Observations

Office of Business Within Government The common statement “the business of governing” is detrimental, as the focus should be upon providing government with the best efficiencies private business experience, and expertise, has to offer. The statement  should  read “implementing business within government”. This involves implementing within government the best efficiencies of business by identifying process improvements, removing duplication of effort, improving inter-departmental coordination, reviewing and assessing key personnel (always with the goal of ‘best fit’) with positions allocated by merit, and producing budget savings through operational efficiencies, all with a focus on customer (public) outcomes and improved service. Quantifiable achievements would include; Designate and decide on areas of Departmental and Ministerial responsibility where no such responsibility is clear or accepted. To then allocate these responsibilities to ensure the desired and ...

Business Implications Officer How many times does the government make a decision that unduly affects small business? Most people in government have no business experience, and it shows. This is not a criticism, just a fact. Before implementing any new policy, procedure or amendment that affects small business they should run it past a Business Implications Officer, who can look at it from a business persons point of view and identify all implications for paperwork, compliance and training. The officer would then produce an estimation of the additional time input required to comply, and notify the relevant government department. Changes or allowances can then be made before imposing any extra burden onto businesses. The process should take no more that a week or two, depending upon the changes proposed. If the public service attempt to do this themselves then the process will take 2-3 months. It is therefore essential an external business person is engaged when requir...

Business Finishing School The overwhelming experience from consultation with businesses both in Adelaide and elsewhere is that a vast majority are dissatisfied with the performance of graduate students.  The comments heard most often are ‘they lack real-world experience’ and ‘they have no business commonsense’. The theory learned from their University courses does form a sound foundation, however graduates do lack relevant business experience and realistic and up-to-date knowledge – a fact confirmed by students themselves. These responses lead to the concept of a business finishing school whose course would be approved by a select group of business leaders, thereby providing credibility and real value to the course content. The course will be provided on a part-time basis, utilising a series of interactive seminars lead by experienced business people.  Current business issues, problems and the formation of plans, strategies and solutions will be covered through...