Australian Program DIPLOMA OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION The Diploma of Business Administration is an excellent introduction to Business because it covers a range of business activities and gives students an understanding of areas that they may like to specialise in later at university or work. In this diploma the emphasis is on a practical approach so that students learn how to operate in the business world. A sample course would include the following units: Make a Presentation Prepare the presentation Written preparation is undertaken to support delivery of the presentation Outcomes for the presentation are determined to provide focus Presentation strategies are chosen to match the characteristics of the target audience, the location, the resources and the personnel needed Presentation aids and materials are selected to enhance audience understanding of key concepts and ideas A strategy for evaluating the effectiveness of the presentation is prepared Presentation is scheduled to meet the requirements of the target audience, any other personnel needed and the location Deliver a presentation The desired outcomes of the presentation are explained to, and discussed with the target audience Presentation aids, materials and examples are used to support target audience understanding of key concepts and ideas Non verbal and verbal communication of participants is monitored to promote attainment of presentation outcomes Opportunities are provided for participants to seek clarification on key ideas and concepts and the presentation is adjusted to meet participant needs and preferences Key concepts and ideas are summarised at strategic points to facilitate participant understanding -verbal communication are used to maintain participant engagement Review the presentation A review strategy is implemented to determine the effectiveness of the presentation The strategy selected utilises feedback from participants The reactions of key personnel to the delivery are sought and discussed Adjustments to delivery are considered and incorporated Plan or Review Administrative Systems Plan or review administration systems Requirements of, or modifications to the administration system are identified through consultation with system users and other stakeholders in accordance with organisational and budgetary requirements Quotations from suppliers or developers of system are obtained in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Selection of supplier or developer is made in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Implement new or modified administration system Implementation strategies are identified and developed in consultation with staff Staff are encouraged to participate at all stages of the implementation process System is implemented in accordance with organisational requirements Procedures for using the system are defined and communicated to staff Training and support is provided for staff on the use of the new or modified system Contingencies are dealt with to ensure minimal effect on users Monitor administration system System is monitored for usage, security and output in accordance with organisational requirements System is modified to meet changing needs in accordance with organisational requirements Further modifications are clearly identified and users are notified Staff training needs are monitored and new staff trained on administration system Establishment and Maintenance of a Workgroup Network Manage the establishment of a workgroup network Current and anticipated future network requirements are determined with the nominated person/section/consultant in accordance with organisational policy and budgetary constraints Selected network is compatible with current organisational software, hardware and work practices Equipment is obtained and installed in accordance with organisational requirements and the manufacturer's instructions Software is installed in accordance with organisational requirements and the manufacturer's instructions Establishment of the network promotes efficiency and access for users Manage the maintenance of a workgroup network Records are established and maintained to ensure control and security of hardware and software stock in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Network problems are responded to and minor faults are rectified in accordance with organisational requirements Major problems are reported and computer experts consulted in accordance with organisational policy and procedures Software is filed and stored in accordance with organisational procedures Assist and train network users Training is provided for existing/new staff in using the network in accordance with their needs Network users are assisted to maximise potential of the network User skills are examined and feedback is provided to improve efficiency of network use Manage Quality Customer Service Plan to meet internal and external customer requirements The needs of customers are researched, understood, and assessed, and included in the planning process Provision is made in plans to achieve the quality, time and cost specifications agreed with customers Ensure delivery of quality products/services Products/services are delivered to customer specifications within the team's business plan Team performance consistently meets quality, safety, resource and delivery standards Coaching and mentoring assists colleagues to overcome difficulty in meeting customer service standards Monitor, adjust and report customer service The organisation's systems and technology are used to monitor progress in achieving product/service targets and standards Customer feedback is sought and used to improve the provision of products/services Resources are used effectively to provide quality products/services to customers Decisions to overcome problems and adjust products/services are taken in consultation with designated individuals/groups Records, reports and recommendations are managed