Financial Management for Agribusiness

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

This subject is can be taken entirely online via the University’s Learning Management System (LMS), or taken as a multi-modal subject for students who study on-campus. The subject will be open on LMS approximately two weeks prior to the subject commencement date. Subject Teaching Dates: http://fvas.unimelb.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-agribusiness/degree-structure#nav.

144 hours

Students must be able to perform word processing, use Excel spreadsheets, and have a reasonable understanding of the Internet and the University's Learning Management System.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon
academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation
in the University's programs. This course requires all students to enrol in subjects where they
must actively and safely contribute to field excursions and laboratory activities. Students who
feel their disability will impact on meeting this requirement are encouraged to discuss this matter
with the Subject Coordinator and Disability Liaison http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/
students email: disability-liaison@unimelb.edu.au

Sound business decision-making in circumstances of incomplete information, risk and uncertainty, requires sound knowledge of the underlying financial situation of a firm. This subject is about understanding the key concepts of financial management enabling the manager to more effectively analyse situations, evaluate alternative actions, implement actions and exercise control. Interpreting financial information, budgeting, investment and finance decisions, and valuation under conditions of incomplete knowledge, risk and uncertainty are central emphases of the subject.

The objective of this subject is to extend the participant's ability:

• to assemble and organise key business financial information
• to interpret key financial information in light of the established theoretical underpinnings
• to understand and apply time value concepts
• to understand the fundamentals of risk and return
• to use financial information in investment decision analysis and valuation
• to determine appropriate short and long term business finance strategies

• Essay (1,000 words) due in week 5, 20%;
• Management Report (1,500 words) due in week 10, 30%;
• Take home exam (1,500 words) due at the end of week 12, 30%;
• Online Discussion Participation throughout the semester, (20%).

*Online discussion is an integral component of this subject. It is a hurdle requirement that a minimum grade of 50% is achieved in this component.

Gitman L.J., Juchau R. and Flanagan J. (2011) Principles of Managerial Finance. (6th edition), Addison Wesley, Melbourne

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

It is expected students will develop:

• Awareness of, and ability to, utilise appropriate communication technology and methods for the storage, management and analysis of data
• Highly developed computer-based skills to allow for effective on-line learning and communication
• Ability to collaborate, exchange ideas and debate across on-line learning platforms
• Ability to plan work, use time effectively and manage small projects