Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
Course Code: BUSM6473C
Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans
School: 365T Global, Urban and Social Studies
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6124 - Advanced Diploma of Justice
Course Contact: Irene Pagliarella, Program Manager
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4581
Course Contact Email: irene.pagliarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Tony Trevan, Program Coordinator 9925 4512
Building 37 level 4 room 13
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.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Successful completion of, or demonstrated equivalence to, the following units of competency:
VU20861 Apply criminal law within justice environments
VU20862 Work with family violence contexts within justice environments
VU20863 Work with culturally diverse clients within justice environments
VU20864 Work with conflict resolution and mediation processes within justice environments
VU20865 Apply management and leadership within justice environments
And ONE of the following electives:
LGACOM406A Investigate alleged breaches of legislation and prepare documentation
CHCAOD402B Work effectively in the alcohol and other drugs sector
Course Description
In this course you will develop the skills and knowledge required to establish the strategic direction of the organisation, and to sustain competitive advantage and enhance competitiveness. You will analyse and interpret relevant markets, do a capability assessment of the organisation, and its existing and potential competitors and allies. You will cover implementation of the strategic plan.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBMGT616A Develop and implement strategic plans |
Element: |
1.1 Stakeholders are consulted in an open and realistic way to engender support for the process 1.2 Expectations and requirements of the board/owners are being met 1.3 The mission, vision and purpose are consistent with the organisation’s stated values, and are realistic but challenging |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Check with stakeholders that organisational vision and mission are still held to be current and are supported |
Element: |
2. Analyse the internal and external environment 2.1 Objectives are consistent with the environmental trend analyses, and forecasts have been developed 2.2 Objectives state clearly and in measurable terms, what the organisation needs to achieve 2.3 Strategies are developed in the context of meeting chosen product differentiation and cost structure objectives 2.4 Value adding activities are introduced, consistent with the value chain analysis and the strategic direction 2.5 Strategies take account of competitive advantages and disadvantages identified 2.6 Opportunities for strategic alliances and co-operative ventures are incorporated into the strategies 2.7 Benchmarking of all key operational and support activities is undertaken 2.8 Opportunities for the purchase of value adding activities externally have been thoroughly evaluated. |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Determine information requirements and undertake or commission research to deliver relevant information |
Element: |
3. Write strategic plan 3.1 Processes for the evaluation of strategic performance are supported by key stakeholders and approved by the board/owners 3.2 Key Performance Indicators and other criteria for measurement of achievement are developed in advance of implementation 3.3 Performance measures address all key aspects of organisational performance, to meet the interests of stakeholders 3.4 Performance data is analysed on a regular and planned basis, in terms of the indicators, performance standards and other criteria developed 3.5 Successes and performance gaps are clearly identified and analysed as to cause and effect 3.6 Strategic performance is reported to all stakeholders in a transparent manner and meeting all compliance requirements 3.7 Objectives and strategies are reviewed, evaluated and revised where necessary 3.8 The organisation’s mission, vision and purpose are reviewed and revised where necessary |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Document relevant research and background for inclusion in the strategic plan |
Element: |
4. Implement Strategic Plan 4.1 Communicate strategic plan to all relevant parties 4.2 Brief people with a specific role in relation to strategies 4.3 Use performance indicators to monitor progress in implementing plan 4.4 Make necessary refinements to plan 4.5 Evaluate achievements of objectives at agreed milestones 4.6 Review effectiveness of plan and consider methods for improving strategic planning processes. |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Communicate strategic plan to all relevant parties |
Learning Outcomes
On completion of the course, you will be able to:
• Complete a thorough analysis of the organisation’s own capabilities, those of their existing potential competitors and allies, and the external environment
• Strategically plan which includes objectives, strategies, time frames, performance indicators and methods for monitoring the implementation of the plan
• Provide evidence of knowledge of relevant legislation
Details of Learning Activities
Students will participate in a variety of learning activities and include:
• class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• Blog/Wiki or other online discussions and participation
• analysis/critique of relevant reading material
• seminars/workshops
• group activities/projects
• group discussion
• research
• independent project based work
• Simulated and/or practical placement.
• Students that have successfully completed the Industry Based Work Experience placement (WIL) are required to submit a reflective journal of tasks undertaken in the workplace making links to content and theory covered in the classroom context. In addition, they are to provide an outline of the achievements or further opportunities of improvement as outlined in their learning contract. This is to be presented with a completed work placement evaluation report form the Workplace supervisor. Students will also be involved in a simulated recruitment activity with an assessment panel preparing them for career development opportunities. DUE DATE: Week 18.
• Students that are not undertaking an Industry Based Work Experience placement (WIL) will have the opportunity to learn how to engage with the justice environment by undertaking a simulated project based placement. This will require students to develop a strategic plan that includes operational functions for a selected justice work environment to demonstrate their understanding of the strategic approach required to respond to key issues in the justice environment. The strategic plan will also be used as the basis for students to present their core employability skills and respond to key selection criteria applicable to employment in the justice environment before an assessment panel. DUE DATE: Week 18.
Teaching Schedule
Workshop One
• introduction to subject, course objectives and Learning outcomes
• overview of delivery and assessment methods
• assessment criteria and assignment submission requirements, including WIL and assessment activities
• delivery method, and students developing an understanding of synchronous and asynchronous learning
• what, how and when students will learn and be assessed including engagement and facilitation of discussions
• group formation, discussion forum activity and development of group operating principles.
• structure and content of an effective strategic plan
• development of Gantt charts allocating aspects of the strategic plans to individual team members.
Workshop Two
• understanding and development of organisational mission and vision and purpose within strategic plans
• development of measurable objectives outlining what the organisation needs to achieve
• development of a needs analysis, identifying unmet needs in the justice environment.
• continuation of needs analysis and methodology of research, development of SWOT & PEST analysis to outline environmental trend analyses and forecasts.
Workshop Three
• identification of own roles and responsibilities in a justice organisational context.
• human resource practices to support organisational strategic plans.
• development of an organisation’s program structure and deliverables incorporating organisational design, consultative processes and value auditing activities.
• commencement and refining of the development of financial and staffing plans for the operation of an organisation.
• industrial relation processes for recruitment practices.
Workshop Four
• development of monitoring strategies to gauge the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation
• development of key performance indicators for the measurement of achievement of organisational objectives
• development of a range of evaluation strategies and data collection methods that track successes and performance gaps, and compliance requirements.
• revision of organisational plan and compliance requirements, in regards to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination.
Final Workshop:
Weeks 17 & 18
• assessment centre panel, industry based placement activities (WIL) both practical and simulated
Students who have completed industry based work experience placement will be required to;
- Submit a reflective journal, a completed work placement evaluation report and participate in a simulated recruitment activity.
Students who have not completed an industry based work experience placement are required to;
- Develop and submit a strategic plan that includes operational functions from a selected Justice, work environment and participate in a simulated recruitment activity.
NOTE: While your teacher will cover all the material in this schedule, the order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain competency.
You are expected to attend all scheduled classes and some classes will have sessions that are compulsory to attend (please see individual course guides). If you cannot attend a class you should advise your RMIT Educator, as RMIT monitors all student attendance.
As a student, competency is demonstrated through both knowledge and practical skills relevant to the course content and within the classroom environment. Engagement with educators and other students is critical to you maximising learning opportunities and achieving satisfactory results. Participation in classroom discussion and activities will allow educators to apply observational assessment during role-plays, exercises and assignments and provide you with feedback.
Absence from class can seriously limit your ability to pass or achieve good results. You may be asked to attend a meeting to explain more than three absences from a subject and enter into a negotiated plan of action with your Educator. This meeting is recommended as an early intervention approach that may possibly identify any underlying issues which may be affecting your attendance and identify support that RMIT may be able to give you.
Clearly, non-attendance at an assessment will result in failure of that assessment. If your academic progress is reviewed, a good class attendance may be helpful in showing evidence of your commitment to your studies in Justice.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
There is no prescribed text for this subject.
All required readings and case studies will be available either:
Via My RMIT/Studies Blackboard |
References
GUSS Skills Central (http://gussskillscentral.edu.au/) is a site developed specifically for students in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies at RMIT. It provides links to a range of resources for supporting student work on assessments and negotiating university studies more generally. |
Other Resources
PowerPoint’s for the lectures will generally be made available AFTER the class; however these are not a replacement for attending lectures. Lectures may have additional information, activities or visual material, which will not be available through Blackboard.
It is essential that you access the Blackboard site at least once a week, as announcements and emails are considered an effective means of communication between educators and students.
Overview of Assessment
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, and audio-visual presentations.
Assessment |
Assessment Type |
Word limit or equivalent |
Assessment (Formative) |
Online formative knowledge tests x 3 |
N/A |
Assessment One |
Online course discussion board postings |
250 x 3 = 750 words |
Assessment Two |
Strategic business plan and assessment centre |
2500 words |
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
A student charter http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/studentcharter summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your course assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies, procedures and instructions which are available for review online: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=c15i3ciaq8ca
Assessment Tasks
Assessments may incorporate a variety of methods including role plays, observations, lectures, tutorials, class discussion, reports, group/individual training workshops, and audio-visual presentations.
The assessable tasks are as follows:
1. Formative assessments task;
Ungraded knowledge tests 1, 2 and 3 will consist of online progressive knowledge tests derived from content uploaded into the course content folder and relevant to the performance criteria of the applicable elements within the competency unit.
Note: all progressive knowledge tests and discussion group postings are to be satisfactorily completed to the required standard to achieve a graded result for the subject.
2. Summative assessment task 1 (graded)
As a group member, students will be required to provide comments or extend on course discussions uploaded into course discussion groups. A minimum of 3 responses are required throughout the semester with each response being a minimum of 250 words relevant to the topic to discuss. Students are encouraged to also respond to other students postings and not only the educator’s comments posted.
All responses are to be electronically submitted within the given timeframe identified within the assessment criteria to achieve an overall grade for this course.
3. Summative assessment task 2 (graded)
Strategic business plan document and WIL assessment centre.
Once each assigned group completes the strategic business plan it is to be submitted electronically into the blackboard by 5.00pm Monday 8th June.
Students are assessed on their contribution to the group assignment.
Assessment Matrix
This is available via MyRMIT/Studies
The assessments have been designed to cover all Learning Outcomes and will be graded in accordance with RMIT’s Mark Table which is as follows:
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
Grades which apply to course delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment (not-graded)
CA Competency Achieved
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit For Assessment
Assessment Deadlines
Any due date for any assignment is to be considered a deadline. You can submit work at any time prior to the submission date, but it must be into the Administration office by close of business (5pm) of the day the submission is due.
Assessment Format
As a student of the Justice VE program, it is expected that you adhere to the following criteria regarding essays/research/reports;
1. For ADVANCED DIPLOMA each written assessment task/s – up to 2500 words, 6 academic references and ONE in-text citation per paragraph.
2. A paragraph is usually between 200 – 250 words.
3. A sentence is usually between 20 - 25 words.
4. American Psychological Association (APA) Referencing Style is the EXPECTED referencing style for the school of Criminal Justice (VE).
5. We highly recommend that all students download a copy of the APA Referencing Guide which is available on the Blackboard or purchase a Pocket Guide to APA style from the campus bookshop.
6. APA Referencing system is to be used and all in-text citations must be recorded according to APA standards.
7. An academic reference is a scholarly source (journal articles that are peer reviewed, a published book, an approved government or organisation website etc.).
8. Written reports, research projects or essays are to demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and familiarity with the prescribed or negotiated topics
9. It is expected that all submitted work will be well written, with clear and consistent grammar, expression and punctuation. It must be well structured and address the issues raised in the chosen topic in a logical ordered and organised manner.
10. Written submissions must demonstrate appropriate preparation, reading and research.
11. Double or 1.5 spacing and a font size of 10-12 must be used in either Arial or Times Roman. Do not submit double paged assessments.
12. All assignments to be submitted via the Drop Box (Building 37, level 2) and submitted via email to the Advanced Diploma email address to verify submission justice.ve.assignments@rmit.edu.au. Assessments must be submitted by 5pm (close of business).
13. Written assessments will also be submitted with a Turnitin Report attached (as instructed by your Educator).
Other Information
Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters: rmit.edu.au/students.
Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work, including online submissions. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of implications of plagiarism.
Please refer to the following link for on-line submission statements;
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/teaching/technology/esubmission
Cover sheets do NOT form part of your word limit for written assessment tasks.
Assignment Submissions:
The submission of assessments on the due date is the responsibility solely of the student. Students should not leave assignment preparation until the last minute and must plan their workloads so as to be able to meet advertised or notified deadlines.
If you have not been granted an extension or special consideration, you need to submit any work that has been completed on the due date.
The penalty for assignments submitted late will be 10% of the maximum mark per day late or part thereof.
Weekends and holidays will attract the same penalty as weekdays.
Assignments that are late by 7 days or more will not be marked and will be awarded zero.
Attendance
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.
Applying for an Extension
Extension of time for assessment tasks may be granted where circumstances beyond your control prevent submission by the published due date. Speak with your teacher or course coordinator regarding applying for an extension.
Applying for Special Consideration
If you are seeking an extension of more than seven calendar days (from the original due date) you must lodge an Application for Special Consideration form, preferably prior to, but no later than two working days after the official due date. Late applications will only be accepted in exceptional circumstances. For information about Special Consideration and how to apply, see:
http://www1.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Academic Integrity
Academic integrity means honesty and responsibility in scholarship through respecting the work of others whilst having the freedom to build new insights, new knowledge and ideas. RMIT University upholds the values of academic integrity as fundamental to the scholarship undertaken by all members of its community. Whenever you refer to another person’s research or ideas (either by directly quoting or paraphrasing them) you must acknowledge your source.
If you are even in doubt about how to properly cite a reference, consult your lecturer or the academic integrity website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity
The RMIT library provides tools to assist with your referencing http://www1.rmit.edu.au/library/referencing
Plagiarism and Collusion
Plagiarism and collusion constitute extremely serious academic misconduct, and are forms of cheating. You are reminded that cheating, whether by fabrication, falsification of data, or plagiarism, is an offence subject to University disciplinary procedures. Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data, and oral presentations. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Plagiarism is not acceptable.
Examples of plagiarism include:
1. Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
2. Closely paraphrasing sentences, paragraphs, ideas or themes without proper citation;
3. Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
4. Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
5. Copying designs or works of art and submitting them as your original work;
6. Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
7. Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
8. Enabling Plagiarism: the act of assisting or allowing another person to plagiarise or to copy your own work is also an offence.
For further information, please see the RMIT Plagiarism Policy – http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=sg4yfqzod48g1 – and the RMIT Student Conduct Regulations – http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=r7a7an6qug93
Plagiarism Software
The originality verification software Turnitin may be used in this course. For details, see: http://www.turnitin.com
Complaints Procedure:
RMIT University is committed to providing a harmonious study and work environment for all students and staff. The University recognises your right to raise concerns about academic, administrative or support services without recrimination and has policies and procedures to assist in the resolution of complaints.
Most issues are resolved at the local level and you are encouraged to take steps to resolve your issue locally. The student complaint procedure details steps to take if your problem is not resolved or you believe the response you received is unreasonable.
Student Complaints Policy: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/policies/studentcomplaintspolicy
Student complaints Procedure: http://www1.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=i1lexipvjt22
Student Complaints Form: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/v4ujvmyojugxz.pdf
Police Checks
Students must obtain their own police check by the due date and pay the associated costs. Students who do not obtain a required police clearance by the due date shall not be able to undertake a practical placement or work experience activity that requires a Police Check.
The University shall not be obligated to organise a placement for a student who does not wish to obtain a Police Check.
Where required by the workplace, students shall provide a copy of their police check on request.
If a student is rejected by a workplace on the basis of a Police Check, the following actions shall occur, as appropriate:
- advise the student of the outcome; and
- discuss placement options with the student; and/or
- provide program and career counselling.
RMIT will not store Police Checks on student files.
Working with Children Check
Students must obtain a Working with Children card by the due date and pay the associated costs. Students who do not obtain clearance to work with children by the due date shall not be able to undertake a practical placement or work experience activity that requires a Working with Children card.
The University shall not be obligated to organise a placement for a student who does not wish to complete the prescribed form for a Working with Children card at the appropriate time.
Where required by the workplace, students shall provide evidence of their Working with Children Check on request.
If a student is rejected by a workplace on the basis of a Working with Children, the following actions shall occur, as appropriate:
- advise the student of the outcome; and
- discuss placement options with the student; and/or
- provide program and career counselling.
Early Termination of Placement
Under section 6 of the WIL Procedure, a placement may be ended early by the host organisation or School due to the student’s conduct and/or performance during the placement.
Possible reasons for such decisions may include, but are not limited to-
• failure to follow processes required for safety
• breach of client or patient confidentiality
• failure to comply with the instructions of supervisors
• or other unprofessional behaviour
Where a placement ends early, a meeting will be convened to discuss the sequence of events that led to the termination. This meeting will precede any consideration of a student’s progress by the Progress Panel (if applicable) or Program Assessment Board.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview