23rd May 2008, 05:10 PM
The problem (or good thing?) is that people see themselves as archaeologists 1st and business people 2nd. Which means that the archaeology often suffers less than the archaeologists do!
On the other hand, I've seen some companies employ non-archaeologists in a business development role and sorely regret the decision. Many people from outside 'the business' don't understand the market place. I've seen too many people with (as that's what has been quoted) MBAs who think that they have all the answers because they've done a course, but they don't understand their product at all.
I take your point that it's only a starting place, but better this than nothing! Most of the units here that have been around for a while do have people with a fair idea of how to run a business in charge now, but it's the people who want to move into management who need this.
In my opinion, in most cases it's better to be a good archaeologist with a little bit of knowledge on how to develop and run a business than a top business person with no idea about the archaeology. Most units just can't afford you, for a start!
On the other hand, I've seen some companies employ non-archaeologists in a business development role and sorely regret the decision. Many people from outside 'the business' don't understand the market place. I've seen too many people with (as that's what has been quoted) MBAs who think that they have all the answers because they've done a course, but they don't understand their product at all.
I take your point that it's only a starting place, but better this than nothing! Most of the units here that have been around for a while do have people with a fair idea of how to run a business in charge now, but it's the people who want to move into management who need this.
In my opinion, in most cases it's better to be a good archaeologist with a little bit of knowledge on how to develop and run a business than a top business person with no idea about the archaeology. Most units just can't afford you, for a start!