32. Courses being phased out (degrees)
32.1. Bachelor of Rural Business
32.1.1. Course objectives
32.1.2. Career opportunities
32.1.3. Course outline
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
| Second year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Points | |
| 208-117 Macroeconomics | 12.5 | |
| 208-236 Intoduction to Agribusiness | 12.5 | |
| 208-277 Statistical Methods | 12.5 | |
| One elective | 12.5 | |
| Sub total | 50.0 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| 208-212 Agribusiness Marketing | 12.5 | |
| 208-248 Water, Soil and Nutrient Management | 12.5 | |
| 208-292 Accounting for Agribusiness | 12.5 | |
| One elective | 12.5 | |
| Sub total | 50.0 | |
| Total Points | 100.0 | |
| Third year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Points | |
| 202-307 Industry Project | 12.5 | |
| 202-308 Human Resource Management | 12.5 | |
| 202-313 Agricultural Systems Analysis | 12.5 | |
| 208-335 International Business Strategies | 12.5 | |
| Sub total | 50.0 | |
| Semester 2 | ||
| 202-307 Industry Project | 12.5 | |
| 208-237 Business Finance | 12.5 | |
| 208-334 Supply Chain Management | 12.5 | |
| One elective | 12.5 | |
| Sub total | 50.0 | |
| Year-long subject | ||
| 202-005 Industry Placement# | 0 | |
| Total Points | 100.0 | |
| Fourth Year (honours) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Points | |
| 208-415 Research Philosophies and Statistics | 12.5 | |
| or | ||
| 207-414 Social Research Methods | 12.5 | |
| or | ||
| 220-404 Methods for Forest & Ecosystem Research | 12.5 | |
| Semester 1 and 2 | ||
| Two electives (chosen from 300/400 level subjects across LFR) | 25.0 | |
| Year-long subject | ||
| 202-410 Honours Research Project | 62.5 | |
| 202-410 Honours Research Project (62.5 points, year-long) may be replaced by 202-413 Honours Research Project (62.5 points, Semester 1 or Semester 2) or 202-416 Honours Research Project (50 points, mid-year entry). | ||
| Total Points | 100.0 | |
| Electives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year 2, Summer Semester | Points | |
| 208-244 Australia in the Wine World | 12.5 | |
| Year 2, Semester 1 | ||
| 208-206 Vineyard & Winery Operations S-A | 12.5 | |
| 208-337 Plant Protection Systems | 12.5 | |
| Year 2, Semester 2 | ||
| 208-107 Vineyard & Winery Operations W-S | 12.5 | |
| 208-245 Animal Management and Production | 12.5 | |
| 208-246 Crop Production | 12.5 | |
| 208-249 Landscape Information Systems | 12.5 | |
| Year 3, Semester 1 | ||
| 208-342 Animal Production Systems | 12.5 | |
| 208-308 Irrigation and Water Management | 12.5 | |
| 208-329 Viticulture | 12.5 | |
| 208-332 Entrepreneurship | 12.5 | |
| Year 3, Semester 2 | ||
| 207-328 Working with Community Groups | 12.5 | |
| 208-316 Oenology | 12.5 | |
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