within the organisation's systems and processes. Manage Business Document Design and Development Establish documentation standards Organisational requirements for information entry, storage, output and quality of the document design, production are identified The organisation’s present and future information technology capability is evaluated in terms of its effect on document design and production The types of documents used/required by the organization are identified Documentation standards are established for organisational documents in accordance with information, budgetary and technology requirements Manage template design and development Standard formats/templates suit the purpose, audience and information requirements of each document Document templates enhance readability and appearance and meet organisational requirements for style and layout Templates are tested, organisational and user feedback is obtained and amendments are made as ensure maximum efficiency and quality of presentation Develop standard text for documents Complex technical functions of software are evaluated for their usefulness in automating aspects of standard document production Requirement of each document are matched with software functions to allow efficient production of documents Macros are tested to ensure they meet the requirements of each document in accordance with documentation standards Develop and implement strategies to ensure the use of standard documentation Explanatory notes are prepared for the use of standard templates and macros using content format and language style to suit existing and future users Training on the use of standard templates and macros is developed and implemented, adjusting the content and level of detail to suit user needs Master files and print copies of templates and macros are produced, circulated, named and stored in accordance with organisational requirements Develop and implement strategies for maintenance and continuos improvement of standard documentation Use of standard documentation templates and macros is monitored and the quality of documents produced is evaluated against documentation standards Documentation standards are reviewed against the changing needs of the organisation, improvements planned and implemented in accordance with organisation procedures Manage Meetings Prepare for meetings Purpose of meeting is clarified and the agenda developed in line with stated purpose The style and structure of the meeting is appropriate to the meeting's purpose Meeting participants are identified and notified in accordance with organisational procedures Meeting arrangements are confirmed in accordance with requirements of meeting Meeting papers are dispatched to participants within designated timelines Conduct meetings Meetings are chaired in accordance with organisational requirements, agreed conventions for the type of meeting and legal and ethical requirements Meetings are conducted to ensure they are focused and time efficient Meeting facilitation enables participation, discussion, problem solving and resolution of issues Minute taker is briefed on recording meeting notes in accordance with organisational requirements and conventions for the type of meeting Follow up meetings Transcribed meeting notes are checked to ensure they reflect a true and accurate record of the meeting and are formatted in accordance with organisational procedures and meeting conventions Minutes and other follow-up documentation are distributed within designated timelines and stored in accordance with organisational requirements Outcomes of meetings are reported as required, within designated timelines Plan and Manage Conferences Plan conference Purpose, required outcomes and style of conference are confirmed with conference convenor/s Conference facilities requirements, budget, and preparation timeline are confirmed with conference convenor/s Speakers/presenters are identified and/or a call for papers is prepared in accordance with the purpose and style of the conference Conference program is drafted in line with stated purpose, and choice of program elements is balanced to allow outcomes to be achieved Speakers are selected, invited and briefed in accordance with the conference program Participant target group and projected numbers are identified in consultation with conference organisers Conference administration requirements are analysed and tasks, processes and resources planned to ensure efficient management of conference data and resources Promote conference A promotion strategy is established that reaches required number of target participants Publicity material is prepared in accordance with the promotion strategy and budget allocation/s, and dispatched within designated timelines Organise conference Conference arrangements are made in accordance with booking lead times and budget allocation/s Acceptances are recorded, fees receipted and participants confirmed within designated timelines Participants' special needs are identified and catered for Program details are confirmed and conference papers are prepared in accordance with speakers' requirements and conference timeline Pre-conference information is dispatched to participants within designated timelines Coordinate conference proceedings Conference facilities are checked to confirm they meet agreed requirements Participants are registered in accordance with planned registration procedures Any late changes to the published program are communicated to participants Contingency arrangements are made to ensure the smooth running of conference Speakers' schedules are managed and their conference requirements met throughout the conference Administration requirements during conference are managed in accordance with conference plan / schedule Follow up conference proceedings Conference outcomes are recorded, reported and/or followed up in accordance with organisational requirements Conference papers are prepared for publication and distributed within