The Essentials of Business Planning: EBP0633

Duration: 06:00:00

Recognised by the NSW ARB, ARB of Victoria, BA of Qld, AB of WA, Work Stds Tas, APB of SA, PIA, AILA & BDA

Developed in partnership with the University of Newcastle’s Research Associates, this essential seminar on Business Planning written and presented by Chris Landorf, is delivered over three modules. In addition to the lectures, a series of workbook activities are used reinforce the concepts and processes of business planning for a design practice. A comprehensive case study and a Business Plan template are also included in the materials of this complete package.

Module 1 - INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS PLANNING

Chris Landorf provides a comprehensive introduction to business planning for design practices. The information provided is fundamental for anyone wanting to start up their own practice or wishing to improve the structure and operation of an existing practice. Chris explains the characteristics of small business in Australia, the stages involved in starting a business, the benefits of a well-prepared business plan and the procedures for creating a business plan.

Module 2 - THE STRUCTURE OF A BUSINESS PLAN

Chris presents a step-by-step process for the creation of a detailed business plan. This presentation provides the basis for her final presentation which will present a case study of a small architectural practice. Chris highlights all the fundamental aspects which need to be considered when establishing a practice or improving the operation of an existing practice. Chris incorporates a number of activities in her presentation. On completion of this module and those activities, the participant will already have produced a skeleton business plan for their existing or proposed architectural practice. 

Module 3 - PREPARING A BUSINESS PLAN

In this final module, Chris  uses a comprehensive case study of a small architectural practice to demonstrate the process of creating a detailed business plan. Chris revisits the concepts discussed in the first two modules and elaborates on those concepts by applying them to a practical example. Through the use of a downloadable business plan template and the case study, Chris has taken the theoretical information on business planning and made it practical, providing the tools necessary for architects, designers or planners to develop an effective business plan for an existing or proposed practice. 

TARGET LEARNING OUTCOMES  

• describe the characteristics of small business in Australia
• identify the personal characteristics critical to business success
• describe the start-up stages of a business
• explain the key stages of the business planning process
• define practice objectives and establish structure and strategies for their achievement by creating a business plan 
• Create a comprehensive business plan.
• Analyse trends in the external business environment.
• Conduct a SWOT analysis in order to review the performance of a practice and future opportunities and threats.
• Define practice objectives and establish structure and strategies for their achievement.
• Prepare a business plan for a small architectural practice.
• Define practice objectives and establish structure and strategies for their achievement.
• Develop and fashion your architectural practice in response to competition and anticipated scope and demand for professional services.
• Consider the staff of your architectural practice in terms of the skills they bring to the firm and potential methods of improving their contribution and job satisfaction through staff development.