Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
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
Lorraine.Hall@rmit.edu.au
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
This course is co-delivered with OMGT5035 Plan & Implement a Transport & Logistics System for an International Trade Organisation
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 bit also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows but please note that it is subject to change.
Week |
Week Commencing |
Topics |
Assessment |
1 |
5 Feb |
Teacher, Student intro rules, Explain Cluster and schedule, Assessment and Feedback, Deadlines and submissions and Results: competency and grades |
Task 1 - explanation of quiz to be completed by week 5 |
2 |
12 Feb |
Situational Analysis System Planning, Framework and Information – Vision Mission Strategic Planning Identify transport and logistics needs of all stakeholders. |
|
3 |
19 Feb |
Information analysis, The marketing plan and principles and Organisational Values |
Overview of Task 2 and 3 |
4 |
26 Feb |
SWOT analysis political, economic, social, and technological developments in a global context- PESTLE |
|
5 |
5 March |
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 - Quiz due |
6 |
12 March Labour day 12 March |
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. |
Group Presentation overview |
7 |
19 March |
Logistics Systems Requirements to fulfil strategic goals, Document relevant research and background for inclusion in the strategic plan for transport and logistics system |
Group presentation discussion on format |
8 |
26 March |
Distribution, Pricing other tactics Detail each strategy with an assigned priority, a timeframe, responsible parties and measurable performance indicators |
|
Mid-Semester Break 29 March – 4 April | |||
9 |
9 April |
Review strategic plan for comment, support and endorsement |
|
10 |
16 April |
Reviewing, budgeting, performance and implementation and written report activities |
Overview of written report activities - Discuss final submission and hand in process |
11 |
23 April |
Detail each strategy with an assigned priority, a timeframe, responsible parties and measurable performance indicators |
Task 2 due |
12 |
30 April |
Establish critical success factors Deliverables and Milestones (PDCA ) and written report activities - performance indicators to monitor progress in implementing plan |
|
13 |
7 May |
Review effectiveness of plan and consider methods for improving strategic planning processes and discussion re written report progress. |
Discussion re written report and presentations |
14 |
14 May |
Group presentation - (Delivery by all groups) In class facilitation and assessment written report due |
Task 3 due Submission of final work |
15 |
21 May |
In class facilitation and final late hand in as agreed after extension requests |
|
16 |
28 May |
Feedback & Re-submissions |
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
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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 - Quiz - essay type questions - Company and Industry strategic Research Exercise
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Week 5
Group or Individual: This assignment is to be completed individually
Purpose:Your task in weeks 1 - 5 is to thoroughly research this company and industry so you can complete the full detailed quiz questions on the internal and external environment that the company is operating in. You will be asked to outline their current strategy, their market status and their Mission Statement. You will broaden out your knowledge of the industry by discussing with your peers in class who have been allocated a company operating in the same industry segment.
The purpose of this assessment is to provide every student the opportunity to background research - ensuring that they prioritise the key factors about the company in terms of their strategic direction
Assessment Task 2 - Quiz - essay type questions – Crucial Information Outline – Transport/Logistics System
Date handed out: Week 3
Date and time due: Week 5
Group or Individual: This assignment is to be completed individually
Purpose:Your current freight provider is closing down and you have to find a replacement to begin in 3 months. Your company has been using the same local carrier since you began in business they were offered very cheap rates and standard services but they were reliable and your Senior Managers were good friends with the Owner of the freight company so this was never called into question.
You have been set up as a project team to define what your new freight strategy will look like – you need to initially prepare a report for your Senior Managers outlining your future freight strategy.
You complete the task by filling in the answers to the questions in a Quiz which is linked to this assessment
Assessment Task 3 – Business Case Report –Recommendation for FTMS
Date handed out: Week 3
Date and time due: Week 14
Group or Individual: Groups of no more than 4 students
Purpose:This assessment enables the students, working in their ‘industry and company’ groups, to utilise all of their knowledge gained in the course to formulate a coherent report which recommends the purchase and implementation of a Transport System – in this case it is a Freight Transport Management System (FTMS).
Assessment Matrix
For these assessment tasks you need to draw upon what you have learned throughout the unit.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS.
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 the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
- 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.
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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
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:https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Resubmissions
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
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.
Grading & re-submissions
Successful re-submissions will contribute a CAG only (Competency Achieved Grading) result to your overall grade for the course.
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:
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 |
CA |
Competency Achieved – Not 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