Course Title: Analyse and present research information

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2010

Course Code: BUSM6239C

Course Title: Analyse and present research information

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4223 - Certificate IV in Business Administration

Course Contact : Sylvia Baroutis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5469

Course Contact Email:sylvia.baroutis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Miranda Bryant
+61 3 9925 5470
miranda.bryant@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

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

There are no pre-requisites and co-requisites for this course.

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather, organise and present workplace information using available systems.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBRES401A Analyse and present research information

Element:

Gather and organise information

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Gather and organise information in a format suitable for analysis, interpretation and dissemination in accordance with organisational requirements

1.2 Access information held by the organisation ensuring accuracy and relevance in line with established organisational requirements

1.3 Ensure that methods of collecting information are reliable and make efficient use of resources in accordance with organisational requirements

1.4 Identify research requirements for combining online research with non-electronic sources of information

1.5 Use business technology to access, organise and monitor information in accordance with organisational requirements

1.6 Update, modify, maintain and store information, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

Present Information

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Present recommendations and issues in an appropriate format, style and structure using suitable business technology

3.2 Structure and format reports in a clear manner that conforms to organisational requirements

3.3 Report and distribute research findings in accordance with organisational requirements

3.4 Obtain feedback and comments on suitability and sufficiency of findings in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

Research and analyse information

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Clearly define objectives of research ensuring consistency with organisational requirements

2.2 Ensure that data and research strategies used are valid and relevant to the requirements of the research and make efficient use of available resources

2.3 Identify key words and phrases for use as part of any online search strategy, including the use of Boolean operators and other search tools

2.4Use reliable methods of data analysis that are suitable to research purposes

2.5 Ensure that assumptions and conclusions used in analyses are clear, justified, supported by evidence and consistent with research and business objectives


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will include in-class discussions and exercises based on theory, experience and prescribed textbook, internet research and sourcing information from online databases. Classes conducted online (refer to weekly teaching schedule) will consist of students contributing to a weekly discussion board forum using the Learning Hub Blackboard with self-paced exercises from an online learning resource. The research report will involve primary and secondary research using print and electronic sources.


Teaching Schedule

The total number of scheduled hours of teaching, learning and assessment involved in this course will include all planned activities. This may incorporate face-to-face classes, lectures, workshops and seminars; wherever possible workplace visits, online learning and other forms of structured teaching and learning. The total scheduled hours includes the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including observation of work performance, discussions with supervisors and others providing third party evidence and one on one and group assessment sessions with students.


Teaching Schedule

Week Content Resources
Week 1
What is research?

What is information?

Assessments
Face-to-face class

Course Guide

Learning Hub - using discussion board forums to communicate

Online Learning - Admin Toolbox
http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/toolbox/busadmin/

Textbook
Week 2 Gather and organise information

How to conduct a Boolean search on the web

Sources of information: Types and credibility
Face-to-face class

Class activities

Textbook

Internet
Week 3 Using the library resources
  • Searching the library catalogue
  • Using e-resources
Business Library tour

Location: Building 108 Level 5

NOTE: Please see class teacher for excursion date and time
Week 4 Gather and organise information
Excursion to the Melbourne Career Expo 2010, Melbourne Exhibition Centre
www.careerexpo.com.au
Week 5 Researching on the web

Printing to PDF, why do we do it?

Notation
  • Citation in the text
  • Bibliography
  • Referencing
Online class

Learning Hub - Online discussion forum

Textbook
Week 6 Research and analyse information

The physical process of reading

A good working environment
Online class

Learning Hub - Online discussion forum

Textbook
Week 7 Understanding Business Research
  • Research needs
  • Define the research
Online class

Admin Toolbox
Learning Hub - Online discussion forum
Week 8 Understanding Business Research
  • Conducting the research


Online class

Admin Toolbox
Learning Hub - Online discussion forum
Mid-semester break
30 August - 5 September
   
Week 9 Demonstration of techniques
Face-to-face class

In-class written demonstration (25%), closed book assessment
Week 10 Present research findings professionally
  • Plan the report; style & format, structure and technology
Online class

Admin Toolbox
Learning Hub - Online discussion forum
Week 11 Present research findings professionally

  • Write the report; content should be logical, consistent and accurate

Face-to-face class

Tutorial
In-class writing activities
Week 12 Documentation, research strategies

Review and feedback
Face-to-face class

Part A - Primary &Secondary Research due hard copy format (30%)
Week 13 Present research findings professionally
  • Present the report; edit, revise and proofread
Online class

Proofreading/editing exercises

Learning Hub - Online discussion forum

Week 14 Report proofreading continued
Online class

Proofreading final report for presentation

Learning Hub - Online discussion forum

Week 15 Presenting the final report
Face-to-face class

Part B - Final Research Report due in-class, electronic submission as PDF (45%)
Week 16 Feedback and review
Online class

Teacher review - Report submission


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

The Business Communication Handbook - 8th Edition, Judith Dwyer (2009) Pearson

9781442502666


References


Other Resources

Online Learning - Admin Toolbox
http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/toolbox/busadmin/

RMIT Learning Hub
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=090zabl0wvqr1

RMIT Learning Lab - Study & Learning Centre
http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent.  Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievements of each competency in a flexible manner.  Assessments will incorporate a variety of methods: class exercises, homework, practical project and tests.  Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Learning activities will include class-based discussions, exercises, small group work, online activities, reading and reflection on various activities, together with independent and group research, in order to develop competency including the underpinning skills and knowledge.

In addition to the assessments, formative feedback is provided to the students throughout the duration of the course.


Assessment Tasks

Refer to the relevant marking criteria forms

In-class Demonstration of Techniques (Due Week 9, 25%)
Students will complete an in-class written demonstration of techniques under supervised conditions within the time allocated. This is a closed book demonstration.

Research Report (Part A & B = 75%)
This research report is broken into two parts,  the purpose of this report is to develop and practice researching skills and then analyse and present the information gathered in a professional business format. The student will also be required to evaluate their performance whilst conducting the research.

Research Topic
RMIT (Business TAFE Administration Program) has commissioned the student to undertake research into the current labour market for administration staff in line with RMIT’s organisational requirements for its programs to enhance work-integrated learning.

Part A - Primary & Secondary Research (Due Week 12, 30%)
Research methodology and primary and secondary findings to be submitted in hard copy format to the Level 13 dropbox in week 12.

Part B - Analysis of Research (Due Week 15, 45%)
Final research report to be submitted in-class electronically during week 15 following the marking criteria guidelines as a PDF.


Assessment Matrix

Assessments

Element In-class demonstration (25%) Research Report Part A -  Primary & Secondary Research (30%) Research Report Part B - Analysis of Research (45%)
1. Gather and organise information
Yes

Yes

Yes
2. Research and analyse information Yes Yes Yes
3. Present information Yes Yes Yes


Grading

Grade Mark Description
HD > = 80 High Distinction (competency achieved)
D 70 - 79 Distinction (competency achieved)
CR 60 - 69 Credit (competency achieved)
PA 50 - 59 Pass (competency achieved)
NN <50 Fail (not yet competent)
CA Not applicable Competency Achieved
NYC Not applicable Not Yet Competent

Other Information


Special Consideration

Special consideration allows the University to take account of unexpected circumstances that can affect your ability to complete an assessment. Examples of unexpected or extenuating circumstances for eligibility may include:
• Serious illness with a significant impact e.g. hospital admission, concussion, serious injury, asthma attack or depression. It does not include illnesses with minor impact such as a cold, headache, period pain or stomach ache.
• Loss or bereavement e.g. death of a close family member, family/relationship breakdown.
• Hardship or trauma e.g. victim of serious crime, sudden loss of income or employment, severe unexpected disruption to domestic arrangements.

How to apply

You must apply for special consideration no later than two working days after the relevant examination or assessment deadline. You must complete the Special Consideration Application form available at www.rmit.edu.au/students/forms and lodge the original and one photocopy at the Hub on your campus. You can also lodge the application and supporting documentation via fax to tel. 9925 8845 or send scanned copies via email to special.consideration@rmit.edu.au.

Please note that in 2010 it is anticipated that applications for special consideration will move to an online process. More information about this new process will be available at www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration.

Your application must be supported by a medical impact statement and/or relevant supporting documentation. A medical certificate alone is not sufficient. If you cannot obtain the impact statement or supporting documents within two days, you should lodge an incomplete application form and provide the additional documents within five business day.

Late applications can only be accepted in extenuating circumstances and their submission requires the approval of the Academic Registrar.

Assessment of applications

All special consideration applications are considered by a panel of health and academic experts, convened by the Academic Registrar. All communication about your application will be through your RMIT student email account. It is your responsibility to check your RMIT student email account regularly, promptly respond to any requests for information or action and ensure your account can receive incoming emails.

Extensions of time for submission of assessment – seven days or fewer

If you are seeking an extension of seven calendar days or fewer from the original due date you must meet certain eligibility criteria (similar to special consideration) and complete an Application for Extension of Time for Submission of Assessable Work form and lodge it with the School. Forms are available at www.rmit.edu.au/students/forms.

Arrangements for lodging forms can vary according to individual school procedures. It is your responsibility, as the applicant, to check whether the form should be lodged with the school administrative officer, the course coordinator or program coordinator. Except in exceptional circumstances the application must be lodged no later than one working day before the official due date.

Employability skills

Employability skills are included in this course and are based on broad industry requirements.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview