Create Calm with a Conflict Management Course

Create Calm with a Conflict Management Course

Conflict arises in personal and professional settings and the ability to manage conflict successfully impacts career development and healthy relationships. This conflict management course is ideal for managers, those who work in human resources or anyone keen to know how to manage conflict in a variety of settings.

The Conflict Management Program will give you insights into constructive conflict, approaches to anger, anger management, cognitive restructuring, listening strategies for conflict resolution and the characteristics of effective mediation and negotiation behaviour.

You will also learn about the mediation process, preparation for a facilitation meeting, stress management response programs, dealing with power imbalances, restorative practices, group conflict management and how to respond in a crisis.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a conflict management course include:

  • Learning about conflict management and anger
  • Exploring how to develop effective negotiation skills
  • Gaining an understanding of destructive and constructive conflict
  • Studying the main sources of conflict, conflict handling techniques and the conflict management model
  • Learning about ground rules, summarising/paraphrasing and reframing and acknowledging
  • Exploring emotions, separating people from the problem and traps for listeners
  • Gaining an understanding of negotiation and conflicting parties voluntarily discussing their differences
  • Studying the establishment group, the community group, bargaining in negotiations, win-win bargaining and integrative bargaining
  • Examining how to be a skilled negotiator, the joint problem-solving approach and characteristics of effective negotiating behaviour
  • Understanding strategies when negotiation discussions get bogged down
  • Attaining knowledge off negotiation mistakes, dealing with difficult people and finding a solution
  • Gaining insights into mediation, the mediator’s responsibilities, the mediation process and the mediation models 1 and 2
  • Learning about problem definition, teamwork, caucus meeting and the advantages and disadvantages of caucuses
  • Exploring the agreement, information gathering and stating the problem
  • Gaining an understanding of identifying the problem, bargaining and generating options and reaching an agreement
  • Studying the advantages and disadvantages of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
  • Examining facilitation, disputing parties to communicate clearly and constructively and preparing for a facilitation meeting
  • Understanding group memory and the attributes of a good facilitator
  • Attaining knowledge of settling behaviours, stress, the fight or flight response and the symptoms and effects of stress
  • Gaining insights into conflict management and stress management response programs
  • Learning about balance of power, power imbalance and the power of skill and knowledge
  • Exploring negotiating and problem solving skills
  • Gaining an understanding of the power of commitment, legitimacy and a good relationship
  • Exploring how to conduct structured exercises in small groups and prepare and plan for contingencies
  • Gaining an understanding of facilitating learning, negotiating the design, playing psychological games and ending with closure
  • Studying crisis analysis and responses and methods to deal with different types of crises
  • Examining guidelines for approaching a crisis situation, interventions, debriefing models and psychological debriefing

And more!

Main Sources of Workplace Conflict

As you’ll learn in our conflict management course, conflict occurs when there is a perception of incompatible interests between workplace participants. The first step to uncovering workplace conflict is to consider the typical sources of conflict. They include:

Interpersonal

Interpersonal conflict is the most apparent form of conflict in the workplace, and it typically manifests in rumours, gossip and office politics. Clashing personality styles, colleagues bringing their stresses from home into work and varying ideas about personal success can also cause conflict. Personality testing instruments like Myers-Briggs and the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Mode Instrument can help to uncover such sources of conflict as can focus groups, interviews and confidential surveys.

Organisational

Sources of conflict relating to hierarchy and the inability to resolve conflicting interests are predominant in most workplaces. Supervisor/employee and labour/management tensions can also be heightened by power differences as can differences in supervisory styles. Conflict can also arise over work style clashes, different levels of tolerance for risk taking, pay equity conflict, varying views on accountability, resource allocation and the distribution of workload, benefits and duties. Again focus groups, surveys and interviews can help reveal these sources of conflict.

Trends/Change

The modern workplace has significant levels of conflict and stress related to downsizing, change-management, changing work methodologies and technological change. Many workplaces suffer from constant re-organisation, leading to further conflict and stress. Typically, the more change and the more recent the change, the more likely it is that there will be significant conflict.

External Factors

Conflict can arise from external factors such as changing markets, recession, the effects of free trade between countries and domestic and foreign competition. Public and non-profit workplaces can face political pressures and demands from special interest groups. A change in government can have a tremendous impact, especially on public and not-for-profit organisations in terms of funding levels for workplaces that are dependent upon government.

Effective Dispute Resolution

Conflict can happen at any workplace and if workers can’t agree on a way forward or if this dispute is serious, a more formal approach may be needed. A conflict management course is a great start towards giving you insights into “best practice” approaches to fair, simple, transparent and confidential dispute resolution procedures.

All workplaces can enjoy the benefits of a “best practice” approach, which can include:

  • greater employee productivity through increased job satisfaction
  • improved employee retention
  • reduced stress for employees and managers
  • better relationships with employees
  • reducing the costs that come from resolving disputes externally, such as legal fees

Dispute resolution is how disputes are brought to an end. This can occur through:

  • a negotiated outcome, where the parties concerned resolve the issue themselves
  • a mediated outcome, where an independent mediator helps the parties arrive at their own agreement, or
  • an adjudicated or arbitrated outcome, where a court or independent arbitrator decides how the dispute should be resolved and makes an order or binding decision to that effect.

A Simple Process

A good dispute resolution process promotes fairness. If people feel they are fairly treated, then it is more likely they will be engaged in their work and motivated to contribute. Whatever the size or type of organisation, the best dispute resolution processes will:

  • Be simple and credible. It’s important your employees know their grievances or issues will be taken seriously.
  • Be sensitive. Employees want to be reassured their issue will be handled confidentially, and that raising a grievance or issue will not harm their job prospects.
  • Seek clarification. Enable the issues and facts in dispute to be clarified but also encourage open expression of opinions and recognise the importance of feelings.
  • Encourage listening. Listening to an employee will draw out what the dispute is really about. It might be about issues that are quite different from the issues initially raised by the employee. It might be due to a simple misunderstanding. Good listening will help managers determine the real issues and work out how they can be best resolved. A good dispute resolution process reassures employees that they are being heard.
  • Set expectations. Begin with an expectation that the dispute can be resolved between the people concerned, while also recognising that more serious issues may need to be escalated.
  • Establish an escalation process. Provide a path for escalation if the dispute can’t be resolved by discussion with the employee. It won’t always be possible to escalate the dispute through senior management. If this is the case and you’re unable to resolve the dispute, you could seek third-party assistance to help resolve the matter.
  • Be consistent. Consistency is a key aspect of a credible dispute resolution process. Employees need to know that the business will approach all disputes with the same objectivity and organisational values and that, wherever possible, disputes will be resolved by the same process.
  • Be quick. Prompt resolution of disputes is always desirable. It shows that the employer takes dispute resolution seriously. The longer unresolved disputes exist, the greater the chances of ongoing conflict or distractions in the workplace.
  • Be transparent. Employees must know what the process is, understand the steps, and know what the potential outcomes are.

Best Practice Checklist

A best practice workplace involves more than just understanding and complying with the law.

This checklist will help you work at best practice when managing disputes and complaints within your business:

  • Develop a policy – Develop a dispute resolution policy that suits your business. This will help ensure the dispute resolution process is consistent, fair and works for both the employees and the business.
  • Provide training – Make sure employees and managers know about the dispute resolution process and how to use it. This can be done by providing training and awareness sessions.
  • Communicate – Talk with your employees. Regular communication is important as it helps to build trust and good working relationships.
  • Listen to concerns – Take all concerns seriously. Listen to your employees and show them that you take their concerns seriously. Although some issues might seem minor at first, they could be an indication of a larger problem.
  • Regular meetings – Hold regular meetings. These allow you to communicate current issues, workplace rules and changes.
  • Be proactive – Proactively deal with any workplace issues. Many workplace conflicts happen because of misunderstandings and can be resolved more easily if discussed at an early stage.

 

Develop tactics that will empower you to achieve positive outcomes during conflict in your personal and professional life with a conflict management course such as our Conflict Management Program.

Gain Valuable HR Skills With Return to Work Coordinator Training

Ideal for return to work coordinators, rehabilitation managers and HR managers, a return to work coordinator training course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to manage rehabilitation or return-to-work programs for an organisation.

In our Certificate of Rehabilitation and Return to Work Programming course you will learn how to analyse, process and dispute claims; consult with medical professionals; undertake risk analysis; and understand breaches of return-to-work programs.

You will also gain insights into how to design a rehabilitation and return-to-work program, including job redesign, reduced hours and alternative duties. You will also gain an understanding of legislative requirements, including safe work practices, how to use appropriate terminology and the correct documentation of client information.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking return to work coordinator training include:

  • Learning about organisations workers compensation insurance police
  • Exploring schemes and registration certificates
  • Gaining an understanding of self-insurers
  • Studying how to process claims and notify rehabilitation providers
  • Examining how to advise claimants if their claim is accepted
  • Understanding how to identify illness and prepare required documents
  • Attaining knowledge of period of absence and rehabilitation assistance required
  • Gaining insights into risk assessment and ensuring consultation occurs
  • Learning about rehabilitation and how to coordinate job redesign and reduce hours
  • Exploring how to design a return to work program
  • Exploring how to obtain approval for program and coordinate with the employee
  • Gaining an understanding of risk analysis
  • Studying regular communication between all parties and common challenges and solutions
  • Examining how to identify breaches and suggest remedial action
  • Understanding resignations and notice
  • Attaining knowledge of how to notify workers compensation authorities when breaches occur
  • Gaining insights into modifying return to work programs
  • Learning about evaluation and relevant legislation
  • Exploring the roles of health professionals
  • Gaining an understanding of client rehabilitation, rehabilitation programs and nutrition support
  • Studying supervisory requirements and relationships
  • Examining family, community groups and care workers
  • Understanding client status and progress
  • Attaining knowledge of rehabilitation services, support/advocacy groups and Job Service Australia
  • Gaining insights into Green Corps, voluntary work, educational needs, diabetes educators and disability liaison officers
  • Learning abut ADCET, how to engage interpreters and identify client risks in their home
  • Exploring hygiene and infection control
  • Gaining an understanding of home care, community settings and housekeeping
  • Studying the disposal of sharps and how to report hazards
  • Examining how to document client information and requirements
  • Understanding feedback
  • Exploring how to monitor and evaluate return to work and gather feedback from all parties
  • Gaining an understanding of how to facilitate communication between parties and monitor a return to work plan
  • Studying how to identify and address any non-compliance and any hazards
  • Examining the hierarchy of controls model
  • Understanding how to evaluate programs and case managers’ and rehab providers performance

And more!

Return to Work Guidelines

A Return to Work (RTW) program is a framework that supports an individual to return to work after a work-related injury. Each state has different legislation and regulations to guide employers, workers and other stakeholders through this process.

When someone is returning to work, there are several parties involved, all of whom have a part to play in assisting the injured worker. This includes employers, doctors and other health professionals, insurers, rehabilitation providers and, of course, the worker themselves. A safe return to work is more likely to be successful when the worker takes an active part in the planning for this outcome.

As you will learn in our return to work coordinator training course, the responsibilities of each stakeholder involved in the return to work process include:

Worker

They should actively contribute to their own return to work planning and participate in treatment and rehabilitation. They should also communicate openly and honestly with insurers and their employers to keep all parties informed and make a reasonable effort to return to work when possible, even if this means performing alternative duties.

Employer

They are responsible for reporting the incident in which the worker sustained an injury, and initiating the claim with the insurer. Employers are tasked with providing rehabilitation to the worker and assisting them to return to work as soon as possible, even if a claim has not been fully processed.  The employer should also offer support to the worker, empathising with their position and encouraging them to return to work as soon as it is safe to do so.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator

This role may be performed by an employee if the organisation doesn’t require a dedicated Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator. They are responsible for coordinating the worker’s return to work, liaising with the worker to ascertain the extent of their injuries, consulting with the worker about suitable duties and ensuring their work remains within these parameters, and liaising and communicating with other stakeholders including the employer and insurer.

Insurer

These differ by state (for example, in Queensland, they are called WorkCover Queensland) and responsibilities include assessing claims and deciding on compensation, financial entitlements and ongoing benefits, as well as coordinating the rehabilitation and return to work plan for the injured worker.

Health Providers

These are tasked with assisting in the ongoing clinical care of the worker in terms of assessing and treating their injuries. They are also responsible for completing a Work Capacity Certificate and providing medical advice to the worker, their employer and the insurer.

Injury Management Coordinator

This person may be engaged by the employer or an insurer to provide assistance with injury management, including developing rehabilitation, injury management and return to work plans, providing workplace assessments, and liaising with the medical practitioners involved.

Rehabilitation and Return to Work Plan

When undertaking return to work coordinator training, you will learn about rehabilitation and return to work plans. This is a document that outlines both the rehabilitation objectives for a worker and the steps that must be taken to achieve these objectives. The insurer is responsible for formulating this plan in consultation with medical practitioners, the worker and the employer.

The rehabilitation and return to work plan should include:

  • Information about the worker and who their support people are (including a RTW Coordinator if applicable).
  • Information about the suitable duties program.
  • The rehabilitation and return to work goals of the worker.
  • The advice of the medical practitioners on their return to work, treatment and capacities, and tasks/duties that should be avoided.
  • Any modifications or accommodations to the workplace that are required.
  • A schedule for reviewing the plan.

All stakeholders should sign and date the plan.

Injury Management Programs

Injury management programs in workplaces are designed to promote sustainable employment outcomes for individuals who have experienced an injury. These programs are an effective way of assisting workers to return to work and controlling the compensation costs for an employer. An injury management program documents the procedures that staff should follow when and after an injury occurs, and outline how the worker’s safe return to work can be facilitated. They should include:

  • Measurable goals.
  • Guidance on the compensation process.
  • Guidance for how the injured employee should be communicated with.
  • A framework for open communication between all stakeholders.
  • Expectations of all stakeholders and role clarity.
  • Related prevention and health promotion programs to minimise chances of future injury.
  • Guidance on how staff will be made aware of the injury management program.
  • Information on how conflicts or disputes will be managed.

Suitable Duties

If an injured worker cannot safely or practically return to their pre-injury tasks or duties, it is the responsibility of the employer to identify alternative tasks, duties or working arrangements. These are referred to as “suitable duties” and take into account the physical and psychological capacities and restrictions of the worker, any training required and a schedule for the duties to be performed.

The Rehabilitation and Return to Work Coordinator is responsible for developing a suitable duties plan for the worker. If no suitable duties are able to be identified in a workplace, the employer should contact the insurer to discuss the possibility of the worker using their skills and abilities at a different workplace while they recover. This is known as “host employment”.

 

Gain the knowledge, skills and tools you need to manage a rehabilitation and return-to-work program and to work within a community rehabilitation environment with return to work coordinator training such as our Certificate of Rehabilitation and Return to Work Programming.

Rose Farming a Blooming Business

Rose farming really is a booming business, from cut flower production to perfume extraction, harvesting hips and rose oils! This flower’s popularity for business and pleasure truly is coming up roses! So, if you want to start your own blooming business in rose farming, take a look at our Certificate of Rose Production!

Certificate of Rose Production is an online professional development course that helps you identify, propagate and grow many different types of roses for a commercial rose crop. You will discover rose species and varieties pronunciation of rose names, as well as propagation, pruning, pest control and soil management techniques.

In this rose farming course, you’ll also learn to prepare a plan for a rose garden, produce drawings to scale, about the components of a greenhouse and hydroponic system for roses to create and manage a commercial rose crop for whatever venture takes your fancy!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking our rose farming course include:

  • Distinguish between the morphology of different groups of roses.
  • Compile a resource collection of contacts to assist with the identification of roses.
  • Prepare a collection of photographs or illustrations of rose varieties.
  • Determine how to grow roses in your locality, detailing: soil preparation, planting, fertilising, staking, and watering in
  • Describe how to propagate roses, using various techniques including grafting, budding, layering and seeding
  • Identify the pests and diseases afflicting rose plants.
  • Differentiate between the culture and use in the garden of different types of roses, including climbers, miniatures, standards and bush roses.
  • Differentiate between the culture of roses in a greenhouse and the open ground.
  • Distinguish between the pruning of climbing, ramblers, bush, miniature and standard roses.
  • Compare the culture and application of hybrid teas, floribundas and polyanthas in a garden or nursery.
  • Determine appropriate rose varieties to be included in a proposed rose garden per given specifications.
  • Prepare a plan for a rose garden, including scale drawings, plant lists, materials lists and cost estimates.
  • Develop criteria for selecting rose varieties to grow as a commercial crop for a specified purpose.
  • Evaluate rose flowers offered for sale.
  • Determine factors critical to the production of various rose products, such as cut flower roses, rosehip syrup, rose oil, dried rose petals, nursery stock roses.

And more!

