Prof Peter Little
Executive Dean
Faculty of Business
We live in an increasingly complex and rapidly changing global business environment where professional knowledge is no longer enough to ensure success – employees need to be able to adapt to change. They find themselves leading and working in diverse teams and contributing to the ongoing development of organisations and societies through innovation and leveraging of company and community resources.
But how do future business leaders develop these qualities when they are busy juggling study, family, work and other life responsibilities and commitments?
QUT Faculty of Business recognises that it has an important role to play, not only to impart professional knowledge but to provide opportunities for students to develop the skills and qualities needed to make a positive impact on the world.
We also know that one of the most effective ways to develop these skills is through interaction, discussion, cooperation and debate with others. This social interaction is, in itself, becoming difficult due to increased flexibility of unit choices, developments in on-line teaching resulting in reduced class and small group contact, and the number of students needing to work full-time out of financial or personal necessity. Time spent on campus and with peers is decreasing and the isolation students experience from each other and the institution is a common occurrence.
This is why Business Advantage was developed. We want to prepare graduates to play significant roles in their professional careers. In addition, we aim to increase the amount of social interaction and discussion between students and with business, government, education and community leaders. And if, along the way, we imbue our graduates with character, integrity and a sense of social responsibility so that their impact on their organisations, professions and community is positive and empowering, we have succeeded as educators.
I encourage you to investigate the opportunities offered through this innovative and exciting initiative. There will be activities to cater for all interests. The skills you acquire from this program will not only assist you with your academic studies, but with your personal and professional activities and goals. As luck would have it, the program will also establish friendships and instil in you a passion for learning that will enrich your life in the short-term and for many years to come.
The success of this program has as much to do with the level of involvement and commitment from participants as the programs we offer. You are a partner in this process, and as such I encourage you to feedback your ideas and suggestions so that we can continuously improve our activities.
We also call upon you to share your experiences of the program with your fellow students and engage them in the spirit of camaraderie and learning that is Business Advantage.
We look forward to your involvement!
Professor Peter Little
Executive Dean of Faculty, Business