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Principles of Agribusiness Management

Fourth Edition

James G. Beierlein, Kenneth C. Schneeberger, and Donald D. Osburn

Through three successful editions, Principles of Agribusiness Management has provided a solid foundation for an entire generation of agribusiness students. The authors have refined and adapted each edition to the continually evolving world of agribusiness, and the comprehensive coverage in the fourth edition is no exception. New material on supply chains and leadership is incorporated throughout, and a new chapter has been added covering strategic planning and management. The authors maintain their classroom-tested approach, connecting each concept to their unifying theme that every manager’s primary objective must be to maximize long-term profits by profitably satisfying customers’ needs. Student learning is maximized with appealing, jargon-free language; clearly outlined learning objectives; a comprehensive glossary; and cases that apply the concepts in each chapter.
 

$54.95 list, 354 pages

10-digit ISBN: 1-57766-540-6

13-digit ISBN: 978-1-57766-540-3

© 2008

Instructor’s PowerPoint Presentations available

Table of Contents

Part I. INTRODUCTION TO THE BUSINESS OF AGRICULTURE

1. The Global Agri-Food System

Introduction / The Scope and Size of the Agri-Food System / The Changing Perception of Food / Combining Science, Technology, and Business Management / The Evolution of the Agri-Food System / The Future of the Agri-Food System / The Input Sector/ The Production Sector / The Shifting Roles of Exports and Imports / Agriculture and the Environment / The Commodity Processing and Food Manufacturing Sector / Case 1: Angela's Agri-Phobia

2. The Agribusiness Manager

Introduction / The Development of the Business Management Profession / The Role of Management in Successful Businesses / Business Decision Making / The Four Functions of Management / The Agribusiness Management Challenge / Case 2: Mike's Epiphany

Part II. THE PLANNING FUNCTION

3. The Role of Marketing

The Misunderstood Mission of Marketing / The Role of Marketing in the Economy / The Role of Marketing in the Future of Agribusiness / The Marketing Approach / Evaluating the Performance of a Marketing System / Case 3: Dave's Dollar Dilemma: Part I

4. Marketing Management

The Changing Role of Marketing within the Firm / Marketing and the Four Functions of Management / The Four Ps of Marketing and the Marketing Mix / The Business Plan / Analyzing Market Potential / Case 4: Dave's Dollar Dilemma: Part II

5. Understanding Consumer Demand

Basics of Consumer Demand / Factors Influencing Consumer Demand / Case 5: Tom's Terrific Ice Cream

6. Staying Competitive

Introduction / How Strategic Management Fits In / What Is Strategic Management? / Porter's Five Forces Model / Case 6: Steamer's Burgers

7. Forecasting

Introduction / The Basics of Forecasting / Forecasting Procedures / Using Forecasts / Use of Futures Markets to Forecast Future Prices / Case 7: Joe's Foray in Forecasting

8. Budgeting

The Purpose of Budgeting / Three Types of Budgets / An Application of Budgeting / Benefits of Budgeting / Limitations of Budgets / Budget Time Frames / Case 8: Going Broke While Making a Profit

Part III. THE ORGANIZING FUNCTION

9. Organizing for Success

Introduction / Identifying Critical Tasks / Four Principles of Organizational Design / Ways to Organize / Approaches to Decision Making / Deciding Where Decisions Are Made / Selecting the Best Organizational Structure / Case 9: Sam's Success Story

10. Choosing a Legal Structure

Introduction / Sole Proprietorships / Partnerships / Corporations / Limited Liability Corporations / Comparing Legal Structures / Case 10: The End of Gene's Dream?

Part IV. THE CONTROLLING FUNCTION

11. Organizing Production Using Economic Principles

Introduction / The Production Process / The Production Function / Case 11: Donna's Dilemma

12. Production and Inventory Management

Introduction / Management Information Systems / Defining Costs / General Cost Concepts / Contribution / Short-Term versus Long-Term Pricing: The Shutdown Point / Inventory Management / Case 12: What Price Progress?

13. Basic Accounting Documents

Introduction / The Balance Sheet / The Profit-and-Loss Statement / Case 13: Fred's Financial Phobia: Part I

14. Using Accounting Information for Business Control and Planning

Introduction / Comparative Statement Analysis / Net Working Capital Analysis / Ratio Analysis / Developing Pro Forma Cash Flow Budgets / Case 14: Fred's Financial Phobia: Part II

15. Capital Budgeting I: Principles and Procedures

Introduction / The Decision Framework / Capital Budgeting Decision Procedures That Do Not Use the Time Value of Money / The Time Value of Money / Capital Budgeting Decision Procedures That Use the Time Value of Money / Case 15: Nick's Financial Future: Part I

16. Capital Budgeting II: Applications

Introduction / Discount Rates / The Effect of Taxes / Mutually Exclusive Investments / Dealing with Uncertainty and Risk / A Case Study: Evaluating the Financial Feasibility of Adding a Liquid Fertilizer Line to a Farm Supply Business / Deciding Whether to Lease, Borrow, or Buy / Case 16: Nick's Financial Future: Part II

Part V. THE DIRECTING FUNCTION

17. Human Resource Leadership

Introduction / Directing Means Leading People, Not Managing Things / Understanding Human Motivation / How Work Can Fulfill Human Needs / Developing a Work Environment in Which Everyone Seeks to Excel / Management Styles / Communication and Feedback / Management by Objective / Leadership and the Superior-Employee Relationship / Yakima Valley Orchards: Part I

18. Human Resource Management

Introduction / Determining a Firm's Personnel Needs / Recruiting Personnel / Retaining Personnel / Determining Pay Levels / Training and Education / Case 18: Yakima Valley Orchards: Part II

19. Personal Selling

Introduction / Selling as an Internal and External Activity / The Eleven Elements of Successful Personal Selling / The Firm's Values, Purpose, and Objective / Sales as a Career / Case 19: Mary's Migraine

20. Developing a Workable Approach to Agribusiness Management

Introduction / Revenues / Costs / Information / Case 20: Erin's Epiphany