11154 (v.2) Agricultural Systems Research 401

Area:

Muresk Institute

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

5.0

Lecture:

3 x 2 Hours Weekly

Tutorial:

2 x 2 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

303298 (v.2) Farm Business Systems 102 or any previous version

Syllabus:

The study of a range of specific and general models and operations research techniques and research their development and effective incorporation into practical decision support systems.

Unit Outcomes:

On successful completion of this unit, students will have- Defined research problems and choose appropriate techniques to analyse the problem and identify various analytical techniques used in farm management. Demonstrated skills and knowledge of principles and techniques learnt in the unit including research design and/or project design; goal setting; feasibility studies; optimisation and mathematical programming; simulation; soft systems; modelling and forecasting; goal setting and strategic planning; logistics and supply chain management. Apply specific technique(s) in case study(ies) to demonstrate understanding and the practical uses of these analytical techniques and identify the scope and limitations. Demonstrated ability to write clear and concise reports and present orally in a clear and logical manner and to respond to questions raised by the audience. Demonstrated the capacity to work independently as well as to participate in teams and to network with other teams. Demonstrated the use of information technology (including computers, web, etc) as a tool/resource when studying or analysing agribusiness systems.

Text and references listed above are for your information only and current as of September 30, 2003. Please check with the unit coordinator for up-to-date information.

Unit References:

Anderson, J.R., Dillon, J.L. and Hardaker, J.B., (1977). Agricultural Decision Analysis, Iowa State University Press, Ames. Barnard, C.S. and Nix, J.S., (1979). Farm Planning and Control, 2nd ed, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Leedy, P.D., (1997). Practical Research: Planning and Design, 6th ed, Merrill Prentice Hall, Columbus, Sydney. Pannell, D.J., (1997). Introduction to Practical Linear Programming, John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Unit Texts:

No prescribed texts.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Continuous assessment 70%, Examination 30%. This is a Grade/Mark assessment.

Year	Location	Period	Internal	Area External	Central External
2004	Northam Campus	Semester 1	Y