Preamble

Current: These regulations should be read in conjunction with the General Academic Regulations (GAR) for the Master of Science Degree in Agribusiness Systems Management and Development {MASMD} for the Women’s University in Africa (WUA). The regulations shall be subject to approval by the University Senate and shall include objectives of the programme, provision to admission and courses as well as scheme of examinations. The Master of Science Degree in Agribusiness Systems Management and Development {MASMD} shall be awarded to students who have completed the course in accordance with these Regulations.

-Suggested: The Master of Science Degree in Agribusiness Systems Management and Development {MASMD} shall provide a comprehensive exploration of agribusiness management, students will gain a deep understanding of the key concepts, theories, and applications within this dynamic field. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, hands- on projects, and real-world case studies, learners will develop the knowledge and skills necessary to:

• Understanding of agricultural systems, practices, and technologies.
• Knowledge of business principles, management, and entrepreneurship
• Familiarity with market trends, analysis, and research.
• Comprehension of agricultural policies, laws, and regulations.
• Understanding of sustainable agriculture practices and environmental considerations
• Business planning, management, and decision-making.
• Financial management. Accounting, and budgeting.
• Marketing, sales, and customer service.
• Supply chain management and logistics.
• Communication, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and reporting.
• Critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity.
• Leadership, teamwork, and collaboration.

Programme Objectives

• Develop advanced knowledge and skills in agribusiness systems management and development
• Enhance capacity for critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving in agribusiness
• Foster leadership and entrepreneurial skills for innovative agribusiness solutions
• Equip graduates with research and development skills for improving agribusiness systems
• Develop expertise in policy analysis. Planning. And implementation for sustainable agricultural development
• Improve understanding of global agribusiness trends, markets, and trade,
• Enhance collaboration and communication skills for effective stakeholder engagement
• Develop adaptability and resilience in responding to changing agribusiness environments.

Entry Requirement

Normal Entry: A minimum pass grade 2.2 or GPA equivalent in a relevant Bachelor of Agriculture Science Honours degree in Agribusiness Management, Agriculture, Agricultural Economics or other Agricultural related field recognized by Senate for this purpose, may, on the recommendation of the Department and subject to the approval of Senate, be admitted. Work related experience will also be considered.

Duration Of Programme

The MSc Agribusiness Systems Management and Development degree will be offered during weekends, as holiday programmes and as block release. The programme will extent over a period of 18 months (three semesters) of part time study. The programme for the taught courses shall be arranged in two semesters (12 months) and may commence in either semester. One semester (6 months) will be dedicated towards independent research which will result in a dissertation.

Assessment Of The Students

Normal evaluation shall be based on continuous assessment as well as an examination at the end of each semester

Ther assessment shall be as follows:

Coursework                             40%

Examination                            60%

Advanced Research Project

The Research Project shall be undertaken during the final semester of the programme after registration and approval of the proposal. The Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Health Sciences shall approve at least one academic member of staff to supervise the student’s dissertation.

There shall be a minimum 40 hours consultation time between the student and the supervisor during the period of the research project.

The student must submit two spiral bound copies of the Research project to the Faculty of Agricultural, Environmental and Health Sciences for marking at a date determined by the Faculty.

The assessment of the Research Project shall be based on the format prescribed by the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Board.

The written dissertation shall account for 80% and presentations shall constitute 20% of the final mark of the Research Project.

The Research Project shall be assessed by two examiners.

The Faculty of Agricultural Sciences Board of Examiners shall consider the two examiners’ assessments and decide on the final mark for the Research Project. The research work is carried out individually, under guided supervision. To support the project work, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences has prepared a document on: Dissertation Guidelines for MSc Degrees.

Career Opportunities

The students are prepared for career-entry positions in areas such as:

• Agribusiness Manager
• Agricultural consultant
• Farm Manager
• Agricultural researcher
• Extension Officer
• Agricultural Policy analyst
• Entrepreneur (Agribusiness)
• Agricultural finance Specialist
• International Agricultural Trade Specialist
• Agricultural educator/trainer

Additional Information

All the MSc Agribusiness Systems Management and Development degree students are expected to Accumulate a minimum of 270 credits. Students are expected to do a minimum of eight courses and an advanced research project, where the advanced research project has 90 credits. In the first year, students shall undertake eighty courses on offer, and in the second year, students shall undertake the danced research project. For each semester, the Panel of Examiners shall determine, for each student a continuous assessment mark, a formal examination mark and a final mark to determine the final result. For each student, the Panel of Examiners shall submit the Research Project mark, the final mark, industrial attachment or work-related learning mark, and the result to the Academic Board. In order to proceed to register for the research project, a student must also have passed Agribusiness Research Methods.