AUS4201

The practising consultant

Offered subject to approval

David Dunstan and Peter Spearritt

8 points -One 3-hour seminar per week -First semester -Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should demonstrate an understanding of the role of the consultant or contract worker in the cultural industries (heritage conservation, museums, publishing and communications, visual culture, tourism and community arts). The subject aims to develop work, problem-solving and presentation skills appropriate to the contexts of these fields.

Synopsis This subject explores the nature and practice of work in the cultural heritage industries. It will draw on case study approaches and the experience of selected individual professionals. A body of reading will accompany lectures and practical fieldwork. Topics will include the formulation of the brief, response to the brief, task objectives, project planning and management, problem-solving and decision-making, costing, delegation and sub-consultancy, intellectual property, reporting and task conclusion. Related topics will include elements of financial management; the creation and supervision of teams; specialists, information technology, records and archives, managing change on the job.

Assessment Seminar presentation (1500 words): 25% -Fieldwork report exercise (1000 words): 20% -Long essay (3000 words): 50% Short examination (500 words): 5%

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