designated timelines Post-conference correspondence is prepared and dispatched within designated timelines Receipts and payments are finalised and conference funds acquitted in accordance with organisational procedures and audit requirements Ensure Team Effectiveness Plan to achieve team outcomes Team purpose, roles, responsibilities, goals, plans and objectives are identified, established and documented in consultation with team members Team members are supported in meeting expected outcomes Develop cohesion Opportunities are provided for input of team members into planning, decision making and operational aspects of work team Team members are encouraged and supported to take responsibility for own work and to assist each other in undertaking required roles and responsibilities Feedback is provided to team members to encourage, value and reward individual and team efforts and contributions Issues, concerns and problems identified by team members are recognised and addressed or referred to relevant persons as required Participate in and facilitate work team Team members are actively encouraged to participate in and take responsibility for team activities and communication processes The team is given support to identify and resolve problems which impede its performance Own contribution to work team serves as a role model for others and enhances the organisation's image within the work team, the organisation and with clients/customers Liaise with management Communication with line manager/management is kept open at all times Information from line manager/management is communicated to the team Unresolved issues, concerns and problems raised by the team/team members are communicated to line manager/management and followed up to ensure action is taken Unresolved issues, concerns and problems related to the team/team members raised by line managers/management are communicated to the team and followed up to ensure action is taken This program will be delivered by Australian and Chinese teachers in an innovative and stimulating classroom environment. The mode of training will combine theory-based material and practical sessions involving small discussion groups and individual and team activities and workplace projects. Trainers will organise appropriate visits to organisations and invite speakers and consultants to share their expertise with you. Throughout the entire training program you will be provided with training and resource materials that include learner guides, handouts, additional reading materials and the assessment tasks. The training and resource material you receive during the program will form a handy industry reference in your future career. The Business Administration programs are designed to give you the opportunity to gain an advantage in obtaining future employment and to obtain the maximum levels of advanced standing for further studies at universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. ADVANCED DIPLOMA OF MARKETING The Advanced Diploma of Marketing course is designed to prepare learners for employment in the marketing sector. It will enable them to apply skills and knowledge of the fundamental principles of marketing as self-directed specialists in strategic planning and management of market research, planning, direct marketing and international marketing. A sample course would include the following units: Develop Marketing Strategies Scope marketing opportunities Marketing opportunities are identified and analysed in terms of their viability and likely contribution to the business An assessment of external factors, costs, benefits, risks and opportunities is used to determine the scope of each marketing opportunity Opportunities are analysed in terms of their likely fit with the organisation’s goals and capabilities Each opportunity is evaluated to determine its likely impact on current business and customer base Develop marketing strategies The characteristics of the business, its existing key products or services, marketing performance and any new marketing opportunities are analysed to determine a focus for marketing activities Characteristics of the customer base and target market/s are evaluated as a basis for marketing strategies Marketing objectives and strategies are determined in consultation with key stakeholders and are compatible with the direction, purpose and values of the business Marketing strategies address the aim and targets of the organisation’s business plan Marketing strategies meet legal and ethical requirements Develop a Marketing Plan Identify strategic direction The organisation’s mission, vision, purpose and values are confirmed through accessing up-to-date organisational materials and/or discussions with owner/s, director/s or senior management Strategic organisational documents are analysed to identify directions and targets A situational analysis is completed that identifies factors impacting on the direction and performance of the business Legal and ethical requirements for the organisation are identified The strategic direction of the organisation is documented and confirmed with owner/s, director/s or senior management and its impact on marketing activities identified Review marketing performance The effectiveness of previous marketing and positioning strategies is evaluated to identify lessons learned Current key products or services and major markets are analysed for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats Previous marketing opportunities are evaluated and their profitability examined and documented Marketing performance is evaluated against previous objectives and targets to identify critical success factors and areas for improvement Formulate marketing objectives Objectives are developed in consultation with key stakeholders, are attainable, measurable and identify the nature and extent of what is to be achieved Objectives are consistent with the forecast needs of the business and the market Objectives are compatible