DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES:

This course provides a perspective and understanding of the key components of Agricultural Business management, with a focus on the management tools used to measure business performance. There will be an emphasis on evaluating farm businesses incorporating financial, marketing, production and human resource management tools, decision making techniques, technology adoption and management of risk.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

After completing the course, students will have developed some understanding of concepts, principles and issues in business management.

COURSE CONTENTS:

Scope and objectives of Agribusiness Management; Functions of management; Forms of business organizations; Principles and Techniques of farm planning, operation and management. Enterprise budgeting, Resource constraints, optimum combinations and alternate business plans. Balance Sheet, income statement and their analysis; Benefit Cost Analysis, Uncertainty and Risk in Farm Business; Risk Management Strategies; Supply chain management and Relevant Case studies. Role of Government in Agribusiness management.

READINGS:

Recommended Book

1. Downey, W.D. & Erickson, S. P. (2002). Agribusiness Management. Singapore: McGraw Hill Education.
2. Castle, E. N., Becker, M. H. & Nelson, A. G. (2002). Farm Business Management.  New York: Macmillan.

Suggested Books

1. Kinsey, B. H. (2000). Agri. Business and Rural Enterprise. London: room Helm Ltd.
2. Goldberg, R. A., Wilson, L. M., & Austin, J. E. (1974) Agribusiness Management for Developing Countries. Cambridge, MA: Ballinger Publishing Company.
3. Bucket, M. (1981). An Introduction to Farm Organization and Management. Elsevier Science &Technology Books.
4. Kay, R., Edwards, W., & Duffy, P. (2007). Farm Management. 7th Edition. McGraw Hill Education, EU.