BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AGRIBUSINESS MANAGEMENT

The Department of Agricultural Economics proposes to start a degree of B.Sc. (Agribusiness Management),  on the basis that Agribusinesses have provided the growing centre of transformation process in both developed and the developing nations.  The effective and efficient organization of Agribusinesses is a major pre-requisite of agricultural and economic development.  Therefore, the programme offers a wide exposure to problems affecting the agribusiness industry through real life case studies.  It also exposes its students to the most recent advances in information technology and management.  The programme is thus well grounded to provide the agro-industry with personnel who will need little practical training on the job to be able to perform well.  Agribusinesses play a vital role in paving the smooth road to industrialisation.  In a liberalized environment, private sector development is important and agribusiness play an essential role.   The course is planned for both regular Government sponsored students and self sponsored students.  The course will offer the flexibility of full-time as well as part-time teaching.

Objectives:

To help clients make the best possible use of resources and services already available to them by:

(i)        Changing their knowledge base so as to increase allocative efficiency in resource use.

(ii)      Changing their outlook and attitudes through development of skills and capacity for work.

(iii)    Providing them with training and know-how for problem identification, solution and decision making.

2.0. MODE OF DELIVERY OF THE PROGRAMME

The program will be offered under two modules: full time (face to face) and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) (Module III) for students who cannot attend regular university program. Module II students will be integrated in Module I.

2.1. Face-Face Mode

1. The teaching period for the degree program shall extend over not less than four academic years or their equivalents. Each academic year shall consist of two semesters of thirteen (13) teaching weeks and two 2) weeks of examination;

2. A candidate enrolled for the degree shall satisfactorily complete the program in a period of not more than twice the minimum period for which he/she was registered for the degree;

3. A candidate enrolled for BSc. Agribusiness Management shall participate and complete course work and practical assignments that may be applicable to the program;

4. Admission to the examination at the end of the semester shall be based on satisfactory completion of such requirements and in most cases two thirds of the class attendance;

5. Each student shall be required to undertake three (3) months field attachment after completion of the second semester of the third year of study.

2.2. Open Distance Learning and e-Learning (ODeL)

The delivery mode of this program will apply open and distance education learning modes involving:

1. 1. 1. Written self-instructional study modules at the registration time including study course materials like booklets, relevant literature to the course, interactive devices and self-tests
      2. Interactive devices and self-tests: face to face introductory tutorial; mediated technical learning materials; audio cassettes; e-learning materials; video clips
      3. Limited face-to-face sessions to provide an overview of the course at the commencement of semester, mid semester and revision period before examinations.
      4. Support study centers at the University of Nairobi:

Access to information through computers at Biometry Laboratory at College of Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences (CAVS) and other centers such as the Jomo Kenyatta Memorial Library at the Main Campus and any other library at the University of Nairobi and Agricultural research institutions.

1. 1. 5. Orientation (immediately after registration):

1. 1. 1. Orientation in ODeL delivery
      2. Study, reading and computer skills
      3. Time management and techniques in handling assignments
      4. Mentorship, guidance and counseling
      5. Emphasis is on satellite centres that serve as a link between the university and the student in the following manner:
         • Registration
         • Collecting reading materials
         • Collecting results and programs
         • Examination information
         • Posting timetable
         • Holding meetings
         • Home-based reading

1. 1. 6. The ODeL programme will run for a minimum of 8 semesters of 15 weeks each and a maximum of 16 semesters of 15 weeks each

Exam Regulations

The conduct of examinations shall be governed by the following regulations:

6.1  No candidate shall be permitted to an examination unless he/she has satisfactorily attended the prescribed course of study.

6.2   For purposes of these regulations.  Industrial attachment shall be deemed to be part of the fourth year of study.

6.3  All examination procedures shall be governed by the following:

(a)    Each course shall be examined out of a total of 100%.

(b)   The pass mark in each course examination shall be 40% and be graded as follows:

                          70 – 100%                    A

                          60 – 69%                      B

                          50 – 59%                      C

                          40 – 49%                      D

                          39% and below              F

(c)    Written examination in each course shall constitute 70% Coursework Assessment Tests (CATs) the remaining 30% of the total marks.

(d)   The Industrial Attachment shall be examined by written report and oral presentation.  The Industrial attachment score shall be graded as Pass (P) or fail (F) on 1 and shall not be used in the degree classification.

(e)    The Special Research Project shall be examined by written report and oral examination.

(f)     For purposes of regulations 6.3 (a) – (e) herein, all papers shall carry equal weight.

(g)    A candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in seven or more papers in any year shall on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be discontinued.

(h)    A candidate who fails to attain the pass mark in five to six papers may on the recommendation of the faculty Board and approval by Senate be allowed to repeat the year with the option, to repeat externally.  Candidates who repeat the year externally shall be required to pay examination and any other fees that the University may deem applicable.  Candidates who repeat the year shall sit for examinations in the failed subjects only.

(i)      In any year, a candidate who fails to attain the PassMark in four papers or less may on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be allowed to sit Supplementary Examinations in the papers failed within a period of three months from the last date of the ordinary examination.

(j)     A candidate who fails to attain a pass mark in a Supplementary examination shall on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be allowed to resit the supplementary examination ONCE ONLY as long as such examinations do not exceed eight in number during any one sitting.

(k)   A candidate failing a resit Supplementary shall on the recommendation of the Faculty Board and approval by Senate be discontinued from the degree course.

(l)      Any Supplementary Examination shall be marked out of 100%, but the passing score shall be reduced to 40% only.

(m)  For purposes of evaluation of all Supplementary examinations, regulations 6.4 (g) – (ii) shall apply.

(n)    No candidate shall be permitted to repeat any year more than once for academic reasons only.

6.6    The final award of the Degree of Bachelor of Science (Food Science and

         Technology) shall:

(a)    Be given to candidates who have completed and passed examinations in all the courses of study including Industrial Practice.

(b)   Be based on the average score of all the examinations of the courses taken in the second, third and fourth year of study.

(c)    Be classified into First Class Honours, Second Class Honours (Upper or Lower) Division, and Pass, provided that in order to qualify for an award of honours degree, a candidate shall not have repeated either the 2nd, 3rd or 4th year of study or have had resit Supplementary in an Examination from the same years.

6.7  In arriving at the decision as to the degree classification for each candidate, the Faculty Board of examiners shall have regard to the overall marks obtained by the candidate and shall apply the principle that an aggregate score of:

          (a)    70% -100%  merits First-class Honours.

          (b)   60%  - 69% merits the Second Class Honours (Upper Division).

          (c)    50%  - 59% merits the Second Class Honours (Lower Division).

          (d)   40%  - 49% merits a Pass.

         (e)    Below 40% merits a Fail.