Course Title: Monitor and manage small business operations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: BUSM6328C

Course Title: Monitor and manage small business operations

School: 320T Architecture & Design

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5249 - Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Course Contact : Jennifer Crowley

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819

Course Contact Email:design.tafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Jenni Woods  jennifer.woods@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 unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a small business and to implement a business plan. The strategies involve monitoring, managing and reviewing operational procedures.
Specific legal requirements apply to the management of a small business.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

Element:

1.  Develop operational strategies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Develop an action plan to provide a clear and coherent direction, in accordance with the business goals and objectives
1.2. Identify occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental issues and implement strategies to minimise risk factors
1.3. Develop a quality system for the business in line with industry standards, compliance requirements and cultural criteria
1.4. Develop performance measures and operational targets to conform with the business plan
1.5. Develop strategies for innovation, including the utilisation of existing, new or emerging technologies, where practicable, to optimise business performance
 

Element:

2.  Implement operational strategies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Implement systems and key performance indicators/targets to monitor business performance and customer satisfaction
2.2. Implement systems to control stock, expenditure/cost, wastage/shrinkage and risks to health and safety in accordance with the business plan
2.3. Maintain staffing requirements, where applicable, within budget to maximise productivity
2.4. Carry out the provision of goods/services in accordance with established legal, ethical cultural and technical standards
2.5. Provide goods/services in accordance with time, cost and quality specifications, and customer requirements
2.6. Apply quality procedures to address product/service and customer requirements
 

Element:

3.  Monitor business performance

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Regularly monitor/review the achievement of operational targets to ensure optimum business performance, in accordance with the business plan goals and objectives
3.2. Review systems and structures, with a view to more effectively supporting business performance
3.3. Investigate and analyse operating problems to establish causes and implement changes as required as part of the business quality system
3.4. Amend operational policies and procedures to incorporate corrective action
 

Element:

4.  Review business operations

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Review and adjust business plan, as required, to maintain business viability, in accordance with business goals and objectives
4.2. Clearly record proposed changes to aid future planning and evaluation
4.3. Undertake ongoing research into new business opportunities and adjust business goals and objectives as new business opportunities arise
 


Learning Outcomes


This work is undertaken by individuals who operate a small business.
The unit is suitable for existing micro and small businesses or a department in a larger organisation.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities will take place in a studio, workshop or classroom using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study.

The mode of delivery for this course will be a blended approach of face to face lectures and online.

In Class activities will include:

  • Lectures
  • Guest Speakers
  • Peer teaching and class presentations
  • Group discussion
  • Teacher directed group activities/projects
  • Workshopping of student projects
  • Analysis/critique of relevant reading material
  • Class exercises to review discussions/lectures
     

Out of Class activities will include:

  • Online research
  • Independent project based work
  • Industry related excursions
  • Group projects 


Teaching Schedule

WEEK CLASS CONTENT ELEMENT
1 Introduction, course outline and assessment procedure  1,2,3,4
2 Time Management lecture 1
3 Who are you? lecture. Self Employment evaluation 1
4 Small Business Structures lecture 1
5 Establishing a Small Business lecture 1,2,3,4
6 Elements of a Business Plan lecture 2,3,4
7 Interior Design & Decoration Services lecture 2,3,4
8 Marketing for Creative Businesses lecture 3
9 Business Systems & Procedures 1,2,3,4
10 Feedback session with Lecturer 1,2,3,4
11 Group presentations of Interior Design Business Websites - Task 1 1,4
12 Group presentations of Interior Design Business Websites - Task 1 1,2,3,4
13 Reviewing Business Operations lecture 1,2,3,4
14 Guest Speaker - DIA 1,2,3,4
15 Feedback session with Lecturer 1,2,3,4
16 Submission of Task 2  

Please note that while your teacher will cover all the material outlined in the Weekly Schedule, the order of delivery is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Knackstedt, M. V., 2005, The Interior Design Business Handbook, 4th Edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York

9780471227502

Pile, J., 2007, Interior Design, 4th Edition, Pearson Prentice Hall

9780132408905

Dwyer, J., 2006, The Business Communication Handbook, 7th Edition, Pearson Education Australia

9781741033922


Other Resources

Students will be required to use the following for this course:

  • access to a computer, the internet and relevant and current hardware and software
  • Lecture and class notes, refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder
  • Relevant industry websites and organisations, refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder
  • Access to Small Business Management Toolbox via MyRMIT

RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software. You will also have access of the library resources.

http://www.rmit.edu.au/library/librarians/dsc
 


Overview of Assessment

Evidence of the following is essential:
• developing strategies and procedures to successfully manage the operation of the business
• making appropriate adjustments to the business operations as required
• knowledge of quality system principles and methods.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment tasks in this course are either formative or summative. Formative tasks provide the basis for ongoing feedback and can be considered essential building blocks for the more substantial summative assessment tasks. Summative assessment tasks in this course are graded.

Feedback throughout the course may be written, verbal or a combination of both

To demonstrate competency in this course you need to complete each one of the following pieces of assessment to a satisfactory standard.

Assessment Task 1 - Interior Design Business Website  

Students are to work in small groups to create a detailed Website for their business using Google Sites. The project will comprise of successful creation of operational site, supporting documentation detailing the Business Identity, Statement of Intent and Marketing Plan.  An oral and visual presentation using digital media will form part of the assessment for this group project.  Submission Due Date: Week 11.  Oral Presentations to take place over Week 11 & 12 in class.

Assessment Task 2 - Interior Design Business Contract Documentation

Students are to prepare a Management System of documentation for their business to facilitate the running of a complex projectThese documents will include Fee Proposals, Scope of Works, Letters of Agreement and Contracts.  Submission Due Date: Week 16

RMIT Grade Table

CHD    Competent with High Distinction

CDI     Competent with Distinction

CC    Competent with Credit

CAG    Competency Achieved - Granted

NYC    Not yet competent

DNS    Did not submit for asessment


Assessment Matrix

An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available from the course contact person (stated above).

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.

Feedback - You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=9pp3ic9obks7

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=vj2g89cve4uj1


Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Special consideration, appeals and discipline :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=qkssnx1c5r0y

Cover Sheet for Submissions
You must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications.

Academic Integrity and Plagiarism - RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy go to Academic Integrity :
http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kw02ylsd8z3n

Course Overview: Access Course Overview