AGR3CRM

COMMODITY RISK MANAGEMENT

AGR3CRM

2018

Credit points: 15

Subject outline

This subject introduces students to factors impacting on agricultural production which are beyond the farm gate. It focuses on understanding commodity markets and the price discovery mechanism, local pricing, supply chains, price-currency risks, and the global agribusiness environment. Risk is examined and the need for forward markets to offset this risk is explained. Problems with supply chain integration will be detailed, while strategies to manage both price and currency risk will be evaluated. Topics include the market price mechanism, commercial trade markets, characteristics of forward markets, identifying market position and calculating exposure through position valuation, risk transfer mechanisms, establishing risk management objectives, problems with forward contracts under high default risk, futures and options hedging, basis risk, over-the-counter bank pricing products, and managing commodity risks within the organisation.

SchoolSchool of Life Sciences

Credit points15

Subject Co-ordinatorJohn Williams

Available to Study Abroad StudentsYes

Subject year levelYear Level 3 - UG

Exchange StudentsYes

Subject particulars

Subject rules

PrerequisitesN/A

Co-requisitesN/A

Incompatible subjects FIN3DER

Equivalent subjectsN/A

Special conditionsN/A

Learning resources

Readings

Resource TypeTitleResource RequirementAuthor and YearPublisher
ReadingsAgricultural Supply Chains and the Challenge of Price RiskPrescribedWilliams, J., 2014Routledge
ReadingsAgricultural Price Risk Management: The Principles of Commodity TradingRecommendedWilliams, J. and Schroder, B., 1999Oxford University Press

Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes

01. Identify the major risk variables in agricultural food-fibre supply chains.

Activities:
In lectures and tutorials students will discuss and research the risk variables in food-fibre supply chains. Students will practice techniques in analytical commodity risk management through exercises. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

02. Analyse forward commodity market characteristics in commercial trade markets.

Activities:
In lectures and tutorials students will research forward commodity market characteristics in commercial trade markets. Through discussions, exercises and assignments students will practice interpreting commodity markets. The assignments will focus on Internet real-time market prices and information. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

03. Apply the principles of market risk management to supply chain situations.

Activities:
In lectures and tutorials students will discuss how to apply the principles of commodities to market situations. Students will research futures, options and over-the-counter products, access commodity data and information sources and interpret commodity charts. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

04. Evaluate hedging tactics and calculate hedging risks and the impact of basis movement in order to minimise the impact of risk variables on business profitability.

Activities:
In lectures and tutorials students will discuss and examine hedging risks and tactics. Students will practice techniques in analytical commodity risk management through exercises and assignments. Students will research futures, options and over-the-counter products and access commodity data and information sources to increase individual confidence in hedging. The assignments will focus on Internet real-time market prices and information. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

05. Design flexible strategies to achieve the risk target objectives.

Activities:
Students will discuss strategies to achieve risk target objectives in lectures and practice these during exercises and tutorials. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

06. Implement over-the-counter bank products.

Activities:
Students will research futures, options and over-the-counter products in lectures and tutorials. As preparation for this subject, information about basic terminology and concepts will be made available to the students prior to the commencement of the lectures (prescribed pre-reading). This includes notes and exercises.

Subject options

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Start date between: and    Key dates

Melbourne, 2018, Week 09-15, Day

Overview

Online enrolmentYes

Maximum enrolment sizeN/A

Enrolment information

Subject Instance Co-ordinatorJohn Williams

Class requirements

Block ModeWeek: 09 - 09
Five 9.0 hours block mode per week on weekdays during the day from week 09 to week 09 and delivered via face-to-face.
"Five 9-hour days in Week 9"

LectureWeek: 12 - 12
One 3.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 12 to week 12 and delivered via face-to-face.

WorkShopWeek: 12 - 12
One 4.0 hours workshop per week on weekdays during the day from week 12 to week 12 and delivered via face-to-face.

Assessments

Assessment elementComments%ILO*
One written 2-hour examination6001, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06
One written in-class test (approx. 500-words equivalent)1001
One written report (hedging exercise) - (approx. 1,500-words)2002, 03, 04, 05, 06
One written report (trading account exercise) - (approx. 500-words)1002