Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: BUSM6356C

Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6144 - Advanced Diploma of International Business

Course Contact: Suzanne Maugeri

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1466

Course Contact Email: suzanne.maugeri@rmit.edu.au

Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

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

None

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to establish the strategic direction of the organisation, and to sustain competitive advantage and enhance competitiveness. It requires analysis and interpretation of relevant markets, capability assessment of the organisation, and its existing and potential competitors and allies. It also covers implementation of the strategic plan.

National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:	BSBMGT616A Develop and implement strategic plans
Element:	1. Confirm organisational vision and mission
Performance Criteria:	1.1. Check with stakeholders that organisational vision and mission are still held to be current and are supported 1.2. Make any changes or refinements to vision or mission statement as required 1.3. Review or develop organisational values to support the vision and mission statement 1.4. Gain support for strategic planning process from all relevant stakeholders
Element:	2. Analyse the internal and external environment
Performance Criteria:	2.1. Determine information requirements and undertake or commission research to deliver relevant information 2.2. Analyse political, economic, social, and technological developments in a global context 2.3. Seek advice from appropriate experts wherever necessary 2.4. Identify and consider strengths and weaknesses of existing and potential competitors and allies 2.5. Analyse organisation's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats 2.6. Consider co-operative ventures that are supported by risk and cost-benefit analyses, are consistent with the organisational vision, mission and values, and provide for due diligence 2.7. Check that analysis of internal and external environment is consistent with the perspectives of other informed people
Element:	3. Write strategic plan
Performance Criteria:	3.1. Document relevant research and background for inclusion in the strategic plan 3.2. Formulate strategic objectives and strategies needed for the future 3.3. Detail each strategy with an assigned priority, a timeframe, responsible parties and measurable performance indicators 3.4. Circulate strategic plan for comment, support and endorsement
Element:	4. Implement strategic plan
Performance Criteria:	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 achievement of objectives at agreed milestones 4.6. Review effectiveness of plan and consider methods for improving strategic planning processes

Learning Outcomes

This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to establish the strategic direction of the organisation, and to sustain competitive advantage and enhance competitiveness. It requires analysis and interpretation of relevant markets, capability assessment of the organisation, and its existing and potential competitors and allies. It also covers implementation of the strategic plan.

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 wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.

Students will study concepts and applications pertaining to develop operational procedures in class sessions, using tutorial and prescribed exercises and assessment work.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities

Teaching Schedule

Week	Date	Topic	Assessment
1	6 Feb	Teacher, Student intro rules, Explain Cluster and schedule, Assessment and Feedback, Deadlines and submissions and Results: competency and grades	Task 1 - explanation of blog to be completed by week 5
2	13 Feb	Situational Analysis System Planning, Framework and Information – Vision Mission Strategic Planning Identify transport and logistics needs of all stakeholders.	Overview of Task 2 and 3
3	20 Feb	Information analysis, The marketing plan and principles and Organisational Values
4	27 Feb	SWOT analysis political, economic, social, and technological developments in a global context
5	6 Mar	Product Analysis, Distributor and Competitor financial analysis pages. Check that analysis of internal and external environment is consistent with the perspectives of other informed people	Course evaluation assessment 20% - blog due
6	13 Mar	Systems and Strategies Plan Environment and Summary (group presentation overview) Marketing strategy and objectives. Develop implementation plan for the transport and logistics system in accordance with relevant regulatory and organisational requirements. Note:  Monday 13 Public Holiday – Labour Day	Group Presentation overview
7	20 Mar	Marketing, Product and Promotion tactics, Document relevant research and background for inclusion in the strategic plan	Group presentation discussion on format
8	27 Mar	Distribution, Pricing other tactics Detail each strategy with an assigned priority, a timeframe, responsible parties and measurable performance indicators
9	3 Apr	Review strategic plan for comment, support and endorsement
10a	10 Apr	Reviewing, budgeting, performance and implementation and written report activities	Overview of written report activities - Discuss final submission and hand in process
		Mid Semester Break 13 – 19 April Inclusive
10b	17 Apr	Reviewing, budgeting, performance and implementation and written report activities
11	24 Apr	Detail each strategy with an assigned priority, a timeframe, responsible parties and measurable performance indicators	Discussion re written report and presentations
12	24 Apr 1 May	Establish critical success factors Deliverables and Milestones (PDCA ) and written report activities - performance indicators to monitor progress in implementing plan	Receive early submissions by appointment
13	1 May	Review effectiveness of plan and consider methods for improving strategic planning processes and discussion re written report progress.	Receive early submissions by appt
14	8 May	Group presentation - 35% (Delivery by all groups) In class facilitation and assessment (45%) written report hand in	Task 2 due Submission of final work
15	15 May	In class facilitation and final late hand in as agreed after extension requests	Final submissions by extension request
16	29 May	Feedback & Re-submissions

Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

References

Other Resources

Overview of Assessment

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of the requirements in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks, for example:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of final printed documents
• demonstration of techniques
• observation of presentations
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of software applications

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.

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the following is essential:

• thorough analysis of the organisation’s own capabilities, those of their existing potential competitors and allies, and the external environment
• strategic plan which includes objectives, strategies, timeframes, performance indicators and methods for monitoring the implementation of the plan
• knowledge of relevant legislation.
• analytical skills to undertake value chain analysis, to review strengths and weaknesses, and to
• collate and interpret statistical data including trend analysis
• financial skills to consider resource implications of proposed strategies
• research skills to ensure accurate, up-to-date information is available for the environmental analysis
• risk management skills to plan and undertake appropriate due diligence.

Knowledge Evidence

You are required to also provide the following evidence of knowledge:

• relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to occupational health and safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
• strategic planning methodologies including political, economic, social and technological (PEST) analysis and strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis (SWOT)
• competitor knowledge
• codes and by-laws relevant to the organisation’s operations.

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 Outline

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with OMTG5035 Plan and implement a transport and logistics system for an international trade organisation

Students are required to complete 3 tasks for these conjoined subjects. You must successfully complete all tasks to be deemed competent in this unit.

Assessment Task 1
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Week 5
Individual: This assignment is to be completed individually

Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is for the student to demonstrate the competencies and skills needed to identify key Business Plan and Strategies as outlined in weeks 1 - 4 successful completion of this and competency awarded will result in 20% of marks for final result.
Requirements:
Answer question in blog as outlined during weeks 1 - 4 - teacher will advise result in blog shell
Scope:
Learning & Assessment Activities
Week 5
Strategies overview
Using either your organisation, or an organisation of your choice:
1. What are their organisations principal services and products?
2. What is their competitive advantage?
3. What market analysis is conducted to confirm the effectiveness of principal services, products and competitive advantage?

Assessment Task 2 – System and Strategies Plan Presentation (35%)
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Week 14
Group or Individual: Groups of no more than 4 students

Purpose:
All businesses should have a System and Strategies plan, something to guide the activities for the future, to nominate priorities, to reflect on the current market and see how trends and changes in the market place may affect the activities of the business for the next year; like a road map to follow. So for this unit we have prepared you to create and present an outline of your Business plan using the range of activities you have already discussed during class activities & Guide to Writing a System and Strategies template provided.

Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is for students to demonstrate skills and competencies in preparing and delivering a Business presentation in class in front of their peers. In order to successfully implement a business plan you must get organisational buy-in. This presentation will allow you to develop the skills of ‘selling’ your business plan to the organisation.

Requirements:
Prepare a presentation on the subject matter as outlined by the teacher during weeks 1- 14.
Using the PowerPoint template provided create a presentation outlining the key points of the business plan – each member of the group must present an equal part of the presentation. In groups of not more than 4 students you will be required to present a short, 10-15 minute presentation on your business plan. You should articulate each element of your strategy and sytem plan and why that element is important to your business.
Given you have only 15 minutes – you may not be able to include all elements of your report – however you should endeavour to include the most ‘mission critical’ elements.

We are expecting that while studying this unit you will be continuously gathering information and storing this within your portfolio. By doing this you should have gathered a range of information (both physical and electronic), that will assist in preparing your presentation and writing this assignment. We expect that this stored information and resources, from our experience, is then able to be used for both future assignments and future workplace problem solving.

Assessment Task 3 –Strategies and Business Plan Written Report (45%)
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Week 15
Group (Same Group as Assessment Task 2)
Purpose:
The purpose of this assessment is for students to develop written report skills on the subject matter in a business like format.

Requirements:
The students are to create a written report on the subject matter in a business like format as outlined by the teacher throughout the semester.

Additional note on assessment:
We are expecting that while studying this course you will be continuously gathering information in a portfolio. By doing this you should have gathered a range of information (both physical and electronic), that will assist in writing this assignments. We expect that this stored information and resources, from our experience, is then able to be used for both future assignments and future workplace problem solving.

Some suggestions for what to store -:

• The reflections that we ask you to do from time to time in your Blackboard activities
• Your own reflections on thoughts you have while studying and how the study relates to your workplace
• A range of relevant websites and materials from the ‘cloud’ (worldwide web)
• Copies of regulatory and statutory requirements from external authorities
• Some copies of documentation from your workplace that may be relevant to your activities e.g.

perhaps copies of policy and procedures, or copies of emails that you may like to discuss or reflect upon,
or copies of documents that you have created yourself that are relevant to this unit.

Requirements:
1. Definition of your product & its current position in the Australian Market Place,
2. Bullet point explanation of, choice of supplier and country of Origin, ( give reasons why you have chosen the supplier & Country )
3. Explanation of transport mode used for importation,
4. Explanation of the choice / method of National distribution, ( how & who? Will you use to distribute your product to your customers? )
5. Complete line by line breakdown on the total cost of distribution from supplier to customer,
6. Final strategy for continuous review of the business.

Assessment Matrix

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, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2,

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 will be provided by your teacher.

Other Information

Academic Integrity
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a form of cheating in assessment and may occur in oral, written or visual presentations. It is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person, without appropriate referencing, as though it is your own.
The penalties for cheating in assessment are severe, whether the cheating involves plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of data, copyright infringement or some other method. Penalties can include charges of academic misconduct, cancellation of results and exclusion from your course. It is also a disciplinary offence for you to allow your work to be plagiarised by another student.

Referencing
RMIT Business produce their own referencing guidelines entitled Written reports and essays: guidelines for referencing and presentation in RMIT Business which all Business students should use.
RMIT Business referencing guidelines (RTF, 1,286 KB, 52 pages); A supporting Referencing website has been developed for the RMIT Business guidelines.You can find out more about Academic Integrity at RMIT’s Academic Integrity webpage

Group Assessment
A number of your assessments will rely upon group work. This is a critical part of your program as in the workplace you will be regularly required to work in a team environment. Teamwork is also one of the key employability skills for this qualification.

The key to being successful in group work is getting to know your classmates and finding out what they want to achieve. You should seek to find a team which shares your key interests and drivers.

If you are facing issues with your group, the key is to resolve them quickly well before assessments are due. If you need to you can seek support from your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview