Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness

The course will broaden the learner's understanding of the industry in which they operate and enhance the analytical skills they bring to bear on problems faced in the day-to-day work environment. Successful applicants will benefit from a focused learning environment involving international university partners, interacting regularly with other students, academic staff, and from active, extensive networking through the annual residential program and electronic assignments, tutorials and frequent online interaction.

This course's orientation is toward those in any agribusiness operation, from large multinationals to small and medium-sized enterprises. The course is designed to take into account both current and anticipated future industry needs. The Karpin Report (Enterprising Nation) identified a need for the development of leadership and a culture of innovation and core business competencies and skills among Australian managers. The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness course is specifically designed to equip agribusiness managers and professionals with these capabilities.

Direct industry involvement has been sought in the design and to a certain extent, in the delivery of the program. Industry professionals are critical to the success of such a program. This involvement will be valuable in a variety of ways: through active mentoring for students; facilitating the development of case studies from their own operations to enrich the educational offering directly; through potential research projects, and through assistance in course delivery in certain subjects, such as the Leadership subject.

The course will be offered during four study periods per annum which includes a one-week intensive residential program (Study Period One). The program will be delivered to students as they work in their home or office using online, web-based delivery augmented where necessary by print, CD-ROM, and other learning materials. Examination, if required, will be in the form of an open-book exam, which students will take at home. A team-based approach to problem solving will be fostered. The computer communication will incorporate three main components: subject learning and content; communications including email, online discussions/messaging openly shared by all members and access to remote web sites and databases such as library support.

i. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria:

• Undergraduate degree, or equivalent qualification and at least two years documented, relevant professional / management experience

or

• Documented, demonstrated understanding of complex systems in business, and at least five years documented, relevant professional / management experience.

ii. The Selection Committee may conduct interviews and tests and call for referee reports and employer references to elucidate any of the matters referred to above.

To maximize rewards from undertaking the course, students should have two to five years experience in the agribusiness field. It is not essential that students have an academic background in business or economics, however an understanding of the complex systems involved in agribusiness is assumed.

• A profound respect for truth, intellectual and professional integrity, and the ethics of scholarship
• Capacity for independent critical thought, rational inquiry and self-directed learning and research
• An ability to derive, interpret and analyse social, technical or economic information from primary and other sources
• Awareness of and ability to utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Capacity for creativity and innovation, through the application of skills and knowledge
• Ability to integrate information across a relevant discipline to solve problems in applied situations
• Highly developed computer - based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication.
• Highly developed written communication skills to allow informed dialogue with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community
• Highly developed oral communication skills to allow informed dialogue and liaison with individuals and groups from industry, government and the community.
• Appreciation of social and cultural diversity from a regional to a global context
• Ability to participate effectively as a member of a team
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects

Progression

Students who complete the Graduate Certificate (four subjects) in Agribusiness may apply for entry into the Master of Agribusiness (refer to admission requirements for Master of Agribusiness). Successful applicants will then be required to complete a further seven (7) subjects to obtain a Masters qualification.

Computer equipment requirements

See Master of Agribusiness (Coursework)

International students

The course is delivered online so students can study part-time from anywhere in the world while continuing to work full-time in the industry. Students are only required on campus for a one week residential teaching block. The Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) will allow students to attend the residential school with a Visitors' Visa.