Course Title: Analyse and present research information

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2016

Course Code: BUSM7935C

Course Title: Analyse and present research information

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5339 - Diploma of Business Administration

Course Contact: Sylvia Baroutis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5469

Course Contact Email: sylvia.baroutis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 40

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 gather, organise, analyse and present workplace information using available systems. This includes identifying research requirements and sources of information, applying information to a set of facts, evaluating the quality of the information, and preparing and producing reports.

It applies to individuals who are required to apply their broad knowledge of the work environment to analysis and research tasks, evaluate information from a variety of sources and apply solutions to a range of unpredictable problems.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBRES401 Analyse and present research information

Element:

1. Gather and organise information

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Gather and organise information in a format suitable for analysis, interpretation and dissemination in accordance with organisational requirements 1.2 Access information held by the organisation ensuring accuracy and relevance in line with established organisational requirements 1.3 Ensure that methods of collecting information are reliable and make efficient use of resources in accordance with organisational requirements 1.4 Identify research requirements for combining online research with non-electronic sources of information 1.5 Use business technology to access, organise and monitor information in accordance with organisational requirements 1.6 Update, modify, maintain and store information, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

2. Research and analyse information

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Clearly define objectives of research ensuring consistency with organisational requirements 2.2 Ensure that data and research strategies used are valid and relevant to the requirements of the research and make efficient use of available resources 2.3 Identify key words and phrases for use as part of any online search strategy, including the use of Boolean operators and other search tools 2.4 Use reliable methods of data analysis that are suitable to research purposes 2.5 Ensure that assumptions and conclusions used in analyses are clear, justified, supported by evidence and consistent with research and business objectives

Element:

3. Present information

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present recommendations and issues in an appropriate format, style and structure using suitable business technology 3.2 Structure and format reports in a clear manner that conforms to organisational requirements 3.3 Report and distribute research findings in accordance with organisational requirements 3.4 Obtain feedback and comments on suitability and sufficiency of findings in accordance with organisational requirements


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Students will learn through classroom and field experiments. They will have access to workplace information systems, equipment and resources, workplace policies and procedures, case studies and, where possible, real situations. Their evidence will be gathered as a consistent demonstration of performance of typical activities experienced in the knowledge management-research field of work.


Teaching Schedule

 

 Week

Weekly Date

 Week commencing                                                                                                                        

 

 

Assessment                                                                                                                                                     

 

 

 Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
• Program overview and requirements
• My RMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including: Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers, Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student Responsibilities

 

 

 1

Week commencing 4 July

 Topic: Gather and organise information

Introduction to the course as above. 

  • Accuracy of enrolment
  • Assessment requirements/cover sheets
  • What is research?
  • Textbook: Chapter 14. Read this chapter during the scheduled weeks plus access the CourseMate Website for this text.

Overview Assessment Task 1: consists of 3 steps
 

 2

11 July

Topic: Gather and organise information

 Download Endnote. See Library website http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/endnote 

The research and analysis process

Workshop your workplace based topic

The workplace research project: information required

 

 3

18 July

Topic: Gather and organise information

Meetings with teacher to finalise step 1

Read up to page 443 of Chapter 14. Complete practice exercises 14.1

Who is your audience?


Meet with teacher to determine research topic.

 4

25 July

Topic: Gather and organise information 

Meetings with teacher to finalise step 1

Complete practice exercises 14.1

Step 1 due
 

 5

1 August

Topic: Gather and organise information 

Endnote tutorial and practice session

Primary sources and secondary sources of information

Method of research (what tools will you use to help you find your answers to your research)

 


 

 6

8 August

Topic: Gather and organise information

Deductive and inductive reasoning

Harvard style referencing (using Endnote software)


 

 7

15 August

Topic: Research and analyse information  

Conduct research: Keeping in mind making recommendations based on your conclusions


 

 8

22 August


Topic: Research and analyse information

Conduct research: Keeping in mind making recommendations based on your conclusions

Bibliography

Read chapter 21: communicate visually through graphics

 

 

29 August - 4 September

Mid-Semester Break


 

 9

5 September

Topic: Research and analyse information 

Conduct research: Keeping in mind making recommendations based on your conclusions

Finish reading chapter 14 to page 455

Step 2 draft due
 

 10

12 September

Topic: Research and analyse information

Conduct research: Keeping in mind making recommendations based on your conclusions 

 

 11

19 September

Topic: Research and analyse information 

Read Chapter 5: Deliver presentations and speeches

Workshop on presentation techniques

Step 2 due
 

 12

26 September

Topic: Present information

Presentation techniques

Step 3 due
 

 13

3 October

Work Integrated Learning (Placement)


 

 14

10 October

Work Integrated Learning (Placement) 


 

 15

17 October

Topic: Present information 

Step 3 due

 16

24 October

Feedback and review.

Submit all assessment to the dropbox by Friday 28 October at 5pm.

17

31 October

Re-submissions if required.

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

The Business Communication Handbook, 10ed, Judith Dwyer, Cengage Learning

9780170354172


References


Other Resources

Blackboard.


Overview of Assessment

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

Performance Evidence

 Evidence of the ability to:    

  • identify or confirm research requirements and objectives
  • gather, organise and present workplace information and data
  • update, modify, maintain and store information
  • maintain and handle data and documents systematically and securely
  • prepare and produce reports including:
    • recommendations based on the analysis of information
    • clear and justified assumptions and conclusions
    • use of efficient, valid and reliable methods
  • use Boolean operators and other search tools
  • analyse, evaluate and interpret data to support organisational activities.

Knowledge Evidence

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

  • explain organisational systems for recordkeeping/filing, including security procedures
  • identify organisational policies and procedures and legal and ethical obligations relating to workplace information
  • explain concepts related to research and analysis including reliability and validity
  • give examples of techniques for data analysis and how they are applied
  • explain research processes and strategies to identify new sources (online and print) of information and to use them most efficiently and effectively. 

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the knowledge management – research field of work and include access to:

  • workplace information systems, equipment and resources
  • workplace policies and procedures
  • case studies and, where possible, real situations.

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

Assessment Task 1 

All Assessments must be passed to be deemed competent in this course.

 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Assessment Task
You are required to complete Assessment Task 1 to be deemed competent in this course. Due dates are in the weekly Teaching Schedule above.

Overview

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must attempt all steps of this assessment task to be deemed competent in this course. 

Assessment Task 1: Workplace Research Project

Task 1 consists of three parts or steps. There is one task for this assessment. You will receive feedback and a grade for each step during the semester. Referencing the requirements of this marking guide, you will learn the research and analysis process.

Step 1 due in Week 4 to produce this one page document you will need to meet with your teacher by week 3 to determine your research topic.  You will produce a one page signed agreement which is a document that clearly defines your purpose, objectives and research criteria. You will explain your research method. This document will be dated and signed by both you and your teacher indicating your agreement on the research workplace oriented topic.  Submit this to the dropbox.

Step 2 due in Week 11 will be your research project. Submit a draft for teacher comment by week 9. This report will be no more than 12 pages, (2,000 words) and follow the RMIT guidelines for Research Reports.  You will reference using Endnote and the Harvard (author date system). Your research project will have a:

Title Page

Table of Contents

Abstract

Introduction

Method

Argument and findings

Summary and recommendations

Bibliography

 

Your teacher will sign your draft before you submit the final copy to the dropbox by week 11.

Step 3 due in Weeks 12 and 15.  You will present your Workplace Research Project using PowerPoint. Prepare handouts for the class. Observer feedback guide:

  1. Did the research project meet the purpose, objective and research criteria described in Step 1, Week 4?
  2. Did the student identify the problem(s)?
  3. Did the student demonstrate an understanding of the problem(s) and apply a suitable research method.
  4. Did the student provide suitable recommendations?
  5. Did the student present clearly, using voice and body language and equipment in an appropriate manner, keeping to a 15 minute time limit, and then allowing time for questioning?

Submit completed work for all three steps to the dropbox by Week 16, Friday 28 October at 5pm.

You will receive feedback on this assessment task and as a result you will be informed whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing.  Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.



Submission Requirements
• Submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Keep  a hard and soft copy of your assessment tasks.
• Put the Assessment Task into the Assessment Record and Cover Sheet.  It is on the Learning Hub (Blackboard) blackboard. You must fill in the Assessment Record and Cover Sheet . It  includes a declaration which declares that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work.

Submit ALL of the Assessment Record and Cover sheet to the correct assignment box on the Learning Hub (Blackboard).  

Each page of your Assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.

Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.  More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf 

Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, you must apply for special consideration. Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.   More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf 

Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful 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.

Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31 

Marking Guide (Competency):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.


Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

Final Grades table:

CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI   Competent with Distinction
CC    Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment


Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria is indicated on the marking criteria.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview