Master of Agribusiness (Coursework)

Course 704-CC (2008)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2008.Search for this in the current handbook

Year and Campus:	2008
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Level:	Graduate/Postgraduate

 ContactFelicity Wilmot Postgraduate Studies Office Land and Food Resources The University of Melbourne Victoria 3010 Australia Tel: + 61 3 8344 7834 Fax: + 61 3 9348 2156 Email: fwilmot @unimelb.edu.au 

Course Overview:	The study of agribusiness is the study of decision-making within the context of the food and fibre business, from input suppliers to primary producers to wholesalers, processors, retailers and consumers in a competitive, consumer-directed market under the influence of government. The course focuses on enhancing the specific skills required to make effective business decisions within the context of this unique and complex system.
Objectives:	The course will broaden the learners' 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 industry mentors and from active, extensive networking through the two annual residential programs and electronic assignments, tutorials and online discussions.
Course Structure & Available Subjects:	The Masters program consists of 150 credit points of study of which 100 points are offered at Master's level. The Graduate Certificate program (50 credit points) is nested within the Masters. The course will be offered during four study periods per annum and will commence with a one-week intensive residential program at the beginning of the first and second years. The program will be delivered to students as they work in their home or office primarily 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.
Subject Options:	Master of Agribusiness program (part-time 3 years) Year One Study Period One Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-720 Leadership Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Two Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-722 Financial Management for Agribusiness Semester 2 12.50 Study Period Three Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-721 Agribusiness Management Economics Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Four Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-724 Managing Markets Semester 2 12.50 Year Two Study Period One Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-725 Business Strategy Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Two Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-723 Human Resource Management Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Three Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-730 Project Management Semester 2 12.50 Study Period Four Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-729 Operations and Decision Making Semester 2 12.50 Year Three Study Period One Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-727 Information Management Not offered in 2008 12.50 Study Period Two Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-728 Managing Risk Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Three Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-731 Agribusiness Project Semester 1, Semester 2 25 Study Period Four Project (25 pts) * Residential Subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level are 208 720, 208 722, 208 721, 208 724. Master of Agribusiness program (full-time 1.5 years) Year One Study Period One Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-720 Leadership Semester 1 12.50 208-727 Information Management Not offered in 2008 12.50 Study Period Two Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-722 Financial Management for Agribusiness Semester 2 12.50 208-723 Human Resource Management Semester 1 12.50 Study Period Three Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-721 Agribusiness Management Economics Semester 1 12.50 208-730 Project Management Semester 2 12.50 Study Period Four Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-724 Managing Markets Semester 2 12.50 208-729 Operations and Decision Making Semester 2 12.50 Year Two Study Period One Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-725 Business Strategy Semester 1 12.50 208-731 Agribusiness Project Semester 1, Semester 2 25 Study Period Two Subject Study Period Commencement: Credit Points: 208-728 Managing Risk Semester 1 12.50 Study calendar 2005 (Subject to change) Study Period One 1st Feb - 25th March (8 weeks) Residential - Week starting 14th February Break - 2 weeks Study Period Two 11th April - 3rd June (8 weeks) Break - 4 weeks Study Period Three 4th July - 26th Aug (8 weeks) Break - 4 weeks Study Period Four 26th Sep - 18th Nov (8 weeks)
Entry Requirements:	i. The Selection Committee will evaluate the applicant's ability to pursue successfully the course using the following criteria: Undergraduate degree with Honours or equivalent qualification, and at least two years documented, relevant professional or 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. The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness can articulate into the Master of Agribusiness.
Core Participation Requirements:	It is the University policy to take all steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a students participation in the university's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they must actively and safetly contribute to laboratory activities and field trips. Students who feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liason Unit.
Graduate Attributes:	The Melbourne Experience enables our Graduates to become:Academically excellentOur Graduates will be expected to: Have strong sense of intellectual integrity and the ethics of scholarshipHave in-depth knowledge of their specialist discipline(s)Reach a high level of achievement in writing, generic research activities, problem-solving and communication Be critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self directed learning Be adept at learning in a range of ways, including through information and communication technologies Knowledgeable across disciplinesOur graduates will be expected to:Examine critically, synthesise and evaluate knowledge across a broad range of disciplines Expand their analytical and cognitive skills through learning experinces in diverse subjects Have the capacity to participate fully in collaborative learning and to confront unfamiliar problems Have a a set of flexible and transferable skills for different types of employment.Leaders in communitiesOur graduates will be expected to: Initiate and implement constructive change in their communities, including professions and workplaces Have excellent interpersonal and decision-making skills, including an awareness of personal strengths and limitations mentor future generations of learnersengage in meaningful public discourse, with a profound awareness of community needsAttuned to cultural diversity Our graduates will be expected to : Value different culturesBe well-informed citizens able to contibute to their communities wherever they choose to live and work Have an understanding of the social and cultural diversity in our communityRespect Indigenous knowledge, cultures and valuesActive global citizens Our graduates will be expected to: Accept social and civic responsiblitiesBe advocates for improving the sustainability of the environmentHave a broard global understanding, with a high regard for human rights, equality and ethics.
Generic Skills:	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
Notes:	Articulation Students with an honours degree (or equivalent) from a cognate discipline may apply for credit in some or all of the subjects offered at Graduate Certificate level. 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 each year. The Department of Immigration and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) will allow students to attend the residential school with a Visitor's Visa. Computer equipment requirements Students must have a computer with the following minimum requirements: Equipment Minimum Requirements Computer : Pentium with CD Rom and speakers Hard Drive: 10 Gigabyte RAM: 64 Megabyte Operating System: Windows 98, XP Printer: High Quality Modem: 56 kbps Internet Access: Local Internet Service Provider Software: Office 2000 Pro, Up-to-date Anti virus Software, Acrobat Reader, WinZip (or MAC Equivalent)

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