Work in Progress
Learning through Indigenous business: The role of VET in Indigenous enterprise and community development
Summary
- Item:
- 10180
- Title:
- Learning through Indigenous business: The role of VET in Indigenous enterprise and community development
- Type:
- Managed research project
- Project no:
- NR1023
- Status:
- Finished
- Date commenced:
- 14 January 2001
- Contact:
- Barry Golding
- phone: +61 3 5327 9733
- email: b.golding@ballarat.edu.au
Purpose
The researchers will investigate the extent to which VET and VET resources in enterprise development are (or are not) responsive to the difficult, unique and diverse requirements of Indigenous learners. The project aims to identify and develop initiatives which enhance learning in Indigenous enterprises.
Approach
Literature review and interviews/case studies
Research questions
1. What is 'enterprise' in a range of Indigenous contexts, from remote traditional community to urban and how is this affected by the Indigenous 'world view'?
2. How does enterprise development factor in Indigenous community development planning?
3. How does enterprise function in an Indigenous community? For example is enterprise expected to promote and support the interests and needs of the community as a whole, or of other groups, such as family or clan groups?
4. What is the profile of the Indigenous enterprise development learner in a remote traditional, or urban community context?
5. How has training in enterprise development and small business management (both resources and their delivery) responded to requirements of Indigenous learners?
6. What has succeeded in Indigenous enterprise development training? Does information technology have a role to play in facilitating delivery of appropriate enterprise development training?
7. What have Indigenous community leaders identified as issues in community enterprise development and the training required to facilitate successful business establishment and function? For example, the issue of welfare dependency.
Methodology
Stage 1
* establish project management group
* determine procedures for data gathering
* undertake synthesis of earlier fieldwork
* conduct new case study field work
* review post-1990 literature on relevant Indigenous enterprise learning
* submit interim report for review
Stage 2
* analyse responses to interim report
* conduct follow up interviews as necessary
* submit draft report for review
Stage 3
* prepare final project report
* prepare practical booklet designed for wider use in indigenous communities.
Organisations
Bendigo Regional Institute of TAFE (BRIT) is multi-campus, regional TAFE institute based in Bendigo. It serves the diverse vocational learning needs of regional and rural communities in central Victoria. The Institute networks with a wide range of community stakeholders and other adult education providers in regional, central Victoria. BRIT also provides Koori programs at two campuses and in four corrections education sites. Quality and Research at BRIT has collaboratively undertaken a range of Indigenous research and implementation projects. These include project facilitation for Indigenous Open Learning initiative, research for ATSIPTAC (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples' Advisory Council) and VAEAI (Victorian Aboriginal Education Association Incorporated).
