GSB 624 Agribusiness Strategy
The unit focuses on strategic management in the specialist area of agribusiness. As well as extending your knowledge about agribusiness, GSB 624 is a more advanced course in strategy than GSB 725—Strategic Management, which is the prerequisite for this unit.
In this unit, strategic management (planning, implementation and control) of agribusiness firms is presented in an integrated manner, emphasising the links in the process between the conception of a strategic idea and its fruition. The key components are:
- the analysis of future developments in a search for opportunities
- designing the strategy and its supporting programs
- building an organisation to support the strategy; and
- guiding the execution of the strategy.
The unit covers the whole spectrum of agribusiness, including all business operations from the supply of farm inputs to production, processing, marketing and consumption of farm output. It includes the activities of agribusiness firms and farms, both large and small, whose activities take place mainly within the boundaries of Australia. However, given that much of Australian agriculture has strong links to the international market, the subject matter also includes international agribusiness issues and global strategies.
As this unit is designed to educate, rather than train, you, you can expect this unit to provide you with insights and perspectives that are not commonly known or shared by business practitioners in Australia, and to equip you with analytical skills that are important to good management. This unit aims to increase your knowledge and skills in:
- the analysis of strategic issues in agribusiness organisations
- the application of strategic management methods; and
- the management of agribusiness firms from a holistic, long-term point of view.
This is the final unit in the Agribusiness Major of the MBA. As such, it is highly desirable that students have some background and experience in marketing and management, as well as working knowledge of the agribusiness sector. Therefore, it is recommended that students have taken GSB 725 Strategic Management, GSB 731—Marketing Management and GSB 620 The Agribusiness Environment prior to taking this unit.