Course Title: Develop and apply knowledge of public relations industry

Part A: Course Overview

Program: C5371 Diploma of Business (Public Relations)

Course Title: Develop and apply knowledge of public relations industry

Portfolio: Vocational Education

Nominal Hours: 80

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.

Important Information:

Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 


Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 


Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

MKTG5844C

City Campus

TAFE

650T Vocational Business Education

Face-to-Face or Internet

Term1 2018,
Term2 2018,
Term1 2019,
Term2 2019,
Term1 2020

Course Contact: Felicity Burns

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5486

Course Contact Email: felicity. burns@rmit.edu.au



Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research, analyse and apply knowledge of the various components of the public relations industry, including legal and ethical constraints and strategic communications management planning.

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None



National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:

BSBPUB401A Develop and apply knowledge of public relations industry

Elements:

1. Apply knowledge of the public relations industry

2. Identify industry employment obligations and opportunities

3. Conduct strategic communications management planning

4. Update industry knowledge


Learning Outcomes

This unit applies to individuals working in entry level public relations positions who need to apply knowledge of the structure, organisation and functioning of the public relations industry in order to effectively conduct strategic communications.


Overview of Assessment

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

Evidence of the following:

  • reporting on the public relations industry structure and its role in society and in a particular organisation
  • developing a stakeholder analysis relevant to a particular organisation
  • reporting on the current issues affecting the public relations industry.

Evidence of the knowledge to:

  • current issues and trends which affect the public relations industry
  • overview knowledge of key provisions of relevant legislation from all levels of government, codes of practice and national standards that affect business operations such as:
  • anti-discrimination legislation and the principles of equal opportunity, equity, and diversity
  • copyright
  • defamation and libel
  • ethical principles
  • Australian Direct Marketing Association Limited (ADMA) Direct Marketing Code of Practice
  • FACTS (Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations) codes
  • privacy laws
  • TradePracticesAct1974 (Cth)
  • industry structures and networks
  • organisational and client operating environments, structures and business and marketing plans
  • principles and practices of marketing communications and media strategies

Evidence of the skills to:

  • communication skills such as questioning, active listening, clarifying and asking open questions
  • culturally appropriate communication and interpersonal skills to relate to people from diverse backgrounds and people with diverse abilities
  • literacy skills to read and interpret business and market data and write reports in a range of styles and for a range of audiences
  • numeracy skills to analyse quantitative data
  • research and evaluation skills to gather and record information about clients, organisations, target audiences, and the media
  • technology skills to use a range of office equipment and information systems.

Assessment conditions 

A range of assessment methods may be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

  • assessment of written reports about the public relations industry, structure, function and role in society
  • assessment of a stakeholder analysis conducted by the candidate
  • direct questioning with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
  • observation of presentations by the candidate about the public relations industry
  • oral or written questioning
  • review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
  • review of testimony from team members, colleagues, supervisors or managers
  • tests of knowledge on the structure and functioning of the public relations industry.

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.