308079 (v.1) Operations Research for Agribusiness 301

Area:

Muresk Institute

Credits:

25.0

Contact Hours:

7.0

Lecture:

1 x 3 Hours Weekly

Tutorial:

2 x 2 Hours Weekly

Prerequisite(s):

303324 (v.2) Food and Agribusiness Marketing 201 or any previous version

Syllabus:

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

Unit Outcomes:

On completion of this unit, students will be able to - Define research problems and choose appropriate techniques to analyse the problem and identify various analytical techniques used in farm management. Demonstrate skills and knowledge of principles and techniques learned 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. Demonstrate 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. Demonstrate use of information technology (including computers, web) 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, Collumbus. Sydney. Pannell, D.J. (1997). Introduction to Practical Linear Programming. John Wiley and Sons, New York.

Unit Texts:

No prescribed texts.

Unit Assessment Breakdown:

Essay and Seminar presentation 20%, Final written examination or semester test 30%, Practical file 25%, Project 25%. This is a Grade/Mark assessment.

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