The business behind the buildings

This Case Study profiles how Fletcher Construction has always nurtured relationships - with clients, suppliers, employees and the community - and established a down-to-earth corporate culture based around three simple values where commitment and quality are fundamental.

As a result of reading this Case Study, the student should be able to:

• Outline the concepts of stakeholders, stakeholder relationships, corporate culture, business values, human resources, social responsibility and ethical business practices
• Identify why Fletcher Construction has adopted a relationship-based business philosophy and how it puts this into practice
• Describe the unique corporate culture of Fletcher Construction and discuss its importance in underpinning the business's success.

Introduction

Are you in or near a building as you read this? Take a moment and think about all the work that has gone into it.

A relationship-based business

Fletcher Construction has built a reputation for straightforward dealings and certain delivery.

People and culture

Fletcher Construction realises that to be successful in the long term it needs to maintain an appropriate balance between concern for success (expansion or profit), regard for its employees and respect for the wider community and environment.

Fletcher and the community

Society expects businesses to give back to the local community something of what they take out in generating profits.

Understanding the marketplace

One of the largest stakeholder groups that Fletcher Construction must satisfy is its customers.

Conclusion

Fletcher Construction is an icon of the New Zealand business scene.

Introduction

A relationship-based business

People and culture

Fletcher and the community

Understanding the marketplace

Conclusion

Fuelling New Zealand's future

This Case Study deals with the New Zealand Refining Company and the challenges it faces as an organisation dealing with a variety of issues as it continues to grow and be accountable to its stakeholders. The Case Study demonstrates how NZRC contributes to the economy, maintains employee safety, continues its approach to environmentally sustainable growth all while being an employer of choice.

As a result of reading this Case Study, students should be able to:

• Understand the benefits NZRC brings to the New Zealand economy 
• Describe the importance of occupational health and safety and sustainability to an organisation
• Identify the benefits of effective human resource management.

Introduction

The New Zealand Refining Company (NZRC) has been in operation since 1962.

Contributing to the economy

NZRC contributes to the New Zealand economy in a variety of ways, not least of which is the provision of employment.

Keeping our people safe

Another cornerstone of NZRC's culture, and an essential component of the business plan, is the area of employee safety.

Delivering on environmental promises

Today all organisations, regardless of their size, need to exercise corporate social responsibility, and NZRC is no exception.

Being the employer of choice for our people

The human resources of any organisation are a vital asset in attempting to achieve any objective in an organisation.

Conclusion

The New Zealand Refining Company is an organisation which has the future firmly in its sights.

Introduction

Contributing to the economy

Keeping our people safe

Delivering on environmental promises

Being the employer of choice for our people

Conclusion

The benefits of graduate recruitment

This Case Study examines the importance of effective recruitment processes within an organisation, looking at the recruitment process as a whole, from effective marketing of the organisation through to the integration of new employees. It also looks at the importance of Ernst & Young's work to business.

As a result of reading this Case Study, students should be able to:

• Understand the main contributions of the human resources department to an organisation's success
• Identify key steps in effective recruitment and selection
• Explain the importance of robust onboarding and induction processes

Introduction

Ernst & Young is a global leader in professional services provision, with offices in 140 countries and clients from all over the world.

Recruiting graduates

Recruitment is an important part of Ernst & Young's human resources department's role.

A multi-faceted business

Ernst & Young helps organisations do business more effectively through providing assurance and advice to businesses ranging from small start-ups to large multinationals.

Finding great people

In order to attract talented employees, the organisation needs to identify and communicate with its market.

Getting started

Effective recruitment and selection is one of the most important business processes.

Conclusion

Ernst & Young’s graduate recruitment program provides graduate employees with a structured and supportive entry to the workplace, whilst allowing them the ability to take responsibility from the start.

Introduction

Recruiting graduates

A multi-faceted business

Finding great people

Getting started

Conclusion

Providing expert advice for sound, ethical business practice

This Case Study explores the ways in which Ernst & Young contributes to the maintenance and development of sound ethical business practice. It outlines the contribution of qualified staff and the diverse areas of business serviced by Ernst and Young. As a result of reading this Case Study, the student should be able to:

• Understand the role of an accountant in the provision of services to business
• Identify the range of financial reports provided for business and their uses  
• Provide an overview of what constitutes sound, ethical business practice.

Introduction

Accountants contribute to the integrity of the capital markets through their work as external auditors of publicly listed companies.

Who we are

Ernst & Young is a global organisation with more than 100,000 people in 140 countries.

Financial reporting and audits

An auditor confirms to the shareholders that a company's financial statements are in accordance with Australian laws and international accounting standards.

Non-Financial Reports

Another part of the Ernst & Young Assurance and Advisory Business Services division is responsible for emerging areas such as economic sustainability and environmental reporting.

The role of a qualified accountant

The contribution made by a qualified accountant employed in the Assurance and Advisory Business Services division at Ernst & Young involves the following responsibilities:

Managing Ernst & Young's business

We will now turn our attention to how Ernst & Young manages its own business in order to effectively meet the needs of its clients through its culture and values, people, and systems such as knowledge management.