with the organisation’s projected capabilities, resources and financial position Objectives are compatible with the organisation’s direction and purpose and meet legal and ethical requirements Devise marketing strategies Options are identified that address agreed objectives, and their risks and returns are evaluated in the process of selection Strategies address strengths and opportunities and are within the organisation’s projected capabilities and resources Where gaps exist between current capability and marketing objectives, strategies address ways of increasing resources and/or organisational expertise Marketing strategies are feasible and accompanied by supporting information that justifies their selection Strategies are compatible with the organisation’s strategic direction A review strategy is included to address on-going review of organisational performance against marketing objectives Plan marketing tactics Tactics to implement each marketing strategy are detailed in terms of scheduling, costing, accountabilities and responsible person/s Coordination and monitoring mechanisms are identified for scheduled activities Tactics are achievable within the organisation’s projected capabilities Tactics meet legal, ethical and budgetary requirements Tactics provide for on-going review of performance against objectives and budgets and for marketing targets to be adjusted if necessary Prepare and present a marketing plan The plan meets organisational as well as marketing objectives and incorporates marketing approaches, and strategic marketing mix The plan contains a rationale for objectives and information that supports the choice of strategies and tactics The plan is presented for approval in the required format and timeframe The plan is adjusted in response to feedback from key stakeholders and disseminated for implementation within the required timeframe Manage the Marketing Process Formulate strategic marketing objectives The organisation’s strategic direction is confirmed and its impact on marketing activities identified Marketing performance is reviewed and key result areas of strategic significance identified A situational analysis is undertaken to identify future marketing opportunities The legal, ethical and environmental constraints of the market are identified and their effect on marketing objectives determined Long term strategic objectives and related key performance indicators are formulated by product or service, market segment and overall A risk management strategy is developed to manage contingencies and ensure marketing objectives are met in accordance with overall organisational requirements Manage marketing performance Marketing effort is managed to ensure it is directed towards areas of greatest potential for the organisation The integration of marketing, promotional and sales activities is managed in accordance with strategic marketing objectives Product, pricing and distribution policies are monitored in relation to market changes, the objectives of the marketing plan and organisational requirements Overall marketing progress is monitored against performance targets to ensure activity, quality, cost, and time requirements are met Manage marketing personnel Strategic marketing objectives are communicated across the organisation in ways suited to the levels of knowledge, experience and any specific needs of personnel The roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of staff and contractors involved in all elements of that marketing effort are identified and agreed A communication strategy is developed to ensure that personnel responsible for each element of the marketing mix work together to meet the organisation’s marketing objectives Mentoring and coaching is provided to support individuals/teams use resources to the required standard Performance gaps are identified and corrective action instigated promptly to safeguard marketing outcomes Evaluate and improve strategic marketing performance Marketing outcomes are analysed and strategic objectives reviewed and/or revised in response Successes and performance gaps are analysed as to cause and effect and used to improve strategic performance Over-performance against targets is analysed for trends, and new targets set Changes in market phenomena are analysed and their impact on strategic marketing objectives identified and documented Review of marketing performance against key performance indicators is documented in accordance with organisational requirements Develop and Manage Direct Marketing Campaigns Develop direct marketing strategies Customer acquisition strategies are developed that include objectives related to numbers of new customers, cost of recruiting, media options, and promotional activities within an overall budget Customer retention strategies are developed that relate to customer needs and wants, customer buying patterns, opportunities for up-selling or cross-selling and customer renewals/reactivation Customer loyalty strategies are developed that address relationship marketing objectives and contribute to long term partnerships Develop a marketing plan for a direct marketing campaign The marketing plan identifies the purpose of the campaign, and objectives that relate to relationship building, processes, media options, outcomes and criteria for reporting, analysis and evaluation The marketing plan includes production and campaign schedules that identify tasks, implementation sequences, timelines and responsibilities in accordance with the campaign brief The marketing plan includes implementation objectives and deadlines negotiated and agreed with suppliers The marketing plan identifies a strategy for assessing campaign viability prior to implementation and establishes a campaign budget in accordance with the requirements of the campaign brief Manage direct marketing campaign production processes Production processes are schedules and suppliers selected and engaged in accordance with the requirements of the