Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: COSC5946C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

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

Gary Brown

gary.brown@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 spread sheets
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 withorganisational 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 timelines


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.

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following: • Program overview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including:
o Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
o Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
 


Teaching Schedule

 Week

 Week commencing  Content/Topic/Element of Competency  Assessment
 1  09 February

 

 
  Introduction to the Course including:
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Course Blackboard access
• Accuracy of enrolment
• Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
• Reminder re Plagiarism
• Reminder re Appeals
• Extensions/Resubmissions
• Feedback in this course
• Reminder re submission requirements
• Getting help
 

Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Occupational Health & Safety

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

 
 
 2  16 February

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  23 February

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

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

 
 4.  02 March

Represent numerical data in graphic form

Section 3: Charts, Pie Charts, Quick Charts

Portfolio item due
 5.  09 March

Represent numerical data in graphic form

Section 3: Charts, Pie Charts, Quick Charts

 
 6.  16 March

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Section 4: Names; Multiple Worksheets, Linking workbooks, Consolidating Data

 
 7.  23 March

Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

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

Portfolio item
due 
 8a.

Online class

 30 March

Use spreadsheets

Section 5: Functions, Data Tables, Array Formulas

Online days 30 March, 31 March, 01 April

 
  02-08 April

 

Mid-semester break         02-08 April 

 
8b. 09 April Use spreadsheets

Section 5: Functions, Data Tables, Array Formulas

Online days 09 April, 10 April

 
 9.  13 April

Use spreadsheets

Section 5: Functions, Data Tables, Array Formulas

 
 10.  20 April

Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

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

Portfolio item due
11.  27 April

Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

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

 
 12.

 Online class

 04 May

Revision          -          Online class  

 
 13.  11 May Revision  
 14.  18 May   Final Portfolio due
 15.  25 May Review Supervised in-class open book demonstration of techniques
 16.  01 June Interviews/Re-submissions if required  
 17.  08 June  Interviews/Re-submissions if required  


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

 

Overview of assessment
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
 developing complex spreadsheets
 developing graphical representations of data contained in spreadsheets.

 

TASK 1: Portfolio of Evidence - Due Weeks 4, 7, 10 with Final Portfolio due Week 14

You will complete and print copies of activities/exercises completed in class and marked by your teacher in Weeks 4, 7 and 10.  The final portfolio will be submitted to your teacher in class in Week 14.

TASK 2: In-class open book assignment/demonstration of techniques/test - Due Week 15

The final in-class open book assessment will be taken under supervised conditions.  This assessment will cover all topics/elements of competency/performance criteria covered in class in the previous 14 weeks.  (All topics to be demonstrated in this assessment can be found in your textbook.)

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 a 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, OHS2345C Esnure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.

 

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 cirumstances 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 cirumstances under which the assessment arrangement 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

 

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.


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview