GSBS6182
Consulting & Business Advice
10 Units
Not available in 2014
Previously offered in 2012, 2011, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2006
This unit will introduce participants to the different types of business advisers/consultants, give an overview of basic consulting and counseling skills and techniques, examine issues to take into account when selecting an adviser, and discuss how to make the most of such services as a business manager. It will deal with two issues simultaneously: giving entrepreneurs, managers and business owners an overview about different advisory services available, and how to best use them; and giving professional advisers an introduction to the issues involved in working with business clients
| Objectives | The learning objectives of this course are to ensure that students: 1. Understand the nature of consulting, business advice, facilitation and related roles; 2. Understand the requirements for effective consulting and be able to put this into practice with clients; 3. Develop specific areas of knowledge and expertise that will enable them to deliver a more comprehensive facilitation service; 4. Understand the nature of the different business sectors(small, medium and large-sized) and the stages of development through which most firms grow and develop; 5. Indicate the key issues to be addressed when assisting new business ventures; 6. Indicate the key issues to be addressed when assisting the small business to survive its first few years of trading; and 7. Indicate the key issues to be addressed when assisting a growing business. |
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| Content | Professional advisors to small business use their skills and knowledge to assist businesses to better understand their circumstances, identify problems and opportunities, and take action to improve their business if required. The business consultant frequently seeks to shift the thinking of their client by encouraging them to move toward a frame of mind that is willing to embrace change and seek outside support. Many business clients may start out with limited 'process focused' issues on the top of their agenda. They may mistrust counsel from outside 'experts' and be unwilling to look at their own limitations to identify areas of blockage in their business development. Facilitation is likely to be required to shift them toward a more useful mindset. The consultant/counsellor seeks to get the business client to commit to action via a change program and marshal the necessary resources to achieve this change. |
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| Replacing Course(s) | Not Applicable | ||||
| Transition | Not Applicable | ||||
| Industrial Experience | 0 | ||||
| Assumed Knowledge | No prior knowledge assumed | ||||
| Modes of Delivery | Internal Mode | ||||
| Teaching Methods | Case Study
Lecture Seminar |
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| Assessment Items |
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| Contact Hours | Seminar: for 3 hour(s) per Week for 12 weeks |