marketing plan Production activities are monitored against scheduling and budgetary requirements and likely variations approved in accordance with organisational policy and procedures The outputs from the production process meet the requirements of the production schedule, campaign brief and the marketing plan Direct campaign implementation A campaign implementation strategy is negotiated that outlines implementation tasks and timelines and includes a contingency plan for dealing with omissions and errors Processes for customers to respond to the campaign and receive products or services are implemented and monitored in accordance with the campaign brief legal and ethical requirements Evaluate direct marketing campaign effectiveness Campaign results are measured against marketing and budgetary performance criteria and forecasts, and the extent of success is documented in accordance with organisational requirements Measurements and calculations are performed on data relating to components and costs of the campaign, and the significance of the results interpreted and recorded in accordance with organisational requirements Pre-campaign assessments and predictions are compared with campaign results to determine their accuracy and recommendations are made to improve future forecasting A campaign evaluation report is prepared in accordance with organisational requirements Evaluate International Marketing Opportunities Review the global market environment International trade patterns are assessed and their likely importance for the business identified Multinational business and e-commerce markets are researched and opportunities to enter, shape or influence the market are assessed in terms of likely contribution to the business International markets operating under free trade and/or protectionist arrangements are identified and the likely ease of entering and trading successfully estimated International trade policies and agreements are identified and their likely impact on international marketing opportunities estimated Assess international business and e-commerce market factors Economic and political factors affecting the international market are identified and analysed for their potential impact on international marketing opportunities Social and cultural factors affecting the international market are identified and analysed for their potential impact on international marketing opportunities International market trends and developments are investigated to identify market needs relative to the business New and emerging business and e-commerce markets are identified and opportunities to enter, shape or influence the market are assessed in terms of their fit with business goals and direction and their likely contribution to the business Identify risk factors for international marketing opportunities Political and financial stability and corruption risks for the potential market are analysed and rated as acceptable or not Legal and regulatory requirements and trade barriers for the potential market are analysed and rated as acceptable or not Risk factors are related to international business cycles in terms of economic conditions, and their impact is estimated for the potential market Investigate international business and e-commerce marketing opportunities Opportunities are identified and analysed in terms of their likely fit with the organisation’s goals and capabilities Each opportunity is evaluated to determine its impact on current business and customer base An assessment of costs, benefits, risks and opportunities is used to determine the financial viability of each marketing opportunity Probable return on investment and potential competitors are determined Marketing opportunities are described and ranked in terms of their viability and likely contribution to the business Manage International Marketing Programs Formulate international marketing objectives Viable international marketing opportunities are selected and objectives developed that are consistent with the organisation’s capabilities and resources International marketing objectives are identified that are consistent with the organisation’s strategic direction, are measurable and identify the nature and extent of what is to be achieved in the international market Strategic objectives and related key performance indicators are formulated by product or service, country or international grouping, and overall A risk management strategy is developed to manage contingencies and ensure marketing objectives are met in accordance with overall organisational requirements Determine international marketing approach International marketing opportunities are researched and global or customised approaches are determined for product/service promotion Options for choice of marketing approach/es are evaluated A marketing approach is selected that meets marketing objectives, international market conditions and consumer preferences Determine operational structures Business culture and consumer preferences are evaluated and compatible marketing structures identified Options for operational marketing structure are identified and ranked in terms of their strengths and weaknesses in servicing international markets An operational structure is chosen that best fits the international market and the product/service Manage international marketing performance International marketing objectives are communicated across the organisation in ways suited to the culture, customs, levels of knowledge, experience and any specific needs of personnel The roles, responsibilities and accountabilities of staff and contractors involved in all elements of the marketing effort are identified and agreed A communication strategy is developed to ensure that personnel responsible for each element of the marketing mix work together to meet the organisation’s marketing objectives Marketing effort is managed to ensure it is directed towards areas of greatest potential for the organisation The integration