Commercialisation Training Scheme

Purpose of Scheme

The Commercialisation Training Scheme (CTS) has been funded by DEST to support research commercialisation and innovation training for domestic higher degree by research (HDR) candidates by equipping them with the skills, knowledge and experience necessary to bring research-based ideas, inventions and innovations to market.

The scheme will provide funding to domestic HDR students, through their own institutions, to undertake a suitable Graduate Certificate, e.g., the Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation at the Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship. For further information and application procedure for Swinburne students, click here.

This program is available in Semester 2, 2007, commencing 11th August 2007.

Eligibility

Students selected (by their institutions) to study the Swinburne Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Innovation under the CTS will be Higher Degree by Research candidates and thus normally meet the entry requirements for the course.

Students from all disciplines should consider the relevance of this program to assist their research activities and future careers.

Graduate Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The preferred mode of study is for the Graduate Certificate to be undertaken on a part time basis over 2 semesters, concurrent with the candidate’s HDR studies. The subjects are available in block mode which is likely to be the most effective format for CTS students.

A significant proportion of the coursework involves group participation. Where possible, CTS students will be encouraged to join multi-functional groups to broaden the experiential aspects of the program.

The content of this Graduate Certificate (outlined below) is well aligned with the CTS requirements. Swinburne Knowledge, Swinburne’s commercialisation unit, will also work with AGSE staff delivering the program to augment the technology commercialisation and intellectual property management aspects. Where required, this may extend to mentoring student groups, in particular in the Opportunity Evaluation subject. CTS students will be encouraged to consider aspects of their own research in this course.

Graduate Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation – Subject Outlines

HEI611 New Venture Leadership

The focus of this subject is on knowledge and skills related to leadership and organisation behaviour required to establish a new enterprise or for introducing an innovation into an existing system and culture. Emphasis will be placed on the human resources, structural, political and symbolic 'frames' found in all organisations. The subject also develops students' skills in analysing each of the 'frames' and assists in identifying their preferred operating frameworks.

HEI691 Opportunity Evaluation

The focus of this subject is on defining the differences between an idea and an opportunity, identifying the necessary information to screen opportunities and analysing the risk attached to grasping opportunities. Students will conduct their own evaluation process on potential opportunities, new ventures or innovation strategies.

HEI631 New Venture Marketing

The subject provides an introduction to marketing concepts and principles but takes a "guerilla", "small business" and "start-up" perspective. This means resources are tight and networks are important. The ability to professionally evaluate the broad range of marketing problems and opportunities facing a new or rapidly growing enterprise is essential for competitive advantage. Students will learn to assess the core competence of their organisation and to develop strategies for market research and analysis.

HEI621 New Venture Financial Management

This subject aims to teach students the rules of the money game and how the operations of a business will impact the financial position of the business. The requirements of working capital and fixed capital will be explored along with how growth impacts finances, how to read and interpret financial data, how to use financial data to make decisions, how to use financial data to predict future financial position and capital needs.