Business standards - help or hindrance?

Sep 14, 2004

Business standards cover a broad range of issues including complaints handling, OH&S, risk management, work conflict, market research and corporate social responsibility. These standards are designed to help Australian business to perform effectively in highly competitive markets - but exactly how applicable are they to small business?

Tomorrow's University in the Brewery talk will answer this question, and many others, in a presentation entitled 'Business Standards: a turnoff for small enterprises?'

Associate Professor Helen Hasan at the University of Wollonong's Faculty of Commerce, and Mr James Thompson from the SME Committee of the Management and Business Division of Standards Australia, will discuss the relevance of Australian Business Standards for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

Together, they hope to alleviate any fear on the part of SME managers that Standards Australia is trying to bring more regulation to the SME sector. They plan to shed some light on the various characteristics that distinguish SMEs from the 'big end of town'.

If you are interested in hearing another in the entertaining series of presentations by leading UOW researchers, come along and be informed in a relaxed and participatory environment over a few foaming ales.

Where: Five Islands Brewery, eastern end of the WIN Entertainment Centre (cnr Harbour and Crown Streets) Wollongong.

When: 5.30 - 6.30pm, Wednesday September 15, 2004

Cost: FREE

For further information contact: Troy Coyle on 4221 4420 or e-mail tcoyle@uow.edu.au

-RP

For more information, contact:

media@uow.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Ph: (02) 4221 5942; fax (02) 4221 3128