A 'people culture'

Finding the right people is critical to the Ernst & Young partnership's success.

Recruitment issues

Ernst and Young's traditional approach to finding 'the right people' has been to select a large number of graduates from university, to provide them with on the job experience and to support them whilst they study for their Chartered Accountant qualification.

Conclusion

Ernst & Young is a leading professional services partnership seeking to deliver a wide range of professional services to meet the needs of its clients.

Introduction

Who we are

Financial reporting and audits

Non-Financial Reports

The role of a qualified accountant

Managing Ernst & Young's business

A 'people culture'

Recruitment issues

Conclusion

Fostering a high-performance culture

This Case Study focuses on the desirability of fostering a high-performance workplace culture. It outlines Ernst & Young's commitment to producing such a culture through the attraction, engagement, development and retention of its people. As a result of reading this Case Study, students should be able to:

• Understand what is meant by a high-performance culture
• Understand the interrelationship between workplace culture and business success  
• Identify how Ernst & Young attracts and retains suitable employees in a competitive market.

Introduction

When you complete your studies and are ready to build a career, Ernst & Young is a great place to start.

A high performance culture

The word 'culture' is one that is often used but not always understood.

Attract

Ernst & Young is committed to its people.

Develop

Ernst & Young has a life long learning and development framework that provides technical and personal development that supports each person's career advancement.

Engage

The firm offers a wide range of experiences and opportunities and gives people choice in how, when and where they will work.

Client service

By creating value and confidence for its people, Ernst & Young also creates value and confidence for its clients by offering a wide range of services to help businesses capitalise on growth opportunities, improve financial performance and risk management.

Values

Ernst & Young's Values Statement affirms that it recognises:

• People who demonstrate integrity, respect and teaming
• People with energy, enthusiasm and the courage to lead
• People who build relationships based on doing the right thing.

Personal leadership

Personal leadership is not just about leading other people. Ernst & Young recognises that before a person can change and motivate others, they must first be able to change and motivate themselves.

Conclusion

A high-performance culture is the result of a pattern of behaviour and a complex mixture of understanding, open communication and mutual respect.

Introduction

A high performance culture

Attract

Develop

Engage

Client service

Values

Personal leadership

Conclusion

Entrepreneurs - shaping the future of Australia

This Case Study introduces the concept of entrepreneurship. It outlines the nature of Ernst & Young Australia and its position as part of the global Ernst & Young and provides real life examples of entrepreneurs in action through the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Awards.

As a result of completing this Case Study students should be able to:

• Understand and apply the term entrepreneur
• Explain some benefits that entrepreneurship brings to the Australian economy 
• Analyse and apply criteria for successful entrepreneurship 
• Grasp the role a company such as Ernst & Young can play in fostering innovation within business.

Introduction

Schoolies Week, boutique modelling and fast ferries - what do they have in common?

The market sections in Australia

The three markets in which Australian business can typically be categorised into three groups.

What makes an entrepreneur

Got an idea for a new product or service? Or maybe you have an idea to vary a product that already exists?

Why are entrepreneurs important to Australia?

Entrepreneurship brings a vital dimension to the Australian economy.

Why are entrepreneurs important to Ernst & Young?

Ernst & Young recognise that entrepreneurs are the 'engine room' of the Australian economy.

Ernst & Young and the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

Ernst & Young presents the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards to innovative and successful entrepreneurial business people.

Ernst & Young and the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

ModelCo, Austal, Youth off the Streets and BreakFree

Entrepreneurship and Ernst & Young's business

Businesses pass through a number of stages as they develop.

Conclusion

Entrepreneurs are responsible for significant economic growth, creating employment and wealth and enabling Australia to compete on the world stage.

Introduction

The market sections in Australia

What makes an entrepreneur

Why are entrepreneurs important to Australia?

Why are entrepreneurs important to Ernst & Young?

Ernst & Young and the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards

The winners

Entrepreneurship and Ernst & Young's business

Conclusion

Creating prosperous communities through corporate responsibility

This Case Study highlights how Australians are increasingly becoming involved in environmental and social issues. These issues are reported in the media almost daily and are becoming an important part of our nation’s future.

Through Corporate Responsibility (CR) programs, such as those established by global professional services firm, Ernst & Young, organisations and their employees are able to make noticeable differences to the communities in which they live. The benefits of these programs are far reaching. Not only does the community prosper but the organisation and its staff also benefit.

By reading this Case Study, students should be able to:

• Understand the concept of Corporate Responsibility (CR)
• Outline the need for an organisation to give back to the community  
• Explain ways employees are able to be involved in socially responsible initiatives through their employer

Introduction

Corporate Responsibility (CR) is a concept which sees organisations taking responsibility for the people they engage with, and the communities and environment in which the organisation operates.

Responsible business

There are many advantages for businesses in being a responsible corporate citizen.

Active citizenship

Active citizenship is an ethical philosophy based around the idea that members of an organisation (or a society) have certain responsibilities to uphold in return for the benefits conferred on them.