5 of The Most Fragrant Roses

If you stop to smell the roses, you’ll be interested in rose farming of the fragrant kind. Here are five of the most sweet-smelling roses around.

Mr Lincoln

A dark red, tall hybrid tea rose with an exquisite fragrance and long stems. These flowers are ideal for putting in vases and can be grown in hot Australian conditions!

Double Delight

A spicy-scented hybrid tea rose with a creamy centre and amazing smell! It grows as a bush to about 1.5 metres high, and while ideal in hot weather conditions, it doesn’t cope well with humidity.

Madame Anisette

A cream, apricot rose with an exquisite anise fragrance with hints of liquorice, spice and honey! It has large double blooms that do well in the warmer months, being easy to care for and heat resistant.

Perfume Passion

This beautiful rose has an intense fragrance of citrus, lychee and white peach! It has great form, healthy foliage and is ideal for picking.

Rosa Boscobel

This large, salmon-pink rose has a strong myrrh fragrance with hints of elderflower, pear and almond! It’s a busy shrub rose that flowers throughout summer.

25 Blooming Amazing Facts About Roses

Here are some fun facts about roses that you may not know … and a little inspiration for rose farming!

  1. Roses are relatively easy to grow – just plant them in a sunny spot and water them to keep the soil moist!
  2. The rose is associated with the Greek god Aphrodite – the goddess of love!
  3. There are over three hundred species of roses and tens of thousands of cultivated or hybrid roses!
  4. Roses don’t grow as a single flower–different species include shrubs, climbers, trailers and groundcovers.
  5. Wild roses only bloom once a year and are naturally pollinated by insects
  6. Most rose species are native to Asia
  7. Roses come in every colour of the rainbow – red, yellow, pink, orange, white and blue!
  8. The flowers of most roses have five petals
  9. A typical rose can live up to 35 years
  10. Rose petals are edible – they can be eaten raw, dried or soaked to make rose water
  11. Roses grow small, berry-like fruit called rosehip, which can be red, orange, purple and black
  12. Rose syrup is made by adding sugar to rose water
  13. Many roses are used in herbal and Chinese medicine
  14. You can make a rainbow rose by taking a white rose and splitting the stem into different bowls of dyed, coloured water. The rose absorbs the water, and it dyes the flower petals different colours.
  15. Most roses are deciduous – they shed their petals after flowering
  16. It takes 2000 roses to extract just one gram of rose oil used in perfume!
  17. Roses are one of the oldest flowers, dating back 35 million years
  18. A rose breeder spent 15 years breeding a rare rose named ‘Juliet’, which sold for $15.8 million!
  19. There’s no such thing as a black rose – they may look black in some gardens, but they’re actually very dark red.
  20. The tallest ever recorded rose bush stands over seven metres tall!
  21. Rose colours have different meanings. Red – love, Yellow – friendship …
  22. Roses and Rosehips are full of vitamin C
  23. Yellow roses have come to symbolise friendship and caring, but historically they represented jealousy
  24. There is a Rose Hall of Fame, which contains world-famous roses. The World Federation of Rose Societies votes the roses into the Hall of Fame.
  25. In 1998, a rose named Overnight Sensation was sent to outer space!

Gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of rose farming with our online course, the Certificate of Rose Production.

Our Cat Care Course is Purrrfect for Animal Lovers!

Explore a new income stream, employment opportunity or understand and care for your own pet better with this cat care course. Ideal for cat owners, breeders, pet shop owners and attendants or those who work in animal welfare, our Domestic Cat Care course will give you insights into the primary care of domestic cats – including diet, shelter, grooming and housebreaking. You will also study complex feline care – from understanding digestive and reproductive health to illnesses, emergency medicine and care, problem behaviour and specialised dietary requirement.

You will also learn about breeding and raising kittens, from ethical considerations to genetics and socialisation, and how to establish a business in the feline services industry, including grooming, boarding, retail and manufacturing, therapy cats, pet funerals and more.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a cat care course include:

  • Learning about basic feline needs and the basic duets of a cat owner
  • Exploring food, water, shelter and containment, grooming, bathing and claw trimming
  • Gaining an understanding of travel, housebreaking and health care for sick cats
  • Studying how to introduce a new cat at home
  • Examining cats and dogs and cats with babies and children
  • Understanding cat breeds – pedigrees and non-pedigrees
  • Attaining knowledge of feline biology
  • Gaining insights into cats’ skin, eyes, ears, nose, mouth, tongue, teeth and gums
  • Learning about the digestive and reproductive systems
  • Exploring females (Queens) and males (Toms)
  • Gaining an understanding of domestic cat breeds and international and national associations
  • Studying long haired, semi-long haired and short-haired breeds.
  • Examining Persian, Maine Coon, Birman, Balinese, Ragdoll (Ragamuffin), York Chocolate, American Shorthair, Cornish Rex and Russian Blue
  • Understanding Siamese, Sphynx, Manx, Scottish Fold, Japanese Bobtail, Egyptian Mau and Singapura
  • Attaining knowledge of characteristics, common health problems, personality and temperaments and care
  • Gaining insights into history and background
  • Learning about feline health care, preventative care, vaccinations and how to recognise ill health
  • Exploring how to deal with emergencies, artificial breathing and heart massage and how to induce vomiting
  • Gaining an understanding of how to deal with burns, wounds, dehydration, hypothermia, poisoning, wounds, shock (and many more)
  • Studying restraining for treatment and the transportation of an injured cat
  • Examining bandaging and de-sexing
  • Understanding feline illnesses
  • Attaining knowledge of internal parasites including roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms
  • Gaining insights into lungworms, stomach worms, bladder worms and flukes
  • Learning about worm treatments and external (exo-) parasites
  • Examining how to breed and raise kittens and ethics in animal breeding
  • Understanding genes, sexual behaviour and the socialisation of kittens
  • Attaining knowledge of legislation
  • Gaining insights into meiosis and sexual behaviour
  • Learning about feline services including grooming services for short and long-haired cats
  • Examining laws and small business, the importance of keeping records and how to buy an established business
  • Understanding how to buy a franchise and approaches to business planning

And more!

The Worlds Rarest Cats

In our cat care course you will learn about a wide range of cat species, but here are some of the rarer varieties from across the globe.

  • Lykoi – One of the rarest cat breeds, it is also known as the werewolf cat breed. They are a domestic, short-hair cat with a natural genetic mutation that gives them a distinctive and somewhat creepy appearance!
  • Savannah – Also known as the Ashera cat, this is a hybrid cat breed that is a cross between a domestic cat and an African Serval. These tall and slim cats display large ears and a spotted coat that give them a distinctively wild appearance.
  • Chausie – This is another hybrid cat breed that is a cross between a domestic cat and a Felis Chaus jungle cat. They are tall and slim with broad ears, very long legs and prominent cheekbones.
  • Serengeti – This breed is a cross between an Oriental Shorthair and a Bengal cat. They are spotted, slim and slinky and beautiful to look at.
  • Kurilian Bobtail – These cats have fluffy coats and pom-pom tails. They love water and are active, loyal and friendly.
  • Manx – This is a tailless cat that hails from the Isle of Man in the Irish Sea. Manx cats are smart and sometimes exhibit dog-like in behaviour.
  • Ocicat – The Ocicat looks wild but is an entirely domesticated cat breed originating from a mix of Abyssinian, Siamese and silver tabby.
  • Korat – These cats have sparkling green eyes and a heart-shaped face. They have been bred in Thailand for centuries and are loyal, dominating and intelligent.
  • LaPerm – This breed is similar to Devon Rex and Cornish Rex however a dominant gene gives them a distinctive curly coat which resembles a salon fresh perm!
  • Somali – Often referred to as the long-haired Abyssinian, a rarely occurring recessive gene gives the Somali cat its lovely long coat.

Fascinating Cat Facts

After some motivation to undertake our cat care course? Read on …

  1. In terms of development, the first year of a cat’s life is equal to the first 15 years of a human life. After its second year, a cat is 25 in human years. And after that, each year of a cat’s life is equal to about 7 human years.
  2. Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees.
  3. The hearing of the average cat is at least five times keener than that of a human adult.
  4. A cat cannot see directly under its nose.
  5. Most cats have no eyelashes.
  6. Cats have five toes on each front paw, but only four on the back ones. It’s not uncommon, though, for cats to have extra toes.
  7. Cats spend between 30 to 50 percent of their day grooming themselves.
  8. Purring doesn’t always mean a cat is happy. Cats also make the sound when they’re sick, hurt, stressed or giving birth.
  9. A group of kittens is a kindle. A group of full-grown cats is called a clowder.
  10. If you love cats, you’re an ailurophile. It’s derived from the Greek word for cat, ailouros, and the suffix –phile, meaning “lover.”
  11. Cats first went to space in 1963. The feline’s name was Félicette and she made it safely to the ground following a parachute descent.
  12. The world’s oldest living cat is 31 years old. The average lifespan of a cat is 12 to 18 years.
  13. Cats don’t always land on their feet, however, more often than not all four paws end up touching the ground. This is because cats have a fantastic sense of balance, so they’re able to tell up from down and adjust their bodies accordingly.
  14. The musical Cats is based on a collection of author T.S. Eliot poems called Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats which was published in 1939.
  15. One in 200 cats are believed to have asthma – and this number continues to rise among as they are more frequently exposed to dust, cigarette smoke, pollen and human dandruff.
  16. Ancient Egyptians loved cats and worshipped a half-feline goddess named Bastet. People who harmed or killed cats faced harsh legal sentences, including the death penalty.
  17. Cats are believed to be the only mammals that can’t taste sweetness.
  18. Your cat has more bones than you do – 244 compared to a human’s 206.
  19. Most cats don’t like getting wet because they lose control.
  20. Cats sweat through their paws and sometimes when they get very hot they pant.
  21. Beyond grooming all the time, a cat spends nearly two-thirds of its life asleep.
  22. Approximately 200 feral cats roam the grounds of Disneyland where they help control the amusement park’s rodent population.
  23. Quotation marks have a feline connection. The Hungarian word for “quotation marks,” macskaköröm, literally translates to “cat claws.”
  24. Cats can jump up to five times their own height.
  25. Their claws all curve downward, which means that they can’t climb down trees head first – they have to back down the trunk.
  26. Cats have whiskers on the backs of their front legs as well.
  27. They have the largest eyes relative to their head size of any mammal.
  28. Cats find it threatening when you make direct eye contact with them.
  29. Certain cats go crazy for foods you wouldn’t expect like potato chips and olives.
  30. Unlike humans, cats can drink sea water in order to survive.
  31. Cats dream, just like us!
  32. Every cat’s nose print is unique, much like human fingerprints.

 Gain a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of cat care with a cat care course such as our Domestic Cat Care course.

Update Your Skills With an Office Administration Course!

Skilled office workers are always in demand. Make sure you have the edge! Develop the skills and knowledge necessary for the efficient and productive operation of an office with an office administration course. Our Office Skills and Practicescourse will improve your prospects of working in an office or help you to make your own office more efficient.

You will learn about the modern office – from serviced office space to hot-desking and meeting rooms for hire – and how to operate and improve equipment, technology and office processes. Also, discover phone, business writing and computer skills and learn important workplace health and safety practices. Plus, study standard office communication systems and processes, including email, Chat, shorthand, audio-systems and voice recognition technology, and interpersonal communication in the office environment.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an office administration course include:

  • Learning about the modern office, the scope and nature of office work, where to work and having an office at home
  • Exploring how to lease an office and serviced offices
  • Gaining an understanding of hot-desking, meeting rooms for hire and the functions of an office
  • Studying common jobs within an office, departments within an organisation and office equipment
  • Examining information technology and office processes
  • Understanding communication systems, email, chat, the internet, telephones, mobile phones and fax machines
  • Attaining knowledge of 2-way radios, courier services, rail services, shorthand and audio systems
  • Gaining insights into using audio recordings, electronic dictation and voice recognition software
  • Learning about electronic communications and modes of electronic communication
  • Exploring voice and image communication equipment
  • Gaining an understanding of communication networks, electronic mail and email norms
  • Studying the kinds, modes and pathways of communication and how to communicate effectively
  • Examining the factors affecting interpersonal communication, awareness and intent, reactive patterns and how to become an effective communicator
  • Understanding client relations, interpersonal workplace relations and the communication process
  • Attaining knowledge of strategies for better communication, communicating with clients and different kinds of communicators
  • Gaining insights into email and electronic communication
  • Learning about giving and receiving instructions and how to handle complaints
  • Exploring phone skills, telephone techniques and telephone answering when an office is unattended
  • Gaining an understanding of office stationery and good business writing
  • Studying memos, memoranda, sample memos, business letters and letter structure
  • Examining sample letters, letter formats, business reports and report formats
  • Understanding editing, proofreading and language
  • Attaining knowledge of computer applications, word processing programs and spreadsheets
  • Gaining insights into databases, communication and graphics
  • Learning about multimedia and new media and the types of computers and software
  • Exploring computer specifications, viruses, virus protection and optical drives
  • Gaining an understanding of CD-ROM / CD-R / CD-RW, DVD-ROM / DVD-R / DVD-RW / BD-ROM / BD-RW.
  • Studying peripherals, printers, modems and scanners
  • Examining office organisation and procedures and how to organise data and classify information
  • Understanding filing, designing and using a filing system and saving a Word document
  • Attaining knowledge of record keeping, filing systems and filing procedures
  • Gaining insights into active and inactive records and organising office space and work.
  • Learning about the considerations when planning work schedules
  • Exploring how to establish priorities, improve results and time management strategies
  • Gaining an understanding of health and safety in the office
  • Studying power leads, outlets and VDU equipment
  • Examining lifting and manual handling, fatigue in the workplace, stages of fatigue and fatigue between work sessions
  • Understanding recovery from strenuous mental activity, stress management and ways to avoid unnecessary stress
  • Attaining knowledge of office security,legal restraints and legal risks
  • Gaining insights into legal risks, copyright, defamation, privacy and law and the internet

And more!

Office Skills Employers are Looking For

When employers are searching for potential office administrators, they are looking for specific skills to help the office run smoothly and thrive. Here are a few important skills you will learn in our office administration course that will enhance your CV.

Basic computer literacy skills

Much of an office administrator’s position involves working on a computer. Google Docs or Microsoft Word can also be essential for those who need to draft important notes, write reports, and record the minutes from meetings. In order to input clerical information and data like company performance data, office inventory and customer information, they will often need knowledge of Google Sheets or Microsoft Excel. If office administrators are required to perform minor accounting duties, financial tracking software like

QuickBooks may be expected.

Organisational skills

Office administrators are responsible for the organisation of many projects and documents, and these are often confidential . Hence, having basic organisational skills in order to file, source and store items is vital.

Strategic planning and scheduling skills

In order for an office or company to run smoothly, someone must be in charge of scheduling and strategic planning. Office administrators typically schedule events, meetings and customer appointments for managers, and often for the entire organisation. This requires excellent strategic planning skills to make sure schedules align and do not overwhelm scheduled participants.

Time-management skills

Office administrators should be equipped to handle troubleshooting and flexibility in dynamic environments as they are often assigned several tasks regularly, often unexpectedly. Some tasks may also have strict deadlines, and time-management skills can help prioritise these tasks.

Verbal and written communication skills

Office administrators are often the first point of contact for employees and clients. They greet customers, answer phones, schedule appointments and address questions. Therefore, employers often demand potential candidates have a positive attitude and top notch communication skills.

Critical thinking skills

Offices are prone to the unexpected and critical thinking and problem-solving skills can help office administrators overcome each challenge as it occurs. This includes organising maintenance and navigating employee issues. If a problem occurs and they can’t find an immediate solution, it’s up to them to think critically and find a creative solution to the problem.

Quick-learning skills

If a manager needs a project completed using an unfamiliar software or the office switches to a new scheduling system, the office administrator may be expected to adapt and learn t to this new method or technology. Therefore office administrators should be quick learners that are flexible and can easily develop skills to increase productivity and efficiency.

Attention to detail

Mistakes happen, and office administrators are often charged with flagging any issues and correcting them before clients see them. They should also be detail-oriented and able to ensure any company documents are factual and error-free.

2022’s Best Business Software

When you undertake an office administration course, you will become familiar with a range of business software that will enhance your skills and your organisation’s efficiency. Because there is so much competition in the market, smaller and cheaper packages can be just as good – although, as the saying goes, you get what you pay for! However, some of the more expensive software suites sometimes have a free tier so you can try it out and see if it is suitable. Here are some of the best small business software currently available according to Tech Radar.

Microsoft 365

There are many rivals, but Microsoft Office is still the best office software suite, and Microsoft 365 delivers a cloud version you can use on the go as well as in the office or at home. If you’ve used Microsoft Office before you’ll easily find your way around this platform. Many suppliers and contractors also use it, so it’s easy to swap, share or send send files without any issues.

Sage Accounting

The top Sage Accounting plan offers decent value and there is also a 30-day free trial. This allows you to manage invoices and quotes, handle and submit tax online, and perform reconciliation and cash flow (to name a few) from your desktop or via a mobile app. If you run into trouble, video tutorials and detailed web help is only a click away, with the offer of “free unlimited 24/7 telephone and email support”.

Asana

If you have multiple projects to manage, Asana can help you work out who should be doing what at any moment which maximises the chances of everything being completed by deadline. Asana integrates well with more than a hundred other products and services, including Slack, Gmail, Dropbox, Salesforce etc. so is flexible enough to fit into whatever workflow you have currently set up.

Slack

This communications platform has helped transform the way a lot of small business teams keep in touch. It offers real-time messaging in mobile apps, web browsers and desktop clients. Team members can chat one on one, in groups, or in channels based around topics (finances, sales, products etc).

Avast Business Antivirus

This is an excellent business endpoint security software suite, giving you various tools such as Firewall, antivirus, anti-spam and email protection. The free version of this security package has long been considered one of the best, but if value for money and simplicity are key factors, Avast Business Antivirus Pro could be a sensible choice.

Hubspot Marketing Hub

This is a platform that provides a range of tools for sales and market, content management and social media advertising. It has a wide-ranging toolkit to help improve conversions by offering options for content hosting, split testing along with targets and goals that can be tracked using Hubspot’s analytics software.

Bitrix24

This software provides a vast suite of powerful business tools from collaboration, telephony, instant messaging, document handling, project management, employee management, scheduling and more. If you prefer to keep things simple, then you can concentrate on the excellent customer relationship management (CRM), which is a capable system all on its own.

 

Feel confident to pursue office administration roles or improve your own business’s office operations and practices with an office administration course.

Animal Naturopathy – Treat Pets Naturally!

If you’re interested in a more holistic way to treat animals, this animal naturopathy course is ideal for you! Whether you’re a vet, vet nurse, animal shelter worker, breeder, groomer or anyone who owns or works with pests, you’ll find this course enlightening.

Certificate of Natural Animal Health Care is an online professional development course that will show you how to treat animals naturally and holistically to optimise animal health.

In this online animal naturopathy course, you will discover the importance of holistic therapies, such as naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal medicine, tactile therapy and nutrition to boost animal health and wellbeing.

You will also learn to recognise common diseases and health problems in animals and develop an understanding of natural treatments.

So, if you want to feel confident to develop natural treatment plans for animals to boost health and wellbeing, take a look at what you’ll learn in this animal naturopathy course.

What You’ll Learn

Outcomes achieved when you study our animal naturopathy course:

  • Limitations of conventional medicine
  • Holistic treatments, homeopathy, flower essences, naturopathy, natural nutrition, tactile therapy (massage, equine tactile therapy, Bowen therapy, canine myofunctional therapy, physiotherapy, shiatsu, reflexology, osteopathy, chiropractic, acupuncture, microcurrent, microwave therapies, ayurvedic medicine, traditional Chinese medicine)
  • Codes of practice for animal welfare
  • Health & safety in veterinary practice (separating animals, infectious diseases, containing disease, disposal of dead/infected tissues, dangerous non-animal wastes, storage & handling of supplements/equipment).
  • Signs of ill health
  • Normal vital signs, recognising ill health, disease diagnosis, homeopathic remedies, signs of shock, signs of internal bleeding, signs of poisoning, first aid
  • Natural nutrition for animals
  • The effect of modern living on domestic animals
  • Processed pet foods, poor nutrition and animal behaviour
  • Good nutrition for domesticated animals
  • Nutritional problems in animals (allergies, dermatitis, overweight, underweight, liver disease, livestock (mineral supplements for farm animals, nutritional supplements)
  • Holistic health care and maintaining health
  • Creating a healthy environment (domestic pets, livestock)
  • Health maintenance
  • Preventing arthritis in dogs
  • The vaccination debates
  • Pet dental care, flea control, disease prevention in livestock, preventing disease in poultry, avian influenza
  • Treating health problems
  • Naturopathic treatment, homeopathic treatment, herbalism, treating common ailments (arthritis, skin problems, digestive complaints, diabetes, dental problems
  • Pain management, identifying pain, pain relief medication
  • Behavioural problems (dogs-excessive barking, digging, aggression, phobias)
  • Animal diseases & health problems (livestock)
  • Notifiable diseases, control of internal parasites
  • Horses (tetanus, lockjaw, strangles, parasites, colic, equine influenza)
  • Evaluate symptoms of ill-health displayed by an animal, determine the problem, and decide on a natural course of treatment for the animal’s specific health problem.
  • Develop a management plan to help treat health problems and relieve associated pain and discomfort.

And more …

What is Naturopathy for Animals?

Animal naturopathy is an alternative healing modality that uses natural, non-invasive and drug-free treatment methods to prevent and heal ill health in animals. There are many treatment modalities for animals, which you’ll learn about in our animal naturopathy course.

Naturopathy treats the whole animal, rather than just symptoms of disorder or disease, to balance overall health and wellbeing. Most animals generally respond well to natural therapies as they’re safe and non-toxic.

What Conditions Can Be Treated?

All animals can benefit from natural therapies – dogs, cats, pigs, cows, goats, horses, birds, chickens, guinea pigs – and many conditions can be successfully treated with naturopathy, but some of the most common include:

  • Skin disorders such as eczema, flea allergy, warts, ringworm and mange
  • Ear problems
  • Mites and infections
  • Eye problems
  • Arthritis
  • Allergies
  • Flea and tick control
  • Kidney, heart and liver problems
  • Chronic infections
  • Digestive disorders
  • Dental health – gum disease
  • Excess weight
  • Behavioural issues

8 Types of Holistic Health Care for Animals

  1. Homeopathy

Homeopathy is a gentle yet powerful medicine that works by stimulating an animal’s own ability to heal. It can stimulate the body to react to disease, reduce inflammation, ease pain, kill germs and restore balance.

  1. Flower Essences

Flower essences can be used to treat emotional, physical and behavioural problems in animals. Essences can restore energy balance, heal underlying negative emotional states that can lead to excessive barking, litterbox avoidance, separation anxiety and obsessive-compulsive behaviours.

  1. Bowen Therapy

Bowen therapy in animals is much the same as in human patients. The treatment involves soft-touch movement of fingers over muscle, ligament, tendon and fascia at specific points of the animal’s body. It’s a gentle, non-invasive technique that promotes healing, pain relief and whole animal wellbeing.

  1. Canine Myofunctional Therapy

Canine myofunctional therapy (CMT) is a holistic therapeutic treatment that involves remedial massage of soft tissue and prescribed stretching techniques. It’s in rehabilitation after injury or illness, but it also has many other benefits from reducing anxiety to improving circulation, organ function and even the condition of skin and coat.

  1. Ayurvedic Medicine

Ayurveda is an ancient healing science that originated in India. Ayurvedic herbs can treat many conditions, from eczema to indigestion and also help boost immunity in pets.

  1. Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese medicine involves acupuncture and herbal medicine to support the body’s self-healing. While initially developed for human diseases, it can be applied to pet health problems, such as arthritis, gastrointestinal disorders, immune system disorders, endocrine or organ dysfunction, anxiety and behavioural issues and many more.

  1. Acupuncture

There are more than 300 acupuncture points recognised in animals, and each achieves a reaction in the body! Acupuncture heals and regenerates mechanisms in the body so it can function to its full potential. Acupuncture also stimulates nerve reflexes, which stimulate certain organs in an animal’s body. It’s also an alternative to animal surgery when pet owners don’t have the means to pay for an operation.

  1. Nutrition

Pet nutritionists can create nutritious, and customised raw meal plans to promote health and wellbeing in their animal patients. A healthy diet can promote shiny coats, dental health, improved mobility, resistance to fleas and parasites, immunity, life expectancy … and more.

 

Gain the knowledge and skills required to prescribe a natural course of treatment for an animal with an animal naturopathy course, like our Certificate of Animal Naturopathy course!

Smash Sales Targets With a Business Planning Course

Ideal for business managers, small business owners and budding entrepreneurs, our Develop and Implement Business Plans course will enable you to discover opportunities but also the potential obstacles you may face when launching or evaluating your business.

In this business planning course you learn how to get the support you need (financial or otherwise), carry out PEST and SWOT analyses and develop employee performance reports to assist in coaching and training under-performers. You will also gain insights into Triple Bottom Line (TBL), Triple Top Line (TTL) value production, how to align your business plan with your company’s goals and develop marketing plans, cash flow forecasts and operational, strategic and contingency plans.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a business planning course include:

  • Learning how to establish a business plan
  • Exploring how to draw up a plan
  • Gaining an understanding of how to develop a business plan
  • Studying the inclusions for a business plan
  • Examining marketing plans
  • Understanding cash flow forecasts
  • Attaining knowledge of existing businesses
  • Gaining insights into operational plans (developing a plan and inclusions)
  • Learning about strategic plans
  • Exploring senior management
  • Gaining an understanding of PEST and SWOT analyses
  • Studying environment and society
  • Examining Triple Bottom Line (TBL)
  • Understanding Triple Top-Line Value Production (TTL)
  • Attaining knowledge of continuous improvement
  • Gaining insights into communication to all relevant parties
  • Learning about the availability of required resources
  • Exploring contingency plans
  • Gaining an understanding of communication
  • Studying performance reports
  • Examining how to analyse employee performance
  • Understanding coaching and training with those who underperform
  • Attaining knowledge of performance reports

 

And more!

 

Components of a Business Plan

Whether you are planning to open your own business or just keen to recharge your business strategies, you will typically review your business holistically in order to understand how it differs from its competitors. A successful business plan will:

  • Provide lenders, investors and potential partners with an understanding of your company’s structure and goals.
  • Provide insights into what resources are needed to reach those goals.
  • Establish a clear timeline of when your company can expect to achieve those goals.
  • Offer a clear way to track progress as your company grows.
  • Enable business owners to predict and plan for potential risks.

Every business is different so your business plan will no doubt look very different from other businesses, but, as you’ll learn in our business planning course, there are a number of key components that most business plans cover.

Executive Summary

This typically appears first in a business plan and should summarise what you expect your business to accomplish. It is meant to highlight what you intend to cover in the rest of the plan, should be compelling and include your business’ mission statement along with a short description of your company’s products and services. It is also worth including personal details about your experience in any relevant industries.

Business Description

A company description includes key information about your business, target market and goals. In this section, you should explain why your business stands out from other competitors in the industry and outline its strengths, including solutions it offers to customers and the competitive advantages that will give your business the edge it needs to succeed.

Market Analysis

In this section, you will illustrate that you have a key understanding of the ins and outs of the industry and specific markets. You should substantiate the strengths you highlighted in the Company Description with statistics and data that breakdown industry trends. You could also illustrate what other competitors are doing and how they are succeeding or failing. A Market Analysis should also help visualise your target market — their income, what their buying habits are, what services they want and need etc. Essentially, this section should help explain why your business can do it better!

Competitive Analysis

As you’ll learn in our business planning course, a key component of a business plan is the Competitive Analysis. This section will present a clear comparison of your business versus your direct and indirect competitors. It’s also where you provide your knowledge of the industry by breaking down their strengths and weaknesses. The end goal here is to show how your business will or does stack up. If you are launching a new business and there are issues that could prevent you from entering the market, this is where you need to be forthcoming.

Management and Organisation

In this section, you should outline how your organisation is set up. Here is where you introduce your management team and summarise their skills and primary job responsibilities. Flow charts are ideal visual tools for explaining a company’s chain of command. Also, don’t forget to highlight whether your business is a sole proprietorship, operates as a partnership or has a different ownership structure. If you have a board of directors, details should be included in this section as well.

Products and Services

While your Company Description is an overview, a detailed breakdown of your products and services is vital to giving readers a fuller description about the product you are creating and selling, how long they could last and how they will meet existing demand. Here you should mention your suppliers as well as other information about the cost of making your products and how much income you hope to achieve. You should also outline any relevant patents and copyright concerns as well.

Marketing Plan

This section is where you describe how you intend to generate leads and get your products and services in front of your target market. It should detail the outreach and PR campaigns to be undertaken, including how your business will measure the effect of these. The components of a marketing plan can include market research, tailored messaging, marketing platforms including digital, online, radio, magazines etc. and metrics that measure marketing efforts.

Sales Strategy

This section should outline how you will “sell” the products or services that you intend to offer. It must be specific and can include details of how many sales reps you intend to hire, how you will recruit them and what your sales targets will be.

Request for Funding

If you after funding, this section outlines the amount of money you need to set up your business and how you plan to use the capital you are raising. Here it’s also worth including a timeline for additional funding you may require to complete other important projects.

Financial Projections

This final section breaks down the financial goals and expectations that you’ve set based on market research. This includes anticipated revenue for the first 12 months of your annual projected earnings as well as for the second, third, forth and fifth years of business. If you are seeking a small business loan, you should also provide the required financial and background information.

 

Gain the confidence to develop and implement a successful business plan with a business planning course such as our Develop and Implement Business Plans course.

How to Grow Ferns So Your Garden Flourishes!

Ideal for landscapers, gardeners, horticulturalists, environmentalists, those who work in nurseries, plant collectors, land managers or anyone with a passion for plants, this course on how to grow ferns will give how to identify and propagate these plants in baskets, terrariums and in a variety of landscapes.

The Introduction to Australian Native Ferns will teach you how to plant, mulch, water, prune, feed and protect ferns from pests and disease. You will also learn about the classification of ferns, different varietals, horticultural values, and how to make the best use of native ferns for your garden or landscaping project.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course on how to grow ferns include:

  • Learning about plant families and plant names (common and scientific names)
  • Exploring classification (family and genera) and how to use reference books
  • Gaining an understanding of how to contact organisations
  • Studying journals, magazines and online resources
  • Examining fern culture, environmental zones in Australia and understanding soils and root media
  • Understanding soil degradation, erosion and salinity, problems with soils and soil compaction and acidification
  • Attaining knowledge of drainage, chemical residues, poor soil structure, compaction and surface crusting
  • Gaining insights into low lying land, increased runoff from neighbouring areas and hydrophobic (water repelling) soils
  • Learning about the use of organic principles to help overcome soil problems and how to reduce erosion and weeds
  • Exploring how to provide soil from drying out, providing a source of nutrients and providing a buffer against temperature variations
  • Gaining an understanding of soil pH, plant nutrition, earthworms and pests
  • Studying organic, home made, diatomaceous earth, quassia, garlic, rhubarb, mustard, stinging nettle, chamomile and eucalyptus sprays
  • Examining soapy water, pyrethrum, mustard dust and white cedar (melia azaderach)
  • Understanding division, bulbils, and spore and vegetative propagation
  • Attaining knowledge of tissue culture, laying, cuttings and spore propagation
  • Gaining insights into collecting spores, equipment and materials and sowing spores
  • Learning about selection and development and selecting plants for the new world
  • Exploring materials and methods, suggested ferns for cultivation and the propagation from spores of selected Tasmanian ferns
  • Gaining an understanding of commonly grown ferns and varieties including Adiantum (maidenhair Fern), Dicksonia (tree ferns), Cyathea (tree fern), Platycerium (staghorn/elkhorn), Pteridium (bracken) and Todea (tree fern)
  • Studying native ferns, Cyathea cyatheaceae, Dicksonia dicksoniaceae, Blechnum (water ferns), Asplenium (spleenwort), Nephrolepis (sword fern/fishbone) and Pteris (brake/dish fern/table fern)
  • Examining Apteropteris (filmy fern), Cheilanthes (adiantaceae), Cyrtomium (holly fern), Davallia (haresfoot or rabbitsfoot fern), Doodia (rasp fern), Gleichenia (coral fern), Schizaea Schizaeceae (comb fern) and Sticherus (fan fern)
  • Understanding how to make the best use of ferns including in baskets, epiphytes, terrariums, tubs and water gardens
  • Attaining knowledge of planting design procedures including the pre-planning phase, developing a preliminary concept plan and developing a final plan
  • Gaining insights into climate considerations, copying nature and aesthetics
  • Learning about potting up plants, potting mixes and how to prevent moss and algae in pots

Fascinating Fern Facts

Ferns are one of the oldest plant species on earth and grew on our planet even before the emergence of the first dinosaurs! Here are some fascinating facts that will inspire you to learn more about how to grow ferns.

  • Today there are almost 11,000 species of fern-like plants known as Polypodiopsida.
  • Millions of years ago, there were huge tree-like ferns Psaronius on Earth. They grew up to 10 metres in length, and the diameter of their trunk could easily reach a met
  • Ferns do not have flowers as they reproduce by spores. They also don’t have leaves. What looks like leaves are actually a set of branches fused in one plane and they are called fronds.
  • Some ferns (like Lianas) lead a parasitic lifestyle and use trees to climb up to the canopy in search of direct sunlight, strangling the tree on their way.
  • The native Australian fern, Dixonia antarctica, can grow up to 15 metres tall with a trunk of up to two metres in diameter.
  • The wind helps ferns to spawn. Sometimes it spreads its spores to a distance of hundreds of kilometres from the mother plant, and, once on suitable soil, they germinate.
  • Huge tree ferns grow very slowly, on average at a rate of three to five centimetres per year. But they live for a long time, and some specimens with a height of 10 metres have probably been living for two or three centuries.
  • One of the most common fern genera in the world is bracken, also known as Pteridium aquilinum. It is toxic, which sometimes leads to problems if it is eaten by farm animals.
  • The smallest fern in the world grows in water. It is called Azolla cristata and usually grows from 0.5 to 1.5 centimetres. In Asia, it is specially grown and used as an effective fertiliser for rice fields.
  • The Wet Tropics is home to 65 per cent of Australia’s fern species.

Popular Australian Ferns  

Ferns may look fragile and gentle, but they are among the one of the toughest survivors in the plant world. In Australia, we have around 420 varieties and they differ in both shape and form. They are relatively easy to grow and maintain and are fantastic for shady and low-light areas. The majority of ferns are evergreen plants and there are a number of species that will thrive both indoors and outdoors. If you studying our course on how to grow ferns, you may be interested in some of the more popular varieties in Australia.

Ferns to add height

  • Rough or scaly tree ferns like Cyathea australis contain sap-conducting tissue, so their trunks must not be severed.
  • Soft tree ferns like Dicksonia antarctica perch on trunks composed of dead material, and their roots weave through the trunk, holding it together.
  • Mini tree ferns are ideal for smaller areas like courtyards and in containers on patios. The trunk of the Brazilian tree fern (Neoblechnum) grows to a humble 1.5 metres tall.

Ferns to mount on trees

Young ferns can be grown in pots and then should be removed and the roots wrapped in tea tree bark. They can then be attached to rough-barked trees by anchoring them with pantyhose. Ferns placed just above a branch will have extra anchorage.

  • Elkhorn and Staghorn ferns (Platycerium) grow slowly into large, heavy plants. Their upright fronds collect leaf litter and form natural compost.
  • Bird’s Nest Ferns (Asplenium australasicum) grow in pots, the ground or on trees. Asplenium antiquum “Victoria” has spectacular wavy fronds.

Ferns as ground covers

Ferns that have runners that weave above or just below the ground include:

  • Gristle Fern (Blechnum cartilagineum) is a weed-suppressing ground cover plant that grows to around one metre high. Its new growth fronds darken from pink to a beautiful bronze.
  • Rough Maidenhair (Adiantum hispidulum) produces new fronds that are decorative and pink.
  • Lacy Ground Fern (Dennstaedtia davallioides) produces beautiful frothy foliage.
  • Hare’s Foot Fern (Davallia) has foliage which resembles hare or rabbit feet. The native Davallia pyxidata prefers rocks or shallow soil.

Ferns to grow in clumps

With short runners, these ferns form easily managed clumps:

  • Mother Shield Fern (Polystichum proliferum) is a clumping, frost-tolerant fern with fronds that may reach a metre long when moist.
  • Prickly Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera) can be grown in sunshine or semi-shade and has lovely spring growth.
  • Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) produces glossy fronds up to 60 centimetres

Ferns for indoors

If you want to enjoy ferns inside, here are some happy housemates:

  • Maidenhair (Adiantum aethiopicum) has beautiful fresh foliage and will thrive with good drainage.
  • Cretan Brake (Pteris cretica) is a hardy plant that is a compact fern that comes in variegated forms.
  • Commonly referred to as the Macho Fern or Swordfern, the Fishbone Fern (Nephrolepis) is a genus of around 30 species of fern and is tough and resilient with long, tapering fronds.

Unique ferns

Two examples of uniquely different ferns include:

  • Climbing Maidenhair (Lygodium microphyllum) may have fronds that reach 30 metres when mature, although if grown in pots, they are much more compact.
  • Tassel Ferns or Clubmoss, (Huperzia phlegmaria) are botanically unrelated to ferns, but enjoy similar growing conditions – high humidity, shelter and frequent watering.

 

Gain a comprehensive understanding and awareness of how to grow and care for a range of ferns with a course on how to grow ferns, such as our Introduction to Australian Native Ferns.

Learn How to Choose the Best Herbs for Cooking!

If you’re not familiar with herbs, you may wonder which are the best herbs for cooking. While it’s widely known that herbs are essential ingredients to flavour international dishes – from Africa to Asia and everywhere in-between – there’s more to herbs than meets the eye.

That’s where our Certificate of Culinary Herbs shines with tips, advice and methods to help you grow, harvest and use herbs in your dishes! This online cooking course is ideal for gardeners, herb farmers, cooks, chefs or anyone interested in extending their culinary skills.

In this online cooking course, you will discover how to identify and grow edible herbs, drying methods to preserve flavour, methods for improving soil, water management, propagation, dealing with pests, disease and environmental problems, and establishing herb plants.

You will also learn about harvesting roots, leaves, seeds and fruits of herbs and hints for using herbs in cooking, including meals, herbal teas, vinegars, oils, butters, cheeses, salts, sugars and honey.

Take a look at what you’ll learn on completion of this exciting new culinary herbs for cooking course!

What You’ll Learn

Outcomes achieved when you study how to use herbs for cooking your culinary favourites!

  • Herbs and horticulture
  • Accurately identifying herbs
  • Plant classification and binomial system
  • Pronouncing plant names
  • Plant nutrition and fertilisers
  • Water management for herbs
  • Diagnosing plant health problems
  • Pests, disease and environmental problems
  • Planting, staking, and establishing herb plants
  • Propagation of herbs
  • Seed propagation
  • Cutting propagation
  • Potting media
  • Division, separation and layering
  • Rejuvenation of perennials
  • Designing a culinary herb garden
  • Creating a kitchen garden
  • Planning a fragrant herb garden
  • Companion planting in your design
  • Cooking with herbs
  • Harvesting herbs; roots, leaves, seed, fruits
  • Handling after harvest
  • Drying herbs
  • Hints for using a range of selected herbs in cooking
  • Herbs for garnish
  • Herbal teas: what & how to use different herbs
  • Herb vinegars, oils, butters, cheeses, salts, sugars, honey
  • Herb confectionary, cakes, etc.
  • Selected herb recipes
  • Using herbs with fruit
  • Review of many common culinary herbs, including their culture and culinary use

And more …

What are Culinary Herbs?

Culinary herbs are aromatic, edible plants used in small quantities to add flavour dishes – and knowledge of them will help make you a more adventurous cook! Ten of the most popular herbs for cooking include basil, chives, mint, parsley, coriander, rosemary, thyme, oregano and dill. 

10 Most Popular Herbs for Cooking

  1. Basil

Basil is a delicious and versatile member of the mint family. It has glossy, dark green pointy leaves with a sweet and savoury flavour. There are many different varieties of basil, including sweet basil, Thai basil, holy basil and lemon basil. And there are many more ways to use this popular herb, from topping pizzas to adding pizzazz to Asian curries! One of the most loved sauces, pesto, also relies on basil as a main ingredient!

  1. Chives

Scrambled eggs, anyone? A member of the allium family, this popular herb has a subtle oniony flavour with a hint of garlic. Chives pair well with many dishes, from cream cheese to Asian cooking, and is also an attractive garnish!

  1. Mint

Mint is the coolest of the culinary herbs. If you’re looking to herbs for cooking – look no further than this little treasure for cooling. Mint has a subtly sweet flavour that has a cooling effect due to the menthol in the herb. It’s popular in Vietnamese rice paper rolls, stir-fries and is an excellent addition to tea in dried form.

  1. Parsley

Parsley is a common herb in Middle Eastern dishes and as a garnish in soups, stews, dips. It’s well known for its fresh flavour, splash of colour and versatility. There are two main types of parsley, including French (curly leaf) and Italian (flat leaf). Parsley has a fresh, clean taste with a hint of pepper and citrus.

  1. Coriander

You’ve probably heard that you’re either a lover or a hater when it comes to coriander, most likely due to its unique and powerful flavour. It’s also one of the oldest herbs and spices on record, dating back to 5000 BC. Coriander is a popular addition to many dishes, including stir-fries, curries, salads, soups, and Thai fish cakes (yum)!

  1. Rosemary

Rosemary is a popular herb in Mediterranean cooking and grows wildly in Greece. Its’ a strong herb used to flavour meats and vegetables, so use sparingly in everything from roasts to soups, pasta sauces and even breads. It can be used as a whole sprig to flavour meals while cooking or chopped finely as an ingredient in many dishes.

  1. Thyme

Thyme has a distinctive earthy, minty and slightly lemony flavour that pairs well with all kinds of meat, poultry, fish, stews, soups, pastas and vegetables. While there are over a hundred varieties of thyme, the most common varieties include common thyme and lemon thyme.

  1. Oregano

Some of the most popular uses of oregano include the humble tomato – think pizza sauces and rich pasta dishes – but it’s also used in olive oils, Italian vinaigrettes and marinades for chicken, lamb and beef dishes.

  1. Dill

While dill is used primarily as a garnish, it’s also useful to add flavour to fish, soups, dressings and salads. But the longer it’s cooked, the less flavoursome it becomes so add it at the end of cooking.

  1. Tarragon

This anise-flavoured herb is perfect in soups, salads, egg dishes, stews and paired with soft cheese! Tarragon is also a wonderful addition to lamb, fish, steak and vegetables!

 

Gain the knowledge and skills required to improve your culinary prowess, learn how to use herbs in cooking with our online cooking course, the Certificate of Culinary Herbs!

Travel Photography Course to Capture It All!

Photography is a powerful way of capturing lifelong memories, particularly when travelling. But it can be challenging with the variables in weather, subjects, equipment limitations and legal considerations. Our Introduction to Travel Photography is ideal for photojournalists, travel photographers or anyone who wants to improve their travel photography skills.

This travel photography course will teach you how to use photography equipment skilfully, to adjust settings on digital cameras, and to sense how types of film respond to different situations and colours, such as backlight, haze, side light and reflected light.

You will learn about camera techniques, such as positioning, framing, timing and borrowed landscapes to creating various effects. You will also gain tips on how to photograph natural areas, such as seascapes and wilderness shots, as well as indoor scenes and candid and posed streetscapes.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a travel photography course include:

  • Learning how to travel with photo equipment and when to travel
  • Exploring the law and travel photography, digital cameras and whether to choose digital or film
  • Gaining an understanding of resources, cameras, films, filters, tripods and lenses and the best lenses for travel photography
  • Studying data storage, specific digital terminology and travelling tips
  • Examining the main principles of travel photography and compositions
  • Learning how to get better photos, asking permission before photographing people and putting subjects in context
  • Gaining insights into planning and preparation
  • Learning about animal photography and photographing animals in captivity and in the wild
  • Exploring how to photograph parks and gardens
  • Gaining an understanding of photographing streetscapes
  • Studying how to photograph buildings or architecture and photographing architecture at night
  • Examining how to photograph street festivals and events and street shops and markets
  • Understanding how to photograph interiors
  • Attaining knowledge of museums, churches and places of worship
  • Gaining insights into the interior photography for sharp images
  • Learning about solutions if a room is dark and how to make a room look larger
  • Exploring what to do if an interior appears unattractive
  • Gaining an understanding of how to develop your photographic style
  • Studying photographic atmosphere and themes
  • Examining the photo essay and how to demonstrate styles
  • Understanding how to use your work personally and professionally
  • Attaining knowledge of how to improve or alter your work
  • Gaining insights into copyright and storage and maintenance
  • Exploring creating different effects including seasonal effects
  • Gaining an understanding of viewpoints, aerial photography and photography on the move
  • Studying how to create effects, lighting principles and natural light

And more!

Popular Global Photography Locations

With the introduction of social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram, the popularity of travel photography has increased even more. If you dream of snapping your own amazing shots, you may be wondering what some of the most photographed places in the world are. Of course, this list is subjective, certainly not exhaustive and you may disagree with the order, but nevertheless, it is great inspiration for our travel photography course when the world opens up again to visitors. There’s nothing like a bit of preparation to hone your skills!

#1 – New York City

Before the advent of COVID, this iconic and popular tourist destination attracted over 65 million tourists from around the world every year. Famous New York landmarks include the Empire State Building, Central Park and the Statue of Liberty. But surprisingly, the honour of the most photographed landmark in the city goes to the Guggenheim Museum, which was designed by architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, and opened its doors in 1959. It houses an impressive collection of contemporary and modern art and is a stunning cylindrical building that features a continuous spiral ramp.

#2 – Paris, France

Paris is iconic for its landmark museums and cafes, but the photo that all budding photographers long to capture is theEiffel Tower. It was built as the grand entrance for the World Trade Fair of 1889. It was meant to be demolished in 1909 after the famous fair ended, but it was saved due to its amazing height. The city needed an antenna platform, and the iron beauty made for a great location. Many claim the best views are from the Trocadero platform. This is a great spot where you can get a front-on photo with this amazing piece of architecture.

#3 – London, UK

UK is a popular tourism destination for its photogenic landmarks including Big Ben. However, what you may not know is that Big Ben is only a nickname coined for the massive bell housed inside the tower. The Tower Bridge is also one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. In terms of capturing the best photos for these (because as you’ll learn in our travel photography course, location is super-important), many attest to Parliament Square for Big Ben and the observation deck at the Tower Bridge for stunning River Thames shots.

#4 – Rome, Italy

Rome is one of the most photographed places in the world and will be a favourite with those who do a travel photography course with hundreds of locations devoted to Catholicism in the city. And it’s hard to find a non-photogenic part of Rome — everywhere you look there are glorious cathedrals, fountains and classical architecture. Famous landmarks include the Trevi Fountain and of course the Colosseum, but also the Trinità dei Monti. This late Renaissance church sits at the top of the Spanish Steps, overlooking the Piazza di Spagna. Initially built in the 1500s, the church is now one of the most photographed places in all of Italy. Pope Pius VI unveiled the Sallustiano Obelisk, which stands in front of the church, in the late 18th century.

#5 – Venice, Italy

Probably the most famous photographic spots in Venice is the Piazza San Marco. It is a popular square with the magnificent San Marco Basilica among other sites. Another iconic spot is the Rialto Bridge, particularly for some picture-perfect shots of gondolas parked at San Marco Square. Then there is the Bridge of Sighs and Academia Bridge, Piazza San Marco, and of course, the Grand Canal. If you are willing to travel further afield, you’ll find the islands of Murano and Burano. Murano is famous for its glassware and Burano absolutely full of colour, which makes it a wonderful place for photography. Lastly, another island, San Giorgio Maggiore, which lies beyond the eastern end of Canale della Giudecca.

#6 – Caminito, Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has become one of the most photographed places in the world and is renowned for its colourful European-style architecture. One of the most popular locations is in Caminito. The word means “little walkway”and is a traditional alley and street museum that was built in the 1950s by artist Benito Quinquela Martin. Although only 100 meters long, it is the most photographed landmark in South America and has the added bonus of the opportunity to photograph tango-performing street artists for that authentic South American touch.

#7 – Barcelona, Spain

Barcelona may be famous for its tapas and beaches, but also for the Sagrada Familia church. Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí, his work on the building is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many of the photos on Instagram share views of f Park Güell which was built and designed by Antoni Gaudí. It is a privatised park system composed of gardens and architectural elements. Gaudí is famous for his use of colour, intricate designs and natural materials. The park was built from 1900 to 1914 and was officially opened as a public park in 1926. In 1984, UNESCO declared the park a World Heritage Site.

#8 – Budapest, Hungary

For one of the best views of Budapest make the trip up the top of Castle Hill on the Buda side of the River, Here you’ll find the neo-Romanesque terrace  known as Fisherman’s Bastion. The walkway on top of the terrace is one of the best viewing points in the city and offers stunning views across the Danube to the Pest side. The views of the Hungarian parliament are breathtaking. The Chain Bridge is also one of the most iconic landmarks in Budapest. It spans the Danube, linking Buda and Pest, and is absolutely beautiful with its majestic guardian lions protecting the bridge. Then there is St Stephen’s Basilica in the heart of the city. On a clear day, the views from its roof are breathtaking.

 

Gain the fundamental knowledge and skills to take beautiful travel photographs and develop your own photographic style with a travel photography course like our Introduction to Travel Photography.

Join an Expanding Industry With a Beef Cattle Farming Course

Cattle farmers today collectively run over 28 million animals over 200 million hectares, and the industry has changed a great deal over recent decades. Ideal for beef cattle producers, beef cattle managers and farm hands, this beef cattle farming course will give you the knowledge to develop your career prospects, better manage beef cattle or improve your farm operations.

The Certificate of Beef Cattle will give you insights into the role of beef cattle in agriculture, beef cattle breeds and production systems, and beef cattle diseases, nutrition and breeding. You will also study commercial herd, feed lot and stud herd management, and marketing and economics in the beef cattle industry.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a beef cattle farming course include:

  • Learning about beef cattle, beef cattle breeds and the role of beef cattle in agriculture
  • Exploring scientific classification, examples of breeds worldwide including British breeds – Angus, Hereford, South Devon, Sussex and Red Poll
  • Gaining an understanding of US developed beef breeds – Santa Gertrudis, American Brahman, Amerifax and Beefmaster
  • Studying European Beef breeds – Salers, Charolais, Simmental and Gelbvieh
  • Examining Australian Beef breeds – Braford, Beefmaster, Droughtmaster, Murray Grey and Australian Lowline
  • Understanding South African Beef Breeds – Salorn, Tswana, Tuli and Africkander
  • Attaining knowledge of breed selection considerations – horned vs poll, colour, gestation length, birth weight, mothering ability, post weaning growth, meat quality etc.
  • Gaining insights into various systems of production (extensive, intensive and semi-intensive) and how to choose a suitable system – considerations include size, climate, soils, transport, markets etc.
  • Learning about cattle handling facilities and materials used in cattle handling
  • Exploring cattle identification (branding, ear marking, tattooing, ear tags) and de-horning (chemical and mechanical methods)
  • Gaining an understanding of castrations, dips and dipping and injecting cattle
  • Studying beef cattle breeding including heritability, performance testing, progeny testing and selection, pure versus cross breeding, calving percentage and management factors to improve calving percentage
  • Gaining an understanding of vitamins, water for farm animals and protein
  • Studying commercial herd management, the breeding herd and production systems
  • Examining cow-calf herd and beef production systems using dairy stock
  • Understanding lot feeding – types of feedlot
  • Attaining knowledge of managing cattle in a feedlot
  • Gaining insights into feedlot records
  • Learning about pen feeding in South Africa
  • Exploring stud herd management
  • Gaining an understanding of calving time, feeding and fertility
  • Studying indicators of fertility in cows and bulls
  • Examining management, economics and marketing
  • Understanding profitability
  • Attaining knowledge of the factors affecting gross output and variable costs

And more!

Australia’s Beef Industry – Fast Facts

Here are some interesting beef cattle farming statistics published in 2020 in a report by Meat & Livestock Australia.

  • The domestic expenditure plus export value including live export of the Australian beef industry was approximately $20.2 billion in 2019.
  • There are over 45,000 agricultural businesses involved in the cattle industry.
  • There were over 24.7 million head of cattle in Australia as of June 2019.
  • There were over 11.7 million head of heifers and beef cows aged over a year in the 2018 to 2019 period.
  • Over 189,000 people are employed in the red meat industry, including in the areas of retail, processing and on-farm production.
  • In 2018 to 2019, Australia produced approximately 2.4 million tonnes of carcass weight (cwt) of beef and veal produced.
  • In 2019, three million grained cattle were marketed.
  • The gross value of Australian cattle and calf production in 2019 to 2020 was over $15 billion.
  • Cattle are estimated to have contributed 23 per cent of total farm value of $66.5 billion in 2019 to 2020.
  • Domestic expenditure on beef was approximately $7.8 billion in 2019.
  • Australians ate over 25 kilograms of beef per person in 2018 to 2019.
  • National cattle numbers as of June 2019 were 11.3 million in Queensland, 4 million in New South Wales, 3.6 million in Victoria, 2.1 million in the Northern Territory, 2 million in Western Australia, 1 million in South Australia and 0.7 million in Tasmania.
  • Australian beef and veal production figures in terms of percentage are Queensland (58 per cent), New South Wales (26 per cent), Victoria (seven per cent), Western Australia (five per cent) and South Australia (four per cent).
  • Australian lofted cattle turn-off in terms of percentages are Queensland (58 per cent), New South Wales (26 per cent), Victoria (seven per cent), Western Australia (five per cent) and South Australia (four per cent).
  • In 2019, Australia exported 76 per cent of its total beef and veal production.
  • The value of total beef and veal exports in 2019 was over $10.8 billion.
  • Australian live cattle exports were valued at $1.6 billion in 2018 to 2019 with 1.3 million exported.
  • Australia top five beef and veal exports are China (27 per cent), Japan (23 per cent), the US (21 per cent), South Korea (13 per cent) and Indonesia (five per cent).
  • Australian top live cattle exports (including dairy cattle) are Indonesia (52 per cent), Vietnam (21 per cent), China (12 per cent), Israel (six per cent) and Russia (three per cent).
  • Australia has approximately two per cent of the world’s cattle herd and is the second largest beef exporter in the world behind Brazil.

Cattle Breeds

The beef cattle industry has changed a great deal over recent decades. Quality beef is increasing in demand and the way beef is raised and marketed is continually changing. Anyone involved in beef cattle farming needs to be aware of changes in the industry, but also about the different cattle breeds.

Different breeds have different characteristics, and depending upon what the cattle will be used for, there will different benefits with different breeds. Today, cow breeds can be broken up into four main purpose types — beef (meat), dairy, draft, and multi-purpose (beef-draft, dairy-draft, beef-dairy and beef-dairy-draft).

Many of the older breeds were bred as duel-purpose or multi-purpose cattle. However, today most of the newer breeds are used for one purpose. And they are more efficient at this specific purpose, for example, beef cow breeds still produce milk but they are nowhere near as efficient as the dairy cow breeds. Some breeds also tolerate certain conditions better than others, while other breeds are more desirable because of the characteristics that are found in the milk or meat.

Most people assume that the naming of cattle species and breeds is a single system, which every cattle expert in the world will subscribe to. But this is not the case. There are, in fact, many different authorities around the world who manage the naming of cattle, and these different “experts” don’t always agree with each other.

Commercial breeders and farmers also manage a range of systems for classifying and registering breeds of cattle. These systems attempt to keep records of the parentage of progeny and assign names to breeds. These breed registries are at times also known as a “herd books” or “stud books”. They may be managed by government or industry bodies; and may or may not work together with other breed registries across regional or international borders. Sometimes the same breeds may end up being known by different names in different countries and sometimes new breeds are developed, but may not be formally registered.

Most developed countries tend to have widely-accepted authorities for registering breeds of cattle in their country, and as a result, the naming of breeds tends to be relatively consistent at least within that country. Sometimes a breed known by one name in one developed country though, may be known by a different name in another developed country. Despite seeming confusing, the use of both may be valid, depending upon the country you are using the name in. Good breed registries will commonly issue registration papers showing details of the animal’s parentage and there are over 800 credible breeds of cattle registered around the world.

 

Understand the principles and practices of beef cattle husbandry and be able to make informed decisions about the management requirements of beef cattle with a beef cattle farming course like our  Certificate of Beef Cattle.

Learn How to Write a Non-Fiction Book

Do you want to write a non-fiction book? Perhaps you’d like to write your autobiography. Maybe you’re fascinated by the life of someone else and want to commemorate them with a biography. Or are you an expert on a topic that you’d like to share? Whatever your reason for learning how to write a non-fiction book, this course is ideal professional development for you.

You’ll learn how to write commercial non-fiction for print, broadcast, and digital channels in this online writing course. The course covers how to write a non-fiction book, magazine articles, blogs, news items, memoirs, biographies, and more.

Learn how to write on many different topics, including crime, travel, health, leisure activities, food, diet, and wellbeing. This course also covers fact-based storytelling techniques, copywrite infringement and protecting your work, contracts, and publishers, how to make writing profitable, navigating legal systems, and sales and marketing for writers.

So, if you’re an aspiring writer who wants to improve your non-fiction writing skills, look no further than this online writing course.

What You’ll Learn

When you study our course on how to write a non-fiction book, you will gain the following learning outcomes:

  • Understand the scope and nature of commercial and professional non-fiction writing in print, electronic and broadcast media.
  • Distinguish between different forms of non-fiction writing used in different contexts, including different industries and disciplines, used in broadcast media, print media, and electronic media.
  • Learn how to write fact-based stories.
  • Understand how to write non-fiction as a business.

Formulate and create:

  • News writing for different applications.
  • Travel writing for different applications.
  • Biographical writing for different applications
  • Sports, hobbies, and related writing for different applications
  • Food writing for different applications
  • Wellbeing writing for various applications.

And more!

Why Learn How to Write a Non-Fiction Book?

Non-fiction writers have many opportunities to secure work, from writing feature articles for print and online magazines to autobiographical writing. So, why study how to write non-fiction?

  • Learn how to write across multiple genres
  • Discover how to adapt your writing habits and style for different purposes
  • Develop a thirst for research (and know how to use it effectively)
  • Learn how to recycle your research to produce multiple versions of their work
  • Adopt a more commercially minded approach to your writing

What is Creative Non-Fiction?

Creative non-fiction, also known as narrative non-fiction, is a term used to describe crafting a compelling true story using creative techniques. The term covers memoir, history, true crime, travel writing, biography, autobiography, literary or personal essays, lyric essays, literary journalism but excludes news, poetry and fiction.

Creative non-fiction is told in the first person, as the author’s voice is a crucial part of the work. As with all non-fiction, these works are based on facts, whether verifiable or personal memory or reflection. The best works of creative non-fiction use the author’s own experience.

When you learn how to write creative non-fiction, you’ll discover that it’s also similar to fiction. Like works of fiction, creative non-fiction has a narrator, characters, plot, dialogue, scenes, figurative language, and sensory elements. The narrator may speculate and use their imagination but remains truthful.

 

10 Creative Non-Fiction Books (For Inspiration)

 

  1. Phosphorescence – Julia Baird

A national bestseller, Phosphorescence is a beautiful, intimate and inspiring investigation into how we can find and nurture within ourselves that essential quality of internal happiness – the ‘light within’ – which will sustain us even through the darkest times.

  1. The Gifts of Imperfection – Brene Brown

Atlas of the Heart explores eighty-seven emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human and walk through a new framework for cultivating meaningful connection.

  1. Gum: The Story of Eucalypts and Their Champions

From award-winning author Ashley Hay, this new edition of Gum is a powerful and lyrical exploration of these magical, mythical, medicinal trees and the story of new worlds, curious people, and big ideas.

  1. Signs & Wonders – Delia Falconer

In Signs and Wonders: Dispatches from a Time of Beauty and Loss, Delia Falconer searches for ways to describe how modern, developed societies are increasingly enthralled by nature at the same time as we’re annihilating it

  1. You’re Doing it Wrong – Kaz Cooke

You’re Doing it Wrong is an outrageous tour through the centuries of bonkers, and bad advice handed down and imposed upon women, told as only Kaz Cooke can – with humour, rage, intelligence, and wit.

  1. The Psychics Test – Gary Nunn

Award-winning journalist Gary Nunn investigates psychics, mediums, and astrologers to understand their uncanny, under-investigated, unregulated power.

  1. Wasted: A Story of Alcohol, Grief & Death in Brisbane

Wasted is a vital, poignant piece of social commentary and is essential reading for every Australian who drinks. This devastating personal story of loss and grief is also an unflinching examination of the damaging drinking habits of young Australians and of a society that not only permits but encourages them.

  1. The Care Factor – Ailsa Wild

The Care Factor tells the story of one incredible nurse – one among many – who chose to meet an unprecedented global health crisis on the frontline.

  1. Remember Me – Liz Byrski

Remember Me is Liz Byrski’s own story — a story that will resonate with anyone who has ever been in love.

  1. Because We Are Bad – Lily Bailey

A vivid, darkly funny, moving, and uplifting account of a young woman’s struggle with OCD.

 

Learn how to write a non-fiction book and craft creative and compelling true stories with our Certificate of Non-Fiction Writing.

Go With The Flow With An Irrigation Course

Farms can prosper with limited water if irrigation is managed to ensure productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Our Certificate of Irrigation Management is ideal for farmers, irrigation managers, irrigation consultants and irrigation equipment suppliers and will teach you how to manage the design and operation of large-scale irrigation systems.

In this irrigation course, you will learn how to devise ways to schedule irrigation for large-scale operations, optimise water efficiency, manage the maintenance of irrigation systems, and formulate operation irrigation controllers for appropriate tasks.

You will also gain insights into the fertigation of plants through an irrigation system and evaluate the design of drainage and an extensive irrigation system.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an irrigation course include:

  • Learning about water management, humans and water, water and plant growth and how to maximise plant requirements
  • Exploring xeriscaping, waste wastage, evaporation and seeping and runoff and overspray
  • Gaining an understanding of recycling wastewater and wastewater treatment (reed beds)
  • Exploring regulated deficit irrigation, vine irrigation and efficient orchard irrigation
  • Gaining an understanding of drainage, surface drainage, subsurface drainage, the types of drains and rainfall
  • Studying the layout of drains, the distance between drainage pipes and grid, outlet and herringbone drains
  • Examining the depth of drains, laying drains and improving permeability during construction
  • Understanding cultivation, adding soil ameliorants and chemical treatments
  • Attaining knowledge of how to improve surface draining after construction, contingencies to deal with floods and sand slitting, aerating and subsoiling
  • Gaining insights into irrigation controllers, automatic controllers and computerised tap controllers
  • Learning about manual controllers, battery-powered solenoid valves, water volumes and duration and mechanical tap timers
  • Exploring electronic tap timers, residential controllers and rain dial controllers
  • Gaining an understanding of pumps, pressure systems and shallow well pumps
  • Studying pumping mechanisms, centrifugal pumps and when a centrifugal pump fails to operate
  • Attaining knowledge of alkalinity, physical and chemical impurities and temporary and permanent hardness
  • Gaining insights into corrosion, salinity, tastes, odours, biological impurities and algae
  • Learning about microorganisms, bacteriological impurities, treatments and remedies and the improvement of water quality from any source
  • Exploring fertigation, the advantages and disadvantages and the types
  • Gaining an understanding of proportional, quantitative, continuous and three-stage applications
  • Studying fertiliser injectors, pump injectors and electric and piston-activated pumps
  • Examining diaphragm-activated pumps, pressure differential injectors, suction injectors, fertiliser applications and plant nursery fertiliser injection techniques
  • Understanding system design evaluation, design considerations and water availability
  • Attaining knowledge of regulations, site details, source and quality of water and finances and labour requirements
  • Gaining insights into flood/surface irrigation, furrow irrigation, border check systems and hillside flooding
  • Learning about sprinkler irrigation, wind velocity and wetting patterns, trickle irrigation and microjet irrigation
  • Studying how to consult the local council on relevant by-laws and how to study the environment of the locality
  • Examining the resources available to do the job, client or owner preferences and priorities and types of systems
  • Understanding underground pipes and drainage

And more!

Early Irrigation Development in Australia

If you are interested in undertaking an irrigation course, it is worth knowing some of the history of major irrigation systems in Australia as they provide some invaluable insights.

The formative years of irrigation in Australia were in the 19th century and the major irrigation developments initially occurred in the Murray-Darling Basin region. Most of the early information flow to Australia from other countries was channelled through Victoria and the most significant events associated with the emergence of irrigation in Australia predominantly resulted from these efforts. Water allocation systems, irrigation design concept and administration machinery then spread into the other Australian colonies.

The early emphasis was on engineering technology, and advice was initially received from British engineers, who at this time was seen as the forefront of irrigation initiatives. Subsequently, Australian engineers such as McKinley and Home in NSW, Culceth, Derry and Gordon in Victoria, and Hugh Cotton and Arthur Cotton in Tasmania became leading figures during the formative stages.

Early Private Irrigation Schemes

The first instances of irrigation in Australia were in the form of initiatives by private individuals aimed at increasing farm production. In 1830, records show the first essays in irrigation, which were implemented by Governor Arthur. The scheme involved the reclamation of marshland along the Derwent Estuary and used tidal fluctuations to irrigate the land via a series of sluices.

In around 1885, a rudimentary dam was constructed in the Clyde River which permitted irrigation of the property “Raths”. This property has the longest continuous record of irrigation in Australia. Other schemes for irrigation commenced in the latter half of the nineteenth century. The first major diversion structure built for irrigation was the Goulburn Weir which was constructed from 1887 to 1891.

A major drought in Victoria from 1877 to 1884 prompted the chairman of a Royal Commission on water supply, Alfred Deakin, to visit the irrigation areas of California. There he met Canadians William and George Chaffey. In 1886, the Chaffey brothers visited Australia and selected a derelict sheep station covering 1,000 km2 at Mildura as the site for their first irrigation settlement. They were also invited by the Premier of South Australia, John Downer, to commence a settlement at Renmark in South Australia in 1887.

In 1900, irrigation in the Murrumbidgee Valley began with the irrigation experiments of agricultural pioneer, Samuel McCaughey. This private scheme involved the construction of around 320 kilometres of channels to irrigate about 162 square kilometres of land. His success appears to have encouraged the New South Wales government to commence large scale irrigation.

Commonwealth Government Resources

Prior to the federation in 1901, each Australian Colony managed its own water resources. The first major instance of Commonwealth involvement in irrigation was through participation in the River Murray Waters Agreement. This was ratified in 1915 by the parliaments of the Australian Government, and the states of Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia. The agreement provided for the creation of the River Murray Commission to manage the operation of works and the distribution of waters to each state.

In 1910, the Dethridge Wheel was invented by John Dethridge who was then the commissioner of the Victorian State Rivers and Water Supply Commission. The wheel consisted of a drum around an axle with four spokes originating from each end of the axle. Eight v-shaped vanes were fixed to the outside of the drum which then would spin. This revolving wheel measured the flow of water from the irrigation supply channels into the farm channels and provided the basis upon which irrigation farmers were charged for water.

In 1907, the Victorian government invited American Elwood Mead to become chairman of the newly formed State Rivers and Water Supply Commission of Victoria. The Water Act of 1909 was passed despite the fierce opposition of large landowners.

In Western Australia, the state’s first controlled irrigation scheme, the Harvey Irrigation Scheme, was officially started in 1916. It was further developed during the latter part of the 1930s Depression, employing workers to dig and build the extensive irrigation channels in the district.

Snowy Mountain Scheme

Another one of the major irrigation projects that offers interesting insights into those doing an irrigation course is the Snowy Mountain Scheme. Since the 1830s, both the Murrumbidgee and Murray Rivers have been subject to development and control to meet irrigation and water supply needs. Conversely, the Snowy River had never been controlled in any way either for irrigation or the production of power.

A great proportion of its waters flowed into the sea and it has the highest source of any in Australia and was considered a means for developing hydro-electric power, supplementing the flow of the great inland rivers and increasing agricultural production in the Murrumbidgee and Murray Valleys.

Following World War II, the Government of New South Wales proposed that the flow of the Snowy River be diverted into the Murrumbidgee River for agricultural and irrigation purposes.

The Commonwealth Government, looking at the national implications of the proposals, initiated a meeting to discuss the use of the waters of the Snowy River. In 1946, the Commonwealth Government set up a committee to examine the question on the broadest possible basis. In a report submitted in November 1948, it suggested consideration of a far greater scheme than any previously put forward.

However, limitations in the Australian Constitution meant that the Commonwealth Government was limited in the powers it could exercise without the agreement of the states. Subsequently, it introduced legislation into the Federal Parliament and enacted the Snowy Mountains Hydro-Electric Power Act 1949 that enabled the formation of the Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric Authority. Ten years later, the relevant states and territories introduced their own corresponding legislation, and in January 1959, the Snowy Mountains Agreement was reached between the commonwealth and the states. Construction of the Snowy Scheme officially began in October 1949 and took 25 years to build, being officially completed in 1974. The Snowy Mountains Hydro-electric Scheme is one of the most complex integrated water and hydro-electric power schemes in the world and is listed as a “world-class civil engineering project” by the American Society of Civil Engineers.

 

Gain the skills and knowledge necessary to manage and design an extensive irrigation system with an irrigation course such as our Certificate of Irrigation Management.

Expand Your Agricultural Knowledge With An Agronomy Course!

Edible and industrial oils that are extracted from crops are in demand globally with more than 200 million metric tones produced every year. There are also many products grown from oil crops that serve various purposes, from biofuels and cosmetics to food production.

Ideal for farmers, farmworkers, farm suppliers, service providers and agricultural consultants, the Certificate of Agronomy – Oil Crops will give you insights into how edible and industrial oils are extracted from crops.

In this agronomy course, you will learn the fundamentals of how to grow successful oil crops, diversify farm crops, and farm canola, rapeseed and olives for oil production.

You will also learn agronomic farming and the production of edible oils, cosmetic and medicinal oils, industrial and biofuel applications, and how to formulate a plan for developing and managing a plant oil production enterprise.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking an agronomy course include:

  • Learning about the nature and scope of oil crops
  • Exploring plant oils, essential oils and what plants can be grown where
  • Gaining an understanding of vegetable, edible vegetable, industrial vegetable and other edible oils
  • Studying the economic value of crops
  • Examining oil extraction, oil seed processing, pre-treatment, processing steps and mechanical processing
  • Understanding chemical processing, cold press, solvent and enzymatic extraction and other processing methods
  • Attaining knowledge of microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and ultrasonic-assisted extraction (UAE)
  • Gaining insights into simple, steam, fractional, vacuum, molecular, extractive and membrane distillation
  • Learning about canola and rapeseed, the characteristics, world production, how to grow canola and using seed
  • Exploring soil types, soil preparation, sowing and growth stages
  • Gaining an understanding of environmental stresses, nutrition and irrigation management
  • Studying weeds, pest control and diseases ((Blackleg, Sclerotinia, Alternaria leaf and pod spot)
  • Examining harvesting and direct combine harvesting
  • Understanding swathing, storage and processing
  • Attaining knowledge of olive, its characteristics, world production, how to grow olives and how to use seedlings
  • Gaining insights into soil types, soil preparation, planting, pruning, growing conditions and varieties
  • Learning about nutrition, irrigation management and weeds
  • Exploring pest control, diseases, organic production, harvesting, storage and processing
  • Gaining an understanding of other edible oils, growing conditions, organic matter, soil texture, subsoil pH and soil water available to plants
  • Studying the slope of topography, natural soil drainage, maintaining good soil structure and growing edible oil crops
  • Understanding oil extraction and biodiesel processing
  • Attaining knowledge of transesterification, the cost of oil extraction and on-farm oilseed processing
  • Gaining insights into harvesting, seed cleaning, seed pressing and oilseed processing facility
  • Learning about economic analysis, variable and fixed production costs and on-farm oilseed processing

And more!

Industry Facts and Figures

When you study an agronomy course that focuses on oil crops, you will begin to understand the scope of the industry across Australia. Australia produces between two and three million tonnes of oilseed crops each year, with cottonseed and canola accounting for over 90 per cent of total oilseed production. Soybeans and sunflower comprise a further three and four per cent respectively. Canola production is now the largest oilseed crop representing well over half of Australian oilseed production over the past five years, while cottonseed comprises around a third.

In terms of exporting, while Australia is a relatively small producer of oilseeds by international standards, it is widely recognised for its high-quality exports. Currently, the US, Japan and China are the major cottonseed destinations, while China, the EU, the UAE and Pakistan are important markets for Australian canola.

Canola

Australian canola is sought after globally for its use as a food-grade oil, for biofuel production and as a stock feed. Australian canola production is on the rise, averaging more than three million metric tonnes annually, making up fifteen to twenty per cent of the world’s export trade.

Canola is well known for producing one of the world’s healthiest vegetable oils and its importance as an environmentally-friendly biofuel is growing. Australian canola is typically grown using sustainable farming systems and can be certified as meeting sustainability criteria for market access to Europe for use in biofuel.

Canola is grown in the higher rainfall regions of Australia’s grain belt. The growing area extends from south-west Western Australia to south-eastern Australia, and into northern New South Wales.

Canola and Omega-3

Nutritionists have recognised the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for many years and Omega-3 oils are polyunsaturated fatty acids that are considered “healthy oils”.

Docosa-hexaenoic acid (DHA) is a long-chain omega-3 oil and a key structural component of cellular membranes in the human body. It is vital for early childhood growth and, in particular, eye and brain development. It can also reduce blood pressure and the risk of coronary heart disease as well as stroke, type 2 diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma and inflammatory disease.

DHA and other long-chain omega-3 fatty acids are made by lower plant forms, including marine plants like microalgae. Some land-based plants, like flaxseed, can produce short-chain omega-3 oils, but are unable to produce the more beneficial long chain omega-3 oils containing DHA.

The awareness of their health benefits and inclusion in diets – either as supplements or used to fortify processed foods – has grown exponentially over the last decade.

Fish, the world’s primary source of dietary omega-3 oils, do not create their own DHA, they acquire DHA when they eat microalgae. Fish accumulate high levels of DHA, which in turn can be consumed by humans as a source of DHA. As demand for omega-3 oils continues to grow faster than can be sustainably supplied from wild fish stocks, the race is on to find potential new sources which can satisfy burgeoning consumer demand.

Production

The production of plants containing industrially-relevant amounts of these marine-type oils has been a long-standing goal of bioengineers. Using gene technology, scientists have transferred the ability to produce long chain omega-3 oils from lower plants (the marine microalgae that fish consume) into canola, the world’s second-largest and Australia’s largest oilseed crop.

This involved introducing a set of eight transgenes that extended canola’s short-chain omega-3 synthesis pathway all the way to marine-type EPA and DHA fatty acids. It is the most complex piece of metabolic engineering so far achieved in plants. The oil profile in the new canola type has excellent DHA levels and a desirably high omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.

By being able to produce long-chain omega-3 oils in canola scientists are developing a nutrient that is important for human health in a sustainable plant resource. They have also shown that it’s possible to produce canola oils containing the same long chain omega-3 oils found in fish oil and at levels that are commercially viable.

Commercialisation

In 2011, the CSIRO joined forces with the Australian Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) and Nuseed to further develop long-chain omega-3 canola for commercialisation.

In February 2018, the Australian Office of Gene Technology Regulator (OGTR) announced omega-3 canola had been approved for cultivation and use in animal feed. Food uses of the Omega-3 canola have been reviewed by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FASANZ) with approval granted for sale and use in food in Australia and New Zealand. In addition, omega-3 canola also received USDA deregulation approval for cultivation in the USA in 2018.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) provided financial support to assist in the development of the technology to make the production of the special canola possible and Nuseed is managing global commercialisation.

Ultimately, this research will provide growers and those who study an agronomy course focusing on oil crops with an exciting new variety of domestic and international markets.

Source: 2021, Our reliance on fish stocks for omega-3, CSIRO

 

Gain a foundational understanding of how to farm oil crops with an agronomy course like our Certificate of Agronomy – Oil Crops.

Enrol in Garden Landscaping Course – Online

Would you like to create and manage your own home garden landscaping project? If so, our garden landscaping course online is the perfect way to gain the confidence to take on this challenge.

You’ll develop a solid understanding of the principles and procedures underlying the design and development of your garden. And thought this garden landscaping course online cover both design and construction, the emphasis is on landscape design.

Do You Want To? 

  • Design a beautiful garden at home
  • Create a better garden for your home
  • Learn to produce a landscaping plan
  • Understand how to choose plants and landscaping materials that suit your budget, style and garden size

If so, whether you’re looking to develop a new garden or update an existing one, this garden landscaping course online is highly practical.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking garden landscaping course online include:

  • Understand the design procedure and the principles of landscape design
  • Develop knowledge of garden styles through history and apply this to your designs
  • Gain skills in graphical techniques for plan drawing
  • Develop an understanding of soil properties and their relevance to home horticulture
  • Understand the principles and practices of basic landscape construction
  • Develop knowledge of pests and weeds, and their management in home horticulture
  • Gain skills in planting and pruning for home gardens
  • Learn about lawns and surfaces appropriate to home landscaping
  • Develop knowledge of landscape furnishings and other features appropriate for home gardens
  • Utilise skills developed during this course to create a landscape design for a home garden.

And more!

11 Modern Small Garden Ideas 

If you’re short on space, you don’t need to compromise on style. Simply get creative with your small space by including a few clever furniture choices and these space-saving modern small garden ideas. You’re sure to turn a patch into an urban paradise in no time at all.

  1. Lattice and wall creepers 

If your garden is lacking in floor space, look upwards for inspiration! Use any garden walls to add greenery or a splash of colour! Climbers are one of the most versatile groups of plants you can find to enhance the look of a small space. It also means you’ll have more room on the floor for furnishings.

  1. Shelves on outdoor walls 

Garden walls are ideal places to hang shelving that can house plants, ornaments or gardening tools. By placing shelves around the outdoor space, you save precious room on the floor and create more green space!

  1. Hanging planters 

Your plants don’t have to live on the ground to flourish and make an impact. In a small garden, try hanging outdoor plants, such as flowers, herbs and even some vegetables. You don’t have to use baskets – why not get creative and try glass bottles, terrariums, colourful containers or even wall art growing out of a frame!

  1. Hang a Hammock 

Is there anything more relaxing than sleeping in a hammock on a long, lazy summer day! It’s the ultimate in relaxation and becomes a tiny oasis of solitude when combined with tropical plants! If you don’t have enough room for the traditional hammock, add a hanging rope chair. They don’t take up much space and can be easily packed away.

  1. String Lights 

Fairy lights are magical, creating a sparkling ambience wherever they’re hung! It’s an ideal addition to a small garden as lights take up so little space.

  1. Plant-filled Furnishings

A table can work hard for your small garden by having two purposes: to showcase your plants and to place your cool lemonade while you appreciate the greenery.

  1. Square Foot Gardening 

Square foot gardening is a simple way to create small, orderly and highly productive kitchen gardens. These small garden beds are an ideal way to grow food in small spaces. The basic concept is breaking garden beds into squares of 30cm by 30cm and then working out how many squares can fit in a grid.

  1. Potted Fruit Trees

Small apple trees will grow in any sized garden. If you’d like to feature potted fruit trees in your small garden, look out for dwarf varieties.

  1.  Outdoor Rugs 

A garden rug is a great way to zone and attract attention to an area. These hardy furnishings are made from hardwearing, water-resistant material so they can be left outside in the weather. They are also easily hosed down after a party!

  1. Paint a Feature Wall 

A great way to give an old wall a facelift is to paint it. If you’re artistic, why not include a mural that gives life to your small garden space?

  1. Water Fountains 

           A water feature adds soothing sounds and creates a peaceful atmosphere. Look for small, freestanding water features that can fit into your small area and can be moved easily.

 

How to Make a Small Garden Look Bigger

Look good while gardening with these trendy gardening products. Your small garden ideas will make a significant impact with these handy tools of the trade.

Create a Plan 

Small gardens benefit most from having a landscaping plan as there’s no room for error (excuse the pun)! You can learn all about small garden landscaping in our garden landscaping course online.

Don’t Be Afraid to Use Big Plants 

Lots of small pots, plants and paving will clutter your small garden. Instead, think big. Place varying sized plants and pots throughout the garden to maximise impact and create a cohesive space, making small gardens bigger!

Put in a Pathway 

Anything that draws the eye through space creates the illusion of more of it, making pathways the perfect addition to a small garden.

Mirror, Mirror!

Mirrors reflect light and create the illusion of space. They also add depth to any small space, look attractive and are practical.

Choose Furniture Wisely 

Choose sleek, bistro-style furnishings in a small garden space. You could also consider furnishings close to the ground to give the illusion of more space.

Create Different Levels

Creating height by having different levels in a small garden draws the eye upwards. As a result, your tiny garden will seem bigger. Think trellis, hanging baskets or even constructed timbre or concrete levels.

 

Gain the confidence to landscape your own garden with our garden landscaping course online, the Certificate of Home Garden Landscaping. 

Grow your Green Thumb With a Tropical Gardening Course!

Ideal for gardeners, landscapers, horticulturalists and nursery workers, the Certificate of Gardening (Tropical Plants) will teach you how to create beautiful, sustainable tropical gardens. In this tropical gardening course you will learn about the taxonomy and culture of a range of tropical plants, including bulbs, palms, shrubs, ferns, orchids, bromeliads and more! You will also gain insights into how to prepare sketch plans and consider texture, colour and plant type to landscape outdoors, indoors and in courtyards.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a tropical gardening course include:

  • Learning what tropical plants are and how they are grown and named
  • Exploring plant divisions, plant families, hybrids, varieties and cultivars and monocotyledons vs. dicotyledons
  • Gaining an understanding of climatic zones and growing tropical plants
  • Studying tropical, subtropical, temperate and arid climates
  • Examining climatic variations, warm climate gardening and common hot garden areas
  • Understanding plant cultural practices, soils, nutrient availability, pH and improving fertility
  • Attaining knowledge of water and plant growth, water deficiency, water excess and improving water retention
  • Gaining insights into plant establishment methods, light requirements, mulches, tree guards, plant nutrition, nutrient elements and micronutrients
  • Learning about toxicities, deficiencies, propagation, seed, vegetative, types of cuttings and how to evaluate a potting mix
  • Exploring potting plants, taking care of young plants, pruning, controlling shape and size and rejuvenating
  • Gaining an understanding of tropical annuals, perennials, bulbous plants and grasses
  • Studying bamboos, grasses, grass-like plants and Arundinaria
  • Attaining knowledge of Bambusa, Carex and Cortaderia
  • Examining Dianella, Imperata, Liriope and Ophiopogon
  • Understanding Pennisetum, Phyllostachys and Saccharum
  • Gaining insights into bulbs and herbaceous perennials
  • Learning about ornamental gingers and heliconias
  • Exploring Zingiberales and Gingers
  • Gaining an understanding of Heliconias and Parrot’s beak heliconia
  • Studying Canna, Costus and Strelitzia
  • Examining Cordylines, palms and palm-like plants
  • Understanding the palm encyclopaedia
  • Attaining knowledge of climbers, trees and shrubs
  • Gaining insights into conifers
  • Learning about climbers
  • Exploring orchids, ferns and bromeliads
  • Gaining an understanding of Epiphytes, Cattleya and Crucifix orchids (epidendrum sp.)
  • Studying Cymbidiums, Dendrobium, Odontoglossum and Oncidium
  • Studying Fig (ficus carica), Paw paw (cariaca papaya), Pepino (solanum muricatum), Macadamia (macadamia integrifolia and tetraphylla), Mango (mangifera indica), Pineapple (ananas comosus), Passionfruit (Passiflora spp.), Peanut (arachis hypogaea) and Pecan (carya illinoensis)
  • Examining how to grow tropical plants outside the tropics
  • Understanding indoor plant families and light requirements
  • Attaining knowledge of indoor plants which grow well with no heat in winter
  • Gaining insights of indoor plants for a dry atmosphere
  • Learning about potting mixes and the ideal potting medium
  • Exploring landscaping with tropical plants
  • Gaining an understanding of landscaping principles, creating landscaping effects and formal and informal gardens
  • Studying natural gardens, cooling effects and pre-planning information
  • Examine the design procedure and how to produce drawings to scale

And more!

Australia’s Most Popular Tropical Plants

When you undertake our tropical gardening course you will become familiar with the vast array of species available in Australia. Whether you have a compact courtyard or a big backyard, tropical plants can give your garden an exotic look, particularly if you combine contrasting foliage and a mix of leaf shapes and sizes. Here are some of the country’s most popular tropical beauties.

 

Canna

This plant has huge architectural leaves and stunning flowers ranging from orange to red and pink. Easy to grow, they can reach a height of 1.5 metres and will add some drama to your garden borders. Species to consider include Tropicanna Gold which has enormous black/bronze leaves and (obviously) gold flowers and Canna Durban which has hot orange blooms.

Fatsia japonica

One of the simplest tropical plants to grow, Fatsia japonica will add an instant jungle vibe to your garden. They have large shapely leaves that stay green year-round and love shady, sheltered spots. They are also happy in a pot, however as they can grow up to four metres in height it should be a decent size!

Phormium tenax

Also known as New Zealand flax, in hot summers this plant will produce tall stems of red flowers. They are widely cultivated as ornamental garden plants with their striking fans of pointed leaves that provide a focal point at the edge of a lawn or in mixed plantings. They are also easy to grow as long as they have some protection in winter.

Black bamboo

Phyllostachys Nigra has slim, polished canes that contrast beautifully with its fresh green leaves. This plant is perfect for creating living screens and can help to absorb noise from roads or neighbours. Black bamboo is hardy so requires no winter protection. It does spread but is not as rampant as some other varieties of bamboo.

Tree fern

Although needing a little more care than other tropical plants, the tree fern is well worth the effort as it makes a stunning garden feature. It is also a good choice for providing shade in gardens. This plant needs plenty of space as the fronds can grow to two metres long. Protect the trunk and crown in winter as it hates the cold!

Banana palm

Exotic and dramatic, Musa basjoo is also known as the Japanese Banana. It has huge, purple-green leaves on a sturdy stem and can grow up to 2.5 metres tall. It produces male and female flowers and inedible fruit. To encourage healthy growth, it should be cut down to ground level after winter so that it will sprout again in late spring.

Cordyline

This is a genus of around 15 woody flowering plants that is native to the Pacific Ocean region. It has spiky, textural leaves in purples and greens, is evergreen and will thrive in a pot. This plant typically grows up to three metres tall making it an ideal feature for contemporary courtyard gardens or as a striking addition to modern decks.

Aeonium 

Another plant that will add drama to any garden, Aeonium has beautifully shaped rosettes of leaves, and some varieties are purple-black making them look very exotic. However, they do need a sunny spot to maintain their dark colour. These plants won’t survive freezing temperatures so should be grown in a pot and moved inside in winter.

Bird of paradise

Also known as Strelitzia reginae, this is one of the more stunning looking tropical plants. Native to South Africa, it has vibrant bright blue and vibrant orange flowers that resemble the profile of an exotic bird.  They will produce flowers all year round in tropical or sub-tropical climates, but for the best blooms, need plenty of sunshine and well-drained soil.

Peacock tiger flower

Tigridia pavonia is an attention-grabbing plant native to Mexico. It is a striking option for the garden as it comes in bright shades that pop up on slender leaves from small bulbs. Flowers open early in the morning and close before dusk and plants will bloom in the first year after sowing. It does well in full sun and in sandy but fertile soil.

Crown imperial

Fritillaria imperialis grows to about one metre in height and bears glossy, lance-shaped leaves at intervals along the stem. It has downward facing flowers at the top of the stem topped by a “crown” of small leaves, hence its name. It is a hardy plant, however needs well-drained soil and plenty of sun.

Trumpet vine

Also known as Campsis radicans this plant is a vigorous and woody climber that needs plenty of space to grow, so is best suited to larger gardens. Its stand out feature is the numerous clusters of red or bright orange trumpet-shaped flowers that can grow to over eight centimetres long. It is best grown against a sunny garden wall to offer it some protection from cold winds.

Passion flower

Also known as Passion vines, Passifloras produces exotic, eye-catching flowers and is one of the best climbing plants. Orange fruit will follow the flowers to give added interest once the blooms have faded. They are best grown in a sheltered spot on a sunny wall and should have protection from cold winds as they are quite delicate.

Akebia quinata

This is an ideal plant for gardeners who love dark-toned flowers. Also known as the Chocolate Vine, it is semi-evergreen with beautiful chocolate-maroon flowers that have a spicy vanilla scent. Yum! It prefers sandy soils with good drainage and regular watering, although it is drought-resistant.

 

Feel confident to create sustainable tropical gardens and landscapes for yourself or clients with a tropical gardening course like our Certificate of Gardening (Tropical Plants).

Navigate & Manage Remote Work Like a Pro!

The business landscape has dramatically changed with the advent of COVID-19. More people are working remotely and with that comes other challenges, particularly for those in charge. Our Managing Remote Work course will give managers, supervisors, remote workers and virtual assistants insights into managing teams, staff and projects remotely — collaboratively and successfully.

In this managing remote work course you will learn about the nature of the remote workplace, the benefits of remote work, how to balance the benefits and challenges, and how to adapt to remote work in different sectors. You will also discover technology that aids remote work and client interaction, including live chats, webinars, live streams and online events.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a managing remote work course include:

  • Learning about the nature and definition of remote work
  • Exploring the ongoing shift towards remote work
  • Gaining an understanding of traditional forms of remote work, industry and employment
  • Studying how to create a home workspace
  • Examining workplace obligations for satellite remote work sites and home offices
  • Understanding building codes, insurance and materials
  • Attaining knowledge of the scope of remote workplaces for different goods and service business structures
  • Gaining insights into the challenges and benefits of working remotely
  • Learning about productivity, time management and social loafing
  • Exploring interruptions and insufficient coordination
  • Gaining an understanding of time management, travel time and achieving flow state
  • Studying trust, talent acquisition, confidentiality and data protection
  • Examining the impact of remote work on businesses, employees, remote workers and the environment
  • Understanding working in different industries and comparative practices
  • Attaining knowledge of accessing technological equipment, supporting Telehealth workers and managing chronic, rehabilitative and long-term care
  • Studying how to maintain focus and student motivation
  • Examining the retail sector, basics and groceries, luxury goods, non-essential goods, food services and financial/admin services
  • Understanding the technologies used in communicating remotely
  • Attaining knowledge of face to face vs. remote communication
  • Gaining insights into how to create a positive share culture in the workplace
  • Learning about feedback, engagement, knowledge sharing, one-on-one meetings and how to effectively use different types of remote communication
  • Exploring letters, emails, telephone calls, SMS, instant messaging, online chats and working remotely with clients
  • Gaining an understanding of managing and supporting staff remotely
  • Studying leadership and group culture, accountability and remote working
  • Examining communication, personality, motivation and monitoring employee output and work quality
  • Understanding how to build and sustain a remote work culture, review staff, perform appraisals and recruit and train
  • Attaining knowledge of hiring and training staff and manage professional development
  • Gaining insights into stress, burnout and the symptoms and effects of stress
  • Learning about staff wellbeing, unmotivated staff and occupational health and safety considerations
  • Attaining knowledge of breakout rooms, one-to-one meetings, virtual booths and live chats and streams
  • Gaining insights into team building and planning an online event
  • Learning about developing a plan for remote working
  • Exploring how to schedule work, manage and track time and time block
  • Gaining an understanding of the pomodoro and interval methods
  • Studying how to plan for resources and risks and contingency
  • Examining files, materials and backups
  • Understanding homecare, childcare and illness

And more!

Australian Remote Working Statistics

According to new workforce data, three in ten Australian businesses currently allow staff to work remotely, and a majority of them expect the trend to continue in the long-term.

A report released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) earlier this year outlines how companies are adapting to life after the COVID-19 shutdowns of 2020, and how many plan to turn what was necessary into an established business practice by managing remote work.

Prior the shutdowns, one in five organisations nationwide already permitted some form of teleworking. In September 2020, this figure peaked at four in ten, although it has tapered off as government restrictions ease. However, 80 per cent of companies still permit a portion of their workforce to work from home or anywhere that has internet connection (coffee anyone?)

Although some sectors do have concerns. These include the commercial real estate industry which is pushing for a return to the physical workplace as it believes it stimulates nearby businesses and boosts workplace culture. Some tech companies that originally pushed for the work-from-home transition are also asking questions, including what will happen to business camaraderies and will extended periods away from the office encourage workers to work overtime or hardly work at all?

However, the ABS data does answer some of the lingering concerns around workplace affinity and burnout. In fact, 45 per cent of businesses that permitted remote work reported an increase in staff well being and a quarter said productivity has increased. But there is a clear bias in the figures towards industries which don’t strictly require work on-site. Overall, the report suggests that remote work isn’t ideal for every business, but neither is a working week that is confined to being in the office. How things have changed!

Source:

2021, 4 in 5 Australian businesses say that remote work is here to stay long term, even as offices reopen nationwide, Business Insider Australia

 

Four PC Business Telecommuting Tools

As managing remote work becomes the norm, it’s vital that businesses build a portfolio of tools that will help them stay connected and productive. Thankfully, the IT sector wasn’t caught unawares in terms of software with the advent of COVID-19. Several tools were designed during the drive for digital transformation over the past few years that have enabled employees to be more connected in different geographic areas, including in the areas of project management and online collaboration. Here are four telecommuting tools recommended by PCMag Australia.

  1. Slack

Slack is a market leader among business messaging apps because it is highly intuitive with a range of features. Essentially this app is about easy, fast and focused communication between employees. It is also highly customisable in terms of other service integrations and software. The app is easy to deploy quickly and its more advanced features can be accessed easily, including the ability to conduct video calls, assign discussion channels to business topics, and leverage integrations allowing users to access to apps like Google Analytics. It also has business messaging and collaboration and file-sharing features. Slack also continues to evolve with new mobile and desktop apps that make communication and collaboration between teams more intuitive.

  1. Zoom

Although Slack offers basic video calling, Zoom is a dedicated video conferencing solution. It is easy to use and has a competitive set of features. This includes users not needing to download a client to access Zoom’s features — you just click a link to join a call with full capabilities. What really sets it apart from its competitors, however, is easy access to other advanced features like precise audio and video controls, the ability to blur or add backgrounds, and easy scalability for larger groups so you can not just conduct meetings, but also webinars and classes. Along with these benefits, Zoom has top performance, non-fuss connectivity and is affordable, with its selection of free plans.

  1. Microsoft OneDrive for Business

One of the key issues when it comes to remote work is the issue of data safety. Employing a flexible, reliable and easily-accessed file sharing and cloud storage solution is vital for businesses with staff working remotely. It ensures your organisation’s documents can be accessed while keeping data accessible, secure and backed up. Microsoft OneDrive for Business is a clear leader among the business file sharing solutions, and is ahead of its competitors due to its pricing structure and ability to integrate with Microsoft’s portfolio of business productivity apps. It is an ideal solution for small to mid-size businesses that already use other Microsoft solutions like Microsoft Teams and Microsoft Office 365.

  1. Asana

Keeping workers productive during COVID-19 has become complicated. Managers need to be more focused on making sure their staff stay engaged, social and connected with their team members. However, they also can’t lose focus on deadlines, tasks and task ownership. Asana is a people and project management tool that combines the best of online collaboration with time management and project and team-oriented task tracking. It’s also fairly simple to learn and easily deployed. It takes into account flexible work hours and shifting time schedules, maintains a flow of communication through a variety of integrations with other tools like Slack, and offers an affordable subscription pricing model.

Source:

2020, 5 Tools For Your Business Telecommuting Toolkit, PCMag

 

Gain the skills and knowledge to confidently manage remote work projects and staff with our Managing Remote Workcourse.

Events Management Course to Launch Your Career?

If you’ve ever thought about becoming an events manager, you’ve probably wondered what’s involved and how to gain entry into this competitive career. An events management course can provide you with the skills you need to launch your career, but first, let’s look at this exciting role to see if it’s all that you imagined!

Events managers are responsible for overseeing the design, set-up and execution of events, whether for business or pleasure. An event manager could be responsible for a wedding one week and corporate wellness retreat the next. It’s certainly a job that offers variety with no two days ever being the same!

What’s obvious is that no matter the occasion or event, these people-centric professionals must put on a show! The endgame for all event managers is to ensure that people enjoy and get the most out of the events they attend.

What is Event Management?

Events management is a project management role that is specifically about organising and executing events. The duties of an event manager are varied, from finding a suitable location to follow-up on attendee satisfaction.

The following duties are typical in event management:

  • Promote conferences, conventions, trade shows to clients
  • Respond to enquiries about services and costs of equipment hire, catering and related expenses
  • Meet with clients to discuss their needs and outline options
  • Arrange and coordinate services – facilities, catering, signage, displays, audio-visual equipment, accommodation, transport, activities
  • Organise registration of attendees
  • Plan and organise the events, keeping within financial and time constraints
  • Book venues and schedule guest speakers
  • Meet with clients to coordinate the event
  • Assess and compare options for catering, decorators, musicians etc.…
  • Negotiate with business/services to achieve the most favourable terms for the client
  • Hire, train and manage staff involved in the event
  • Appraise staff and provide reports
  • Manage all event operations – preparing the venue, invitations, food, drinks etc.
  • Track and record event expenses regularly
  • Do event budget planning
  • Stay within the budget
  • Oversee event activities
  • Propose solutions to problems as they occur
  • Evaluate event’s success, follow up with attendees and submit reports

What Skills Do You Need to Be an Events Manager?

The events manager must be multi-skilled to create a successful event plan that meets client and attendee needs. So, with that in mind, here are the top ten skills that we think event managers need to be successful in their careers. Keep in mind, these skills can be acquired or improved with work and events management courses.

  1. A Marie Kondo-like ability to stay organised
  2. Multitask like a magician
  3. Content to work nights, weekends and public holidays
  4. Strong communication and listening skills
  5. Creative – an ideas person
  6. Energetic – enjoy the fast-paced nature of the role
  7. Ability to be calm and focused during chaos
  8. Flexibility when inevitable challenges arise
  9. Confident and calm decision making
  10. Willingness to learn and expand skills
  11. Passion for the dynamic events industry

What’s the Outlook for Events Managers?

According to the Australian Government’s Job Outlook, there were 23,400 Conference and Event Organisers in Australia, which is projected to increase in the next four years to reach 23,600.

Employment Snapshot

  • Size: This is a medium-sized occupation.
  • Location: Conference and Event Organisers work in many regions of Australia.
  • Industries: Most work in Administrative and Support Services; Accommodation and Food Services; and Arts and Recreation Services.
  • Earnings: Full-time workers on an adult wage earn around $1,347 per week (similar to the average of $1,460). Earnings tend to be lower when starting and higher as experience grows.
  • Full-time: Many work full-time (71%, higher than the average of 66%).
  • Hours: Full-time workers spend around 44 hours per week at work (compared to the average of 44 hours).
  • Age: The average age is 34 years (compared to the average of 40 years).
  • Gender: 75% of workers are female (compared to the average of 48%).

Certificate of Wedding Planning and Event Management  

There are many fast-paced and exciting jobs in event management. So, if you have a passion for planning, a love of people and enjoy surprises, this double wedding and event management course is the perfect combination for a rewarding career!

The Certificate of Wedding Planning & Event Management is an online program that will teach you wedding and event management fundamentals to create the perfect event for any occasion.

In this wedding and events management course, you will understand all aspects of planning and managing events. You will learn the management, organisation and event planning skills required to be a successful event planner.

Discover the different styles of weddings, types of ceremonies and receptions, working with caterers, photographers, reception venues and celebrants to create the perfect wedding for your clients.

You will discover event concept development and how to manage physical and human resources, project logistics, marketing, finance and operations. So, whether it’s conferences, concerts or weddings, you’ll feel confident to plan and manage events of every type and size.

On completion of this course, you will feel inspired to launch your career in the dynamic and exciting world of wedding and event management or start your own business, such as a boutique wedding venue!

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a painting and decorating course include:

  • Wedding planning skills
  • Wedding ceremony types
  • Legalities
  • Types of receptions
  • Themed weddings
  • Reception venues
  • Destination weddings
  • Managing people
  • Conflict handling techniques
  • Anger management
  • Venues, locations
  • Wedding photography
  • Table and seating planning
  • Managing the program
  • Schedules and travel
  • Managing services
  • Wedding cakes, stationery, invitations, wedding dress, floristry, photography, gifts, beauty and hair
  • Managing the client
  • Contracts, cancellations and contracts
  • Wedding planner’s survival kit
  • Planning a wedding business
  • Planning an event or conference
  • Developing a concept
  • Hiring equipment
  • Safety in planning
  • Public events
  • Managing physical and human resources
  • Logistics, contingencies, legalities
  • Minimising risks
  • Public relations
  • Sponsorship
  • Developing a business plan
  • Financial management
  • Staging the event
  • Measuring success
  • Dealing with complaints
  • Evaluation checklist

And more …

 

Gain the knowledge and skills required to start your career as a wedding planner and event manager with an events management course, such as our Certificate of Wedding Planning and Event Management.

Learn Top Tips For Starting a New Business

Ideal for entrepreneurs and those who are thinking about starting a new business, our Develop New Business Ventures course will give you insights into planning and developing a new business venture for an existing organisation or for a business generating self-employment.

In this course, you will explore how to investigate new business opportunities by analysing new trends and market information, and gather essential data and source information that supports business concepts and ideas.

You will also discover how to develop and present professional business proposals, communicate risks to stakeholders, and understand standards, legislation, policies, procedures, codes of practice and resource and financial requirements.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a course in starting a new business course include:

  • Learning how to investigate business opportunities and analyse market information for potential opportunities
  • Exploring business ideas and concepts and how to gather data and source information
  • Gaining an understanding of how ideas might be influenced or limited
  • Studying features and benefits, product mix and organisational capability
  • Examining record maintenance and financial, business, technical and digital technology skills
  • Understanding how to identify market segments and market trends and developments
  • Attaining knowledge of ethical and cultural requirements and factors impacting business opportunities
  • Gaining insights into needs, factors and potential impacts
  • Learning about promotional activities and campaigns
  • Exploring personal motivations and aspirations and how to identify personal strengths and weaknesses
  • Gaining an understanding of the criteria that determines the viability of a business opportunity
  • Learning how to undertake a SWOT analysis
  • Exploring how to develop and present business proposals
  • Gaining an understanding of business opportunities and the factors influencing business financial viability
  • Studying how to record evaluations, the risks associated with business and the key risk categories
  • Examining risk management systems, planning and assessment and how to communicate risk to stakeholders
  • Understanding the four strategies for risk management
  • Attaining knowledge of proposal audiences, presentation methods and how to deliver a business description/ proposal
  • Gaining insights into cash flow and reports
  • Learning about feedback and standards, legislation, codes of practice and policy and procedures
  • Exploring how to organise finances for new business ventures
  • Gaining an understanding of available funds and commitments, equity finance, business mix and start up and running costs
  • Studying how to estimate income and calculate income based on price per unit and on an hourly charge-out rate
  • Examining how to estimate costs and the first year’s expenses and income
  • Understanding how cash flow works, how to prepare a cash flow budget and project cash flow
  • Attaining knowledge of finance sources, how to seek financial advice, debt financing, leasing and hiring and grants and subsidies
  • Gaining insights into gifts and bootstrapping, how to access finance, refinancing and how to apply for a business loan
  • Learning about accounting software, sales and marketing, how to have a finance focus and workplace procedures
  • Exploring how to determine the resource requirements for new business ventures
  • Gaining an understanding of business venture profiles, the required personnel, employees and business advisors/consultants
  • Gaining an understanding of how to undertake a cost benefit analysis, the type and quantity of resources required and the methods of acquiring resources
  • Studying the risk, cost and ease of access to services and support
  • Examining how to professionally engage with suppliers and key people, negotiate arranges and the systems and procedures for resources
  • Understanding resource storage and use of resources and the installation of equipment, machinery and software
  • Attaining knowledge of repairs, maintenance and replacement
  • Gaining insights into human resources

And more…

Developing a New Product

Part of developing a new business venture or starting a new business often involves developing new products … and that means you need to develop a plan! It will help you identify the timeline and process to design, create and build your product. A well thought-out product development plan will help you avoid wasting money, time and business resources. It will also:

  • help you organise your product planning and research
  • understand your customers’ expectations and views
  • accurately plan and resource your project

Your plan will also help you avoid:

  • misreading and overestimating your target market
  • launching a poorly designed product or a product that doesn’t meet the needs of your target customers
  • incorrectly pricing your product/s
  • spending resources you don’t have on higher than anticipated development costs
  • exposing your business to risks and threats from unexpected competition

There are six key steps to start developing your plan:

  1. Research your idea — this involves a thorough business analysis that involves defining or describing your idea and identifying your target market.
  2. Build or make and test your prototype — this involves thorough testing, misusing it to find any faults and listening to your target market so you can improve your product as you go.
  3. Write a marketing strategy plan — once your product is in place, you should then figure out a strategy to market it to customers. This will direct your product launch and make the most of opportunities to promote your product or business.
  4. Launch your product — deciding how, when and where to launch your product will determine its impact on the market. Launches help you showcase your new product to potential customers and builds momentum and anticipation.
  5. Keep reviewing your product — once you’ve launched your product, it’s important to keep innovating so that you are ahead of other businesses and products. It will also help you anticipate changes to your market, customers and competition.
  6. Protect your idea — once you’ve development and refined your product, you should get the correct intellectual property(IP) to protect your idea. Automatic protection is given to confidential information, trade secrets, copyrights and circuit layout rights.

Research and Innovation

Innovation means coming up with new ways to do things enabling you to change processes or create more effective ideas and products. It can also help you save money and time and is key to your business developing a competitive advantage and creating a culture of problem solving and innovative thinking. It’s worth noting that your business can be innovative without actually inventing something new. Innovation can be experimenting with marketing, changing your business model, or adapting to changes in the environment to deliver better services or products.

If you are starting a new business, here are some resources to help you be more innovative:

Marketing Your Product

Marketing your product well will help you reach your customers, get online and stand out from your competitors. It involves:

Business Marketing

Business marketing can help your business reach its target audience, attract new customers and ultimately increase your profit. Good marketing tells a story about your business and gives your customers a reason to purchase from you rather than your competitors. And writing a marketing plan can help you define certain aspects of your business and focus on your priorities.

Identify Your Target Market

Identifying and understanding your customers is an essential part of your marketing plan and your business. Not everyone is a potential customer, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of your target market early on. It will also help you analyse your market and define your customer segments.

Research Your Market

Market research is a valuable tool for all businesses. It can help you to understand potential customers, competitors, products or services, suppliers, business location and your local area and industry and market trends. The Australian Bureau of Statistics is Australia’s official statistical agency and provides a wide range of social and economic statistics.

Develop Your Marketing Plan

Writing a marketing plan can help you define your marketing strategy and identify the best channels and activities to market your services or products. It can also help you to:

  • identify your target market and how your product or service can benefit it
  • identify how you might attract new customers
  • encourage your existing customers to continue purchasing your product or service
  • set goals and time frames for your marketing activities
  • map out a strategy to reach your target audience, including the messages, channels and tools you’ll use
  • evaluate your marketing activities
  • provide a marketing budget and see your return on investment.

Market Your Business

Thinking about all your business activities can help you to position your business, and your products or services in the market. The five Ps of marketing (product, price, promotion, place and people) can help build your business brand and target your customers’ needs.

Advertise Your Business

Advertising is a marketing activity that can help you to reach out to potential customers and encourage them to buy your products or services. An effective advertising campaign can help you to:

  • increase customer reach
  • build customer awareness of your business and brand
  • promote the benefits of your products or services
  • communicate information about your business
  • increase sales and demand
  • gain an advantage over your competitors.

Tools and Software to Market Your Business

Marketing tools and platforms can help you conduct your retailing and online promotion. By streamlining how you deliver targeted messages to your customer, they can help you achieve your business goals, and the type of tool and platform will depend on what you want to achieve. They can also help you:

  • retain customers
  • keep customers and clients up to date
  • track your customers’ purchasing behaviours
  • personalise messages to your customers.

 

Gain the skills and knowledge required to plan, present and implement new business ventures confidently with a course on starting a new business such as our Develop New Business Ventures course.

Marketing Online Course to Boost Profits!

If you haven’t studied marketing before, or you are a salesperson, business owner or marketing or advertising assistant, this is the ideal course for you

Our Certificate of Marketing Systems course will give you insights into the types and importance of marketing systems, how they operate, and how to develop new systems for a business. In this marketing online course you will learn about the types of retail systems and the factors that influence retail strategy and wholesale systems.

You will discover the importance of specialist marketing services, from labelling and packaging to signs and public relations. You will also study negotiation skills, how to perform a market analysis, and how to market to local and international customers.

Learning Outcomes

Outcomes achieved by undertaking a marketing online course include:

  • Learning about marketing systems, marketing channels and how innovation leads to success
  • Exploring how to choose the right system, the different types of customers and monopoly and competition
  • Gaining an understanding of pure and monopolistic competition and oligopoly and monopoly
  • Studying globalisation and demographics and promotions in internet marketing
  • Examining the world wide web, how the internet works and how to target internet users
  • Understanding supply systems and mailing lists
  • Attaining knowledge of retailing systems and strategies
  • Gaining insights into shows, pyramid schemes and telephone sales
  • Learning about mail order and online retailers and shows and exhibitions
  • Exploring retailing strategies, the retail life cycle and factors influencing retail strategies
  • Gaining an understanding of marketing terminology
  • Studying wholesale systems and strategies
  • Examining self-marketing, cooperatives, agents and regulated systems
  • Understanding wholesale, independent and manufacturer-owned intermediaries
  • Studying branding and specialist marketing services and social media managers
  • Examining packaging, labelling, displays, signs, merchandising and public relations
  • Understanding receiving money – credit, cash, card etc.
  • Attaining knowledge of personal, mail order and self-service
  • Gaining insights into shop layouts, packaging, labelling, branding and product lines and mixes
  • Attaining knowledge of customers and markets and the local environment
  • Gaining insights into personal selling skills, preparation and approach, presentation and negotiation and how to close the sale
  • Learning about customers, markets, follow-up and after-sales service
  • Exploring marketing organisations and distribution enterprises
  • Gaining an understanding of advertising agents, PR and sales enterprises, marketing tasks and market research
  • Studying merchandising, promotions, transport, record keeping, marketing strategies and diversification
  • Examining how to gather data and implement research results
  • Understanding the marketing mix and marketing and strategic planning
  • Attaining knowledge of mission statements, organisational objectives and PEST and SWOT analysis
  • Gaining insights into SBUs – strategic business units
  • Learning about portfolio analysis, growth strategies, tactical planning and procedures for marketing planning
  • Exploring international marketing in terms of which countries to choose
  • Gaining an understanding of economic communities, international marketing strategies and how to choose overseas markets
  • Studying how to choose a market entry strategy and how to implement it
  • Examining price, product, promotion and distribution

And more!

The Importance of PEST and SWOT Analyses

As you will discover in this marketing online course, PEST and SWOT analyses are vital for business adaption, particularly in these challenging health and economic times. COVID-19 has had profound impacts on all nations, causing some markets to evaporate and driving others into economic recession.

PEST Analysis

This refers to Political, Economic, Social and Technological factors. This analysis looks at larger macro factors that dominate the market to better understand the key drivers that will most directly impact the marketplace moving forward. A PEST analysis is always conducted before a SWOT analysis as it allows business to analyse the marketplace and then based on its own resources and circumstances, feed the findings into a SWOT analysis as either threats or opportunities. Key drivers include:

  • Political/legal and other controlling statutory bodies — these groups determine and change the rules and laws that a business must follow to compete within a given market.
  • Economic — this is the state of the economy now and in the future both locally and abroad.
  • Social/cultural/environmental factors — these are the prevailing views, beliefs, attitudes and opinions that people within a market have about any issue and the existing environmental circumstances that underpin those beliefs.
  • Technology — this is the dynamic and ever-changing area driven by innovation that sees the application of scientific knowledge for practical purposes. It helps industries to produce faster, better and more cost efficient equipment, machinery and processes.

SWOT Analysis

This refers to Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats and is a tool that can be used to determine a business’:

  • Internal strengths and weaknesses — these are the points of relative disadvantage and advantage that a business has in comparison to other rivals competing for the same customers within a market, and they are controllable by a business. In terms of understanding strengths it allows a business to better leverage marketing opportunities, and in terms of understanding weaknesses provides greater insights into the areas of development that need to be addressed to ensure the business is able to effectively compete within a segment, niche or market.
  • External opportunities and threats — these highlight to a business the potential areas within the outside market that offer potential areas of concern and growth.  These market forces are uncontrollable by a business, yet are critical to identifying the best path a business needs to pursue in order to prosper. The basis for these come after the PEST analysis.

COVID-19’s Affect on Businesses

The affects of COVID have been monumental for many sectors and businesses — in both positive and negative ways. Undertaking a PEST and then a SWOT analysis will enable businesses to better understand the impacts. And any business that follows the process, regardless of its market, positioning or size can more fully prepare for what may be coming next.

Businesses will have the time to strategise on how best to adapt critical marketing elements such as unit volumes, product range, service delivery and target audience that will impact overall positioning, logistics, core messaging and pricing strategies. Internal business adjustments may also need to be made which include refinancing, recruitment and restructuring. The following examples demonstrate that as people’s behaviour has changed due to COVID-19, the specific delivery and type of services and products offered in Australia has also changed.

  • Gyms and fitness classes have been negatively impacted, however, home gym equipment sales and hire and personal trainers have been positively impacted.
  • Cafes, bars, restaurants and eateries have been negatively impacted, however, home food delivery services have been positively impacted.
  • The sports industry has been negatively impacted, however, sports streaming services have been positively impacted.
  • Theatres and entertainment venues have been negatively impacted, however, live streaming services have been positively impacted.
  • Public transport has been negatively impacted, however, car rentals and taxi services have been positively impacted.
  • In-store book sales have been negatively impacted, however, eBooks and online books sales have been positively impacted.
  • TAFEs, universities and in-person courses have been negatively impacted.  However, online educational providers (like those that provide courses like our marketing online course) have been positively impacted.

The Different Types of Competition

Customers have many choices when it comes to goods and services as there are so many suppliers in the market! These competitive forces and the skills you will learn in our marketing online course can enable your business to keep prices lower and be more efficient. There are four main types of competition:

Pure Competition

In this instance, there is an unlimited number of competitors. It is relatively easy for new competitors to emerge if old ones disappear. This is partly because the product is undifferentiated and generally relatively easy to supply. Promotion is typically not a key factor for success and price is not usually very important.

Monopolistic Competition

This occurs when there are many competitors. So, it is not always easy for a new business to enter the market. If a business wants to enter this type of market, they will probably need money, time and a level of expertise before they can commence business. Promotional campaigns and price competition are not very important here, but the market place does tend to be differentiated. Hence, there are often optional services or products which a customer can choose to buy in place of your services or products.

Oligopoly

In this instance, there are relatively few competitors, and it is difficult for new businesses to enter the market place and secure any significant proportion of the market. There may be many barriers to entry, for example, a large financial investment may be required. Price competition can also be strong, so promotion can be very important.

Monopoly

In a monopoly, there is only one supplier of a particular type of product or service. As such, the entry of new businesses into the market can be restricted because of the overwhelming economic dominance of the supplier or sometimes by law — for example, in the public utilities sector.

 

Gain insights into the local and global world of marketing and make better decisions about where to market your products or services with a marketing online course such as our  Certificate of Marketing Systems.

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