[CDU eNews] - CAMELS TRAIN STUDENTS IN ALICE

[Peter.Hurt at cdu.edu.au]

Camels train students in Alice


A partnership with Charles Darwin University creating "virtual business
worlds" and reality-based learning environments for 15 business students
has come to fruition after 18 months of  preparation.

Trading of the Frontier Camel Treks "Practice Firm", a near-real work
environment and innovative training platform in which students trade as a
virtual going concern with other practice firms in Australia and all over
the world, has begun at the Alice Springs campus.

Practice Firm coordinator, lecturer Lesley Jury said today: "The students
cover more than just a Certificate II or III in Business. Instead of
learning how to run a business from a textbook or sitting in front of a
white board and lecturer, students run a virtual business that mirrors the
commercial operations of Frontier Camel Tours, the company that operates
the treks.

"To start up the company, each student had to put in (a virtual) $25,000 to
enable them to set up infrastructure, like buying a bus to transport
clientele."

Charles Darwin University has two other practice firms: Crocodylus World
Practice Firm on its Casuarina campus and the Travel Gateway Practice Firm
at Palmerston. The practice firm concept started in Europe and there are
now more than 4000 firms worldwide.

No money or products are actually exchanged. The students market products
and tours, trade online with other companies, keep accounts, negotiate
contracts and post profit and loss statements in a virtual environment as
complex as the trading floor of a stock exchange.

The students make hard business decisions and are paid virtual salaries.

"For example, the overseeing organisation, Australian Network of Practice
Firms, could ring up one day and say we've had a fire. The students then
need to follow processes to keep the business running. They have to deal
with insurance, repurchasing computers and other stock and contact
clients," Ms Jury said.

"It's not just stand-up lecturing. I do more facilitating and get to
demonstrate proper, real-life business practices. The interest and
enjoyment of the students in covering many aspects of the subject ensures a
continuing involvement. "

Certificate in Business and Administration student Darren Clarke agrees. "I
find it really interesting. It prepares me for what I would come across if
I ran or managed a business of my own. We are in the process of setting up
all the accounts and a website. I have recently purchased a deposit safe
for the Practice Firm so now I have to create an assets register for all
the Practice Firms assets. It's good for my self-confidence."

"The next trading period starts on July 25 and we are looking for more
partners. If you want to increase your business acumen, let the camels
train you," Ms Jury said.

For further information about Frontier Camel Treks Practice Firm, please
contact Lesley Jury on 8959 5232 or email lesley.jury at cdu.edu.au

Please note for clarification: The company involved is Frontier Camel
Tours, the Practice Firm is Frontier Camel Treks.

Lesley Jury is available for interview

Media release by Cliff Butson, Regional Communications Manager (08) 8959
5450




Peter Hurt
Media Manager
Charles Darwin University
Tel: 08 8946 6019 or 0438 466 439

CRICOS Provider No: 00300K