Key facts
UNE unit code: ECON223
*You are viewing the 2025 version of this unit which may be subject to change in future.
- Trimester 1 - On Campus
- Trimester 1 - Online
- Armidale Campus
- Yes
- No
- Yes
- 6
Unit information
Managing farms and other natural resource-based businesses is especially complex because of the strong impact that international commodity markets and uncertain weather events have on profitability.
Studying this unit, you will gain practical farm management skills and hands-on experience solving real-world problems in farm businesses.
You will explore basic management functions such as planning, implementing and monitoring business performance.
The techniques you will learn will allow you to assess the current state of the business and evaluate potential improvements to enhance profitability and sustainability while accounting for the limited resources available to the operation.
Offerings
For further information about UNE's teaching periods, please go to Principal Dates.
| Teaching period | Mode/location |
|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | On Campus, Armidale Campus |
| Trimester 1 | Online |
*Offering is subject to availability
Intensive schools
There are no intensive schools required for this unit.
Enrolment rules
Notes
Please refer to the student handbook for current details on this unit.
Unit coordinator(s)
Learning outcomes
Upon completion of this unit, students will be able to:
- identify and evaluate the financial and economic performance of a farm business by producing a set of benchmark budgets;
- demonstrate an understanding of economic and resource consequences of changes to the farm operation;
- analyse information and undertake basic risk analysis in the context of agricultural production;
- identify appropriate strategies for whole-farm analysis by integrating management objectives, resource constraints and optimisation techniques (linear programming); and
- design and implement spreadsheets as analytical tools for farm and resource management.
Assessment information
Assessments are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
| Title | Must Complete | Weight | Offerings | Assessment Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Assignment 1 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Problem Solving and Short Answer Questions No. Words: 1200 |
| Assignment 2 | Yes | 15% | All offerings | Problem Solving and Short Answer Questions No. Words: 1200 |
| Assignment 3 | Yes | 20% | All offerings | Problem Solving and Short Answer Questions No. Words: 1600 |
| Final Examination | Yes | 50% | All offerings | Students must obtain at least 50% in the examination (and at least 50% overall) to receive a pass (or better) in the unit. |
Learning resources
Textbooks are subject to change up to 8 weeks prior to the start of the teaching period in which you are undertaking the unit.
Note: Recommended material is held in the University Library — purchase is optional.
The Farming Game
ISBN: 9780521537551
Malcolm, B., Makeham, J.P. and Wright, V., CUP 2nd ed. 2005
Text refers to: All offerings
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