There is mounting evidence of a close relationship between formal education and training and business achievement.
An analysis several years ago of successful innovative companies that had featured in the monthly publication NZ Business revealed that without exception theirowner/managers held formal qualifications.
Although not always directly related to the enterprise sector in which the business operated, the findings were relatively conclusive in establishing a direct link between acquired learning and skill application that gave it a competitive advantage.
Most industrial and service firms depend largely on the owner's technical competence, so business skills and management training very often take a back seat in the development of the firm.
In making critical business decisions, however, relying on external advice is fraught with difficulties.
In the final analysis, critical decisions call for a thorough understanding of the key business disciplines.
The North Shore City-based Seaanz (Small Enterprise Association of Australia and New Zealand) is offering in co-operation with Enterprise North Shore a 12-module seminar programme to address the key areas that confront every business person in the course of an ordinary working week.
Complementing workshops dealing with generic skill sets, the subjects covered are more specific and presented in greater depth. The knowledge gained in this process is immediately applicable.
People who do the whole series will be well equipped to study entrepreneurship at Massey University's Albany campus.
* Inquiries about remaining modules in the current programme can be addressed to Judy von Weichardt at Enterprise North Shore on 414-1341 and Kim Steiner of Seaanz on 419-0450.
* Send Mentor questions to: ellen_read@nzherald.co.nz. Answers will be given by Business in the Community's Business Mentor Programme.
