Agribusiness Planning & Management (AGRC7123)

Lecture Series

In our course, you'll engage in three key activities: lecture sessions, case-based learning, and project-based learning with workshops. For a detailed timetable and to see how these activities are structured throughout the semester, please refer to the Blackboard site.

WEEK 1 (2-5 PM)

Course Introduction

This course introduction is intended to give students a general idea of what they can expect to learn throughout the course. It will typically cover topics such as the course objectives, the overall structure of the course, the required materials and texts, the course schedule and assignments, the grading system, and the instructor's contact information. It may also include information on accessing online course materials, such as a course website or online learning platform. In addition to providing information about the course, a course orientation class also allows students to meet the instructor and other students, ask questions, and discuss any concerns they may have. It is essential to attend this session as we will also form the respective groups.

Introduction to Case Study

This session offers a comprehensive exploration of case studies in the context of agribusiness, covering their definition, significance, and practical applications. A key focus is developing critical analysis skills essential for dissecting and understanding the complexities of agribusiness scenarios. As a foundational component of our curriculum, this session sets the stage for advanced case study analysis, preparing students to confidently tackle more complex topics in agribusiness. Additionally, we will introduce a novel technique for working with case studies, offering students an innovative approach to enhance their analytical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities in this field.

Introduction to Business Plan Development

This session is a crucial element of the course, designed to introduce students to a business plan's essential concepts and components. During the session, we will detail the assessment process and outline what students can expect. This includes a comprehensive discussion on the criteria and objectives of the assessment, providing clarity on how students' understanding of business plans will be evaluated. The session aims to ensure students are well-prepared and informed about the expectations, aiding them in effectively showcasing their grasp of business planning concepts.

WEEK 2 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 1 (The Business of Agribusiness)

This lecture will provide an overview of the role of management in agribusiness. We will discuss the intricacies of management's responsibilities and their impact on the food and agribusiness industries. We will explore the functional responsibilities of management, the unique characteristics of these industries, and the size, scope, and importance of the food production and marketing system. We will also examine the ongoing changes in the food production agriculture sector and the input sector. By the end of this lecture, you will have a comprehensive understanding of the role of management in agribusiness and the factors that shape the industry.

WEEK 3 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 2 (Agribusiness Marketing Management)

This lecture is specifically designed to illuminate the role and function of marketing management within the agribusiness sector. While it builds upon the foundational knowledge gained from the general marketing course in the Business School, this session narrows the focus to the unique aspects of agribusiness. It provides a comprehensive overview, highlighting how marketing management strategies and principles are explicitly applied in agribusiness. It aims to bridge the gap between broad marketing theories and their practical application in agribusiness.

WEEK 4 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 3 (Agribusiness Marketing Management)

Part 2 is a continuation of the previous lecture on agribusiness marketing management.

WEEK 5 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 4 (Financial Management in Agribusiness)

This lecture focuses on the role of financial management in the agribusiness sector, expanding upon core principles from general finance courses with specific agribusiness examples. It offers a detailed overview, showing how financial management strategies are practically applied in agriculture. The session aims to integrate broad financial theories with their real-world application in agribusiness, ensuring students thoroughly understand financial operations and decision-making relevant to this unique industry.

WEEK 6 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 5 (Financial Management in Agribusiness)

Part 2 is a continuation of the previous lecture on agribusiness financial management.

WEEK 7 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 6 (Financial Management in Agribusiness)

Part 3 is a continuation of the previous lecture on agribusiness financial management.

WEEK 8 (2-5 PM)

(MID-SEMESTER EXAM)

WEEK 9 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 7 (Operations Management)

This lecture concentrates on the role of operations management within the agribusiness sector, building upon fundamental principles from general operations courses and illustrating them with specific examples from agribusiness. It provides a comprehensive overview, demonstrating how operations management strategies are practically implemented in the agricultural industry. The session aims to blend overarching operations theories with their practical application in agribusiness, ensuring students understand operational processes and decision-making pertinent to this distinct sector.

WEEK 10

(PUBLIC HOLIDAY)

WEEK 11 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 8 (Operations Management)

Part 2 is a continuation of the previous lecture on agribusiness operational management.

WEEK 12 (2-3 PM)

LECTURE 9 (Human Resource)

This lecture explores the role of human resource management in the agribusiness sector, enhancing core principles from general HR courses with specific examples relevant to agribusiness. It provides a detailed overview, illustrating how HR management strategies are effectively applied in agribusiness.

WEEK 13 (2-5 PM)

(BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATION)

BUSINESS PLAN DEVELOPMENT (Project Based Learning)

In our course, you'll engage in three key activities: lecture sessions, case-based learning, and project-based learning with workshops. For a detailed timetable and to see how these activities are structured throughout the semester, please refer to the Blackboard site.

WEEK 1 (4-5 PM)

Introduction to Business Plan Development

This session is a crucial element of the course, designed to introduce students to a business plan's essential concepts and components. During the session, we will detail the assessment process and outline what students can expect. This includes a comprehensive discussion on the criteria and objectives of the assessment, providing clarity on how students' understanding of business plans will be evaluated. The session aims to ensure students are well-prepared and informed about the expectations, aiding them in effectively showcasing their grasp of business planning concepts.

WEEK 2 - WEEK 3 (Please note that there are no business plan activities scheduled for these two weeks)

Please use these two weeks to discuss and plan your business plan. Brainstorm ideas, collaborate with your peers and prepare any initial thoughts before we dive into the first session in Week 4. Use this time to lay a solid foundation for your project.

