What are Dragon's diplomas really like?
Firstly, they are unashamedly applied. Business and management can be pretty dry subjects but when we are constantly encouraged to think about what our learning really means for our current and future careers as managers, it can fast become an engaging and dynamic pursuit.
The units in each of our programs move constantly between ideas and the practical use of those ideas. For instance, in a unit that is about managing our priorities and our professional development, Dragon uses the popular and best-selling ideas of organisational guru David Allen to create a task where you try his ideas to see if they really work for you. You then reflect on the experience and tell us whether you think they can really work in practice and whether you will use them in the future.
In also making our courses as applied as possible, Dragon College uses lots of internet links to get you to explore the latest thinking about our areas of study and consider the newest of ideas as they influence the work of managers around the world.
Management is an art, perhaps more than it is a science. It is in the application of ideas where real learning takes place. That’s core to how we create our programs at Dragon College.
As well as being applied, our programs are user-friendly. Over the last two decades, Dr David Poole has taught at colleges around the world, on-campus, online, and by distance learning, and has now brought together the best of what he has seen and incorporated it into the look and feel of our learning materials. Also, having co-authored one of Australia’s most popular management textbooks during this time, David has learnt a great deal about what learners like, and what they don’t.
So, you will see quite a few quotes and illustrations in our learning guides. From Donald Trump to Steve Jobs, the very best and most interesting examples of how the ideas in our units translate into the real world of work are used to keep you interested and engaged in the learning experience.
Take a look at the samples of our materials available here on our website and check out the design and look of our units. If you find a more attractive layout of learning materials in any workbook anywhere, please let us know!
And we give you a great deal of freedom to make choices about the ways in which you approach the core assessment tasks, so whether you’ve got years of experience at work or have only had part-time jobs at local stores, you can still conquer your assessment tasks by making them fit your situation.
So applied, user-friendly, well-designed, and providing you with choice. These are among the key features of our approach.
And, given that our diplomas are nationally recognised qualifications, you may decide to use yours to obtain advanced standing in further studies at universities around the country.
Will I Feel Like Part of a Learning Community?
You bet!
With both distance and workplace-based learning, colleges face the challenge of making you feel like part of a community of learners. We do that, and more. It starts with the services we provide:
- Within 48 hours of confirming your enrolment, we will send you your first batch of learning materials.
- We commit to returning every phone call and responding to every email and every question posted on the Online Learner Forum within 1 working day.
- When you’ve completed a unit and send it to us for assessment, we will have your results back to you within 3 working days.
- If you have an appeal or a more complex question to be answered, we will deal with it efficiently and effectively.
- Using the Online Learner Forum, you can post comments and suggestions and question about your studies. As the College continues to grow, you will find that the Forum already provides many of the answers you are looking for.
- You will hear from us regularly. We’ll email you newsletters and regularly post tips and advice on the Forum.
- For each unit, we will personally link you to a highly-qualified trainer and assessor who will be your personal contact for anything and everything relating to your unit.
We think it all adds up to a great learning experience.
Why is it called "Dragon" College?
Because in both the European and Asian traditions, dragons represent forces of nature, power, and there is power in knowledge, in learning, and in education.
Dragons are also said to be wise, and becoming a great manager requires wisdom even more than it does theory and concept. One of our core aims is to promote the kind of reflection and development of insight that leads to wisdom.
There is also an energy in dragons that has its counterpart in the energy of business. There is a very successful television program in Britain called “Dragons Den”. The 5 dragons are extremely successful businesspeople who listen to the ideas of budding entrepreneurs and decide if they want to invest their own money in making those ideas a reality. So, in the UK, these successful, dynamic businesspeople have become known as “dragons”.
Interestingly, while our logo is more representative of the traditionally European and Australian idea of a dragon as a flying creature who snorts fire, the Asian idea of the dragon is as a water-dwelling serpent who represents good luck, wealth and prosperity. If we can help to create these outcomes in the lives of our learners, we will have done a very good job indeed!
Dr Dave, Why Did You Create Dragon College of Business?
Because so many of my students, particularly at undergraduate level and including lots who had very diverse learning pathways and experiences, kept encouraging to take my philosophy of business learning and my passion and find a broader audience. So, with that in mind, I thought for a good while before realising that where I could make the biggest difference was in creating learning for people who were a little like me…people who didn’t want to sit in a boring classroom but instead wanted to work and learn and choose their own balance between the two, and who wanted control of their own lives and calendars and schedules so that their learning made sense for them and, most importantly, while still covering all of the important stuff, wanted learning that was engaging and friendly and sometimes even a little fun. That’s why I have created Dragon College of Business.
Is Dragon College accredited?
Yes, we are registered by the Federal Government's national accreditation service, as indicated by our use of the logo for "Nationally Recognised Training". Our official code (known as the NTIS code) is 91779 and our Australian Business Number is 39 134 353 906. Thus, our diplomas are recognised by employers, other training organisations, and universities for their quality and consistency with national guidelines.
What's the Best Advice You Give to Your Students?
Well, there’s study advice, life advice, and career advice. For now, I’ll just pick one thing for each.
For study advice, be as systematic as you can. Set aside some time every day and keep moving towards your learning goals. For experienced academics and trainers, the difference between learners who understand that they are not just completing a qualification but actually gaining skills and knowledge and wisdom, and those who just try to do the bare minimum and scrape through, is just huge. Whatever you’re studying, you want it to add real value to your life and to your career. Keep this in mind and you will stand out a mile from your peers and colleagues.
For life advice, my tip here is to keep your options open. There are so many opportunities now. For instance, around 1 million Australians at any time are working overseas. Be a lifelong learner. Don’t just take a qualification like one of ours but learn something else every day. Maybe a new language, a dive into the classics of literature like the works of Charles Dickens or Mark Twain or Jane Austen, keeping fit, taking up a hobby. The benefits of these seep into other areas of your life. You are more rounded..you can strike up a conversation with anybody…you can always find some common ground. Keep growing. Keep learning. Keep your options open.
And for your career, find a job that you like. I’d say “love”, but almost every job I can think of will have its highs and lows, its good days and bad. Mark Bouris, the very successful Australian businessman, recently said that “Nine out of ten times you’re having a tough time in whatever it is you’re doing and that’s how it works. I have 1 out of 10 good moments”. That’s reality so, sure, love what you’re doing if you can, but come to grips with the reality that your career, as well as your life, and as well as your learning, will be as much about hard work and pressing on as it is about the moments of triumph. Still, they’re great when they come your way.”
What are the terms and conditions of enrolling at Dragon College?
As a Registered Training Organisation, Dragon College of Business operates within the Principles and Standards of the Australian Quality Training Framework standards. These include the following important quality standards.
Mutual Recognition
Dragon College of Business recognises the training qualifications issued by other Registered Training Organisations.
Legislative Requirements
Dragon College of Business will meet all legislative requirements of State Governments and the Federal Government. In particular, Occupational Health and Safety, Workplace Relations, and Vocational Placement Standards will be met at all times.
Access and Equity
Dragon College of Business has a policy of equal access to training for all people seeking to enhance their knowledge and skills. In particular, Dragon College encourages the participation of women, indigenous people, people with physical or learning disabilities and those who live in regional and remote areas.
Quality Management Focus
Dragon College of Business has a commitment to providing a quality service and a focus on continuous improvement. We value feedback from students, staff and employers in informing improvements to our programs and processes.
Service to Clients
We use effective management practices to ensure high quality in client service. In particular, we have client service standards to ensure the timely issue of student assessment results and qualifications. These will be appropriate to the competence achieved and issued in accordance with national guidelines. Our quality focus includes a Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, a fair and equitable Refund Policy, a Complaint and Appeals Policy, an Access and Equity Policy, and student welfare and guidance services. Where necessary, arrangements will be made for learners requiring literacy and/or numeracy support. We will ensure that all students are aware of our fees and charges prior to enrolment, that course content and assessment procedures are explained, and that vocational outcomes are outlined.
External Review of our Programs and Processes
Dragon College of Business agrees to participate in external monitoring and audit processes as required by its accrediting body. This includes random quality audits, audits following complaints, and audits for the purposes of re-accreditation and registration.
Management and Administration
Dragon College of Business relies on best practise policies and management strategies to ensure sound financial and administrative practices. Our owners and operators guarantee the organisation's sound financial position and safeguard student fees until used for training and assessment. We have a Refund Policy which is fair and equitable. Students who give more than 10 days notice prior to commencing their program (programs commence on the day in which students are notified of their successful enrolment) will be entitled to a full refund of fees. Students who cancel their enrolment within 10 days of this date will be entitled to a refund of 75 percent of fees paid. Students who cancel their enrolment after this time will not be entitled to a refund unless extenuating circumstances are documented and Dragon’s Chief Executive Officer is of the view that such circumstances merit a full or partial refund. Student records are managed securely and confidentially and are available for student perusal on request. Dragon College maintains appropriate insurance policies.
Marketing and Advertising
Dragon College of Business promoted its training programs with integrity, accuracy and professionalism, avoiding vague and ambiguous statements. In the provision of information, no false or misleading comparisons are drawn with any other training organisation or training product.
Training and Assessment Standards
The personnel of Dragon College of Business possess appropriate qualifications and experience to deliver the training and facilitate the assessment as appropriate to the training programs offered. Assessment meets the National Assessment Principles (including Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer.) Adequate facilities, equipment and training materials will be created and delivered to ensure that the learning environment is conducive to learner success.
Copyright
Dragon College’s training materials are covered by copyright protection. External sources used within Dragon’s programs have been obtained legally and legitimately. Dragon is registered with the Australian Copyright Agency for this purpose.
Meeting Our Commitments
Dragon College of Business will honour all guarantees as they are provided on our website and in the Dragon College Policies, Procedures and Tools Manual. We understand that if we do not meet the obligations of this Code or supporting regulatory requirements, we may have our registration as a Registered Training Organisation withdrawn. Dragon College of Business is committed to providing its clients with a high quality service. This commitment is evident in the policies and procedures that the College has in place. We aim to provide a training service that is centred on the needs of our learners and their employers. Dragon College of Business, in conjunction with learners and other stakeholders, conducts regular internal reviews of its operations in order to maintain a high quality training organisation.
Timelines for Issuing Qualifications and Results
Dragon College of Business will provide students with written feedback by email of their assessment within 72 hours (excluding public holidays) except for holistic or major assessments which will be responded to by email within five working days of the receipt of your assessment. Qualifications will be issued within 21 days of the issue of their results unless an appeal against assessment has been lodged. Appeals lodged against assessments must be made within 30 days of receiving the assessment results. Dragon College will examine these appeals and a result of the appeal will be provided to the student within 14 days of the day of the appeal’s lodgement. A certificate will only be re-issued to student on receipt of a written request and the payment of a fee of $40.
Records Management
Dragon College of Business ensures that its record keeping procedures comply with the quality standards of the AQTF standards. All client and student records are confidential. Dragon College’s recording systems ensure the permanent backup of documentation to ensure the security of client and student documents. Clients and students will have access to their records on request.
Student Welfare
Dragon College of Business will provide counselling and support to students experiencing difficulties with their studies. In circumstances where students require specialised assistance outside the expertise of Dragon College, we shall provide referral to agencies that can support these needs.
Documented Policies and Procedures
Dragon College of Business has documented policies and procedures covering all aspects of the work it conducts and the administration of its operations. These policies are freely available to all clients and students upon request.
Anti Discrimination
Dragon College of Business is committed to providing a workplace and learning environment which does not discriminate against people based on ethnicity, gender, sexual preferences or disability.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
The objective of the College’s RPL Policy is to ensure that an individual's prior learning achieved through formal and informal training, work experience or other life experience is appropriately recognised. Any student is entitled to apply for recognition in a course or qualification in which they are currently enrolled. Students may not apply for recognition for units of competence or qualification which are not included in Dragon College’s scope of registration. Whilst students may apply for recognition at any time, they are encouraged to apply before commencing a training program. This will reduce unnecessary training and guide the student down a more efficient path to competence. Students who are currently enrolled in a training program are eligible to apply for recognition in that program at no additional charge. Assessment via recognition is to apply the principles of assessment and the rules of evidence. Recognition may only be awarded for whole units of competence. If you wish to apply for RPL, please contact Dragon College.
Privacy Policy
To protect the privacy of all information provided by you to Dragon College of Business, we have adopted a Privacy Policy which is applicable to all information that you provide to AOT in any form, whether you provide the information through Dragon’s website or through any other means. Dragon operates consistently with the 10 National Privacy Principles of the Federal Government (www.privacy.gov.au/publications/npps01.pdf).
Complaints Procedure
Dragon College of Business maintains complaint procedures for learners who wish to lodge a complaint in regard to any of the services provided by the College. Where such complains cannot be resolved internally, an objective third party (mutually agreed) will be provided to assist in this process.
Additional Costs
The price that learners pay to study with us includes all of the relevant training materials, the bonus business library, and their associated delivery costs. There are no additional costs.
Student Handbook
To view our student hand book click here
