Introduction to Practice Management
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Questions and Answers

Mark Boffa was a member of which committee of the Australian Institute of Architects NSW?

  • Education Committee
  • Practice Committee (correct)
  • Sustainability Committee
  • Design Committee
  • The National Standard of Competency for Architects 2015 includes competencies related to Practice Management.

    True (A)

    What is one key area covered by the National Standard of Competency for Architects 2021 regarding Practice Management and Professional Conduct?

    Complying with regulatory requirements and obligations

    Mark Boffa is the sole principal of an aged care boutique practice of ______ people.

    <p>12</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following learning outcomes with their description:

    <p>Starting a practice = Determine the key aspects Practice Management Plan = Formulate a sensible plan Practice Success = Understand how to make it more successful Practice Structure = Demonstrate a better awareness of associated risks</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a learning outcome of the module?

    <p>Designing environmentally sustainable buildings (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Mark Boffa graduated from RMIT in 1989.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a common reason for complaints received by the board of architects?

    <p>Poor practice management (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Business acumen is typically a natural strength for most architects.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What understanding must architects bring to bear on their work as problem solvers?

    <p>commercial understanding</p> Signup and view all the answers

    An architect's role as problem solvers requires a certain ______ understanding.

    <p>commercial</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following terms with their descriptions:

    <p>Charge-out Rate = The cost per unit time (e.g., hour) for an employee's services Business Cycles = Recurring patterns of expansion and contraction in economic activity Time Management = Techniques used to effectively and efficiently arrange one's time Fair Work Commision = Australian workplace relations tribunal created by the Fair Work Act 2009.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the provided resources, what does the 'Architects Award' refer to?

    <p>A modern award document available from the Fair Work Commission. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The strategies developed in practice management are universally applicable to every practice.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a key area covered in the presentation?

    <p>The establishment and successful operation of a practice (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    A considerable proportion of complaints received by the board of architects relate to the architect’s poor ______ management.

    <p>practice</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a potential benefit of being a shareholder in a company?

    <p>Share of the profits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Income derived from being a shareholder depends on working in the company.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a reasonable assumption that can be made if a registered professional is presented with a commission?

    <p>the work would be completed satisfactorily and in a technically competent manner</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Most actively traded businesses had turnover of less than ______.

    <p>200k</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of businesses had fewer than 5 employees?

    <p>88% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Turnover and profit are synonymous within a business context.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Besides a share of profits, what is another financial benefit that a shareholder might experience?

    <p>capital gain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Businesses in Australia are mainly ______ businesses.

    <p>small</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What should a senior architect consider before starting a business?

    <p>The potential for achieving a better standard of living (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the term with its description:

    <p>Employee = Receives a salary or wages for their work Shareholder = Owns shares in a company and receives a portion of the profits Turnover = The total revenue generated by a business Capital Gain = Profit earned from selling an asset at a higher price than the purchase price</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What initial marketing strategies did the practice employ in its early days?

    <p>Sent out a large number of letters and engaged in meeting and greeting, contributing articles, and giving talks. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Engaging contractors from day 1 freed up the principal to market the practice.

    <p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the concepts presented, which approach is considered most sustainable in the long run?

    <p>Under promising and over delivering (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key financial risk the practice took early on to fund the engagement of contractors?

    <p>borrowed against their house</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The practice partners settled into receiving a ______ income within 6 months.

    <p>regular</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The '1-10-100' rule and '101/99' rule are examples of budgeting strategies typically found in accounting textbooks.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following best describes the practice's purchasing strategy?

    <p>Avoid purchasing anything unless they have the cash. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary purpose of maintaining a cash flow document?

    <p>To project invoicing against projects over the coming months and guide work prioritization.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    All employees in the firm are permanent employees.

    <p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the 'bank balance analogy', a generous approach to clients builds up a healthy ______, which can help buffer against mistakes.

    <p>balance</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How often does the practice reconcile their GST?

    <p>monthly</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following management activities with their impacts:

    <p>Adding or reducing team members = Change in budget and resource allocation Committing to a large purchase with ongoing consequences = Impact on long-term cash flow and maintenance costs Engaging consultants directly = Immediate impact on project costs and expertise</p> Signup and view all the answers

    The practice keeps a close watch on the availability of ______, work in progress, and debtors list.

    <p>funds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What approach does the practice take when presenting information to clients?

    <p>Presents clients with a realistic picture, even if it's not what they want to see. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Match the following descriptions with the corresponding terms:

    <p>Marketing the practice early on = Sending letters and attending meetings Financial decision = Borrowing against the owner's house Employee structure = Contractors with an ABN Client approach = Presenting a realistic picture</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Starting a Practice

    Key aspects involved in establishing an architectural practice.

    Management Plan

    A structured strategy to oversee the operations of a practice.

    Practice Success Factors

    Elements that contribute to enhancing the effectiveness of a practice.

    Practice Structure

    The organization and framework of an architectural firm.

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    Associated Risks

    Potential issues or challenges that can arise in managing a practice.

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    Regulatory Compliance

    Adhering to laws and professional standards in architectural practice.

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    Continuing Professional Development

    Ongoing education to enhance skills and knowledge in architecture.

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    Trust Matrix

    A tool to analyze and manage trust in relationships.

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    Under Promise and Over Deliver

    A strategy to manage expectations by delivering more than promised.

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    Bank Balance Analogy

    The concept of generosity as a reserve for handling mistakes with clients.

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    Budgeting in Practice Management

    Using spreadsheets as dynamic tools for financial management in a practice.

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    Cash Flow Tool

    A living document that tracks projects and invoicing over time.

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    Practice Management

    The process of overseeing and guiding the operations of an architectural firm.

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    Business Focus

    The emphasis on commercial aspects in architectural practice, beyond design.

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    Commercial Understanding

    The knowledge of business principles and practices relevant to architecture.

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    Charge-out Rate

    The hourly fee charged for services rendered by an architectural firm.

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    Profitability

    The ability of a business to generate profit relative to its costs.

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    Office Administration

    The management of office tasks and workflows in an architectural practice.

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    Time Management

    The process of planning and exercising control over how time is spent.

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    Employment Agreements

    Contracts outlining the terms of employment for architectural staff.

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    Architects Award

    A modern award covering the minimum employment standards for architects.

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    Early Decisions in Practice

    Initial choices made to set a foundation for the architectural practice.

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    Hiring Contractors

    Employing contractors from the start to support business operations.

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    Financial Risk

    Borrowing against personal assets to fund business operations.

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    First Six Months

    Period within which the practice started to generate income.

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    Team Composition

    Engaging experienced team members to enhance practice quality.

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    Cash-Based Purchasing

    Buying only with available cash to avoid debt.

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    Monthly GST Reconciliation

    Practice measure to ensure financial accuracy each month.

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    Client Transparency

    Being honest and realistic with clients to build trust.

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    Generosity with Clients

    Having a generous approach towards clients to foster goodwill.

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    Fee Proposal Refinement

    Constantly improving the pricing strategies for services offered.

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    Employee

    An individual working for a company, earning a salary or wages.

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    Income Types

    Different sources of earnings, such as salary or dividends.

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    Shareholder

    An individual or entity that owns shares in a company.

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    Profit Share

    Distribution of profits among owners or shareholders.

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    Capital Gain

    Increase in the value of an asset over time.

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    Capital Loss

    Decrease in the value of an asset over time.

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    Small Businesses

    Companies typically with fewer than 5 employees and low annual turnover.

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    Turnover

    The total sales made by a business in a given time period.

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    Client Attraction

    Strategies to draw customers to a business.

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    Marketing

    Activities aimed at promoting and selling products or services.

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    Study Notes

    Introduction to Practice Management

    • This module covers topics from practice establishment to successful operation.
    • The presenter, Mark Boffa, has extensive experience in the profession, starting at 17 years old and progressing to sole principal of a 12-person aged care practice.

    Learning Outcomes

    • Students should be able to determine key aspects of practice startup.
    • Develop a sensible management plan for the practice.
    • Understand approaches to practice success and risks.
    • Demonstrate practice structure awareness.

    NSCA Performance Criteria (2015)

    • This module aligns with competency 9.7 regarding legal requirements, practice management, and architect registration.

    NSCA Performance Criteria (2021)

    • This module aligns with competency PC 1, which covers regulatory compliance, professional codes of conduct, continuing professional development, and professional indemnity insurance.

    Background

    • Practice management is often overlooked but is a crucial aspect of a successful practice.
    • Strategies for success should be tailored to individual experience.
    • Practices must also consider business aspects, including design focus and business focus.

    Early Decisions

    • The speaker notes that early decisions like employing contractors before securing commissions were crucial for early practice success.
    • The speaker employed 3 contractors immediately for operational support for the practice.
    • Key elements of initial practice management included careful financial management and cash flow.

    Practice Structure

    • There are three main ways to structure a practice: sole practitioner, partnership, and company.
    • Risks and responsibilities vary based on structure.
    • Benchmarks of performance within the practice are available via AIA membership.

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    Description

    This module explores essential topics in practice management, from startup to successful operation, presented by expert Mark Boffa. Students will gain insights into management planning, regulatory compliance, and strategies for a thriving practice. Prepare to enhance your understanding of practice structure and legal requirements.

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