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Agricultural Systems Analysis (AGRI30003)
Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)
About this subject
- Overview
- Eligibility and requirements
- Assessment
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- Further information
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Contact information
Semester 2
Overview
Availability | Semester 2 |
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Fees | Look up fees |
Success in animal enterprises and systems is a result of interdisciplinary interactions between animal, plant, climatic, human, risk and market factors. This subject aims to develop the skills required to analyse these interactions and support decision-making in animal enterprises. The subject is taught using problem-based learning by doing. Students will conduct system management case study analyses during the semester, and submit a detailed report on these. Each case study is based on an animal enterprise or system. Case study analysis will require students to clearly identify the problem to be solved and the context for problem solving (including business and personal goals of the owners/managers and their approach to management and decision making), analyse options for solving the problems and meeting goals, and prepare a report of their findings for the 'client'. Case study visits are supplemented by lectures and tutorials that develop the theory and practice of system thinking and analysis. The subject integrates biophysical science disciplines, management economics, and human systems elements. It is designed to enable students to work effectively with the owners and managers of animal businesses in bringing about change in their system.
Intended learning outcomes
On completion of this subject, students will have gained:
- A basic understanding of systems theory and practice
- Experience in practical situation analysis and skills in problem solving, in 'real world' settings
- An understanding of the way technology is adopted in the management of agricultural businesses
- The opportunity to apply knowledge gained earlier in their course to the solution of practical problems
Generic skills
On completion of this subject, students should have developed their:
- Problem solving and analytical skills
- Capacity to tackle unfamiliar and complex problems
- Ability to think systemically and integrate knowledge from different disciplines
- Communication skills, through written and oral presentations to a ‘client’
- Quantitative analysis skills
- Ability to plan work, be efficient in time management and deliver results within a prescribed time line
Last updated: 22 March 2024