WEEK 4 (4-5 PM)

Business Plan Development 1

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 5 (4-5 PM)

Business Plan Development 2

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 6 (4-5 PM)

Business Plan Development 3

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 7 (4-5 PM)

Business Plan Development 4

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 8 (2-5 PM)

(MID-SEMESTER EXAM)

WEEK 9 (3-5 PM)

Business Development Plan 5

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 10

(PUBLIC HOLIDAY)

WEEK 11 (3-5 PM)

Business Development Plan 6

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 12 (3-5 PM)

Business Development Plan 7

Students will collaborate closely with tutors to develop their proposed business plans. Guided instructions will be provided, focusing on specific business plan components that students should concentrate on. This collaborative approach ensures that students receive expert guidance and support as they navigate the intricacies of business plan development. Tutors will offer insights and feedback, helping students refine each section of their plan, from market analysis to financial projections. This systematic and supportive framework enhances students' understanding and execution of a comprehensive and effective business plan.

WEEK 13 (2-5 PM)

(BUSINESS PLAN PRESENTATION)

Students will present the business plans they have developed over seven sessions. This presentation is an opportunity for them to articulate and defend their decisions throughout the planning process. It serves as a platform for students to showcase their comprehensive understanding of business planning, strategic thinking, and the rationale behind their choices, reflecting the depth and breadth of their learning and application skills acquired during the course. Active participation in every session is crucial. Each session is designed to build on the previous one, forming an integral part of the development of the business plan. This is not a task to be completed at the end but a continuous process that requires consistent engagement and effort.

Note on Presentation Timing:

The schedule will depend on the number of presentations scheduled for the day and might extend beyond regular class hours. We will discuss all details in class to ensure everyone is informed.

CASE STUDIES

In our course, you'll engage in three key activities: lecture sessions, case-based learning, and project-based learning with workshops. For a detailed timetable and to see how these activities are structured throughout the semester, please refer to the Blackboard site.

WEEK 1 (3-4 PM)

Introduction to Case Study

This session offers a comprehensive exploration of case studies in the context of agribusiness, covering their definition, significance, and practical applications. A key focus is developing critical analysis skills essential for dissecting and understanding the complexities of agribusiness scenarios. As a foundational component of our curriculum, this session sets the stage for advanced case study analysis, preparing students to confidently tackle more complex topics in agribusiness. Additionally, we will introduce a novel technique for working with case studies, offering students an innovative approach to enhance their analytical proficiency and problem-solving capabilities in this field.

WEEK 2 (3-5 PM)

Systems thinking and agribusiness case studies

This session is designed to introduce students to the application of systems thinking in analysing agribusiness case studies. This session offers a unique understanding of the complexities and interdependencies within the agribusiness sector. Students will learn how to apply systems thinking principles to dissect and interpret real-world case studies, fostering a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities in agribusiness. The session aims to equip students with the analytical tools to approach agribusiness issues systematically, enhancing their problem-solving and decision-making skills in this dynamic field.

WEEK 3 (3-5 PM)

Systems thinking and agribusiness case studies

Building on the foundational concepts introduced in our previous session, this is a comprehensive session designed to delve deeper into the practical applications of systems thinking in agribusiness case studies.

WEEK 4 (3-4 PM)

Test Case Study

This test case study session marks a collaborative effort where students will work closely with instructors to apply a systems thinking approach to agribusiness case studies. Students will be grouped in this interactive and dynamic setting to foster teamwork and collective problem-solving. The case studies, central to this session, will be provided a week in advance, ensuring ample time for students to review and prepare for in-depth in-class discussions. This preparatory measure is designed to enhance the session's effectiveness, enabling students to engage more meaningfully with the material and contribute thoughtfully to group discussions. The focus is on applying systems thinking in a practical context, thereby enriching students' understanding of complex agribusiness issues through collaborative learning and expert guidance.

WEEK 5 (3-4 PM)

Case Study 1

Students will be organised into groups to analyse the case study collaboratively through a systems thinking lens. Group members are expected to engage in discussions before and during the class sessions actively. This collaborative approach encourages students to collectively explore various perspectives and apply systems thinking methodologies to the case study. Prior discussions will serve as a foundation for more productive and in-depth analysis in class, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can share insights, challenge assumptions, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the case study through collective effort.

WEEK 6 (3-4 PM)

Case Study 2

Students will be organised into groups to analyse the case study collaboratively through a systems thinking lens. Group members are expected to engage in discussions before and during the class sessions actively. This collaborative approach encourages students to collectively explore various perspectives and apply systems thinking methodologies to the case study. Prior discussions will serve as a foundation for more productive and in-depth analysis in class, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can share insights, challenge assumptions, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the case study through collective effort.

WEEK 7 (3-4 PM)

Case Study 3

Students will be organised into groups to analyse the case study collaboratively through a systems thinking lens. Group members are expected to engage in discussions before and during the class sessions actively. This collaborative approach encourages students to collectively explore various perspectives and apply systems thinking methodologies to the case study. Prior discussions will serve as a foundation for more productive and in-depth analysis in class, fostering a dynamic learning environment where students can share insights, challenge assumptions, and develop a comprehensive understanding of the case study through collective effort.

WEEK 8 (2-5 PM)

(MID-SEMESTER EXAM)

This exam will assess the skills you've developed during our case study sessions. It is designed to reflect the importance of case-based learning and systems thinking in understanding real-world problems. Every session has been building the foundation for this test, so engaging fully in each discussion and activity is essential.

Be sure to review the key concepts and strategies we've covered, as they will be directly applicable to the exam. Your ability to integrate these ideas into practical scenarios is what we aim to evaluate.

Good luck, and remember that every class has played a crucial role in preparing you for this assessment!