Institute of Land and Food Resources : Guide to courses 27. Bachelor of Rural Business

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27. Bachelor of Rural Business
    27.1. Course objectives
    27.2. Career opportunities
    27.3. Course Outline

27. Bachelor of Rural Business

This course, offered at the Dookie campus, has a strong core of business. It combines an understanding of business systems with an overview of biological and production systems, communication and information skills and incorporates science, management and information technology in the context of problem solving. It develops knowledge and skills in accounting, finance, management, economics, information technology, business law, markets and marketing, policy and human resource management, in the context of an understanding of business practices and operating environments thereby allowing entry into business management and professional services.

Australia has seen the introduction of new industries in regional areas, many of which have a value adding and/or processing component. In addition, there are Government initiatives to address environmental issues such as water availability and rights, salinity, global warming and environmental accountability. To equip graduates with the skills needed in this new rural business environment the Bachelor of Rural Business is strongly focused on the modern business operating environment. The degree provides a comprehensive understanding of business operation, markets and competition, post farm gate activities, value adding, international trade, economic growth, environmental and resource sustainability issues and rural development.

Students will analyse and evaluate businesses and develop innovative management practices and solutions to enhance such businesses. They will be able to specialise in:

• Agribusiness

• Regional Development

• Rural Management or

• Small to Medium Enterprise Management.

27.1. Course objectives

Students who have completed this course should have acquired:

• essential business management skills;

• an understanding of the theory and principles of business practices and business tools;

• a high level of understanding of the issues facing rural and regional businesses;

• an understanding of the application of business practices and skills to the issues facing such businesses;

• effective communication skills applicable in a variety of situations;

• a capacity for initiating cooperative relationships with colleagues, employers and clients; and

• an appreciation of the economic, political and social influences in rural and regional communities, with the ability to respond appropriately.

27.2. Career opportunities

Graduates will be fully prepared to take up a career in areas such as research and development organisations, financial institutions and banks, marketing, journalism, environmental or business consulting firms, biotechnology, government and policy agencies, international trade and export, food processing and value adding companies, extension, agriculture, agronomy, as well as farm management.

27.3. Course Outline

A total of 300 points must be successfully completed, including:

• 162.5 points of compulsory core subjects (12 subjects including 25-point Industry Project);

• 75 points of subjects (6 subjects) from one of the specialisation areas of Agribusiness, Regional Development, Rural Management and/or Small-to-Medium Enterprise Management; and

• 62.5 points (5 subjects) of an approved sequence of electives to complement the 'stream' subjects. These electives can include subjects from the Bachelor of Agriculture.

At least 75 points must be completed at the 300 level. The course has an industry placement requirement.

• Agribusiness

  The aim of this stream is to introduce students to the unique facets of agribusiness management so they can adapt and apply traditional business management tools, or develop new tools, for use in managing such businesses. Subjects are: 208-236 Introduction to Agribusiness, 208-212 Agribusiness Marketing, 208-237 Business Finance, 208-238 Business Law II, 208-330 Business Risk Management, and 208-334 Supply Chain Management.

• Regional Development

  The aim of this stream is to introduce students to the dynamics of rural and regional communities and their interactions with the business community, so they can integrate this knowledge into their management processes. Subjects are: 208-238 Business Law II, 208-331 Community Change Management, 208-332 Entrepreneurship, 208-235 Regional Development, 208-240 Regional Policy, and 207-328 Working with Community Groups.

• Rural Management

  The aim of this stream is to introduce students to the dynamics of rural and regional communities and their interactions with the business community, so they can integrate this knowledge into their management processes. Subjects are: 208-238 Business Law II, 208-331 Community Change Management, 208-332 Entrepreneurship, 208-235 Regional Development, 208-240 Regional Policy, and 207-328 Working with Community Groups.

• Small-to-Medium Enterprise Management

  The aim of this stream is to introduce students to the dynamics of rural and regional communities and their interactions with the business community, so they can integrate this knowledge into their management processes. Subjects are: 208-238 Business Law II, 208-331 Community Change Management, 208-332 Entrepreneurship, 208-235 Regional Development, 208-240 Regional Policy, and 207-328 Working with Community Groups.

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