requires a collaborative approach, fostering the multi-stakeholder partnerships essential for achieving sustainable development.

Course Code	Course Title	Alignment Rationale
AG 157 731	Strategic Management in Agribusiness	Promotes effective public, public-private, and civil society partnerships (Target 17.17) by teaching strategic planning that often involves collaboration across the entire value chain.
AG 157 891 / 892	Seminar in Agribusiness I / II	Enhances the global partnership for sustainable development by having students analyze and discuss global agribusiness trends and research, fostering knowledge-sharing (Target 17.6).
AG 157 898 / 899	Thesis / Independent Study	Represents a contribution to global partnerships by creating and sharing knowledge on effective and sustainable business models within agriculture (Target 17.16).