AUS5201

The practising consultant

David Dunstan and Peter Spearritt

8 or 12 points -Three hours per week. Fieldwork excursions -First semester -Clayton

Objectives Students should obtain 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. Students at this level will undertake special studies of current policies and priorities of government, private corporations and community initiatives in the cultural industries.

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 (8 point) Two practical presentation assignments (2000 words): 40% -Examination (1000 words): 20% -Research/project essay (3000 words): 40%
Assessment (12 point) Three practical presentation assignments (4000 words total): 40% -Examination (1000 words): 20% -Research essay/ project (4000 words): 40%

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