Module Identifier RS33320  
Module Title FARM PLANNING AND ADVANCED FARM MANAGEMENT  
Academic Year 2003/2004  
Co-ordinator Mr Anthony O'Regan  
Semester Semester 2 (Taught over 2 semesters)  
Pre-Requisite RS25820  
Mutually Exclusive RS33420  
Course delivery Lecture   22 Hours Semester 1: 11 x 2 hour lectures  
  Practical   24 Hours Semester 1: 8 x 3 hour practicals  
  Lecture   6 Hours Semester 2: 6 x 1 hour lectures  
  Practical   18 Hours Semester 2: 6 x 3 hour practicals  
Assessment
Assessment TypeAssessment Length/DetailsProportion
Semester Assessment Investment appraisal report Outcomes assessed: 4, 6  30%
Semester Assessment Business planning case study Outcomes assessed: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6  65%
Semester Assessment Spreadsheet Outcomes assessed: 2, 5  5%
Supplementary Assessment Casestudy, covering all outcomes  100%

Learning outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to

1.   Understand the requirements when planning farming businesses.

2.   Construct fully detailed farm business plans (including financial statements).

3.   Understand and appreciate the effects of different trading structures.

4.   Appreciate informational requirements of financial institutions in lending assessments.

5.   Appreciate the different techniques and resources available for planning.

6.   Understand and evaluate investment decisions.


Aims

To introduce students to whole business planning techniques. These techniques will include business and personal aspects, uncertainty and risk analysis and business distress and failure.   Alternative structures for farming businesses will be examined. Investment analysis and appraisal will also be covered.

Content

The object of this module is to introduce students to farm planning and advanced farm management techniques, uncertainty and risk analysis and business distress and failure. Alternative structures for farming will also be examined. Investment appraisal techniques will be investigated and assessed.

Transferable skills

.1 Independent project work
   The Investment Appraisal Report and the Business Planning Case Study are independent pieces of work.

.2 IT and information handling
Case study submission is word processed.
Data analysis using spreadsheets

.4   Writing in an academic context
   Both reports will develop this skill.

Reading Lists

Books
Paice D A (1982) Critical path analysis basic techniques Longman
Agricultural Budgeting and Costing Book No 41 Agro Business Consultants
Barnard A and Nix J (1979) Farm planning and control 2nd. CUP
(1992) Croner's Farm Business Management Corner Publications, London
Dale B and Cooper C (1992) Total quality and human resources Blackwell
Hardmans J P Hardmans tax rates and tables CCH Publications

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6