Interviews and written surveys: While working on my PhD I got familiar with the state of the art in social survey research and during the last few years I was in charge of the expert interviews and written surveys for several projects. The conceptual base of a survey, the design of the questionnaire, the sampling of the target persons and how you address them – these are the essential factors for getting substantial and valid results. I look forward to conduct new surveys or to advise you how to do it.
Data handling and statistical analysis: Statistics may induce biased perceptions or lead to wrong conclusions. Especially when addressing the general public it is important to represent survey results or statistical data in an appropriate and comprehensible way. The choice of the proper statistical methods is crucial when analyzing data. I am familiar with the current parametric and non-parametric procedures and I guarantee a scientifically sound analysis and a responsible communication of the results.
Farm business analysis:
Economic key figures are insightful; their interpretation requests knowledge about the interrelations of agricultural production and the specificities of family farming. Analyses of total costs and productivities need to be taken into account. My interest in farm-level results is mainly driven by their importance for agricultural politics. If agriculture needs to get more competitive on the markets and more efficient in resource use, this has to happen on individual farms. Case studies provide important insights concerning the impact of changing agricultural policies or a transforming business environment.
Sector related analyses:
Evidence on the agriculture as a whole or about the agri-food sector is crucial for the discussions on agricultural politics. Microeconomic analyses and the interpretation of available quantitative and qualitative information improve the comprehension of past developments, which is important for decisions concerning the future. Up to now, working on several studies gave me insight to the milk market. For sector analyses, simulation models are an important tool. Even though I am not programming (any more) I appreciate these approaches, but I also know their limitations.
Other skills that might be of interest:
Language skills: In addition to my mother tongue (German), I have excellent French, Italian and English skills, spoken and written. Furthermore, I can speak Russian have a basic knowledge of Chinese. As I love foreign languages, I use them with pleasure. Therefore I would appreciate to work on international and multilingual projects.
Teaching experience: While working at ETH Zurich and at the School of Agriculture and Food Sciences HAFL I had teaching assignments. Thus, I could get experience in teaching various subjects (farm management, agricultural markets, and survey-based market research) at different academic levels. I have a certificate of didactics on university level of the Bern University of Applied Sciences.
Interested in my expertise? – Please ask me for a proposal!