Our programs

VU's City Flinders campus

Our core programs are designed to enhance specific capabilities and learning for public and private sector directors, executives, general managers and senior managers. They are also ideal for those wanting to progress their career, and enhance their value in the market.

After successfully completing one of our non-award programs, you can choose to undertake the related workplace assessment to gain recognition of prior learning for post graduate studies such as the MBA (Which was ranked sixth in the Financial Review's 2011 MBA Boss ranking), or other Masters programs.

Programs can be tailored to suit individual business needs, and can be delivered at your place of business, or within our centrally-located City Flinders campus.

The Executive Education Unit also offers:

• consultancy services to businesses and Governments
• customised Professional Development to businesses and industry
• think-tanks, seminars and workshops
• facilities hire to business and Government

Strategy

Corporate Strategies for Sustainability

Course dates: 11 February 2013

Many executives understand strategy, but struggle to embed it within the organisation. This program explores new ways to formulate and implement strategy. Couched within emerging strategic imperatives around sustainability, participants will consider the relationship between strategy, culture and operations, and understand the increasing significance of stakeholders.

Program content:

Emerging frameworks for strategy formulation
The sustainability agenda
Internal and external engagement and participation for effective strategic understanding
Execution barriers
Organising for success

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity to:

• understand the relationship between stakeholders, organisational culture, strategy and performance measurement
• appreciate the relationship between business and sustainability
• generate engagement with organisational strategy
• appreciate the connections between strategy formulation and strategy implementation

Download the Corporate Strategies for Sustainability program flyer
Download Corporate Strategies for Sustainability application form

Strategic Positioning - Market Analysis

Course dates: 13-14 August 2012

All businesses seek to strengthen their market position by gaining deeper penetration in the current products and services, and/or broadening their ranges. For a business to be sustainable, its strategic position must be underpinned by rigorous market analysis and adaptability to market trends. This program is designed to integrate leading-edge research and business market analysis practices.

Program content:

Key factors of global market influences
Key principles of market analysis
The function of market analysis in an organisation
Strengths operationalising the analysis 

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity to:

• understand macro-economic and social influences on market penetration
• understand leading edge market analysis frameworks
• appreciate informed decision-making processes
• create and sustain competitive advantages 

Download the Strategic Positioning - Market Analysis program flyer
Download the Strategic Positioning - Market Analysis application form

Leadership and Management

Business Leadership

Course dates: 23-24 October 2012

Private and public organisations face continual challenges, making executives with vision, courage, and committed followers a necessity. This program enables senior executives to reflect on practices, self-awareness, and underpinning assumptions in a rapidly changing business environment. The program focuses on leadership and strategy in a complex environment. 

Program content:

Challenges of leading organisations
Leadership styles
Planning for the future
Effective communications
Leading a changing environment
Effective executives
Action plans 

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity for:

• different leadership styles
• leadership during change
• global factors on a business's future
• communicating and effectiveness 

Download the Business Leadership program flyer
Download the Business Leadership application form

Business Knowledge

Business Renewal Guidance

Course dates: 27-28 September 2012

Many organisations operate in periods of continuous change. Changes arise from external market conditions, or internal change initiatives focused on improving efficiencies and minimising costs. So how do you successfully manage in periods of continuous change? This program will cover the essential elements of any BRG program, including practical tips, and traps to avoid.

Program content:
Context and definitions
Essential elements of Business Renewal Guidance, including:
 - Conceptual logic
 - Change Management
 - Governance
 - Foresight and Benefits Management planning
Planning/Implementation – essential steps Case studies
Business Renewal Guidance tips and traps

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity for:

• identifying common reasons for change, and key elements of successful change
• guidelines for businesses during periods of significant renewal and change, including how to introduce robustness into planning, implementation and managing outcomes
• the role of dedicated change managers
• key questions executives and senior managers should ask when undertaking significant change

Download the Business Renewal Guidance program flyer
Download the Business Renewal Guidance application form

Supply Chain and Logisitics Management

The Business Benefits of Smart Procurement

Course dates: 23-24 July (TBC)

All organisations procure items to support their business functions. These items can either contribute directly to finished products and services, or be used to support operations. How much businesses spend on procurement is directly linked to overall profit – every dollar saved adds to profitability. Procurement is linked to all aspects to the business – making adoption of smart procurement practices imperative.

Program content:
Why is purchasing so important to all businesses?
Matching demand with supply
The Total Cost of Ownership
Managing Inventory

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity to:

• use key inventory models
• use key Purchasing principles
• appreciate the impact of supply and demand match
• appreciate the Impact of cost minimisation and cost ownerships

Download the Business Benefits of Smart Procurement program flyer
Download the Business Benefits of Smart Procurement application form

Event Management

Professional Diploma in Event Management

Course dates: 17 - 19 September 2012

Event management in organisations demands a specific skill set. Brand and reputation are closely tied to the quality of all events conducted under the business name. The need for professional skills for individuals undertaking event management is increasing. This program will enable participants to enhance their event management skills.

Whether you're involved in industry events and conferences, or larger public events in the fields of business, the arts, community or sport, this course will be of great value to you.

Program content:
Facilitation from industry experts
Local, National and International case studies
An innovative social program as a learning component
Cloud (online) and discussion resources (text and multi-media)
Ongoing post-course news updates (resources, market changes, what's hot & what's not)

Participants will develop an enhanced capacity to:

• understand the key principles for the design and management of an industry event
• address key planning tasks for a success event
• address needs of creative production and innovative design
• address the management and evaluation of the event in a structured way
• address risk management practices and mitigation strategies
• understand and link social media strategy with core management and marketing needs
• make events environmentally sustainable

Download the Professional Diploma in Event Management program flyer
Download the Professional Diploma in Event Management application form

Contact us

Discover how we can develop a program that meets your needs. We can also arrange a tour of our facilities for your next seminar or workshop.

Dr Joe Griffin
Executive Education Director
Faculty of Business and Law
Level 14, room 14.21
City Flinders campus
Phone: +61 3 9919 1521
Fax: +61 3 9919 1551
Email: exec.edu@vu.edu.au