Seed Technology and Business

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5010).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Critical analysis of current practice and case studies in strategic management with an emphasis on integrative decision making. Strategy formulation and implementation will be investigated in the context of complex business environments.

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5030).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Introduction to a broad variety of information systems (IS) topics, including current and emerging developments in information technology (IT), IT strategy in the context of corporate strategy, and IS planning and development of enterprise architectures. Cases, reading, and discussions highlight the techniques and tactics used by managers to cope with strategic issues within an increasingly technical and data-driven competitive environment.

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5040).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

Integration of the business functions concerned with the marketing and movement of goods along the supply chain with the primary goal of creating value for the ultimate customer. Coordination of marketing, production, and logistics activities within the firm and with outside suppliers and customers in the supply chain.

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5070).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Understanding human behavior in organizations, and the nature of organizations from a managerial perspective. Special emphasis on how individual differences, such as perceptions, personality, and motivation, influence individual and group behavior in organizations and on how behavior can be influenced by job design, leadership, groups, and the structure of organizations.

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5080).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

Survey of fundamental topics in accounting and finance. Financial statement reporting and analysis for agriculture firms, corporate governance issues related to financial reporting, (e.g., Sarbanes-Oxley). Basic tools and techniques used in financial management, including stock and bond valuation. How to assess and use capital budgeting methods to evaluate proposed firm investments.

(Cross-listed with BUSAD 5090).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

Cultural, financial, economic, political, legal/regulatory environments shaping an organization's international business strategy. Topics include entry (and repatriation) of people, firms, goods, services, and capital. Special attention to the institutions of seed regulation and policy. Ethical issues facing managers operating in an international context.

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5100).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

A study of agriculture from its origins with the domestication of crop plants through basic genetics, demonstrating the challenges and elements of breeding strategies intended to manage gene x environmental interactions. Elements of biotechnology including use of molecular markers, development of genetically modified cultivars, gene mapping, cloning, and gene editing will be covered. Methods to measure the effectiveness of plant breeding (genetic gain) and the impact of improved agronomic practices contributing to increased agricultural productivity will be covered. Use of intellectual property protection, and the conservation and utilization of exotic genetic resources.

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5130).
Credits: 3. Contact Hours: Lecture 3.

Prereq: AGRON 1810 or equivalent, MATH 1400, STAT 1040
Quantitative methods for analyzing and interpreting agronomic information. Principles of experimental design, hypothesis testing, analysis of variance, regression, correlation, and graphical representation of data. Use of SAS and Excel for organization, analyzing, and presenting data. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring)

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5340).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

The components of seed quality and how they are assessed in the laboratory, including traits derived from modern biotechnology. The impact of new technologies on seed quality testing. Variety maintenance procedures and breeder seed. Variety identification: phenotype and grow-out trials, isozyme testing, and DNA marker testing. Procedures for evaluating varieties. The variance tests appropriate for fixed effects analysis of variance. Statistical inference and stratification for yield trials. Use of strip plot testing.

Credits: 1. Contact Hours: Lecture 1.

This introductory course is a quick overview of the academic program and the seed industry. It describes how the STB program components relate to the seed industry scope; the role of the seed industry in global agriculture and society; public and private institutions involved in seed research, development, and regulation; quality management for seed products . Current issues including industry consolidation, ethical and economic issues related to biotechnology, and incorporation of digital technology in the seed business will be discussed by course instructors and guest lecturers from the seed industry.

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5360).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Quantitative Methods for analyzing and interpreting agronomic and business information for the seed industry. Principles of experimental design and hypothesis testing, regression, correlation, analysis of variance, and graphical representation of data. Use of spreadsheets and statistical software for manipulating, analyzing and presenting data. (Typically Offered: Fall)

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5390).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

The technical operations which may be carried out on a seed lot from harvest until it is ready for marketing and use. The opportunities for quality improvement and the risks of deterioration which are present during that time. Analysis of the costs of and benefits of operations. Evaluation of equipment based on benefits to the customer and producer. Interpretation of the role of the conditioning plant and store as a focal points within the overall operations of a seed company.

(Cross-listed with HORT 5430).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Brief introduction to plant physiology. Physiological aspects of seed development, maturation, longevity, dormancy and germination. Links between physiology and seed quality. Offered even-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Fall)

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5470).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Survey of crop production; including management of soil fertility, planting dates, populations, weed control, and insect control. Analysis of the principles of seed multiplication and the key practices which are used to ensure high quality in the products. Field inspection procedures and production aspects that differ from other crop production. Foundation seed production. Analysis of the typical organization of field production tasks. Survey of the differences in seed production strategies between crops and the impact of these differences on seed production.

Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.

Guided instruction and self-study on special topics relevant to seed technology and business. (Typically Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer)

(Cross-listed with PLP 5920).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Occurrence and management of diseases during seed production, harvest, conditioning, storage, and planting. Emphasis on epidemiology, disease management in the field, seed treatment, effects of conditioning on seed health, and seed health testing. Graduation Restriction: Credit may not be obtained for both PLP/STB 5920 and PLP 5940. Offered even-numbered years. (Typically Offered: Spring)

(Cross-listed with AGRON 5950).
Credits: 2. Contact Hours: Lecture 2.

Advanced survey of the organization, staff capabilities and management characteristics typical in seed production and crop improvement in seed enterprises. Analysis of the use of quality information in the management of seed operations and sales. Process management applications for seed. Production planning for existing capacity. Analysis of the manager's tasks in the annual cycle and how the tasks of these managers relate to the general categories of business management roles. Difference in management strategies used with different situations and groups of employees.

Credits: 1-3. Repeatable.

A written report based on research, library readings, or topics related to the student's area of specialization and approved by the student's advisory committee.