BM303 Contemporary Issues in Agribusiness Production and Management

DESCRIPTION

The unit provides a perspective and understanding of the key components to agribusiness within the context of contemporary issues in agribusiness production and management. The unit explores the issues and challenges that have to be faced in animal and plant production and marketing; agribusiness and community enterprises; and the distribution of animal and plant products. There is an emphasis on the application of micro- and macroeconomics principles to practical situations through collaborative learning experiences. Students will be exposed to a wide range of viewpoints from business and industry.

RELEVANT COURSES

Bachelor of Agribusiness

Elective unit

CREDIT POINTS

10

DELIVERY MODE

On campus

PREREQUISITE OR CO-REQUISITE

Nil

UNIT LEARNING OUTCOMES

LO1 Critically analyse the concept of business competition, competitive environment and strategy

LO2 Apply an understanding of agribusiness strategic management

LO3 Develop and apply economic logic to firm level problems, especially problems of firm organization and strategy, including vertical/horizontal integration and pricing policies

LO4 Comprehend the quality and capacity of Agriculture cooperatives

LO5 Synthesize data and information from a variety of sources to analyze agricultural industries and develop recommendations for firms within these industries

CONTENT

  • Economics Scale and Scope
  • Climate change and agroecology
  • Trade, poverty and malnutrition
  • Biosecurity, agriterrorism and ecoterrorism, its impact on agribusiness
  • Natural and integrated resource management (water, soil and biodiversity)
  • Ag Lending in an Environment of Low and Volatile Commodity Prices
  • Agribusiness Industry Analysis
  • Strategic planning and Dynamics
  • Dynamics of organizational structure and Strategy
  • Open source technology in agriculture
  • Technological strategies for sustainable farming
  • Threat and opportunities in emerging issues

ASSESSMENT METHODS

  1. Quizzes – 30%
  2. Case Study Analysis – 30%
  3. Group Research Report, Seminar and Poster – 40%

PRESCRIBED READINGS

Nil

Check with the lecturer each semester before purchasing any textbooks