Benefits for the community

Corporate responsibility programs offer tremendous benefits for the community.

Benefits for an organisation

Commitment to a corporate responsibility program helps staff become motivated employees while adding to their skills at the same time.

Conclusion

An effective Corporate Responsibility program encourages responsible business practice across the four key management areas of environment, the community, the workplace and the marketplace.

Introduction

Responsible business

Active citizenship

Benefits for the community

Benefits for an organisation

Conclusion

Open for business

This Case Study will enable you to understand the role of DEST (as part of the Public Service) and its importance to Australia.

As a result of reading this Case Study, students should understand:

• The role of DEST and of the public service
• How the 'Open for business' philosophy underpins the relationship between DEST employees and its stakeholders
• The positioning of DEST as an Employer of Choice.

Introduction

The Australian Government's engagement with education began in the 1940s.

The business of public service

The Australian Public Service (APS) celebrated its centenary in 2001.

Contributing to the economy

'Open for business'

DEST has an 'Open for Business' philosophy.

Delivering business through people

DEST's vision is focused on the present so that a solid platform can be built to shape the future.

The performance management framework

The inter-relationship between individual employee actions and reaching departmental goals is shown in the Performance Management Framework diagram in this section.

Developing leadership skills

DEST encourages leadership capabilities through its connection of leadership behaviours to achieving business outcomes.

Measuring success

Performance relating to the achievement of business outcomes and demonstrating leadership behaviours is encouraged in a variety of ways.

Conclusion

The 'Open for Business' concept was established and developed to ensure that DEST was conducting its relationships with its stakeholders in a way that was mutually beneficial.

Introduction

The business of public service

Contributing to the economy

'Open for business'

Delivering business through people

The performance management framework

Developing leadership skills

Measuring success

Conclusion

Personalised solutions for individual needs

This Case Study introduces students to Dell, one of the world's largest providers of computer systems and services. It outlines the features of the Dell direct customer business model and examines ways in which Dell is altering its approach to changing needs of its customers.

As a result of reading this Case Study the student should be able to:

• Understand the operation of the Dell direct customer business model and the role of Dell.com 
• Describe the ways customers can individualise their purchases in line with Dell's personalisation ethos 
• Appreciate the importance of Dell.com in enabling customer driven innovation
• Provide examples of Dell actions in the area of Corporate Social Responsibility.

Introduction

Dell is the #1 personal computer provider in the USA and #2 worldwide.

The Dell business model

The Dell direct customer business model allows customers to purchase custom-built products and custom-tailored services.

Dell.com

Dell generates more than $50m revenue per day in sales through its worldwide websites.

Personalisation through the process

Dell’s focus on personalisation has strengthened as consumers expect more from companies and want tailor-made solutions that meet their individual needs.

Dell and Corporate Social responsibility

Dell is a global industry leader in recycling.

Adding new distribution methods

Dell is adding new distribution methods to its direct sales business model. By combining with large retail chains and stores, Dell is making an evolutionary change from its successful direct model to giving consumers the ability to buy products in a retail store format.

Conclusion

Dell is a leading global computer systems and services company which adopted a direct business model – selling customised products via phone or the Internet.

Introduction

The Dell business model

Dell.com

Personalisation through the process

Dell and Corporate Social responsibility

Adding new distribution methods

Conclusion

Turning a good idea into commercial success

This Case Study profiles the hugely successful entrepreneurial approach which John Ilhan, the CEO and owner of Crazy John's, has taken to turning his idea of providing excellent customer service and advice at the best possible prices in the mobile phone market into a winning formula.

As a result of reading this Case Study, the student should be able to:

• Understand that it makes good business sense to develop a unique selling point that differentiates one business from another 
• Explain the significant role of the entrepreneur to Australia's economy and the importance of developing innovative business practices
• Outline the strategies a business may use to build the business from a small operation to a major large-scale business. 

Introduction

At 15 years of age, John Ilhan told his mother that he was going to have his own business, a Porsche and a house by the water.

The nature of the business

John Ilhan is the owner and Chief Executive Officer of Crazy John's mobile phones and services.

The role of the entrepreneur

John is an entrepreneur. The concept of entrepreneurship is about coming up with creative business ideas (often involving risk-taking) and then finding enough resources and opportunities to put these ideas into action.

Starting out - an idea, a vision

Entrepreneurs need a creative vision and should research their market to establish if there is a need for their idea.

Not so crazy - but certainly different

In a competitive marketplace, developing a unique selling point that differentiates your business from that of your competitors is a beneficial way to build a profitable and successful business.

Building the business - not all plain sailing

John started Crazy John's as a one-store operation, with $15,000 that he borrowed from his parents.

Where to next?

Crazy John's has plans for rapid, further expansion, by considering options like doubling the number of stores through licensing the name and products to selected franchisees who meet tight standards.

Conclusion

John Ilhan is an entrepreneur who started out with nothing.

Introduction

The nature of the business

The role of the entrepreneur

Starting out - an idea, a vision

Not so crazy - but certainly different

Building the business - not all plain sailing

Where to next?

Conclusion