Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2016
Course Code: BUSM7938C
Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6145 - Advanced Diploma of Marketing
Course Contact: Tim Wallis
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5423
Course Contact Email: timothy.wallis@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Elaine Holstein
9925 5155
Nominal Hours: 50
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 develop and implement a workplace sustainability policy and to modify the policy to suit changed circumstances.
It applies to individuals with managerial responsibilities who undertake work developing approaches to create, monitor and improve strategies and policies within workplaces and engage with a range of relevant stakeholders and specialists.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBSUS501 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability |
Element: |
1. Develop workplace sustainability policy |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1.Define scope of sustainability policy 1.2. Gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy 1.3. Identify and consult stakeholders as a key component of the policy development process 1.4. Include appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource use, reducingtoxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing life cycle management approaches 1.5. Make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost 1.6. Develop policy that reflects the organisation's commitment to sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity 1.7.Agree to appropriate methods of implementation |
Element: |
2. Communicate workplace sustainability policy |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1.Promote workplace sustainability policy, including its expected outcome to key stakeholders 2.2. Inform those involved in implementing the policy as to outcomes expected, activities to be undertaken and responsibilities assigned |
Element: |
3. Implement workplace sustainability policy |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1. Develop and communicate procedures to help implement workplace sustainability policy 3.2. Implement strategies for continuous improvement in resource efficiency 3.3. Establish and assign responsibility to use recording systems for tracking continuous improvements n sustainability approaches |
Element: |
4. Review workplace sustainability policy implementation |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1.Document outcomes and provide feedback to key personnel and stakeholders 4.2. Investigate successes or otherwise of policy 4.3. Monitor records to identify trends that may require remedial action and use to promote continuous improvement of performance 4.4. Modify policy and or procedures as required to ensure improvements are made |
Learning Outcomes
This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement a workplace sustainability policy and to modify the policy to suit changed circumstances.
Details of Learning Activities
Case studies, individual and group research as well as problem based assessments for the learning activities for this course.
Teaching Schedule
This schedule may be subject to change throughout the semester
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Weekly Schedule BUSM7938C |
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Week number |
Week beginning |
Topic |
Assessments |
1 |
4th July |
Course Induction
Overview of the specific technology required for this course:
|
This session is relevant to all assessment tasks.
Reflective discussion board activities begin this week and continue until the end of week 15. A total of six discussion board entries will be required per student.
They will be reviewed and assessed
Week 1 assessment 1 begins |
2 |
|
Develop workplace sustainability policy
Introduction to sustainability and sustainability marketing Sustainability in the workplace
Students will be briefed in clients requirements
|
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 |
3 |
11th July |
Overview of the process
Steps and stages |
Assessments 1, 2 and 3
Pit stop 1 |
4 |
25th July |
Communicate workplace sustainability policy Identify all affected areas and stakeholder and communications management and comprehensive strategy and action plan.
Using tools from last semesters – look at how to prepare a stakeholder plan for each key group outlining expectations, actions etc. |
Assessments 1, 2 and 3
|
5 |
1st August |
Develop workplace sustainability policy –research.
1. Business Drivers 2. Vision 3. Objectives of the company that you have selected Review of weebly for “staff” communications tool |
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 Assessment 1 random selection of any 2 weeks Pit stop 2 |
6 |
8th August |
Assessing the current position Gap Analysis (strategic gap analysis…tools from last semester modified) Include pest, occupational health and safety issues etc.
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|
7 |
15th August |
Developing strategies to address gaps from current to desired practise. |
Assessments 1, 2 and 3 Pit stop 3
|
8 |
22nd August |
Sustainability Marketing – sustainable consumer behaviour Developing sustainability marketing standards and strategies
|
Assessments 1 and 3 Assessment 2 due |
|
|
Mid-semester break 29th August – 2nd September |
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9 |
5th September |
Sustainability branding What is it How do we develop a sustainability branding strategy Issues and elements Developing marketing communications for sustainability – a broader perspective
|
Assessment 1 random selection of any 2 weeks
Pit stop 1 |
10 |
12th September |
Developing action plans – utilising templates provided in previous semester Identifying risks and developing a risk management strategy as part of plans |
|
11 |
19th September |
Developing objectives and systems to monitor implementation and success of strategy and action plans |
Assessments 1 and 3 Pit stop 2 |
12 |
26th September |
Sustainability – the broader strategic view - Reframing sustainability marketing Towards a more sustainable economy
|
|
13 |
3rd October
|
The future of sustainability…..Global sustainability case begins
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Assessments 1 and 3 Assessment 1- Global sustainability particiaption
|
14 |
10th October
|
Complete assessment 3 - Global case study
preparation for presentations |
Assessment 1- Global sustainability particiaption
Assessment 3 due
|
15 |
17th October |
Presentations for global case study |
Assessment 1- Global sustainability particiaption |
16 |
24th October
|
Group Interviews and feedback, resits if required |
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Week 1 will consist of an induction to the course which will include completion of a pre training review and familiarisation with:
• Your teacher(s) and other students.
• Services and facilities
• Student responsibilities
• Where to get support
• Course requirements, key learning outcomes, assessment, feedback and grading.
• Submission requirements and the resubmission policy
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions and Special Consideration
• Privacy
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
A range of resources will be provided to students throughout the semester.
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 ability to:
- scope and develop organisational policies and procedures that comply with legislative requirements and support the organisation’s sustainability goals covering at a minimum:
- minimising resource use
- resource efficiency
- reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use
- employing life cycle management approaches
- continuous improvement - plan and implement sustainability policy and procedures including:
- agreed outcomes
- performance indicators
- activities to be undertaken
- assigned responsibilities
- record keeping, review and improvement processes - consult and communicate with relevant stakeholders to generate engagement with sustainability policy development, implementation and continuous improvement
- review and improve sustainability policies.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements effectively, you must:
- outline the environmental or sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to the organisation identify internal and external sources of information and explain how they can be used to plan and develop the organisation’s sustainability policy
- explain policy development processes and practices
- outline organisational systems and procedures that relate to sustainability
- outline typical barriers to implementing policies and procedures in an organisation and possible strategies to address them.
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 Task 1- Student global case participation and learning reflections.
Due: Due at various times throughout the semester to be discussed during week 1
Purpose:
This assessment is designed to evaluate students ability to critically reflect on their personal learning experiences and their ability to succinctly articulate these as well as their ability to actively participate in class discussion of global sustainability issues.
Requirements:
Each week students will participate in the class discussion and activities, they will then provide a brief 200 word summary of the most important aspect of the discussion from their perspective. This will take the form of a discussion board entry.
In weeks 5 and 10 a random selection of any 2 weeks entries will be chosen from each student for assessment. This means that over the semester a total of 4 entries will be selected and random.
To pass students are required to have completed a minimum of 2. The quality and number of the remaining entries as well as students participation in the global case study in class activities will determine the final grade for this assessment.
Submission Requirements: Students are required to participate in class activities and post discussion board contributions as per the specific criteria to be outlined in class, during the identified weeks. The parameters of the discussion content will be discussed in the first week of class.
To be deemed competent in this task students must participate in class activities and satisfactorily participate in the weekly discussion board discussions as well as participate in the global sustainability case study scheduled for weeks 13, 14 and 15.
Suggested structure and marking guides discussed during classes.
Task 2 - Sustainability Policy Recommendations Part 1 :
Due: 23:59 pm Friday week 8
Working in groups of NO MORE THAN 3
Purpose:
This assessment is designed to evaluate students ability to assess the sustainability needs of an organisation in accordance with the sustainability policy assessment and development process discussed during weekly classes. This assessment also evaluates student’s ability to develop an organisational sustainability policy in accordance with the needs identified. Each student’s ability to work within and manage a team functions forms an integral part of this assessment.
Requirements:
Students are to assume the role of management consultant to a medium sized organisation. They have been engaged by this organisation to help prepare for future marketing directions and challenges which includes a review and recommendations for developing, implementing and monitoring an organisation wide workplace sustainability policy and procedures. This will include an organisational sustainability brand platform.
To be deemed competent in this task, students must prepare a comprehensive sustainability draft including 2 pitstop meeting notes which they have either chaired or attended.
Submission Requirements: Students are required to provide a written document by the due date uploaded into blackboard. Please note that submissions are not to be emailed.
Suggested structure and marking guides will be prepared and discussed during classes
Task 3. Sustainability Final Report
Due: 23:59 pm Friday week 14
Purpose:
This assessment is designed to evaluate students ability to assess the sustainability needs of an organisation in accordance with the sustainability policy assessment and development process discussed during weekly classes. This assessment also evaluates student’s ability to develop an organisational sustainability policy in accordance with the needs identified. Each student’s ability to work within and manage a team functions forms an integral part of this assessment.
Requirements:
Students are to assume the role of management consultant to a medium sized organisation. They have been engaged by this organisation to help prepare for future marketing directions and challenges which includes a review and recommendations for developing, implementing and monitoring an organisation wide workplace sustainability policy and procedures. This will include an organisational sustainability brand platform.
To be deemed competent in this task, students must prepare a comprehensive sustainability final report including 2 pitstop meeting notes which they have either chaired or attended.
Assessment Matrix
Marking Guide (competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.
Marking Guide (Grading):
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.
You will be provided with an assessment matrix in the assessments area of the unit blackboard shell. Generally, your grading will be assessed against how well you demonstrate:
• Perform the activities as required by the learning elements of this unit of competency.
• Demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit of competency.
• Execute the required skills for this unit of competency.
• Demonstrate your employability skills through contribution to learning activities related to this assessment, timeliness, use of technology and teamwork.
Final Grades table:
DNS - Did not submit for assessment
NYC - Not yet competent
CAG - Competency achieved – graded
CC - Competent with credit
CDI - Competent with distinction
CHD - Competent with high distinction
Other Information
Submission requirements:
You are required to meet the following criteria for all assessments. Failure to do so may result in you being deemed not-yet-competent:
• Submit all assessment tasks online through blackboard, and include the RMIT e-submission declaration (see below).
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• Retain a copy of your assessment tasks.
Electronic Submission
When submitting work online, you need to include the cover sheet supplied by your teacher. This includes the following declaration:
RMIT Electronic Submission of work for assessment
I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the assessment declaration.
(URL: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/declaration)
Resubmissions:
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent (NYC) in an Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission to demonstrate competence. 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”.
Late Submissions
Students are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates. If a student is to be prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside their control, they may apply in advance to the teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days. To be eligible for an extension, you must lodge the extension form availabile at the following link with your teacher: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Where an extension of greater than seven days is needed, the student 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 on special consideration and how to apply can be found here: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration
Final Date for All Assessments
No assessment tasks or resubmissions will be accepted after 5pm Friday, week 16.
Adjustments to Assessment
In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. Information on circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted can be found at the following website: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/adjustment
Course Overview: Access Course Overview