Information About the Costing & Pricing Learning Program
The Curtin University Not-for-profit Initiative has teamed up with NDS to develop a practical learning program which aims to increase costing and pricing skills for disability service providers across Australia.
The purpose of the program is to build knowledge and skills around costing and pricing amongst management, financial, service and operational staff.
The program has been made available for small to medium size service providers with a turnover of anywhere up to $12 million. However, it is suggested that organisations do not dwell on whether they fall into this category but, rather, that they consider whether or not the materials in the program are of value to them.
2. Service managers and senior operational staff
3. Volunteer directors of disability service organisations
4. NDS sector support staff and external contractors delivering training and assistance in financial management
5. Government agencies associated with overseeing or funding the provision of disability services
6. Accountants, auditors and other service providers to the disability sector.
The specific learning objectives of the program are for organisations and individuals to assist with understanding the nature of costing and key definitions. To understand costs, cost drivers, service delivery units and issues associated with major service areas. To help understand the stages of costing and pricing and be able to apply key decision-making principles. To understand how to do costing modelling for key supports under the NDIS such as; one to one support.
Other key objectives include; helping organisations and individuals better understand how to work sustainably towards a target price. Understand financial risks such as; cash flow management and to know how to apply appropriate control strategies. Understand financial reporting requirements and risk management strategies at the Executive and Board Level.
The materials used in the program open source, this means that trainers and others can access the materials and use freely. However, the materials cannot be deconstructed and acknowledgement of Curtin University and NDS is required.
The learning materials have been adapted to be available in a variety of different formats to cater to different learning styles and levels of skill.
The key components of the learning materials are; The Macro Case Study, Micro Case Studies, Study Guide, Webinars and also seminars.
Access to the online components or the learning program is free. Any costs associated with participation at seminars, will be specifically outlined when you choose to register for specific events.
As more disability service providers commence cost and pricing using the principles set out in the Costing & Pricing Framework, the quality of data will improve and be added to the evidence required to inform future price-setting.
The delivery of training and communication will promote greater understanding between service providers and funding bodies about how costs and prices are determined and implications for the supply and quality of disability service provision.
The incorporation of jurisdictionally centred modifications will ensure greater local relevance.
