Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: COSC6185C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4362 - Certificate IV in Bookkeeping

Course Contact: Ben Sethia

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1374

Course Contact Email: bhupendra.sethia@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Inna Kazakevich

inna.kazakevich@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 50

Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

Pre-requisites and Co-requisites

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to use spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and produce complex documents.

It applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who require skills in creation of complex spreadsheets to store and retrieve data. They may work as individuals providing administrative support within an enterprise, or may be independently responsible for designing and working with spreadsheets relevant to their own work roles.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBITU402 Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Element:

1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Organise personal work environment in accordance with ergonomic requirements
1.2 Analyse task and determine specifications for spreadsheets
1.3 Identify organisational and task requirements of data entry, storage, output, reporting and presentation requirements
1.4 Apply work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques to plan work activities

Element:

2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Utilise spreadsheet design software functions and formulae to meet identified requirements
2.2 Link spreadsheets in accordance with software procedures
2.3 Format cells and use data attributes assigned with relative and/or absolute cell references, in accordance with task specifications
2.4 Test formulae to confirm output meets task requirements

Element:

3. Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate tasks to identify those where automation would increase efficiency
3.2 Create, use and edit macros to fulfil requirements of task and automate spreadsheet operation
3.3 Develop, edit and use templates to ensure consistency of design and layout for forms and reports, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

4. Use spreadsheets

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Enter, check and amend data in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.2 Import and export data between compatible spreadsheets and adjust host documents, in accordance with software and system procedures
4.3 Use manuals, user documentation and online help to overcome problems with spreadsheet design and production
4.4 Preview, adjust and print spreadsheet in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.5 Name and store spreadsheet in accordance with organisational requirements and exit application without data loss or damage

Element:

5. Represent numerical data in graphic form

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Determine style of graph to meet specified requirements and manipulate spreadsheet data if necessary to suit graph requirements
5.2 Create graphs with labels and titles from numerical data contained in a spreadsheet file
5.3 Save, view and print graph within designated timelines


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

The learning activities for this course will incorporate activities based around various spread sheet topics ranging from formula construction, use of spreadsheet functions, creating templates and macros, linking worksheets and workbooks, importing data, and creating a fostering sustainable workplace practices and employing ergonomic principles at a workstation. All are detailed and maintained on the Blackboard for this course.  Please refer to the Blackboard where the topics are under the Learning materials.

This course can be completed by successful application of a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) or by completing the course online over 8 weeks.  All information regarding RPL’s and the course materials, activities and assessments can be located in the Blackboard for this course.


Teaching Schedule

 

Week # DATE TOPICS ASSESSMENT
1 July 4    

Ergonomics & Sustainability

 

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials – Ergonomics & Sustainability

 
2     July 11    

Basic Excel

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 1 - Spreadsheet skills reviewed (pg.1 – 14)

Complete exercises:

  • Consolidation Task 1 pg. 12
Consolidation Task 2 pg.14    
 
3     July 18    

Formulas

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 2 – Formula in Excel (pg.15 – 22)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials – Relative vs. Absolute

 

Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 1,2 & 3
  • Consolidation Task 3 pg.21
Consolidation Task 4 pg.22    

Ergonomics & Sustainability – Online Test

 

Due date 22/07/2016

4     July 25    

Functions

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 3– Functions in Excel (pg.32– 42)
  • Topic 4 – Statistical Functions (pg.28 – 31)

 

Complete exercises:

Hands-on exercise 4 & 5    

Consolidation Task 3 pg.21

 

Consolidation Task 4 pg.22

Due date -29/07/16

5     August 1    

Adjusting Worksheet, Naming range

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 5– Viewing and adjusting worksheets (pg.23 – 27)
  • Topic 6– Using Date & Time functions (pg.43– 42)

 

Complete exercises:

Hands-on exercise 6,7,8,9,10,11,12 & 13    
 
  6       August 8      Functions & Templates

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 7 – Using logical functions (pg.48 – 55)
  • Topic 8 – Create & editing templates (pg.56– 60)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials – Spreadsheet design and Templates

Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 14,15, 17,18 & 19
  • Consolidation Task 5 pg.55
  • Consolidation Task 6 pg.60

Consolidation Task 6 pg.60

Due date -12/8/16    

   7       August 15     Functions

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 9 – Using Lookup Functions (pg.61– 66)
  • Topic 10 – Using Math Functions (pg.67– 70)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials older- Lookup Functions

 Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 17,18, &19, 20, 21,22 & 23
Consolidation Task 7 pg.66    
 
  8       August 22      Chart

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 11 – Charting and Pictures in Excel (pg.71– 86)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials folder - Charts

 Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 24,25,26,27,28,29 & 30
Consolidation Task 8 pg.82    

Consolidation Task 8 pg.82

 

Due date 26/08/2016     
      29 August - 2 September- Mid-Semester Break         
9     Sept 5    

Functions

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 12 – Using Financial Functions (pg.83– 89)
  • Topic 13– Useful Text Functions (pg.90– 92)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials – Spreadsheet design and Templates/ Illustrative Example (refer to Financial Modelling Task)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials- Functions – Logical & Finance Functions

Complete exercises:

Hands-on exercise 31,32 & 33    

Financial Modelling task – download instructions rom Assessment tasks in Blackboard

Due date 09/09/16

10      Sept 12    

Pivot Tables

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 14 – Working with data in tables (pg.93– 100)
  • Topic 15 - Creating Pivot Tables and Pivot Charts (pg.101– 104)

 

Complete exercises:

Hands-on exercise 34,35,36,37,38,39,40 & 41    
 
11  Sept 19    

Database, Importing & Exporting data

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 16– Useful database functions (pg.105 – 111)
  • Topic 17 –Importing & exporting data (pg.112– 120)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials – Importing and Exporting data

Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 42,43,44,45 & 46
Consolidation Task 9 pg.120    

Consolidation Task 9 pg.120

 

Due date 23/09/2016    
12 Sept 26    

Linking Excel Data & Data Consolidation

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 18– Linking Excel Data (pg.121 – 126)
  • Topic 19 –Tools for summarising data (pg.127– 148)

 Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 47,48,49,50,51,52,53,54,55 & 56
Consolidation Task 10 pg.148    
 
13 Oct 3    

 

Linking Excel Data & Data Consolidation

Read Book Materials:

  • Topic 20– Linking Excel Data (pg.149 – 154)
  • Topic 19 –Tools for summarising data (pg.155– 171)

Read Blackboard information from Learning materials - Macros

 Complete exercises:

  • Hands-on exercise 57,58,59 & 56
  • Consolidation Task 11 pg.171

Consolidation Task 11 pg.171

 

Due date 7/10/2016    
14 Oct 10     Tasks resubmission      
15 Oct 17    Feedback and resubmission      
16 Oct 24  

Feedback 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Tilde skills Develop & Use Complex Spreadsheets" 2nd ed Excel 2010, Published by Tilde Publishing

978-0-7346-0795-9


References


Other Resources

All resources for activities and learning, exercises and assessments will be provided through a combination of your text and your Teacher/Mentor. Materials will be made available on the Blackboard.


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • follow organisational and safe work practices including:
    • ergonomic requirements
    • energy and resource conservation techniques
  • adhere to organisational requirements for:
    • ensuring consistency of style, design and layout
    • saving and printing documents within designated timelines
    • naming and storing documents
  • adhere to identified or task requirements when producing documents including:
    • editing macros and automating some tasks
    • using appropriate templates
    • creating graphs to represent data
  • resolve issues by referring to user documentation and online help
  • use appropriate data storage options
  • evaluate tasks to improve efficiency
  • apply knowledge of functions and features of contemporary computer applications
  • communicate with relevant personnel.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • explain advanced functions of spreadsheet software applications
  • describe impact of formatting and design on presentation and readability of data
  • explain organisational requirements for ergonomics, work periods and breaks, and conservation techniques.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the information and communications technology – IT use field of work and include access to:

  • organisational policies and procedures
  • relevant workplace documentation and resources
  • industry software packages and user instructions.

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.       


Assessment Tasks

 

udents must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent and will be required to demonstrate all of the indicators which are shown below.

The following range of assessment methods will be used to assess practical skills and knowledge:

1. evaluating an integrated activity which combines the elements of the competency for the course – via the assessments;
2. verbal or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills – via the assessments;
3. setting and reviewing workplace projects and business simulations – via the assessments;
4. evaluating samples of work - via the assessments; and
5. accessing and validating third party reports - via the assessments.

Critical aspects of Assessment:

Evidence of the following is also essential:

  1. developing complex spreadsheets
  2. developing graphical representations of data contained in spreadsheets
     

Assessment Tasks

1. Assessment Online MCQ Test Week 1 Use Spreadsheets

This online assessment consists of multiple choice questions relating to ergonomic requirements, work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques and relevant legislation. The assessment may be completed online.

2. Portfolio of evidence (7 Consolidation Tasks)

Students will complete seven (7) practical exercises during the semester. Refer to submission requirements below. You may also be required to demonstrate how you have completed tasks via questioning and observation if required.

All the portfolio of evidence exercises will be derived from the prescribed text for this course: Tilde skills Develop & Use Complex Spreadsheets 2nd Edition. It is therefore imperative that learners avail themselves of this text. 

All criteria of the assessment must be completed correctly to be deemed competent.


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

 

To be deemed competent students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a competency. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over multiple tasks. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

All competency based assessments for this course must be completed to achieve CA. If a student has been marked NYC (Not Yet Competent) in any of the assessment tasks, then they will begranted a reassessment for that assessment. Reassessments will only be granted to students who were either unsuccessful in the first attempt or have an approved special consideration application (please refer to the RMIT website regarding the policy with respect to the application and submission of a special consideration).

To be deemed competent in this unit the participant will be required to demonstrate all indicators which are shown in the Assessment Tasks for each Assessment. The indicators described above are detailed further in this document.


Marking Guide (competency) for each assessment:

Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention. The marking guides or assessment matrix for each assessment together with the assessment will be discussed in class by your teacher/mentor at the beginning of the semester and prior to the assessment taking place. Each student will also receive this document completed by the teacher/mentor and the feedback with regard to performance in each assessment. Feedback is incorporated in the assessment matrix which each student will be given before each assessment. This will be completed by the teacher/mentor who will then go over this document and the feedback with each student individually. The assessment matrix documents are attached to each assessment.

Marking Guide (Grading)

After achieving competency, we then grade your performance in the unit. This gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards. If you are deemed competent in the two assessments above, then you will be given a CA (competent) for this course.

Resubmissions (VET Programs)
 

If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.
If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview