Course overview
This course provides significant hands-on experience to structure assessment and modelling solutions to real-world problems, using Microsoft Excel as the analytical platform students will develop skills to assess decision-making outcomes at operational (e.g. farm) and higher (i.e. agricultural system) levels. A number of analytical frameworks may feature throughout the course schedule including: gross margin budgeting; whole of farm budgets; benefit-cost analysis; optimization; risk and uncertainty analysis. Ahead of each of these analytical frameworks students will be provided a set of solid theoretical foundations as a basis for the skill development. Techniques learned will allow students to assess the current state of the business and to evaluate potential improvements to enhance profitability and sustainability while accounting for the limited resources available to the operation.
Course learning outcomes
- Identify relevant data sources, analyse alternative investments, evaluate their profitability and describe the risks and uncertainty to investments in agriculture.
- Apply problem-solving skills through practical exercises and case studies to engage with and represent agricultural systems and decision-making problems.
- Identify and apply appropriate strategies for investment analysis by interpreting decision-maker objectives, resource implications, risk factors and applying optimisation techniques.
- Analyse profitability, cash flows and business opportunities through the application of computer-based techniques and tools for decision-making under risk and uncertainty.
- Document, prepare and present decision-making skills through assigned tasks and practical exercises that could be presented at Policy Group, Board or Senior Management levels.
Fee calculator
To display course fees, please select your status and program below:
We’re updating this Fee Calculator. It currently shows fees for programs only. Please check the relevant program for full fee details.
Study Abroad student tuition fees are available here.
Only some Postgraduate Coursework programs are available as Commonwealth Supported. Please check your program for specific fee information.
The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.