Course Title: Conduct financial planning analysis and research
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2017
Course Code: BAFI5213C
Course Title: Conduct financial planning analysis and research
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5343 - Diploma of Financial Planning
Course Contact: Callie Harvey
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5772
Course Contact Email: callie.harvey@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
John Calabro
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 undertake financial planning analysis and research. It encompasses evaluating a client’s current situation, identifying issues and researching requirements and parameters for extracting and analysing information, and summarising research information.
It applies to individuals who, within their level of authority, apply specialised knowledge, systematic approaches and analytical techniques to research and prepare information customised for clients and/or situations.
Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
FNSFPL502 Conduct financial planning analysis and research |
Element: |
1. Evaluate client’s current situation and identify issues |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Analyse integrity of information provided by client 1.2 Identify, quantify and test client objectives for viability 1.3 Establish basis for strategy development in line with confirmed objectives |
Element: |
2. Identify research requirements and parameters |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Establish aims and objectives of research including strategy, product and performance parameters against client requirements and expectations, with all issues identified 2.2 Identify and access wide range of relevant internal and external information resources required for research 2.3 Establish timeframes and prioritise requests for information to ensure milestones are met |
Element: |
3. Extract and analyse information according to research requirements and parameters |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Establish data extraction criteria that are relevant to intended use and client requirements 3.2 Identify trends to provide meaningful information on performance of possible strategies, products and markets 3.3 Identify taxation and other government legislation that needs to be considered in choice of financial planning strategies 3.4 Conduct risk assessment of strategies and products identified through research 3.5 Analyse financial products within appropriate timeframes to ensure currency of decision making 3.6 Prioritise information according to client requirements and expectations 3.7 Identify issues that require specialist research or advice and obtain appropriate advice |
Element: |
4. Summarise research information |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Collate and check information on financial strategies and products against research specification 4.2 Prepare and check written performance, trend and risk analyses against research specification 4.3 Document any qualifications or issues for further research |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to activities, discussion threads, reflective journals on industry updates, presentations, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include role plays, group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
You are expected to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities
Teaching Schedule
Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
- Program overview and requirements
- MyRMIT/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
The Teaching Schedule for this course is attached to this document (Part B) but please note that it is subject to change.
The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT web sites Online Learning Hub.
The online learning materials listed include:
- Course outlines
- Client files
- Power point Presentations
- Course Workbooks
- Supporting Reading material
- Industry relevant articles
- Activities
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- conduct financial planning research that demonstrates:
- evaluation of client’s current situation and identification of issues
- identification of research requirements and parameters
- extraction and analysis of information
- use of a wide range of available information sources
- compliance with relevant legislative and regulatory requirements, relevant industry codes of practice and organisational operating guidelines
- accurately summarise research information and test its integrity
- prioritise findings, validated against client requirements, and document research for financial plans.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- identify and describe a wide range of financial products and services
- discuss the risks and implications associated with use of financial products and services
- explain financial products and services and the associated benefits from a financial planning perspective
- identify financial industry information sources and outline research techniques for accessing this information
- compare and contrast financial planning strategies
- describe the key features of:
- organisational policy and procedures relating to research
- relevant legislation and regulations governing trusts and companies
- relevant industry code of practice requirements
- describe the key features of taxation and social security systems and regulations, and their effect on specified financial products
- outline the key aspects of theories of investment, portfolio management and management of investment and risk.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial planning field of work and include access to:
- office equipment, technology, software and consumables.
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
Overview of Assessment
This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with the following competencies:
FNSINC501 Conduct product research to support recommendations
FNSASICU503 Provide advice in superannuation
Critical Aspects of assessment are described above in the performance evidence of this course.
The assessments for this course have been designed to allow participants apply their learning to particular simulated work scenarios and demonstrate their competence in a variety of ways.
Task 1- Portfolio Mini Problem Solving Exercises/Activities (3 – 12 week)
For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a series of eight theory and problem solving activities over the course of the semester from weeks 3 to 8. You will be required to submit each activity as specified in the weekly schedule.
The purpose of the activities is to enhance your understanding and ability to apply the knowledge to practice in the following areas:
- superannuation tax policy
- regulatory framework for the superannuation system
- regulatory bodies codes of practice in superannuation
- role of professional associations and their influence to the superannuation industry
- impact of superannuation on the Australian economy
- impact of international and local markets on the superannuation fund holders in Australia
- key documents that a superannuation advisor needs to explain to the client in the initial interview
- operation of superannuation as a tax structure
Task 2 - Workplace Simulated Projects (Week 13)
For the first part of the project you will assume the role of a para planner at the Swanton Bank Ltd and you will prepare a financial plan that includes superannuation advice for the simulated client you interviewed in Cluster 2. The financial plan that you will prepare must demonstrate that the level of risk matches their risk profile and demonstrate how the needs of the client have been met.
In the second part of the assessment you will be required to interview the client for the second time at the premises of Swanston Banking Group. You will need to continue building a good rapport with the client and present the financial plan that you drafted to them.
You will need to ensure that the client understands all the information provided particularly the concepts in reference to superannuation. The main aim of the second part is for you is to be able to explain all the relevant terms in the financial plan, answer the questions that the client may have and to negotiate the contents of the financial plan. You will be given one week after the initial interview Part 2 to revise and complete the advice and submit it as part 3 of this task.
The purpose of the assessment is to enable you to demonstrate a breadth of understanding across all of the course material at an independent level. It assesses the knowledge you have obtained through undertaking the concepts of superannuation, your communication skills in presenting that knowledge and your problem-solving skills in answering the questions posed in a live interview with the simulated client.
The Workplace Simulated Project requires you to complete three parts: Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
A number of Learning Audit Dates have been scheduled and you are expected to progress as per the set targets throughout their studies.
Task 3 – Supervised Assessment (week 15)
For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge of superannuation by completing an open book in class supervised assessment comprised of a series of theoretical and practical questions including: short answer and mini case studies. The purpose of this Task is to assess your understanding of the concepts and issues included in the topics covered throughout the semester. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.
You must successfully complete all assessment tasks to achieve competency.
Grading will be applied once you have been deemed competent for each competency.
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Callie Harvey, 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. <check links are still current>
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. <check links are still current>
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: <check link is still current>
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 will be provided by your teacher.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview