Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Management

Program Overview

The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Management equips students with advanced knowledge and skills in agribusiness management. Through a blend of theoretical and practical learning, students develop critical analysis, leadership, and strategic planning abilities. The program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in the agribusiness sector, including leadership positions, policy analysis, and research and development.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Management

Overview:

This program aims to equip students who already possess a degree or extensive applicable experience with advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in the specialized field of agribusiness management. This knowledge can be utilized in professional practice or further advanced study in this area.

Objectives:

• Develop critical analysis skills of strategic issues impacting agricultural industries.
• Design and implement appropriate policies in operations and general management.
• Understand the complexities of agribusiness economics.
• Identify future trends and potential issues within the industry.
• Gain leadership skills necessary for success in the agribusiness sector.
• Learn strategies to build and maintain a competitive business.
• Understand the influences shaping the future of the industry.
• Explore policy and regulatory environments and their impacts.
• Conduct research on topics of special interest.

Program Description:

The Graduate Certificate in Agribusiness Management offers a blend of theoretical and practical learning with an emphasis on applied knowledge and skill development. The program emphasizes developing agribusiness management skills like communication, presentations, interpersonal interactions, problem-solving, alongside specific agribusiness knowledge.

Outline:

Course Content:

Compulsory Papers:

• MGT618 (MGT235) Agribusiness Economics (15 credits): Explores economic and policy issues related to agricultural production, marketing, and resource use.
Develops knowledge and skills to apply agricultural and resource policy analysis to agricultural production, cost economics, farm management, and agricultural marketing economics.
• MGT709 (MGT309) Relationships, Influence and Leadership (15 credits): Understands and maximizes influence on decision-makers and learns how to utilize influential tactics.
Explores leadership qualities and its contrast to management, examining the relationship between leaders and those seeking to influence them.
• MGT715 (MGT315) Agricultural and Resource Policy (15 credits): Provides knowledge of New Zealand agricultural, agri-environmental, and resource policies, the role of a policy advisor, and theories behind government regulation.
Enables students to establish a framework to analyze agricultural and resource policies in both national and global contexts.
• MGT716 (MGT316) Sustainable Agribusiness Practice (15 credits): provides knowledge of environmental and social information required for developing an agribusiness strategy inclusive of societal expectations, intergenerational issues, and business and industry life cycles.
Enables students to undertake value chain analysis and evaluate eco-efficiency outcomes.

Course Schedule:

The program operates on a trimester system with three intakes per year:

• Intake 1: February 12 to June 7
• Intake 2: March 18 to July 12
• Intake 3: June 24 to October 18
Each intake is 17 weeks long, and students can complete the program by completing two intakes of 30 credits each in one year or by taking four intakes of 15 credits each over two years.

Modules:

Each paper in the program represents a module with its own specific syllabus, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements. Each module in the program employs diverse assessment methods to evaluate student learning and comprehension. These methods may include:

• Essays: Critically evaluate topics, demonstrate understanding of key concepts, and present arguments through well-structured written responses.
• Discussion Activities: Participate in online forums, engage in thoughtful discussions, share insights, and demonstrate critical thinking through written responses.

Assessment Criteria:

Assessments are graded based on established criteria that evaluate students' abilities to:

• Demonstrate a thorough understanding of key concepts and theories related to agribusiness management.
• Apply knowledge to real-world situations and analyze complex issues within the industry.
• Communicate effectively through written and oral presentations, expressing ideas clearly and concisely.
• Work collaboratively in online forums, contributing meaningfully to discussions and exchanging ideas effectively.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a blended learning approach that combines online delivery with facilitated support. Students access learning materials, engage in discussion forums, and submit assessments through the Blackboard® online learning environment. They also receive ongoing support from facilitators throughout the study period.

Faculty:

The program faculty comprises experienced industry professionals and academics with expertise in agribusiness management. They bring real-world insights and diverse perspectives to create a stimulating learning environment.

Unique Approaches:

• Flexibility: The program's distance learning format allows students to study at their own pace and from any location with internet access.
• Interactive Learning: Online discussions and group projects facilitate active participation and foster collaboration among students.
• Industry Focus: The program curriculum aligns with current industry needs and prepares students for practical application of their knowledge.

Careers:

Career Opportunities:

The program equips graduates with the expertise to pursue diverse career paths in the agribusiness sector. Potential positions include:

• Agribusiness consultant
• Farm manager
• Policy analyst
• Marketing specialist
• Research scientist
• Project manager
• Sustainability coordinator

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared to:

• Secure leadership positions in the agribusiness industry.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of effective agribusiness strategies.
• Engage in research and development activities to advance sustainable practices.
• Play a critical role in shaping the future of the agribusiness sector.

Other:

Zero Fees Scheme:

Domestic students, New Zealand citizens completing the full qualification, and eligible international students are entitled to study this program for free under the government's Zero Fees Scheme. Students can enroll in the program through the SIT2LRN website. Students are advised to order textbooks at least 3-4 weeks before the start of their study period.

Courses:

The SIT2LRN website provides information on suggested courses related to agribusiness management, including the Bachelor of Applied Management (Agribusiness Management major), Farming Systems and Equipment (Level 3), and Graduate Diploma in Agribusiness Management.