Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: COSC5946C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4226 - Certificate IV in Frontline Management

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

Janet McDonald email: janet.mcdonald@rmit.edu.au, Building 80, Level 5

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

Not applicable

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to use spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and to produce complex documents.


No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

This unit applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who require skills in the creation of complex spreadsheets to store and retrieve data. They may work as individuals providing administrative support within an enterprise, or may be independently responsible for designing and working with spreadsheets relevant to their own work roles.
 


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.

Flexible delivery students are required to attend in week 1 & 2, further details will be given to students closer to the date. From week 3 - 16 flexible delivery students will submit practical exercises for feedback.

Some learning activities will include a self-directed learning 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

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.  
Week  Week
commencing
Content & Element of competency Assessment All Students
Week 1   11 February

Course induction;Course delivery and assessment details for fulltime/flexible delivery;Course support documents;Online learning environment including Blackboard; Grading; Plagiarism; Appeals/Extensions; Feedback/Privacy; Submission requirements/Feedback; Where to get support; Student responsibilities; Recognition of Prior Learning/Credit Transfer

Occupational Health & Safety; Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Flexible delivery students attendance required.

 
Week 2  18 February

Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Spreadsheet design

Flexible delivery students attendance required.

 
Week 3  25 February Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Legislation

 In class questionnaire

Flexible delivery students online

Week 4  4 March Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet Topic 1 & 5  
Week 5  11 March Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet Topic 2 Portfolio Task 1
Week 6  18 March Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet Topic 3, 4, 6 & 10.  
Week 7  25 March
 4 April
Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet Topic 7 Portfolio Task 2
   28 March Mid semester break - 28 March to 3 April  
Week 8  8 April Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet; Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation. Topic 8  
Week 9  15 April

 Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet; Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation. Topic 8

Portfolio Task 3
Week 10  22 April Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Topic 9  
Week 11  29 April Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Represent numerical data in graphic form. Topic 11 Portfolio Task 4
Week 12  6 May

Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet Topic 13, 14, 15 & 16

 
Week 13  13 May Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Topic 17 Portfolio Task 5
Week 14  20 May Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Develop a linked spreadsheet; Topic 18 & 19  
Week 15  27 May Prepare to develop spreadsheet; Use spreadsheets; Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation Topic 20 & 21 Portfolio Task 6
Week 16  3 June

 Assessment review and feedback. Resubmission

Resubmit

Flexible delivery - Portfolio (hard copy)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

The Tilde Group, Be Competent in Developing & Using Complex Spreadsheets Microsoft Excel 2010, Tilde Publishing

9780734607751


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 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

Critical aspects of assessment

Evidence of the following is essential:

  • developing complex spreadsheets
  • developing graphical representations of data contained in spreadsheets.

Assessment Tasks

Week 3 In class questionnaire - Use Spreadsheets

This assessment consists of short answer questions relating to ergonomic requirements, work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques and relevant legislation. This is a short answer assessment and must be completed in class.
 

Weeks 5 - 15 Portfolio of evidence

Students will complete six (6) practical exercises during the semester. Refer to submission requirements below. You will also be required to submit documents in hard copy (further instructions will be given during the class time). You may also be required to demonstrate how you have completed tasks via questioning and observation.  All assessment tasks must be successfully completed to be deemed competent in this unit.

Submission requirements

Assessment tasks need to be completed and submitted via Blackboard during the scheduled class and viewed on screen when requested by the teacher. A hard copy will also be required, further instructions will be given in class regarding the printing of documents.

You should ensure that you:

• Attend and submit assessments during the scheduled class time. Refer to teaching scheduled. 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 at http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w.

• 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 for assessment is available on MyRMIT Studies

• 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 Student, 324567, Task 2, COSC 5946C Develop and use complex spreadsheets, Page 1 of 10.

 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 pass that unit of competency.

Marking Guide (Grading)

Once you are deemed competent in this unit of competency your assessment will be graded according to the following criteria:

1.Level of Independence, Initiative, Enterprise and Performance of Work Task
• Works to safely complete tasks in accordance with workplace requirements.
• Performance conforms to all industry standards and can adapt to new situations.
2. Demonstrated Breadth of Underpinning Knowledge and a Willingness to Continue Learning
• Demonstrates an understanding of key concepts and underpinning knowledge of the set task and is able to learn while working.
• Applies these understandings in task performance.
3. Techniques & Processes, Technology Skills and Problem Solving
• Performs all technical skills/procedures to the standard required by industry, including correct use of equipment and technology.
• Demonstrating an ability to solve simple problems while following processes.
4. Work Organisation, Planning and Self-Management
• Demonstrates a sound understanding of the benefits of effective work organisation, while clearly articulating the different stages in planning and managing own time.
• Applies sound planning and organisation skills in the performance of a task.
5. Communication, People Networking, Language and Interpersonal Skills and Teamwork
• Demonstrates an ability to use a range of communication and interpersonal skills appropriate to the workplace.
• The ability to proofread and edit work prior to submission.
• Able to follow complex instructions both written and oral.

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
 


Assessment Matrix

COSC 5946C Develop and use complex spreadsheets Assessment

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.
 

All assessment tasks

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.
 

All assessment tasks

 

Questionnaire

 

 

 

Elements/Performance Criteria (see above for performance criteria)  
Use spreadsheets All portfolio tasks
Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation Portfolio task 3 & 6
Develop a linked spreadsheet solution Portfolio task 1 & 2
Prepare to develop spreadsheet Questionnaire
Portfolio tasks 1 - 6
Represent numerical data in graphic form Portfolio task 4

Course Overview: Access Course Overview