RURAL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT
AGR1RBM
2019
Credit points: 15
Subject outline
This subject develops knowledge of the Australian agricultural business environment focusing on principles of development, planning, operation and performance analysis as applied to rural business enterprises in local and global settings. Students will examine a variety of agricultural business types through a variety of experiential tasks and develop skills in the use of structured planning methods to identify business and marketing opportunities as well as skills in business plan development. The subject also requires students to recognise and consider workplace safety issues, human resource requirements and relevant social, ethical and environmental issues.
School: School of Life Sciences
Credit points: 15
Subject Co-ordinator: Penelope Smith
Available to Study Abroad Students: No
Subject year level: Year Level 1 - UG
Exchange Students: No
Subject particulars
Subject rules
Prerequisites: Must be admitted into SBATE or require Subject Coordinator approval.
Co-requisites: N/A
Incompatible subjects: N/A
Equivalent subjects: N/A
Special conditions: This subject is taught at the Epping Campus of Melbourne Polytechnic.
Learning resources
Readings
| Resource Type | Title | Resource Requirement | Author and Year | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Readings | Financial management for agribusiness | Prescribed | Obst, W, Graham, R & Christie, G 2007 | CSIRO, COLLINGWOOD. |
| Readings | A guide to business law | Recommended | Dowler, W & Miles, C 2008 | LAWBOOK CO, PYRMONT. |
| Readings | Accounting | Recommended | Horngren, C 2009 | 8TH EDN, PEARSON EDUCATION LTD, UK. |
| Readings | Marketing: core concepts and applications | Recommended | Pride, W 2007 | WILEY, AUSTRALIA. |
| Readings | The successful business plan: Secrets and strategies | Recommended | Abrams, R & Burrows, P 2008 | CAPSTONE PUBLISHING, MINNESOTA |
| Readings | Writing your plan for small business success | Recommended | Birt, I 2003 | PEARSON EDUCATION, AUSTRALIA. |
Graduate capabilities & intended learning outcomes
01. Describe relevant characteristics of the Australian business environment
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorials introduce students to the Australian business environment and business structures. Tutorials will use a variety of media to identify characteristics of rural businesses and farms.
02. Analyse different types of agricultural related businesses to identify key aspects of financial statements
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorial activities explore financial statements and business processes. Case studies will be used in the construction and analysis of business statements such as profit and loss, balance sheets and transactions. Students use agricultural accounting programs.
03. Apply the key components for business development, planning, operation and performance analysis to prepare a business plan outline for a rural business
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorials include principles of business planning and development including various types of budgets. Business plan development in both the short and long term will be covered.
04. Recognise and reflect on the application of relevant OH&S and HR requirements in regard to social, ethical and environmental issues
- Activities:
- Lectures and tutorial activities will include human resource practices, business ethics and OH&S as they apply to businesses and business planning.
Epping, 2019, Semester 2, Day
Overview
Online enrolment: Yes
Maximum enrolment size: N/A
Enrolment information:
Subject Instance Co-ordinator: Penelope Smith
Class requirements
LectureWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours lecture per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
TutorialWeek: 31 - 43
One 2.0 hours tutorial per week on weekdays during the day from week 31 to week 43 and delivered via face-to-face.
Assessments
| Assessment element | Comments | % | ILO* |
|---|---|---|---|
| One case study: Business and strategic plan (2,000-words) | 50 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| One Written Report (500-words) | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Practical Assignment: Market research tools (800-words) | 20 | 01, 02, 03, 04 | |
| Two x Tests (300-words, each) | 15 | 01, 02, 03, 04 |