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Susie Rogers gives opening talk at the launch of Virtual Enterprise Australia Ltd

On 3 May 2007 Virtual Enterprise Australia was launched to replace The Australian Network of Practice Firms http://www.anpf.cit.act.edu.au/news.php?function=news_detail&id=142 

The launch coincided with an inaugural conference that brought together 150 facilitators from around Australia.  Susie Rogers, a Director of Rusher Rogers Recruiting, provided a talk to help facilitators give employment advise and tips to their Virtual Enterprise students.

What is a Virtual Enterprise?

A Virtual Enterprise is a simulated business that is set up and run by students as part of their study program with support from an educator (trainer/lecturer/facilitator) and staff from a real business. Virtual Enterprises conduct business with other Virtual Enterprises in a simulated market economy on a local, national or international basis.

The products and services traded in this simulated global world are virtual (they never arrive!); similarly the money and the financial and regulatory institutions are fictitious. However, the business decisions, documentation and activity match up to the expectations and best practices of a real world business.

Virtual Enterprise Australia Ltd provides an innovative training context aimed at developing entrepreneurial skills in the participants. Students frequently undertake vocational education and training (VET) programs that deliver industry endorsed competencies from training packages from the areas of business, sales, marketing, retail, travel, information technology, multimedia, etc.

Participation in a Virtual Enterprise gives students real business insights and an awareness of business sensitivities. They develop skills in decision making, problem solving and in working with clients towards a positive outcome. Students learn to work effectively in a team and prioritise their work; they learn about accountability and daily work routines.

A Virtual Enterprise often resembles the business on which it models itself, for example in its form, organisation and functions. As employees of the Virtual Enterprise, students undertake market research, advertise, buy and sell goods; they work out their pay rates and receive a virtual salary.

Although there is no actual transfer of goods or money, all the usual business transactions take place: orders are sent, invoices issued, financial records maintained, and a business plan and marketing strategy developed and monitored.

Students become highly motivated and engaged. This is "their" business! Hence the energy and enthusiasm is totally different to the standard classroom operation.

Rusher Rogers is a mentor to a Virtual Recruitment company, based in the Chisholm Institute campus at Frankston. Called Rusher Rogers Virtual Recruiting it provides virtual recruitment services to other Virtual Enterprises across Australia.