Real Work That Builds Confidence
Our students tackle actual business negotiation scenarios that go beyond textbook theory. You'll prepare proposals for clients with competing interests, draft terms that balance risk across multiple parties, and present recommendations that someone might actually use.
Starting in late 2025, participants work through structured projects based on genuine Australian market conditions. These aren't hypothetical exercises—they're drawn from situations we've encountered in commercial property deals, partnership formations, and supply chain agreements across Canberra and regional centres.
Partnership Dispute Resolution
In this project, students analyze a deteriorating partnership between two small manufacturing businesses. You'll review their original agreements, identify where expectations diverged, and propose restructuring options that address both parties' concerns without destroying operational continuity.
Multi-Party Supplier Contracts
This assignment involves a regional distributor negotiating with three competing suppliers simultaneously. Students develop comparative frameworks, identify leverage points, and create proposal structures that maintain relationship integrity while securing favorable terms across volume commitments and payment schedules.
How Projects Actually Unfold
Each assignment follows a deliberate sequence that mirrors how negotiations develop in commercial settings. There's no rushing through—you'll spend time understanding context before jumping to solutions.
Situation Assessment Phase
You'll receive background materials including previous correspondence, financial summaries, and stakeholder profiles. The first task is understanding what each party actually needs versus what they're initially requesting—those are rarely the same thing.
Strategic Framework Development
Students draft negotiation approaches based on their analysis. This includes identifying potential concessions, preparing fallback positions, and determining which issues can be bundled together for mutual benefit. It's detail work that requires thinking several moves ahead.
Execution and Documentation
The final deliverable combines written proposals, presentation materials, and implementation timelines. You'll defend your approach during review sessions where instructors challenge assumptions and probe for weaknesses—similar to how business partners would scrutinize recommendations.
Comparative Analysis Review
After submission, we examine how different students approached the same scenario. This part often generates the most valuable insights—seeing how others structured their thinking reveals alternative strategies you hadn't considered.
Questions About Project Work
When can I actually start working on projects?
Our next cohort begins in September 2025. You'll complete foundational coursework during the first six weeks before receiving your first project assignment. Most students tackle three substantial projects over a twelve-month period.
Do I work alone or with other students?
Initial analysis and strategy development happens individually. Some projects include a collaborative phase where you'll negotiate with classmates representing opposing interests. It depends on the scenario—real negotiations sometimes involve solo preparation and sometimes require team coordination.
What if I don't have business experience yet?
Projects are structured to build skills progressively. Early assignments focus on straightforward two-party negotiations with clear objectives. Later scenarios introduce complexity gradually—additional stakeholders, conflicting priorities, incomplete information. Everyone starts from wherever their current understanding sits.
Will these projects help me find work afterward?
Students include project summaries in their portfolios when applying for roles in business development, procurement, or commercial operations. The work demonstrates analytical thinking and communication skills that employers can evaluate. It's not a guarantee of employment, but it provides concrete examples of capability beyond academic transcripts.
How much time should I expect to spend?
Most students dedicate 8-12 hours per week to project work during active phases. That includes research, drafting, revision after feedback, and preparation for presentations. Some weeks are lighter, others more intensive depending on where you are in the project cycle.