College of Agriculture & Natural Resources Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics

Publications on Google Scholar

Dr. Ross is an Associate Professor of Food and Agribusiness Management and the Director of Undergraduate Programs in the Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics at Michigan State University.  His research focuses on the value creation strategies used by food and agribusiness firms as well as the emergence of regional food systems and alternative organizational structures in global food supply chains.  In addition, Dr. Ross has expertise in using case studies and simulation modelling (system dynamics and agent-based methods) to: 1) analyze complex agrifood system phenomena, and 2) enhance managerial decision-making and learning. Previous work has included analysis of entrepreneurial strategies in emerging cool climate wine regions and sustainable food systems, the development of regional food and biofuel supply chains, the emergence and organization of food hubs and networks, and the design and delivery of innovative food-related entrepreneurship and management curriculum.  His work has been funded by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, National Science Foundation, and industry trade organizations and published in top agricultural economics and management journals, including Food Policy, Agribusiness: An International Journal, and the International Food and Agribusiness Management Review.  Dr. Ross is also a leading expert in food and agribusiness management education.  He has developed and delivered programs for academic institutions in Africa, Europe and Latin America and industry organizations in the USA.  He is currently the Project Director for a large multi-institutional, transdisciplinary project aimed at enhancing the resilience of local and regional food systems to multiple (concurrent and/or sequential) shocks.

Research and Outreach Interests

• Strategic management and the economics of entrepreneurship and innovation
• Sustainable food systems and firm-level sustainability strategies
• Organizational economics and emergence of alternative governance and market coordination strategies in food supply chains
• Qualitative research and simulation methods
• Curriculum development and active learning strategies in agribusiness management education

Teaching Experience

• AFRE 340: Food Marketing Management
• AFRE 445: Strategic Management for Food and Agribusiness Firms
• AFRE 857: Strategic Management in Agribusiness
• AFRE 932: Information Economics and Institutions
• IFAMA Case Study Writing and Teaching Workshop
• MSU-Kroger Emerging Leaders Program