Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: COSC5946C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

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

helen.mustafa@rmit.edu.au

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 course covers  the use of spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and produce usable complex documents.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Element:

1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Organise personal work environment in accordance with ergonomic requirements
1.2. Analyse task and determine specifications for spreadsheets
1.3. Identify organisational and task requirements in relation to data entry, storage, output, reporting and presentation requirements
1.4. Apply work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques to plan work activities
 

Element:

2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Utilise spreadsheet design software functions and formulae to meet identified requirements
2.2. Link spreadsheets in accordance with software procedures
2.3. Format cells and use data attributes assigned with relative and/or absolute cell references, in accordance with the task specifications
2.4. Test formulae to confirm output meets task requirements
 

Element:

3. Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Evaluate tasks to identify those where automation would increase efficiency
3.2. Create, use and edit macros to fulfil the requirements of the task and automate spreadsheet operation
3.3. Develop, edit and use templates to ensure consistency of design and layout for forms and reports, in accordance with organisational requirements
 

Element:

4. Use spreadsheets

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Enter, check and amend data in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.2. Import and export data between compatible spreadsheets and adjust host documents, in accordance with software and system procedures
4.3. Use manuals, user documentation and online help to overcome problems with spreadsheet design and production
4.4. Preview, adjust and print spreadsheet in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.5. Name and store spreadsheet in accordance with organisational requirements and exit the application without data loss or damage
 

Element:

5. Represent numerical data in graphic form

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Determine style of graph to meet specified requirements and manipulate spreadsheet data if necessary to suit graph requirements
5.2. Create graphs with labels and titles from numerical data contained in a spreadsheet file
5.3. Save, view and print graph within designated time lines
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

 

Students will use MS Office Excel 2010 for this competency.  Learning activities will include class-based discussions, demonstrations, practical exercises and observations in order to develop competency, including the underpinning skills and knowledge.  In addition to the assessments, formative feedback is provided to students throughout the duration of the course.

Some learning activities will include a self-directed approach.  Self-directed learning refers to organised teacher-directed learning activities that you will undertake independently, either as individuals or with other students.

This unit contains employability skills.


Teaching Schedule

 Week  Week commencing  Content/Topic/Element of Competency  Assessment
 1 7 July

Course overview
Course delivery and assessment information; Course support documents; Online learning environment including Blackboard; Grading; Plagiarism; Extensions; Feedback; Submission requirements; Where to get support; Student responsibilities; Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit Transfer; Textbook and associated files;

Office procedure and file management

Workplace Health & Safety in the business offices

Electronic file management, Backup procedures, Protecting data, Using Manuals, Copyright; Work Request Forms, Communication

 
 2 14 July

Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Spreadsheet Design, What Makes a Good Spreadsheet? Spreadsheet Documentation, Using Spreadsheets to Solve Problems, Working with Scenarios

Section 1: Borders and Shading, Copying and Moving Data Series

 
 3 21 July

Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Section 1: Borders and Shading, Copying and Moving Data Series

 
 4. 28 July

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Section 2: Easy Functions, Formula Auditing, Help and Hyperlinks

 
 5. 4 August Applying your skills/knowledge Assessment 1
 6. 11 August

Represent numerical data in graphic form

Section 3: Charts, Pie Charts, Quick Charts

 
 7. 18 August

Represent numerical data in graphic form

Section 3: Charts, Pie Charts, Quick Charts

 
 8. 25 August

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Section 4: Names, Multiple Worksheets, Linking Workbooks, Consolidating Data

 
 

1-5September

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

 
9. 8 September

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Section 4: Names, Multiple Worksheets, Linking Workbooks, Consolidating Data

 
10. 15 September Applying your skills/knowledge Assessment 2
11. 22 September

Use spreadsheets

Section 5: Functions, Data Tables, Array Formulas

 
 12. 29 September

Use spreadsheets

Section 5: Functions, Data Tables, Array Formulas

 
 13. 6 October

Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Section 6: Data Analysis, Data Validation, Macros, Cell Protection, Templates

 
 14. 13 October

Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Section 6: Data Analysis, Data Validation, Macros, Cell Protection, Templates

 
 15. 20 October Applying your skills/knowledge   Assessment 3
 16. 27 October Resits  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Develop and use complex spreadsheets (Excel 2010) BSBITU402A. upgraded Cheryl Price & Julia Wix version, Software Publications 2011

9781921780783


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including technical requirements documentation, homework, assignments, group and/or individual projects, in class exercises, written and practical assessments, problem solving exercises, presentations, direct observation of actual and simulated work practice, presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files, review of products produced through work-based or course activities.

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.  Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.


Assessment Tasks

TASK 1: In-class open book assessment 1 - Due Week 5

 The  in-class assessment will be taken under supervised conditions. This assessment will cover all topics/elements of competency/performance criteria covered in class in weeks 1 - 4.

TASK 2: In-class open book assessment 2 - Due Week 10

The  in-class assessment will be taken under supervised conditions.  This assessment will cover all topics/elements of competency/performance criteria covered in class in  weeks 6 - 9.

TASK 3: In-class open assessment 3 - Due Week 15

The in-class assessment will be taken under supervised conditions. This assessment will cover all topics/elements of competency/performance criteria covered in class in weeks 11 -14.

 

Submission Requirements

All assessment tasks need to be submitted via MyRMIT (BLACKBOARD) or hard copy, if required.

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 consideation. 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 (unresolved)

Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf

Resubmissions

If you are found to be Not Yet Competent 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 resubmissionis 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/browe:ID=7usdbki1fjf31

You should:

• Ensure that your submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms are available through myRMIT and links in the Student Diary.
• 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 work assessment 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 tile and page numbers.

 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 educational 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 pass that unit of competency.

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 recognised against industry standards and employability skills.

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.

Graded assessment criteria - when your work is assessed the following criteria are used:

1.  Level of independence, initiative, enterprise and performance of the work task
You will need to show that you can use initiative, enterprise and accepted performance to produce the exercises and activities on a weekly basis.  After receiving feedback from your teacher, you will need to show that you have improved your skills, based on the feedback given.
 

2. Demonstrated breadth of underpinning knowledge and a willingness to continue learning
You will identify the underpinning knowledge/skills required to develop and use complex spreadsheets.  In particular you should demonstrate literacy skills in being able to interpret and follow instructions in the self-paced textbook and undertake backup procedures in order to protect the security of your work.  In addition, you will need to demonstrate a variety of strategies to be able to plan and review your own work, including proofreading and editing skills to check for the accuracy and consistency of information.  You will also need to demonstrate numeracy skills when developing and using the spreadsheets as well as an understanding of advanced software functions of Excel 2010.  You should identify any gaps in your knowledge/skills and demonstrate a willingness to continue learning by actively seeking assistance from your teacher in the first instance. You will need to demonstrate your understanding of relevant legislation, standards and codes that may affect business operations, such as: anti-discrimination legislation, ethical principles, codes of practice and occupational health & safety.

3. Techniques and processes, technology skills and problem solving
You will demonstrate an understanding of advanced functions of spreadsheet software functions as these apply in a business context.

4. Work organisation, planning and self-management
You will demonstrate your organisational skills by ensuring you attend classes and bring all resources required to learn the required skills, for example textbooks, notes and any other required resources.  You will also complete the self-paced exercises and activities in a timely manner. as far as practicable, produce these when requested to your teacher, in the weeks when these become due.

5. Communication, people networking, language and interpersonal skills and teamwork
You will communicate in a manner suitable for a business environment while in class.   You will be aware of others needs and maintain a respectful manner when communicating with both teachers and your peers.

You are required to complete two tasks.  You must successfully complete all tasks to be deemed competent in this unit.


Assessment Matrix

BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets Portfolio of evidence Final in-class assessment
 1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet  X  X
 2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution  X  X
 3. Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation  X  X
 4. Use spreadsheets  X  X
 5. Represent numerical data in graphic form  X  X
 Required skills  X  
 Required knowledge  X  

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.


Required skills
• literacy skills to interpret and evaluate the purposes and uses of various features of spreadsheets and to use a variety of strategies for planning and reviewing own work
• proofreading and editing skills to check for accuracy and consistency of information by consulting additional resources
• numeracy skills to collate and present data, graphs and related references.


Required knowledge
• advanced functions of spreadsheet software applications
• impact of formatting and design on the presentation and readability of data
• key provisions of relevant legislation from all forms of government, standards and codes that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:
• anti-discrimination legislation
• ethical principles
• codes of practice
• privacy laws
• occupational health and safety
• organisational policies and procedures.
 

Other Information

Academic Administration Procedures


Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
For further information including “Plagiarism (and how to avoid it): Resources for Students” refer to the Plagiarism section of the RMIT Policies, at http://www.rmit.edu.au/governance/policies in the Teaching and Learning Policy section. Penalties include official reprimand, recording of a failure result or expulsion from the University.
 

Referencing
Students are required to use the Harvard system of referencing for this course
Submissions which do not use the Harvard system of referencing will not be assessed as Not Yet Competent,(NYC), but will penalised in the grading until referencing is correct, Wrong referencing includes using the footnote system instead of the Harvard (author-date) system, no page numbers in references where there is a quote, being unable to use the formula for in-text referencing, using a bibliography instead of a reference list, having no reference list, failing to show where a quote begins and ends, writing out the book title because you don’t know how to use references and not using all elements of the reference citation i.e. surname, initial, date published, title (correctly signified), publisher and place published. Minor errors such as wrong punctuation, a wrong page number or a simple typographical error in a date are not defined as an error.

Submission of written work/assessments
Written work must conform with RMIT’s guidelines “Written Reports And Essays: Guidelines For Referencing And Presentation In RMIT Business”, in respect to Harvard Referencing, which can be found at: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s9sx559hurvc.rtf
Written assessment must be lodged by the due date in the format specified.
Please do not place hard copy work in plastic binders or plastic pockets

.
Attach a signed Assignment Cover Sheet or Authorship Statement to each submission of written work or assessment, whether the submission is online or in hard copy. For team submissions, all team members must sign the Cover Sheet or submit an Authorship Statement

You must keep a copy of your assignment/written work, which can be produced if the original is lost or damaged.
Each page of your online assessments should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Juliet Wiggins S123456, Task 2, MKTG5811C Establish and adjust the marketing mix, Page 1 of 10.

Special Consideration
Special Consideration is a process that enables the University to take account of unexpected circumstances such as illness, injury or bereavement that affect a student’s performance in assessment. Forms are available from http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/forms Further information can be accessed from http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration

Return of Assessments
Any hard copy assessments which are completed in-class will be returned to you during class/lecture times, together with feedback comments from your assessor. Online assessments feedback will be online via myRMIT. Assessment results are given normally within two working weeks of submission

Variations to Assessment
A change will not be made to the form or forms of assessment as detailed in the Course Guide unless:
1. the students enrolled in that course have received notice in writing of the proposed change; and
2. the change is approved by the Head of School and not less than 70% of the students enrolled in that course.
 

Appealing Assessment
You are entitled to appeal assessment results. Refer to RMIT Policy – Appeal Against Assessment Result available at http://www.rmit.edu.au/governance/policies in the Teaching and Learning Policy area.
Students are required to attempt all assessments and be rated as competent against all performance criteria to pass the course.
RMIT University recognises nationally accredited or endorsed qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued to the student by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s). Also, RMIT provides credit for work experience or other forms of life experience that match the learning outcomes/competencies of RMIT courses. You must provide evidence that is current, relevant valid, and verifiable that your experience matches the learning outcomes/competencies of the relevant course for which you are seeking credit. This evidence may include formal qualifications (certificates, etc); work samples; references; documents, etc. Please speak to your teacher before applying.
To apply, you should obtain an RPL Information Sheet. Forms are available on the RMIT Website at http://www.rmit.edu.au/student-records/student forms. You should complete the appropriate form (RPL and/or Credit Transfer), attach the relevant supporting documentation and submit the form to your facilitator for this unit.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview