Enterprise Management Challenge
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| BIOS2014 | Biosciences | 2 | 10 | Spring UK |
- Code
- BIOS2014
- School
- Biosciences
- Level
- 2
- Credits
- 10
- Semesters
- Spring UK
Summary
The module introduces students to a choice of crop or livestock management decision making in practice through team-based activity. Working in small teams, supported by teaching staff and industry consultants, students will be responsible for making management (science and business) decisions relating to the production of crops or livestock, as for commercial purposes. The management inputs and decisions made will be implemented by technical staff, thus in effect students studying this module combine the roles of a professional consultant and farm manager. Each team will document the decisions they make and this will provide material for module assessment. The module assessment also incorporates the extent to which the management decisions made throughout the module constitute a professional understanding and approach to agricultural management.
Target Students
Year 2 students taking one of the agriculture degrees. Also available to UG/MSci Plant Science/Biology studies.
Classes
- One 4-hour un assigned
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 7 weeks
- One 2-hour practicum
- One 1-hour field studies each week for 2 weeks
Un assigned is a Industry visit
Assessment
- 30% Coursework 1: Individual field diary - 500 words
- 70% Coursework 2: Individual Report - 1500 words
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
The module aims to introduce students to agricultural management decision making in practice through team-based activity. The integration of learning across disciplines (Science, Business and Economics) will be a key aim of this module. Working in small teams, and supported by teaching staff, students will be responsible for making management (science and business) decisions relating to the production of a crop enterprise or a livestock enterprise, based on University Farm, as for commercial purposes. The management inputs and decisions made will be implemented by technical staff, thus in effect students studying this module combine the roles of a professional agronomist and farm manager. Each team will document the decisions they make and this will provide material for module assessment. The module assessment also incorporates the extent to which the management decisions made throughout the module constitute a professional understanding and approach to agricultural management.Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the module, students will be able to:
- Recognise the importance of biological, environmental and commercial elements of agricultural production
- Understand the options available for managing nutrient supply and disease (crops or livestock), including knowledge of standard terminology
- Apply techniques for assessing profitability and managing risk
- Develop appropriate decision making skills in relation to the use of inputs and prices
- Interact and engage with professionals in the industry
- Place knowledge gained from research into practical application and context