Course Title: Develop and implement strategic plans

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

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

Teacher:  Lorraine Hall

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


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

11 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

18 Feb

Industry Research and Logistics & Transport.

 

3

25 Feb

Situational Analysis System Planning, Framework and Information – Vision Mission Strategic Planning Identify transport and logistics needs of all stakeholder

 

4

4 Mar

SWOT analysis political, economic, social, and technological developments in a global context- PESTLE

 

5

18 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

Assessment Task 1-Course evaluation assessment  - Quiz due

6

 

18 Mar

Transport and Logistics Systems - variety and types Freight Transport Management Systems - in depth focus.

 Creation of groups for assessment 2 & 3 - explanation of Quiz 2

7

25 Mar

Logistics Systems Requirements to fulfil strategic goals, Document relevant research and background for inclusion in the strategic plan for transport and logistics system

 

8

01 Apr

Transport and Logistics  Regulation, import export rules, customs, AQIS etc. Rules regarding differing modes of transport.

 

9

08 Apr

Pricing and costing freight - Volumetric, Weights, Unit Loads, Manually costing versus System-based

 

10

15 Apr

Geographically dispersed markets, mapping - distribution Plans and lead times Planning, pricing freight and overseas distribution network exercise

Task 2 due - Sunday 21st April 23:59 hrs

Mid-Semester Break 19 - 26 April inclusive

11

29 Apr

Project Planning, timelines, critical path and progressive budgeting Incoterms exercise

 Overview of written report activities - Discuss final submission and hand in process

12

06 May

Establish critical success factors Deliverables and Milestones (PDCA )  - performance indicators to monitor progress in implementing plan

 Discussion re written report

13

13 May

Review effectiveness of plan and consider methods for improving strategic planning processes and discussion re written report progress.

 

14

20 May

Bringing together all of the elements ofyour work to make the Plan for submission

 

15

27 May

In class facilitation 

 In class 10 min Presentation of Report Overview

Task 3 due

Submission of final work

16

3 Jun

Feedback & Re-submissions

 

 

17 

 10 Jun

Final 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-assesses with OMGT5035 Plan & Implement a Transport & 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 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 and time due: Week 10
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 and time due: Week 15
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

Assessment Matrix

 

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS. Strategic Transport and Logistics Management

 

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 Informationhttps://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 (VE Programs)

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:

https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

 

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.

 

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview