Innovation and excellence in business

Through the Young Achievement Australia (YAA) program students from across the University are running a business whilst working with industry and academic advisers.

As one Flinders participant says " the program provides you with the opportunity of a lifetime.  You can develop practical business skills, as well as interpersonal skills such as leadership and team-work. It will also give you an insight as to how a business cycle operates."

YOYA is one of the businesses established by students undertaking the program in 2002. Through support from a Business Mentor, Danny Fay from SingTel Optus Ltd and by Antonio Dottore, Director of Studies for the Bachelor of International Business, the team follow a series of compulsory activities. These include registering the business name, raising capital by floating shares, creating and promoting a product or service and at the end liquidating the business and re-distributing profits to shareholders. In the YAA program each participating student has an assigned position such as marketing manager, environmental officer, manufacturing director or finance manager.

 "YOYA's service is a one off night club event called SUBSTANCE which is being held at Black Cat White Cat in Adelaide from 9PM until 5AM on the 27th September " said Jarek Polak Managing Director "Our event will be a great night for any crowd and everyone is welcome. We are also donating a 10% commission on each ticket sold towards environmental groups at Flinders." 

This team has students from International Studies, International Business, Biotechnology, Medicine and Commerce- with students studying for undergraduate degreeÕs through to a PHD.

Another Flinders team, HIYA is producing adjustable fluffy drink coolers as well as answers to past years exams to assist students with exam preparation. " The drink coolers are similar to the traditional stubby holder and are adjustable so they will fit both cans and bottles. They come in a range of three colours, blue, yellow and magenta, and cost $5" said Greg  Saunders, Director, Finance and Human Resources.

VIDYA another Flinders team means ÔKnowledgeÕ in Indian.  Six energetic university students from Accounting, Applied Science, Engineering and International Business are participating. "VIDYA fellows definitely learn from each other by sharing and enhancing our knowledge and strengths. This is what we name ourself as VIDYA." said Isabella Chu, Bachelor of International Business student " "Our product is a travel pack which includes liquid soap, hair shampoo and hair conditioner.  The pack only cost $9.99 that is ideal for everybody; not too heavy to carry, not too bulky to occupy your suitcase." Their  business advisers are Ms Suzanne Rowe, BHPBilitton and Ms Jo Brennan from Santos. 

YAA participation assists students develop skills which will be significant in the graduate workplace. These include: decision making, negotiating, risk taking, creativity, communication, teamwork and to achieve results within tight deadlines.

" This programs allows students to experience the development of a business" said Academic Advisor Antonio Dottore " It complements students studies by giving them a further understanding of how businesses operate and will assist them when seeking graduate employment"

Flinders University has been participating in YAA programs for the last six years. Additional information is available from the Graduate Skill Development Coordinator at the Careers and Employer Liaison Centre.