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CHANGE
Change is an act or a process where something becomes different. It is not just an act – I am going to change my clothes, but also the process that leads to a change. Moving from a nomadic society to an agricultural society, or an agricultural society to an industrial one requires different actions.
It doesn’t end there. It is also an ongoing process. Change often requires a process. Think about boiling a kettle to make a cup of tea. We might think – I boil the kettle and pour water over my tea bag – that is an act. But even this is not that simple. We have to turn on the tap, fill the kettle, turn on the kettle, then certain reactions occur in the water to make it heat up.
We then pour the heated water onto our tea bag. The water interacts with the tea and starts to create a liquid drink. So even a “simple” change like turning water and a tea bag into a cup of tea involves a process.
In more complex situations, such as changing from an agricultural to an industrial society, changing from a trainee to an expert in a field of work, improving a business, diversifying a business and so on. All go through a process of change.
COMMON CHANGES WITHIN BUSINESS
Common areas of change that occur across most industry sectors.
Some of the most common changes in a business may include:
- Introducing new systems
- Altering processes
- Tightening or relaxing of procedures
- Introduction of a new reporting structure
- Revised employee work conditions/regimes/hours
- Development of new teams
- Restructuring or changes to leadership
- Promotions and demotions
- Changes in the physical environment
- Mergers and/or Acquisitions
- Expansion of business into new markets
- Additions to/removal of product lines
- Reaction to a crisis (economic, health, social)
Identifying Problems
Most change begins in response to something. This can be identified through feedback, consultation with staff, changes in revenue or cash flow, supply, or even a response to the world political climate.
For example, a customer may complain about a product, which results in a rapid re-evaluation of the product, a redesign of a product, or the decision to stop selling it or other options.
The products may become obsolete. The business might then have to consider whether it can continue running a business selling different products, if it can no longer trade and go out of business or diversify the product range.
Change may be immediate, or it may occur over a longer period of time. For example, businesses that are reacting to a change in the business environment may need to do this very swiftly. However, there are also times where this will take longer, and business owners have more time to consider what is involved.
There is no single way to identify a problem, but there are some useful questions to consider:
- Is there a problem regularly, or one that is acute but potentially devastating to the business?
- What role does the business play in the community, society, or the commercial sector generally?
- Can a mentor be accessed for advice – someone who has faced this challenge before?
- How does the core business normally generate income?
- Which areas of the business are not profitable?
- What is the current pricing strategy and why? When were prices last reviewed?
- Is cash flow positive each month?
- Is the current marketing strategy working for the business?
- Is the marketing reaching the target customers?
- What external factors are impacting the business?
FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here is a list of the most often asked FAQ’s.
General
Q. Why should I enrol with the Academy for Distance Learning?
A. Here at ADL, our students are our priority – we treat everyone as a unique individual.
Q. Do I need to buy text books?
A. No, as each module has been written by highly qualified industry professionals. The content of the material is presented in such a way that text books are not required. However, if you require additional reading your tutor will be able to supply a list.
Q. What happens if I have to stop studying for a while? (eg. become sick, go on holidays, have a baby, move house, etc)
A. It’s OK to take a break and start up your study at a later point in time. Just let us know.
Q. Is there an age limit?
A. There is no maximum age limit. We do however, have a minimum age limit of 18 years. Below that age parental consent would be required.
Q. Are your courses up-to date?
A. Our courses are revised and updated on a rotation system.
Q. Do you have a Cancellation policy?
A. Yes. We have a cancellation policy that is fair and equitable. For further details please click here.
Q. Will I have any opportunity to engage with other students?
A. We have a Student Community group based on facebook! If you don’t have a facebook account already, you could make one just for talking with fellow students on the group.
Enrolment
Q. When can I enrol/start?
A. You may enrol and start at any time of the year – it’s all self- paced.
Q. Can I study from anywhere in the world?
A. Our courses are available to anyone, anywhere in the world from the comfort of your own home. The course content is relevant to any country, culture or economy.
Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. You complete the course at any time that is convenient for you.
Q. Completing a 100 hour module – how long will it take?
A. For some students a 100 hour module will take approximately to 3- 6 months to complete. Others take less time and some even longer.
Assessment
Q. Assessment – how does it work?
A. For each 100 hour module you are assessed by assignments (at the end of each lesson) and a final one and a half hour exam (or you may elect to complete a Project, instead of sitting the exam) – the choice is yours – you sit for the exam in your own location.
Q. I don’t cope well with exams – what can I do?
A. You may elect to undertake a Project (set by your tutor) instead of sitting the exam. Projects are completed from your home and can usually take a couple of weeks to complete.
Q. If my assignment is not up to standard is there an opportunity to resubmit my work?
A. Yes –
Q. How many assignments do I need to complete for each module?
A. At the end of each lesson, there is an assignment – so if a course has say, 10 lessons, there would be 10 assignments.
Q. I am having difficulty attending workshops/industry meetings, what can be done?
A. If your course requires attendance at workshops, conferences, or industry meetings; alternative arrangements can be made in your country.
Qualifications
Q. What qualification will I receive?
A. For individual modules, you would be awarded a Certificate endorsed by TQUK (Training Qualifications, UK), providing you complete all assignments and the exam. If you just want to complete only the assignments and not sit for the exam or finish a Project, then a Letter of Achievement would be awarded. For more details on qualifications available please click here.
Q. Can I customize my diploma/higher qualification?
A. Not all educational institution’s certificates /diplomas meet everyone’s needs. The opportunity to Design Your Own Diploma at the Academy (subject to our approval) is an added bonus, not found at other colleges. You choose modules that you think will help you in achieving your goal.
Q. What do I get when I complete the course? Will I receive a transcript?
A. At the completion of all courses and providing all assignments and exam requirements have been met, you will receive your Award and a Transcript.
Tutors
Q. Our tutors – who are they?
A. We appoint Tutors and require that they must be currently active in their industry, with at least 5 years’ experience in their chosen profession.
Q. Can I contact my tutor at any time?
A. Yes – you have unlimited access to your tutor via email through our Online Classroom. You can always leave a message with ADL requesting your tutor to contact you. You decide on how much or how little contact you wish to have.
Q. Practical work – How is this done?
A. To find out more about this part of the course please visit the section on How Our Courses Work here.
