2006-2007 University of Guelph Graduate Calendar

Appendix A - Courses

Agricultural Business

AGBU*6070 Research Methods for Managers W [0.50]
The objective of the course is to provide students with a working knowledge of quantitative and qualitative techniques used in the analysis of management problems. The emphasis is on the application and interpretation of quantitative and qualitative methods rather than on theoretical background.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6100 Food and Agribusiness Economics and Policy U [0.50]
An analysis of economic and policy issues relevant for food and agribusiness managers in affluent economies, with emphasis on the economic and policy environment that exists within North America.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6120 Marketing Management W [0.50]
A study of marketing decision-making in food and agribusiness firms, with emphasis on the formulation of strategic marketing plans.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6180 Financial and Managerial Accounting U [0.50]
This course emphasizes the gathering and use of financial information to facilitate effective financial and management decisions. Cases are used to approach the subject from the perspective of the user of accounting information rather than that of the supplier.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6200 Financial Management U [0.50]
This course takes the viewpoint of the senior financial officer of a commercial enterprise. The focus is on the management of cash, accounts receivable, inventories and capital assets, as well as on the sourcing of funds through short-term liabilities, long-term debt and owners' equity.
Prerequisite(s): AGBU*6180 Financial and Managerial Accounting
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6300 Problems in Agribusiness - Summer Residency S [0.50]
A seven-day intensive session,delivered at the University of Guelph, that focuses on the development of a management plan for an agribusiness organization through the use of group case studies, seminars and speakers.
AGBU*6400 Food and Agribusiness Strategic Management U [0.50]
An advanced course requiring the application of conceptual, analytical, problem identification, and problem solving skills to develop organizational strategy. Food, agribusiness and other cases are used to explore the development and implementation of strategy and to assess the dynamic relationship between strategy and competition.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only.
AGBU*6510 Managing Price Risk W [0.50]
The course deals with the use of futures, options and other instruments for marketing, risk management and investment purposes. Emphasis is placed on the development and implementation of trading strategies and on the policy and corporate governance framework necessary to support effective management.
Restriction(s): Distance MBA students only
AGBU*6520 Marketing Research and Analysis F [0.50]
Students will learn the fundamentals of marketing research and analysis as they apply to decision-making. The key focus of the course will be on developing a marketing plan for a real product/service. Input into the marketing plan will come from actual marketing research information collected, analyzed and interpreted by participants. Students will develop and implement background-marketing research that can be used at the conclusion of the course to build the marketing plan. In addition to developing general research skills, special topics such as perceptual mapping for positioning, conjoint analysis for pricing and clustering for segmentation will be examined.
AGBU*6530 Management Issues in Agriculture W [0.50]
This course discusses the application of general management concepts and practices to agricultural production. Topics include strategies farm managers can use to assess performance, set direction, build capabilities and implement change. All readings and cases are taken from the viewpoint of an owner-operator of a commercial farming operation.
AGBU*6610 Dairy Production Management W [0.50]
This course deals with the specifics of applying business management strategies to farm operations. Trends facing the North American dairy industries and challenges faced by individual producers are examined. Relevant and practical operating decision-making and management skills are considered with the intent of maximizing the profitability and reducing the risk of the individual firm.
AGBU*6620 Swine Production Management W [0.25]
This course deals with the specifics of applying business management strategies to farm operations. Trends facing the North American swine industries and challenges faced by individual producers are examined. Relevant and practical operating decision-making and management skills are considered with the intent of maximizing the profitability and reducing the risk of the individual firm.
AGBU*6700 Special Topics in Agribusiness Management U [0.50]
A special topic course focusing on relevant business issues or problems allowing students to enhance and further develop expertise in specific areas of management. May be offered to students in any semester.
AGBU*6800 Directed Research Project U [0.50]
A management research project leading to a referenced report focusing on selected topics of interest in agricultural business.