Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management

What is this course about?

The course is specifically designed for new and established small business owners and managers who wish to enhance their management knowledge with the latest thinking in small business management.

Why study this degree?

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management is an industry-focused, flexible and dynamic alternative in postgraduate studies.

The small business sector accounts for 96% of total businesses in Australia, but more than half of small businesses fail within three years of start-up. Why?

Research indicates that one of the primary reasons for small business failure is the lack of management expertise.

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management has a strong emphasis on personal development and industry best practice. The course offers students access to industry peers, market leaders and other leading resources. Students are able to build a personalised learning structure via the flexible, online learning platform.

CSU's Graduate Certificate in Small Business Management offers small business operators an opportunity to:

• enhance your existing knowledge and experience
• enhance successful business practice with industry engagement
• increase your business performance
• study flexibly with minimal disruption to your business.

More reasons to do this degree

Workplace learning

A key feature of the Graduate Certificate in Small Business is its applied nature. Students will be required to link theory with their own professional experience as they study in each subject. Assessments are directed towards students undertaking projects and assessment tasks they can utilise in their small business.

Flexible learning

"Informal learning by itself runs the risk of restricting people to old ways of thinking and working." (Figgers et al, 2001)

At CSU, we understand that many small business owners / managers value ongoing education. We also understand that many small business managers learn informally and often on an "as needs" basis. This course is designed to complement previous informal training by challenging existing knowledge, thereby providing opportunities for business innovation.

More information about flexible learning

Academic expectations

For each 8 point subject at CSU, students should normally expect to spend between 140-160 hours engaged in the specified learning and assessment activities (such as attending lectures or residential schools, assigned readings, tutorial assistance, individual or group research/study, forum activity, workplace learning, assignments or examinations). The student workload for some subjects may vary from these norms as a result of approved course design.

Students will be assessed on the basis of completed assignments, examinations, workplace learning, or other methods as outlined in specific subject outlines.

Where applicable, students are responsible for travel and accommodation costs involved in workplace learning experiences, or attending residential schools (distance education students).

Expectations relating to academic, workplace learning, time and cost requirements for specific subjects are provided in the subject abstracts and in course materials.