AAEC 3301 Agribusiness Marketing Spring 2011

1. AAEC 3301Agribusiness MarketingSpring 2011 Instructor: Shaikh M Rahman E-mail: shaikh.m.rahman@ttu.edu Telephone: (806) 742-1921, ext. 240 Office: 307-A, Ag. Science Building Office Hours: 11:15 AM – 12:15 PM, TR and by appointment

2. AAEC 3301Course Outline • Section 1 (chapters 1-4): Marketing Dimensions and Market Competition – describe and analyze the general functions and the competitive environment in which farm commodities become consumer products. • Section 2 (chapters 5-6): Consumer Markets – Understand the characteristics, structure, and evolution of the domestic and international markets for food/agricultural products. • Section 3 (chapters 7-10): Pricing and Exchange Systems – Analyze the economic principals that guide marketing activities including price determination and risk management • Section 4 (chapters 11-15): Marketing Channels - compare the firm specific marketing and procurement alternatives for producers, producer groups, processors, wholesalers and retailers.

3. AAEC 3301Expected Learning Outcomes • Understand key concepts of modern marketing strategies and techniques, including product differentiation, branding, price discrimination, target marketing, vertical integration, international marketing, and supply chain management. • Identify and assess alternative agribusiness marketing environments and strategies • Understand the use of basic risk bearing tools and strategies, including hedging with futures and options. • Understand the different roles, decisions, and responsibilities associated with marketing positions at different levels of the agribusiness marketing chain, including private corporations, cooperatives, and government agencies. • Improve technical communication skills in the area of Marketing

4. AAEC 3301 • Required Texts • The Agricultural Marketing Systemby V. James Rhodes, Jan L. Dauve, and Joseph L. Parcell. 6th edition. Arizona: Holcomb Hathaway, 2006. • Readings Package: Available at Copy Mail (Student Union).

5. The Learning Process:Methods of Assessing Learning Outcomes • Class Attendance and Participation • Each student is expected to attend every class period, be prepared to respond to questions in the class, and summarizing the materials covered in the previous class and unannounced quizzes when given. • Students are also encouraged to ask questions related to the course topics. • Class attendance will be checked regularly. • If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to make up anything missed. • Absences may be excused only in cases of serious illness (doctor’s note is required) and complementary academic activities (advance proof of participation is required).

6. AAEC 3301 • Quizzes: • There will be several quizzes throughout the semester. • Any missed quiz will receive a grade of zero. • One of the quizzes with the lowest score will be dropped. • Homework Assignments: • There will be several homework assignments. • The purpose of these assignments is to improve analytical skills. • Any missed HWAs will receive a grade of zero. • One of the HWAs with the lowest score will be dropped.

7. AAEC 3301 • Lab Participation: • Several market experiments will be conducted • Each student will participate in an online agricultural marketing simulation game designed for the class, athttp://www.commoditychallenge.com • Student participation will be assessed • Written Report on Lab Visits: • Each student is required to submit a 2-page report on each organizations visited during the Lab periods. • Handouts will explain the requirements. • Lab reports are due at the class following the lab (Thursdays).

8. AAEC 3301 • Term Project Report and Presentation: • Topic - “Marketing an Agricultural Product.” • This is a team project (3 members). • Report is due on April 26, 2010. • Presentations will take place during the first week of April. • Specific instructions and guidelines will be given in class.

9. AAEC 3301 • Exams: • There will be two mid-term exams and one final. • Mid-term exam 1: Tuesday, 22 Feb 2011, 9:30 – 10:50 AM • Mid-term exam 2: Thursday, 31 March 2011, 9:30 – 10:50 AM • Final Exam: Thursday, 05 May 2011, 7:30 – 10:00 AM • The exams will include several true/false and multiple choice questions, short questions, and analytical problems. • There will be no makeup exam. • Any missed exam will have a grade of zero.

10. Methods of Assessing Learning OutcomesDistribution of Grades • Class Attendance and Participation • Every unexcused absence over two will lower final grade by 1 point. • Students with one unexcused absence will receive 2 bonus points • Students with perfect attendance will receive 4 bonus points • Quizzes – 10%of the final grade • Homework Assignments – 10% for undergrads • Lab – 10% of the final grade (participation – 5%; lab reports – 5%) • Term Project Report and Presentation • Report – 5% • Presentation – 5% for undergrads • Exams – 60% of the final grade • 2 mid-terms and a final exam – each worth 20% of the final grade

11. AAEC 3301 • Grading Scale: Final grades will be assigned using the following scale: • A = 90-100 % • B = 80-89% • C = 70-79% • D = 60-69% • F = 0-59%

12. AAEC 3301 • Expectations and Suggestions: • Attend every class, take notes and participate (do not hesitate to ask questions) • Do the homework regularly, giving a good-faith effort to every problem • Form a study group -- your fellow students are often the best teachers • Be prepared to respond to questions in class • Be prepared to summarize the materials covered in the previous class • Be prepared for unannounced quizzes when given • Keep up with economic news in newspapers, radio & TV programs • Spend approximately 10 hours per week (apart from class hours) reading and working on homework assignments • Take the exams entirely on your own