Associate Degree in Agricultural Production and Management

This course will no longer be offered from 2021.

Course Aims

This course aims to equip graduates with skills at a paraprofessional level that will enable them to integrate technology into production systems, to be adaptive and creative in dealing with challenges in agriculture, and to manage the administration for an agricultural enterprise.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to: administer finances and analyse the profitability and viability of a rural enterprise; carry out business planning for an agricultural enterprise, based on a knowledge of financial procedures and reports, industry benchmarks and best practices and market requirements for the product; develop a site physical plan for an agricultural enterprise and identify the infrastructure requirements; apply high level business communication skills, reflect on the effectiveness of communication and draw on a range of communication strategies; transmit information and strategies to staff and stakeholders; develop a marketing plan for an agricultural product to meet customer requirements and enterprise profitability targets; apply spatial imaging technology to monitor the environmental impacts and improve the management of an agricultural enterprise; and make decisions for an agricultural enterprise that contribute to economic, social and business sustainability.

Graduate Attributes

Knowledge of a Discipline Students will receive knowledge from lectures, practicals and course materials, and will be asked to find relevant knowledge in industry publications, technical texts and from primary sources. Students will also gain industry knowledge from work-based learning on actual enterprises where they apply farm management competencies. Knowledge will be assessed in examinations, quizzes, essays and reports. Communication Skills Students are required to complete a core unit in management communication. This will include written and spoken communication in the contexts of personnel management, business operations and internet communication. Students will study theoretical perspectives on effective communication, and be able to demonstrate the ability to be self-reflective and draw on a range of communication strategies. Problem Solving The VET units require evidence of problem solving as one of the components of competency. This will be assessed through tasks which pose specific management problems, and through evidence of problem solving detailed in work experience reports. Students will be expected to observe, record and draw conclusions from data. Students will be expected to show initiative in applying technology, and to problem solve as part of the process of introducing and integrating technology into agricultural operations. Information Literacy All units will have an online component and students will be assessed on their ability to obtain appropriate information through hard copy, e-libraries and online sources. Students will need to demonstrate the appropriate use and acknowledgement of primary and secondary sources of information. Ethical Conduct and Social Responsibility The core 'Sustaining Our Rural Environment' units look at the social dimension of agriculture and its image and importance in general society. The degree emphasises the efficient use of non-renewable resources and the importance of sustainable farm practices to maintain soil and water quality and biodiversity in the farming landscape. Lifelong Learning This course is unique in that includes both VET units and university units. The degree will provide for an integrated work and learning pathway which will allow students to complete training in practical and technical skills, and move through the AQF levels to complete education and training at management level. Students will learn the importance and value of becoming self-directed learners, and the importance of learning in adapting to change. Independence and Collaboration Students are encouraged and taught to develop independence of thought and action. The management communications unit specifically addresses interpersonal communication at work and the use of negotiation and inclusive language. Students will also be asked to complete learning activities in groups and competency assessments for the VET units can be based around group activities.