of marketing, promotional and any sales activities is managed in accordance with international marketing objectives Evaluate and improve international marketing performance Product, pricing and distribution policies are monitored in relation to market changes, the objectives of the marketing plan and organisational requirements Overall marketing progress is monitored against performance targets to ensure activity, quality, cost, and time requirements are met Marketing outcomes are analysed and marketing objectives reviewed and/or revised in responses Successes and performance gaps are analysed as to cause and effect and used to improve international marketing performance Changes in market phenomena are analysed and their potential impact on international marketing objectives identified and documented Review of marketing performance against key performance indicators is documented in accordance with organisational requirements Manage Market Research Prepare market research plans for implementation Research policies and procedures are determined Project plans are reviewed and work plans detailed to point of finalisation Processes to obtain required resources to implement work plans are executed Engage external consultants Requirement for external consultants is identified from project plans Required services are specified Potential consultants are identified, evaluated and selected Manage market research activity Work plan duties and responsibilities are communicated to relevant personnel Monitoring of work plan activity is undertaken to ensure adherence to work plan and research policy and procedures External consultants are managed to ensure performance is in line with requirements Evaluate research processes and findings Validity of the information and data obtained is confirmed Relevance and usefulness of findings are reviewed against research objectives Performance of project against elements of project plan is assessed Stakeholder satisfaction with research process and findings is measured Reports are prepared on future improvements to research process Revised policy and practices are implemented in accordance with organisational requirements Develop a Business Website Strategy Determine the business’ requirements of the website The commercial, business and/or marketing purpose of the website is determined in consultation with relevant personnel in accordance with the organisation’s e-business and/or e-marketing strategy Business, product/service information for the website is determined in consultation with relevant personnel The business image to be projected by the website is determined in consultation with relevant personnel Website features/capabilities are determined in consultation with relevant personnel in accordance with the organisation’s e-business strategy Determine business and marketing objectives for the website Key characteristics, competitive factors and the market situation facing the business and/or its products or services are identified Information on the target audience for the website is gathered and analysed Website marketing objectives are written in measurable terms and provide specific guidance on what is to be achieved by the website A business performance strategy is developed for the website incorporating business objectives for products/services Develop a website strategy Strategies to achieve website marketing objectives are determined in accordance with the organisation’s e-business and/or e-marketing strategy Timeframes for development and implementation of the website are determined in accordance with the organisation’s e-business strategy A budget for development, setup, hosting and maintenance of the website is determined in accordance with the organisation’s overall e-business budget The strategy includes an implementation and maintenance plan, strategies to work cooperatively with technical personnel, performance measures and monitoring procedures to measure the marketing effectiveness of the website A web content management strategy is developed to ensure up-to-date, relevant, accurate information on the site The strategy includes marketing strategies for publicising that the website is available and operational Plan integration of the website into business operations Links between the website and operational areas of the business are identified and responsibility for the development of procedures to enable their integration is assigned in accordance with the overall e-business strategy Feedback mechanisms and processes are determined to gauge customer satisfaction with the website and the business, and to allow evaluation of the website as a marketing tool The delivery mode will be flexible and combine a range of teaching and learning strategies to cater for the diverse needs of students. A range of teaching/learning strategies will be used by Australian and Chinese teachers to cater for the difference in learning styles, learning interests and needs. These would include modified lectures, group discussion, practical exercises and audiovisual presentations. Experiential activities, case studies and simulations will be employed as individual or group activities that integrate theory and practice. The trainer will ensure that learning is learner-centred, using the skills and experience of individuals to focus on issues relevant to marketing careers. This mode of training will combine theory-based material and practical sessions involving small discussion groups and individual and team activities. Learners will be encouraged to research widely, including websites. They will be required to observe and consult with businesses and further experience will be made available through visits to business organisations and from visiting speakers. The Advanced Diploma of Marketing provides a sound basis for studies at universities in Australia and the United Kingdom. These courses are taught in the school of International Education at Wuhan University of Technology.