UQ Gatton launches Australian first for agribusiness

A new University of Queensland electronic agribusiness subject on offer in first semester 2003 is an Australian first.

The eAgribusiness subject has been designed for masters students at the University’s Gatton Campus, but is available to remote students as a stand-alone course.

Specialist ebusiness lecturer Dr Kim Bryceson has spent several months putting the program together.

It will be a core subject in the Agribusiness Masters and an elective in other masters degrees at UQ Gatton.

Dr Bryceson said anyone with basic computer literacy and an interest in the subject could apply to study remotely. It would interest a wide range of people in the community from rural producers to those involved in the food marketing chain.

Mixed-mode delivery is a feature of the new subject through a website with significant online discussion and a CD containing resource materials. Two Saturday sessions at UQ Gatton are also planned.

Senior agribusiness managers will share their experiences via video clips and visiting guest speakers will feature at the second on-campus day.

Dr Bryceson, an acknowledged expert in the field, has just completed a research project for the Grains Research and Development Corporation on electronic business in the grains industry.

“The harsh reality is that businesses everywhere are under pressure to respond to change with new business models and strategies. Agribusiness is no exception,” Dr Bryceson said.

“Despite the demise of the dot.coms, electronically-enabled business practices are here to stay.”

The course will cover electronic business concepts, technology and management issues and create an awareness of potential applications in the agricultural, environmental and biotech sectors.

It will give students a good grounding in what electronic business is and how to be part of it.

Dr Bryceson is also developing an undergraduate course with a similar focus for delivery in second semester.

Media: For more information, contact Dr Kim Bryceson (telephone 07 5460 1617) or Anthony Smith (telephone 0409 265 587).