Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2014

Course Code: BUSM6394C

Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5300 - Diploma of Information Technology

Course Contact : Swati Dave

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5811

Course Contact Email:swati.dave@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Name: Hisham Attia
Contact: hisham.attia@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 develop and implement a workplace sustainability policy, including the modification of the policy to suit changed circumstances.
This unit also requires the ability to access industry information, applicable legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines.

This unit is delivered using a blend of classroom based and self-paced learning activities.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSUS501A Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Element:

4. Review workplace sustainability policy implementation

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Document outcomes and provide feedback to key personnel and stakeholders
4.2. Investigate successes or otherwise of policy
4.3. Monitor records to identify trends that may require remedial action and use to promote continuous improvement of performance
4.4. Modify policy and or procedures as required to ensure improvements are made
 

Element:

1. Develop workplace sustainability policy

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Define scope of sustainability policy
1.2. Gather information from a range of sources to plan and develop policy
1.3. Identify and consult stakeholders as a key component of the policy development process
1.4. Include appropriate strategies in policy at all stages of work for minimising resource use, reducing toxic material and hazardous chemical use, and employing life cycle management approaches
1.5. Make recommendations for policy options based on likely effectiveness, timeframes and cost
1.6. Develop policy that reflects the organisation's commitment to sustainability as an integral part of business planning and as a business opportunity
1.7. Agree to appropriate methods of implementation
 

Element:

2. Communicate workplace sustainability policy

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Promote workplace sustainability policy, including its expected outcome to key stakeholders
2.2.Inform those involved in implementing the policy as to outcomes expected, activities to be undertaken and responsibilities assigned
 

Element:

3. Implement workplace sustainability policy

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Develop and communicate procedures to help implement workplace sustainability policy
3.2. Implement strategies for continuous improvement in resource efficiency
3.3. Establish and assign responsibility to use recording systems for tracking continuous improvements in sustainability approaches
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include face-to-face workshops, practical computer exercises based on teacher handouts and online tasks.

We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities. Students should attend all sessions. Students will also be expected to undertake work on a small Web/Database project and other activities for homework.
 


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 Topics Assessment

1

(Face-to-Face)


 07/07/2014
 

Pre-training review:
• RPL
• LLN as required
Familiarisation with:
• Program
• Services/facilities
• Other students
• Teacher(s)
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Pre-reading
• Blackboard
Overview of assessment requirements:
• Grading
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy

Introduction to BSBSUS501A
• Course material, admin & assessments
• Sustainability, purpose and objectives

 

2

(Face-to-Face)
 

14/07/2014  • Definition of sustainability. What is Climate Change? Future Challenges
• Resources, scope and definition
 
HANDOUT Assessment Task 1
Understanding Resource Usage

3

(Face-to-Face)
 

21/07/2014 •Calculate your footprint using footprintnetwork.org
• Submit AT1 through Blackboard
 
DUE Assessment Task 1
Understanding Resource Usage
 

4

(Face-to-Face)

 

28/07/2014

 

• Process of Policy development, Business Drivers, Objectives, Gap Analysis and Implementation
• Example of a Fruit Juicer Company

HANDOUT Assessment Sub-Task 2.1
Framework, Processes & Scope of Policy

(Online)

04/08/2014
 
• Case Study: Apple Environmental Footprint in 2011  

6

(Face-to-Face)
 

11/08/2014
 

• Case Study Review: Apple Environmental Footprint in 2011
• Submit AT2.1 through Blackboard
 
DUE Assessment Sub-Task 2.1
Framework, Processes & Scope of Policy
7
(online)
 18/08/2014

 
• Environmentally sustainable practices
• Audit, scope & objectives, collection of information and compliance
 HANDOUT Assessment Sub-Task 2.2
Sustainability Practices
8
(online)
25/08/2014 • Identify resource usage
• Supply chain, information verification, documentation & reporting
 
 
                                   Mid Semester Break from 01/09/2014 until 05/09/2014 inclusive  
9
(Face-to-Face)
08/09/2014
 

 
• Completion of policy document
• Submit AT2.2 through Blackboard
DUE Assessment SubTask 2.2
Sustainability Practices
10
(Online)


