Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2014
Course Code: EASC5040C
Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4340 - 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
Margaret Stewart 9925 5493 margaret.stewart@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 40
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 performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively analyse the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices and to implement improvements and monitor their effectiveness.
This unit requires the ability to access industry information, applicable legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
Element: |
1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage 1.2 Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability regulations 1.3 Collect information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate 1.4 Collect, analyse and organise information from a range of sources to provide information/advice and tools/resources for improvement opportunities 1.5 Measure and document current resource usage of members of the work group 1.6 Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in identifying areas for improvement |
Element: |
2. Set targets for improvements |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists 2.2 Access external sources of information and data as required 2.3 Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues 2.4 Set efficiency targets |
Element: |
3. Implement performance improvement strategies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets 3.2 Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to comunicate to the work group and management 3.3 Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities 3.4 Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for improved practices and resource efficiency in work area 3.5 Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate 3.6 Implement costing strategies to fully utilise environmental assets |
Element: |
4. Monitor performance |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring, tools and technology 4.2 Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to key personnel and stakeholders 4.3 Evaluate strategies and improvement plans 4.4 Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and strategies 4.5 Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
Students should attend all classes to study and complete activities. Attendance is mandatory for all in-class assessments. The class activities provide an opportunity to develop skills and apply theory to real life situations.The learning activities may include:
• Case studies and project work
• Collaborative classroom activities and team activities
• Peer interaction, reflection and discussion
• Games and simulations
• Reading the text book and accessing materials on Learning Hub
Teaching Schedule
| Week Number and Date | Elements and Performance Criteria | Content and Assessments |
| 1. 10 February | Introduction to course | Course overview, Assessment overview, Academic administration |
| 2. 17 February |
1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage 1.1 Identify environmental regulations applying to the enterprise |
Regulations, environmental laws, International, Commonwealth , State and Territory laws, Local government, codes of practice. Text 1.1. 1.2 |
| 3. 24 February | 1.2 Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability regulations |
Assessing compliance, Industry bodies, compliance audit. Text 1.1. 1.2 Task 1 and 4 (hardcopy submission) |
| 4. 03 March | 1.3 Collect information on environment and resource efficiency systems and procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate |
ONLINE CLASS - NO FACE TO FACE CLASS Examine current practices, legal reporting, research competitors, best practice, customers and other stakeholders, websites and media Task 7 (hardcopy submission) |
| 5. 10 March | 1.5 Measure and document current resource usage of members of the work group |
Resources, usage, energy, water, waste, human resources Task 12 and 13 (hardcopy submission) |
| 6. 17 March | 1.6 Analyse and document current purchasing strategies 1.7 Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in identifying areas for improvement |
Assessment 1 Report on current practices in relation to resource usage in Building 80 Online submission Purchasing strategies, internal audits. external research. Workplace processes, audits |
| 7. 24 March |
2. Set targets for improvement 2.1 Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists 2.2 Access external sources of information and data as required 2.3 Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues |
Who are the stakeholders, seeking input, consultation. External sources of info In-class exercise TBA |
8. 31 March |
2.4 Set efficiency targets 3. Implement performance improvement strategies 3.1 Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets |
ONLINE CLASS - NO FACE TO FACE CLASS Efficiency targets, communication |
| 9. 07 April | 3.2 Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to communicate to the work group and management 3.3 Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities |
Continuous improvement, strategies Task 20 (hardcopy submission) |
| 10. 14 April | 3.4 Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for improved practices and resource efficiency in work areas 3.5 Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate |
Recognising potential improvements, assisting team members. Seek suggestions from others Task 21 (hardcopy submission) |
| 18-27 April | MID-SEMESTER BREAK | MID-SEMESTER BREAK |
| 11. 28 April | 3.6 Implement costing strategies to fully value environmental issues |
Costs, activity based costing, full-cost accounting Task 30 (hardcopy submission) |
| 12. 05 May |
4. Monitor performance 4.1 Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring tools and technology |
ONLINE CLASS - NO FACE TO FACE CLASS Benchmarks, measure performance, checking, corrective action, audit forms |
| 13. 12 May | 4.2 Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to key personnel and stakeholders |
Reports, quarterlies, annual, meetings etc In class exercise TBA |
| 14. 19 May | 4.3 Evaluate strategies and improvement plans 4.4 Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and strategies |
Risk, evaluation, identifying issues Address conflicts, efficiency targets, implementation, monitoring |
| 15. 26 May | 4.5 Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible |
Assessment 2 Sustainability Report on Waste Disposal in Building 80 Online submission Internal promotion, competitions, memos/emails, PR, website, AGM, industry awards |
| 16. 02 June | Course review | Review and feedback |
NOTE : This schedule may be varied due to unforeseen circumstances but students will not be disadvantaged as a result
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Cole, K 2013 Management: theory & practice, Pearson Australia |
9781442550681 |
Griffith, S and Jones, L (eds) 2009 Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices, Software Publications Pty Ltd, Sydney. |
1-74123-950-8 |
References
Other Resources
1. RMIT Library
2. Handouts and exercises will be given in classs as appropriate
3. myRMIT Blackboard
4. The Learning Lab is a learning and study skills site developed by the Learning Skills Unit offering online interactive tutorials, printable handouts and an email Learning Query service. The site is helps students develop capabilities for tertiary study. http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/
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
Assessment will include in-class Tasks and Exercises - see Teaching Schedule table. These are used to develop answers for Assessments 1 and 2.
Assessment 1 1000 word report on current practices in relation to resource usage in Building 80 - Due Week 6
Students prepare a report addressing the following for Building 80:
- Identify the environmental regulations that apply to RMIT and Building 80
- Analyse RMIT procedures for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability regulations
- Collect information on environment and resource efficiency systems and procedures. Summarise those appropriate to your student work group
- Collect, analyse and organise information from a range of sources to provide information/advice and tools/resources for improvement opportunities
- Measuring and document current resource usage of members of the work group
- Analyse and document current purchasing strategies
- Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in identifying areas for improvement
- Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists
- Access external sources of information and data as required
- Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues
- Set efficiency targets
Assessment 2 - 2000 word Sustainability Report on Waste Disposal in Building 80 - Due Week 15
Students prepare a report on current and future sustainability of waste disposal in Building 80 addressing the following:
Review and re-structure Assessment 1 around the topic of Waste Disposal in Building 80, for inclusion in this report. Address as well;
- Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists
- Access external sources of information and data as required
- Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues
- Set efficiency targets
- Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets
- Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to communicate to the work group and management
- Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities
- Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for improved practices and resource efficiency in work areas
- Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate
- Implement costing strategies to fully value environmental issues
- Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring tools and technology
- Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to key personnel and stakeholders
- Evaluate strategies and improvement plans
- Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and strategies
- Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible
Assessment Matrix
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 to use the Harvard Referencing System. Essays which do not use the Harvard system of referencing will not be graded 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 repect 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 work in plastic binders or plastic pockets.
Attach an Authorship Statement or a signed Assignment Cover Sheet to each submission of written work or assessment.
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 a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Carole Marco, S123456, Task 2, BUSM6245C Implement operational plan, 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 and Feedback
Hard copies of any in-class assessments will be returned to you together with written feedback during class/lecture times. Feedback for online assessments is via myRMIT. Assesments are normally returned within two 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.
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 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 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 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 the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
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/studentforms . 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.
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.
Please refer to the Final Grades table below.
Marking Guide (Grading)
Each assessment task is marked as Competent or Not Yet Competent, but not graded until achieving competency across the assessment tasks. 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.
The grading is according to the following criteria:
1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to implementing sustainability in a workplace situation
2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in sustainability in the workplace.. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable sustainability principles in all the assessment tasks.
3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in sustainability in a workplace with people and teams and how these might be addressed.
4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see class time used well, ie regular attendance, on time, planning what work to do and complete every week, use of a range of methods to monitor own output and quality of work, and timely submission of all assessment tasks.
5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to class discussion and student team work. Your work should demonstrate a knowledge of interpersonal skills and group discussion techniques, good research and people networking 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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview