Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management Course Structure 2015

Transcription

1 Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management Course Structure 2015 The Charles Sturt University, Bachelor of Agricultural Business Management is a prescribed course with details of curriculum etc. available at: Code Subject Title Year 1 Semester 1 starts end February AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture & Horticulture AGB110 Agricultural Economics AGB165 Agribusiness Systems AGR156 Plants in Agriculture Year 1 Semester 2 starts mid July AGS107 Precision Agriculture & Data Handling AGS100 Livestock Production Systems PSC104 Soil Science LAW110 Business Law Year 2 Semester 1 starts end February AHT231 Agricultural Finance & Business Management AGB310 Agricultural Marketing AGR237 Property Planning & Development HRM210 Human Resources Management Year 2 Semester 2 starts mid July AGR202 Food, Environment & Culture AHT274 OR Industry Practice OR SCI301 International Experience PSC270 Crop Agronomy & Management PSC236 Pasture Production & Utilisation Elective Level 2/3 subject code AGB, AGR, AGS, ASC, PSC, IRR, FIN, MGT or HRT Year 3 Semester 1 starts end February 2016 AGR220 Extension AGB450 Agricultural Business Risk and Investment AGR375 Agribusiness Planning (commenced) Elective Level 2/3 subject code AGB, AGR, AGS, ASC, PSC, IRR, FIN, MGT or HRT Year 3 Semester 2 starts mid July 2016 AGB350 Commodity Pricing Management AGS300 Livestock Management AGR375 Agribusiness Planning (completed)

2 Subject Abstracts: AHT101 Professional Skills in Agriculture & Horticulture This subject aims to prepare students for studying agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, wine science and agribusiness management at the University level. It is designed to provide a big picture understanding of agriculture and horticulture (within a national and international context) focussing on production, environmental, economic and social elements. Throughout this subject students will be supported to improve skills in information and computer literacy, critical thinking, professional writing, referencing, note-taking and study skills. This subject introduces the diversity of agricultural systems. Topics included are broadacre plant production, animal production, horticulture and viticulture as well as giving students an appreciation for agricultural management and agriproduct transformation. Another focus of this subject is to provide introductory training in meteorology and climatology to ensure students develop an appreciation for how climate influences agricultural and horticultural production in Australia AGB110 Agricultural Economics Agricultural economics is the application of economic principles to agriculture, if technically speaking. This definition however does not recognize the economic, social, and environmental issues addressed by the agricultural economics profession. In fact, the scope of agricultural economics goes well beyond the farm gate to encompass a broader range of food and fibre- related activity which contributes significantly to the nation s output. This subject covers an introduction to the economics of agriculture in Australia. Covers the applications of microeconomic principles to farm decision making and commodity markets, and introduces the economics of environmental and trade policies, supply chain principles and farm decision making from an economic perspective. AGB165 Agribusiness Systems This subject introduces students to the holistic nature of agribusiness industries from both an Australian and a global perspective. A supply/value chain approach is taken as a way of studying the components of and the interrelationships between resources, functions and processes and consumer products of agribusiness systems. Emphasis is placed on identifying issues affecting the sustainability of agribusiness systems in a dynamic global environment AGR156 Plants in Agriculture This subject covers the major areas of plant science and diversity of plant families with agricultural plants studied within their ecological system and natural growth cycle. Students will gain an understanding of plant growth, development, structure and function providing the knowledge required to better manage and use plants as well as how to improve them. Factors affecting plant performance such as plant nutrition, weeds, pests and diseases are introduced along with species of pasture and forage corps and their successful establishment. This subject will provide the foundation of plant knowledge required to progress to more advanced plant management subjects. AGS107 Precision Agriculture & Data Handling In this subject you will be introduced to basic scientific experimentation, basic applied statistics and the technologies crucial to the understanding and operation of modern precision agriculture methodology within a variety of agricultural contexts. General mathematic and computer skills will be developed and further expanded to allow you to collect, analyse, convert and present spatial data within an agricultural context. These skills and the application of precision agriculture are relevant to a range of common agricultural enterprises. The subject is written for students with no prior spatial or experimental science knowledge and serves as an introductory subject for the application of precision agriculture and spatial science to any course related to land productivity, sustainability and/or environmental management.

3 AGS100 Livestock Production Systems This subject is an introduction to the livestock industries in Australia and their impact both internationally and domestically, revolving around the consumer and customer needs in regards to livestock production systems. Students will investigate all aspects of customer and consumer needs and the impact quality assuran ce has on the production chain and also determines product specifications for varying customers. PSC104 Soil Science In this subject you will be introduced to the physical, chemical and biological properties of soils and their influence on soil fertility and plant production. Understanding principles of soil formation, distribution and classification are important in determining where different soils are found within a landscape. A set of practical skills will be developed which are required to determine and report soil qualities for the purpose of soil management/improvement or environmental monitoring. The subject is written for students with no prior soils knowledge and serves as an introductory soil subject for any course related to land productivity, sustainability and/or environmental management. LAW110 Business Law This subject examines key Australian legal concepts and issues directly relevant to business operations. It covers the structure of the Australian legal system, sources of law, statutory interpretation, the court system and the doctrine of precedent. It then examines substantive areas of tort and contract. AHT231 Agricultural Finance & Business Management You will find this to be a very applied subject in which you will develop skills and knowledge needed to appraise possible agricultural business investment decisions. The learning will be invaluable for anyone involved with any agricultural business, irrespective of its size or location. You will engage with the subject area through problem solving contexts derived from actual case situations. Once underlying principles are understood, you utilise project budgets to analyse and compare alternative investments using capital budgeting techniques while recognising and weighing the social and environmental considerations associated with such investments. The source, range and suitability of different types of loan finance available for investment in agricultural business development projects are examined and strategies explored for obtaining such finance. AGB310 Agricultural Marketing The modern food and fibre system is complex, dynamic and international. The changes taking place in this system are revolutionary. The system is becoming highly demand-driven with marketing being very important. The purpose of this subject is to examine the question of agriproduct marketing (raw commodities, food, fibre and agricultural services) in this new global environment. Agriproducts can be categorized into undifferentiated products (also called commodities) and differentiated products. The marketing of these two different types of agriproducts are examined in detail, focusing on both conceptual and practical aspects. AGR237 Property Planning & Development This subject provides students with the concepts, knowledge and skills needed to design and implement a rural property plan that responds to the complex demands of sustainable development. Students will recognise the benefits of physical property planning, and learn how to weigh up the sometimes conflicting demands of environmental and economic goals in whole farm management. They will also critically reflect on the needs of the wider catchment ecosystem, and attempt to come to a balanced view on the role of agricultural production within a rural environment. Students will also prepare development plans for a specific property aimed at long term sustainability; then, in the role of project manager, demonstrate an ability to evaluate technical details for selected aspects of the plan.

4 HRM210 Human Resources Management The aim is to develop an appreciation and understanding of human resource management from both the specialist and generalist perspective. In this respect how the role of the human resource manager fits into an organisational framework, and how this role contributes to better people management, will be analysed. AGR202 Food, Environment & Culture As professionals, agricultural and wine science graduates will work in a dynamic environment and society, involving personal and institutional negotiations with social and ethical issues. An understanding of the background of the issues and some core skills in different approaches to unpack them will enable graduates to engage meaningfully with these challenging areas. The main areas to be studied in this subject include ethics and ethical frameworks, environmental and social sustainability linked to economics, the major challenges facing agricultural production and food security, and how Indigenous Australian culture and values intersect with and can inform land use and management. By completing this subject students will improve their ability to communicate these challenges in a professionally appropriate style through a series of presentation assessments and via the teaching strategy of group work and discussion AHT274 Industry Practice This subject requires students to undertake an approved placement for the equivalent of four weeks with an agribusiness, service or retail organisation relevant to their course (this may be with their current employer). Students will investigate and reflect upon the context and processes of management and/or production (relevant to their course) in the work environment they observe and experience; analyse outcomes; and formulate solutions to issues they identify. The expectation is that this placement will be undertaken in the latter stages of their course, so students can apply information and techniques obtained and developed in earlier subjects. SCI301 International Experience This subject will allow students to develop as professionals and further expand on their understanding of the range of ethical and moral responsibilities underpinning their future careers in global terms. The subject incorporates a period of study abroad or an equivalent international experience. It will provide the students with the opportunity to become more culturally aware. It will provide an opportunity to discover new strengths and abilities, conquer new challenges and solve new problems, thus enhancing generic communication and problem solving skills and allowing them to develop new ideas and perspectives and a deeper understanding with respect to themselves and their chosen profession. In addition, employers are reported to view students who have studied abroad as more self-motivated, independent, willing to embrace challenges and more able to cope with diverse problems and situations. Completion of this subject may thus enhance employment opportunities upon graduation, both in Australia s increasingly ethnically diverse workplace and abroad. PSC270 Crop Agronomy & Management (Annual Crop Management) This subject covers the production and management of annual crops in agriculture. Agronomic principles are taught within the context of annual winter and summer crops. Marketing, financial management and alternative production methods are also covered to provide a wide exposure to this important part of Australian agriculture. There is a two day residential school. PSC236 Pasture Production & Utilisation (Pasture Production & Management) Prior to enrolling in this subject it is assumed that you would have the basic knowledge of plant science equivalent to that is taught in AGR156 Plants in Agriculture. This subject focuses on the establishment and

5 management of pastures across a range of ecosystems. The various components will be identified, described, analysed and integrated to develop an annual supply of forage. The suitability and role of pastures, including animal needs, nutrition and health, will be investigated and assessed for livestock and cropping systems. A series of activities have been designed to develop the ability to apply a range of skills in a practical situation. AGR220 Extension Extension involves the conscious use of communication of information to help people form sound opinions and make good decisions (van den Ban & Hawkins, 1996). In practice this includes building and enhancing the knowledge of people in rural communities. For students the subject is about people and change in the agricultural and equine industries. It introduces the role of the social sciences in agriculture and equine industries - emphasising social relationships and networks as well as the physical and biological components of the farm and industry systems. It gives students an appreciation of social processes as a means of change and improvement in whichever industry and role they see themselves. It uses methods and theory from communication and social science to provide an understanding of the forces and process of change and to develop the skills necessary to assist people achieve change. AGB450 Agricultural Business Risk and Investment A subject aimed at the application of financial business management, economic and risk management principles to decision making in agribusinesses systems. Major areas of study include: agribusiness management and decision making principles; managing risk and decision making under uncertainty; historical and projected agribusiness financial analysis; benchmarking & best practise analysis; analysing and acquiring capital resources; and accounting for sustainability and environmental agribusiness assets. AGR375 Agribusiness Planning Agribusiness Planning is a 16 point subject in which students prepare a business plan for an agribusiness. It is a project-based study where students will analyse an existing agribusiness and create a strategy for its improvement; or develop and evaluate a new agribusiness proposal through to a steady state position. In each case, the focus will be on the achievement of pre-defined goals. Analysis and planning will be strategic and holistic, taking account of the multiple contexts in which the agribusiness will operate. Students will also reflect on the development of their capabilities relative to the subjects learning objectives and to the agribusiness planning process, and plan for ongoing personal development. AGB350 Commodity Pricing Management (Commodity Trade and Pricing) Assumed knowledge AGB110 Agricultural Economics This subject provides an introduction to international agriproduct trade policy and competitiveness. It begins with an exploration of the basic theoretical framework for understanding the benefits of trade, and will explore in-depth why there are barriers to trade and why international trade rules are so important. It then examines agriproduct trade policy with a particular emphasis on new trade barriers and the role of the World Trade Organisation. The subject also looks at the importance of managing commodity prices, the various factors that affect commodity prices and analyse a risk management strategy policy AGS300 Livestock Management This subject investigates in greater depth the implications of managing an efficient livestock production system in a commercial environment. The growth and development of the animal, its nutritional requirements, the role of seasonal and environmental variation and the health of the animal will be investigated as will their impact on the customer and consumer needs. Interactions within the market place will be examined to determine the best options for selling and possible niche market opportunities for the specified product will be investigated. The identification of accurate product specifications and quality assurance along all steps of the production chain is an important aspect of the subject.