Course Title: Research and report on the feasibility of import or export venture

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2017

Course Code: MKTG7897

Course Title: Research and report on the feasibility of import or export venture

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: 60

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 skills and knowledge required to o research and report on identifying, selecting and targeting a product or service for import or export to a country or region of choice.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

VU21670 Research and report on the feasibility of import or export venture

Element:

1. Investigate the import or export of a product or service.

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Undertake market research, data collection and international trade analysis for suitable products or service in accordance with research and organisational requirements. 1.2 Analyse and evaluate market requirements by investigating relevant sources for a product or service. 1.3 Analyse regulatory requirements that impact on the importation or exportation product or service. 1.4 Investigate issues that affect export or import for a product or service.

Element:

2. Establish supportive risk management strategies.

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop risk management framework for an import or export venture project. 2.2 Establish relevant external relationships and negotiations for the trade of the product or service. 2.3 Develop risk mitigation strategies with the internal and external partner (s) for the import or export of the product or service, in accordance with legal and organization requirements

Element:

3. Validate the feasibility of research outcomes for an import or export venture.

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Document data collection, analysis, research techniques and feasibility of the import or export venture of the selected country or region. 3.2 Present feasibility study to stakeholders using current professional industry communication strategies.

Learning Outcomes


This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to research and report on identifying, selecting and targeting a product or service for import or export to a country or region of choice.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative class room based activities.

The self-based activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and will include quizzes, scenario case studies and interactive sessions.

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

 The following courses are co-delivered and co-assessed: Research and Report on feasibility of Import or Export Venture MKTG7897; Investigate & Design E-Business Solutions COSC6186C


Teaching Schedule

Week   

Starting    

Topic

Assessment

1

 6 Feb

Induction

  

2

 13 Feb

 The role of e-business in international trade

  

3

 20 Feb

 Market entry and expansion strategies – Traditional and E-Business.

  

4

 27 Feb

 Market entry and expansion strategies – Traditional and E-Business.

  

5

 6 Mch

 Market Analysis for Import / Export

  

6

 13 Mch

 Market Analysis for Import / Export

(Note 13th March Labour Day holiday)

Assess 1 due

7

 21 Mch

Design an e business

  

8

 27 Mch

 Design an e business

  

9

 3 Apr

 Evaluating the e-commerce opportunity and strategy

  

10a

 10 Apr

 Risk Management for Import Export and E-Business

  

 

 

MID SEMESTER BREAK 13 – 19 APRIL INCLUSIVE

 

10b

 17 Apr

 Risk Management for Import Export and E-Business

  

11

 25 Apr

 Validate the feasibility of research outcomes for an import or export venture.

  

12

 1 May

 Validate the feasibility of research outcomes for an import or export venture.

  

13

 8 May

 Implement and e-business strategy

  

14

 15 May

 Implement and e-business strategy

Assess 2 due

15

 22 may

 Revision and Review

  

16

 29 May

Final re-submissions if necessary

  


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

You must provide evidence of the following:

  • undertaking market research to identify trends in the target market to inform decision-making within the organisation
  • developing risk mitigation strategies for a product/service
  • developing a feasibility study for the target market that incorporates:
    - research techniques employed across the project
    - data collation and analysis
    - the criteria on which product or service and country/region/sector was/were selected
    - supportive market requirements for product or service
    - the viability of implementation of the product/service into the country/region/sector selected.
  • current knowledge of relevant trade legislation and international marketing trends.
  • ability to develop risk management/risk mitigation strategies to manage risks
    literacy skills to:
    - interpret product/service information for import/export venture
    - analyse and summarise product/service information specified formats, make recommendations based on information gathered Communication skills including conducting interviews, questioning, clarifying, reporting
  • communication skills to:
    - liaise with stakeholders
    - conduct interviews
    - present information and research relating to the viability of an import or export venture
  • numeracy skills to analyse statistical information
  • technological skills to use computers to collect, analyse and document import and export data.
  • analytical skills to:
    - research, gather information and investigate the viability of import or export ventures
    - assess risks.

Knowledge Evidence

Further to performance evidence, you must provide knowledge evidence of the following:

  • international marketing and trends
  • relevant national and international legislation, including:
    - Customs Act,
    - INCOTERMS, international standards for marking cargo and labelling and marking hazardous goods
  • trade modernisation legislation:
    - Customs Legislation Amendment and Repeal Act
    - Import Processing Charges Act
    - Customs Depot Licensing Charges Amendment Act
    - Trade Practices Act, Contract law
    - Warsaw convention
       - World Trade Organisation determinations
  • Australian Customs Service and the regulation of all imports

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

ASSESSMENTS

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with COCS6186C Investigate & Design E-Business Solutions

 Assessment Task 1 - Assessed set activities/exercises

Date handed out: Week 1 

Date and time due: Week 6

Total  2,000 words

 Group or individual: Groups of no more than 2 persons.  This assessment is worth 30% of your total marks.

 Purpose:

This assignment will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of reviewing the global market environment, assess and investigate international business and e-commerce market factors & marketing opportunities and key provisions of relevant legislation that may affect aspects of business operations within Australia and internationally

 Requirements: 

1. Overall proposal  - 1,000 words

1.1    Choose a company that is currently exporting or developing an export proposal

1.2    Choose a target market: choose one country to export a product from any country from either the continent of Africa or of Latin America

1.3    Discuss the political and economic status of the country.

2 E-business solutions – 1,000 words

2.1   Evaluate e-business opportunities involving new business models .

2.2   Undertake market research to identify trends in the target market to inform the decision-making process        within the organisation.

 

Assessment Task 2 - Written report and AV Presentation

Date handed out: Week 2

Date and time due: Week 14 – Assessment 2

 Group or individual: Groups of no more than 2 persons

The written report segment of this assignment is worth 55% of your total mark.

The AV presentation is worth 15% of your total mark

 Purpose:

This assignment will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of how to evaluate the international environment, and to identify market factors and risks. You will also demonstrate a clear understanding of e-business models and apply them to the opportunity you develop.

 Requirements: 

This assignment will require students to work in designated groups on a case study drawn from the Australian Exporter awards winners.

 Your role and responsibilities to the organization/company are as follows:

  1. Review the global market environment
  2. Investigate and assess international business
  3. Identify risk factors for international marketing opportunities
  4. Determine and formulate international e-business objectives and approach
  5. Determine operational structures
  6. Plus any other key requirements defined within the client needs analysis.

 NB: Word limit for this assignment is 2,500 words


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