 15/09/2014

• Development of a policy implementation plan
• Targets, Action and implementation plans
HANDOUT Assessment Sub-Task 2.3
Policy Implementation
11
(online)
22/09/2014 • Communication plan
• Communication strategies
 
12
(Face-to-Face)
 
29/09/2014

• Finalising an implementation plan
• Monitoring environmentally sustainable work practices
 

Submit AT2.3 through Blackboard
 

DUE Assessment Sub-Task 2.3
Policy Implementation
 
13
(Online)

06/10/2014

• Summary of workplace policy document
• Presentation context and requirements
 
HANDOUT Assessment Sub-Task  2.4
Workplace Policy Presentation
 

14

(Face-to-Face)

13/10/2014 • Workplace policy group presentations  DUE Assessment Sub-Task  2.4
Workplace Policy Presentation

15

(Face-to-Face)

 

20/10/2014

• Workplace policy group presentations DUE Assessment Sub-Task  2.4
Workplace Policy Presentation
16
(to be advised)
27/10/2014
 
• Feedback and review
 
 Feedback & Review (Face-To-Face if required)


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Materials will include articles, web links and worksheets, which will be made available through the Blackboard portal.


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of competency to be deemed competent.

A range of assessment methods are used to assess practical skills and knowledge, for example:
• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• review of authenticated documents from the workplace or training environment
• demonstration of techniques

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.


Assessment Tasks

You are required to complete 2 assessments within this course . You must successfully complete both the assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.

 


ASSESSMENT TASK 1 – Understanding and Analysing Resource Usage - Due: Week 3

This task takes you through a process of understanding your own household environmental impact. You are required to collate your latest energy and water bills and analyse the data contained with respect to your resource usage and greenhouse gas emissions. Produce an Excel document in which you
• outline and interpret your usage fluctuation (up and down trends)
• explain why usage is high and low at different times of the year
• make recommendations on how you can reduce your resource usage.

Your document should include 2 of the following resources: water, gas and/or electricity. Explain the fluctuation on each resource and make respective recommendations to reduce your resource usage. Helpful links for this assessment:
• www.climatechange.vic.gov.au
• www.watercorporation.com.au
• www.savewater.com.au


ASSESSMENT TASK 2 - PROJECT: Sustainability Policy Development - Due: See below

This task requires you to develop a sustainability policy for the organisation. The task consists for 4 sub-tasks that should be included as part of the workplace policy. Refer to the sub-tasks below for description and due dates.

Sub-Assessment Task 2.1 – “Organisational Framework, Processes & Scope of Policy - Due: Week 6

This is the first part of your workplace policy development for an organisation of your choice. To build a context around your policy, you are required to create a business organisation of your choice, in which such policy will be implemented and deployed. You will be given a template to guide you through this process, in which you are required to:

• Describe your chosen business organisation: What business is it? What is it selling? How is it selling its products or services? Explain a customer scenario? What are the typical processes that the organisation does to provide the goods or services?
• Specify the typical business processes as a value chain
o This is a detailed description of the typical processes that your organisation does to offer its products or services
o Describe the main steps in a flow chart showing each step and its respective resource(s) it is using.
• Define the scope of the policy
• Identify what resources will be the targets in your sustainability policy. These will be the ones you would like to focus on to improve
• Highlight the overall methods, strategies, systems for these resources that you will use to improve their sustainability standing
• Consider resources that are measurable and can be reviewed at different time periods against measurable target (Benchmark)


Sub-Assessment Task 2.2 – Sustainability Practices - Due: Week 9

In Assessment Sub-Task 2.1 you have outlined the target resources, which you are considering to improve in your policy. The Assessment Sub-Task 2.2 now looks at the strategies and recommendations on how you are going to go about it and in what timeframe. Based on the best practices and examples discussed in class and what you will have researched, consider now how you are going to optimise the resource usage, preventing unnecessary wast, and developing potential recycling opportunities for your organisation at hand.

Outline your strategies for at least 2 resources that you are able to measure and make recommendations in terms of likely effectiveness, cost and implementation timeframes. Consider your value chain that you have developed and analyse what resources are used and how, and develop practices to improve them. Think broadly about the context and environment where and how these resources are being used, and whether there is a better way.


Sub-Assessment Task 2.3 – Policy Implementation - Due: Week 12

This Sub-Task focuses on the exact and detailed steps required to start acting upon our developed policy so far. This includes the implementation phase of the strategy and recommendations we have outlined in the previous sub-tasks. We will now look at each strategy separately and list action items that need to be done and allocate respective resources and responsibilities. To put this into context, if our strategy was to reduce paper wastage, then consider the following:
How is the current paper stock used  Investigate if double-sided printing is an option for the particular workplace  Can the current printer in fact print double sided. What is the default setting? Can it be set to double-sided print, ...etc.  Who is responsible to review and monitor this step and its progress? How to measure, how often and how to report? Describe this step in an action plan, which will form one of the deliverables in this section for your policy.

Now that you have executed the action plan, monitored its progress and measured the outcome (on target/not on target), what steps can you plan to continuously improve your commitment to sustainability? Develop an action plan list that considers fulfilling your identified strategies in more specific steps as outlined above. This is best described in an action plan list, which outlines how you will monitor each step to continuously improve your commitment to sustainability. Consider including the following in your action plan:

• Stakeholders: how you will expand the responsibility of the commitment to other partners
• Life Cycle Management (LCM): what can you potentially do instead of disposing? For example, what can be recovered, recycled, re-used or even from the beginning avoided to minimise the impact on the ’life cycle’ of a product or service?
• Monitoring and Evaluation: How to analyse whether your methods in monitoring and reviewing are adequate enough to reflect the real picture. Do you need to consider a more ’improved’ way to do monitor, for example through the use of new technologies?
• Continuous Improvement: Think of how to expand these plans to ensure that you are continuously endeavouring to do your bit for a sustainable future.


Sub-Assessment Task 2.4 – Workplace Policy Presentation - Due: Week 14/15

By now your workplace policy document is completed and covering the key aspects required for your chosen organisation. Your last task is to present your policy to your class highlighting these key aspects. To facilitate this task you will be give a PowerPoint template as a guide for your presentation. Please ensure that your text, graphs and images are readable and that your presentation document looks professional and complete. Rehearse your presentation with your peer before your presentation day. 


Late submissions of work will be eligible for grading at CAG (Competency Achieved) level only.

 


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Submission Requirements

All Assessment tasks need to be submitted via the Learning Hub.

You should:
• Ensure that you 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 is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• 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 blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include 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 Ensure 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 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


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.

Resubmission Guide:
Once a student has submitted an assessment task, a resubmission may be granted if deemed NYC. On resubmission, a student will not receive a grade higher than CAG (Competency achieved)


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 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
Students are expected to complete all tasks independently as specified in the assessment tasks requirements. Throughout the course students will have to demonstrate a deeper understanding of sustainability practices within an organisational framework and how planning a policy for sustainability can affect the business environment. Developing a sustainability policy requires a step-by-step approach in which students will define the aim and objectives, the scope, strategy and action plan of such policy. Throughout the course students will have to have engaged and shown initiative in applying such skills in different parts in the policy development process.

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
Students are expected to build upon the knowledge and skills gained throughout the course and apply them in the development process of the policy. It is expected that students will have researched different approaches to sustainability practices and are able to communicate and assess the effectiveness of a variety of policy approaches. Students are expected to demonstrate their ability to adopt and develop new sustainability practices through a process of continuous exploration of new approaches.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
As part of the policy development process students are expected to analyse sustainability challenges and develop a strategy and an action plan to address those challenges. Students will formulate solutions using industry best practices and benchmarks to qualify techniques and processes in their approach. Students are expected to qualify their chosen solutions to environmental challenges and demonstrate the process behind such solutions.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
As the unit is delivered in a ‘blended mode’, i.e. online and face-to-face students are expected to work on their tasks and self manage their workload accordingly. Students will need to plan their workflow guided by the BlackBoard portal and submit their completed tasks on time. It is expected that students will upload ‘work-in-progress’ files and have a backup plan for potential eventualities, such as file damage, accidental deletion, peer work unavailable, …etc.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
As part of the assessment, students are required to present their policy with the aim for management adoption. Students will use their skills to influence the audience while communicating the benefit of their policy, how it was developed as a team approach and the overall value proposition of their policy.

 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.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview