Homecoming Magazine

Homecoming is the magazine for the Alumni and Friends of Avondale University College.

Homecoming is the magazine for the Alumni and Friends of Avondale College of Higher Education.

Panel discussion as part of the launch of the book, South Pacific Perspectives on Ordination: Biblical, Theological and Historical Studies in an Adventist Context.

This research is a case study based on the “lived experience” of two not-for-profit organisations wanting to create synergies and efficiencies in back office operations and to increase the offerings of services to existing clients by joining together as one business unit. This research has followed the different stages of the proposed merger or acquisition from the initial signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), to the strategic planning for the new entity including the potential organisational structure, board structure and executive team recruitment. The negotiations have varied from the rejection of a takeover, to the proposal of a merger, to the eventual decision for the larger organisation to “acquire” the smaller organisation. These decisions were deliberated at great length by both organisations, but the clear driver in all negotiations was TRUST. Trust that at all times the outcomes should benefit clients, trust that the new Board would be represented in equal parts by both of the organisations and trust that the new senior executive team of the single entity would utilise the efficiencies gained to sustain the organisation. But this trust also became an inhibitor at times, where trust was used as an excuse to not carry out all due diligence governance processes (DDGP). This lived experience has shown that Trust is indeed an important factor in any proposed merger or acquisition but will never replace DDGP. In fact DDGP enhanced trust, and enabled for more transparent decisions to be reached by both parties at the negotiation table. The not-for-profit sector can learn a great deal from this case study that shows the benefits of societal needs of their clients in aged care, disability and transport by a merger or acquisition. It should be used by other not-for-profit organisations to put into practice strategic merger and acquisition processes to create an organisation that is run efficiently and for the benefit of their clients, with a combination of trust and DDGP.

Reflections is an official publication of Avondale College, published biannually for alumni and friends

Editor: Kevin Judge Consultants: Joan Patrick, Andrea Steele Layout and Design: Ann Stafford Photography: Gilmore Tanabose Alumni Association President: Calvyn Townend Avondale Administration President: John Cox Vice President Academic: Vivienne Watts Associate Vice President Academic: Harwood Lockton Vice President Finance: Rob Ellison Assistant to President (Advancement): Allen Steele Development and Alumni Relations Director: Kevin Judge

Homecoming is the magazine for the Alumni and Friends of Avondale College of Higher Education.

Homecoming is the Alumni magazine of Avondale College of Higher Education.

Homecoming is the Alumni magazine of Avondale College of Higher Education.

Homecoming is the magazine of the Avondale Alumni Association.

Homecoming is the magazine of the Avondale Alumni Association.