Course Title: Conduct research

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2015

Course Code: COMM5916C

Course Title: Conduct research

School: 345T Media and Communication

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing

Course Contact : Program Administration

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-4815

Course Contact Email:mctafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Lorna Hendry
lorna.hendry@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 30

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

Conducting research and analysing your findings is an important part of writing a wide range of business documents and projects. This unit is designed to cover the skills and knowledge required for you to conduct comprehensive research in response to a brief.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

CUFRES401A Conduct research

Element:

2. Conduct research

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify sources of informaton and potential contributors relevant to research briefs
2.2 Design research tools as required
2.3 Contact a sufficiently wide range of valid sources to optimise information gathering in line with research briefs and agreed methodology
2.4 Approach relevant sources promptly and in a way most likely to elicit the required information
2.5 Adjust research strategies as required, without compromising required outcomes
2.6 Maintain accurate and comprehensive details of information sources
2.7 Adjust contact information when requirements of research briefs change and keep records up to date
2.8 Record all data gathered in a system that allows easy access and retrieval of information in the analysis phase
 

Element:

3. Analyse research findings

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse and interpret data or information gathered
3.2 Check all facts before including them in research findings
3.3 Make judgements about how much information to include
3.4 Develop conclusions and recommendations as required in consultation with relevant personnel
 

Element:

4. Present research findings

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Organise information logically and clearly in the agreed format
4.2 Present information to relevant personnel by agreed deadlines
4.3 Identify key issues for further research or discussion with relevant personnel
4.4 Seek feedback on the quality of research outcomes and note areas for improvement
 

Element:

1. Clarify research brief

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm topic or content to be researched with relevant personnel, including deadlines for completion.
1.2 Identify research and data gathering techniques that best meet the requirements of the brief
1.3 Discuss research ideas fully and constructively with relevant personnel and identify any implications for research briefs
1.4 Reach agreement with relevant personnel on the format for presenting research findings
1.5 Identify issues of a culturally sensitive or legal nature that affect research briefs
1.6 Alert relevant personnel to potential difficulties in meeting briefs and agree on alternative strategies or outcomes
1.7 Where specialist research expertise is required, identify potential subcontractors and organise subcontract arrangements in consultation with relevant personnel.
 


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this unit you will be able to use a range of research and data gathering techniques to gather the information needed to write a range of business documents and projects. 


Details of Learning Activities

This course is co-delivered with BSBPMG510A Major Projects

In this course, you will learn through:

1. In-class activities:
- lectures
- teacher directed group activities/ projects
- guest speakers
- group discussion
- class exercises
- workshopping

2. Out-of-class activities:
- online and other research
- independent and group project based work
- independent study

 


Teaching Schedule

 Week  Class Content Assessments   CUFRES401A BSBPMG510A 
 1

Course outline/assessment
What is a project?
Outline of project management skills
Analysis of project manager job descriptions
Project documentation
Brainstorm ideas for projects

Computer lab:
Research possible project
Create a template for your personal reflection         

   1.1-1.4 1.1-1.3.
 2

Note-taking skills
Case study: Blueprint festival
Stages of a project
Why projects fail
Update on project ideas

Computer lab:
Library session (TBC)
Research possible project

  2.1-2.3
2.5          
1.3-1.6
 3

Working in teams – group theory
Teamwork – decision making, setting goals, assigning roles, team rules
Meeting procedures
Setting personal goals

Computer lab:
Online personality typing
Research possible project and work on pitch
Personal reflection

  2.3-2.8
3.1-3.4
4.1        
2.5
3.1
3.2
 4

Present pitches
Form teams

Computer lab:
Team meeting – assign roles and document meeting
Create templates for agendas/minutes/timesheets
Begin project proposal
Personal reflection

Assessment Task 1
Project pitch

 4.2-4.4 2.1
3.3
 5

Managing conflict
Identifying and managing resources

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Feedback on project proposal
Project work – deliverable 1
Personal reflection     

  1.7 3.4   
 6

Customer/stakeholder needs
Project management tools
- Developing timelines/schedules
- Using project management charts: flow, pert, gantt

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection
 

               2.2
 7

Budgeting – internal and external
Tracking and recording resources

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Prepare progress report
Personal reflection

    2.4
4.1    
 8

Present progress reports
Class discussion on any issues, concerns or questions

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

  1.6  
 9

Feedback on progress reports
Marketing and publicity

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

 

 
2.6
 10

Risk management and contingency plans
OH&S
Legal requirements

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

Assessment Task 2
Project plan:
Deliverable 1

 1.5 2.3
3.5-3.7
 11

Feedback on project plan
Change management

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

                   4.2
5.1
 12

Develop resources for attendees – guidance materials, activity sheets, programs, etc.

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

    3.3
3.4
 
 13

Evaluating a project – feedback sheets/survey

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

    5.1
5.2
 
 14

Presentation skills

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work
Personal reflection

    4.2
 15 Guest speaker: TBC
Rehearse team presentation

Computer lab:
Team meeting
Project work

Assesment Task 2
Project plan:
Deliverable 2                         
  3.5
3.7
4.3
5.3  
 16 Team presentations Assessment Task 3
Team presentations
  5.7
         


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

You are advised to check the Blackboard site for additional information and resources.


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is on-going throughout the course. Assessment will incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of knowledge and skills and will include:

  • participation in written exercises, in class and online
  • oral presentations
  • the application of learned skills and insights to researching in response to a brief.


Assessment Tasks

This course is assessed with BSBPMG510A Manage Projects.

To demonstrate competency in this course you will need to complete the following assessment to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback on all assessment and once you have demonstrated competency, you will receive a grade for Assessment Task 2 Deliverable 2 and Assessment Task 3 (refer to Blackboard for assessment criteria and grading rubric).

Assessment tasks

1. Individual presentation: Project pitch. Due Week 4 (29 July)
You will research a potential project and make a short pitch to the class for it to be taken on as one of the class’s activities for the semester.

2. Project plan. Submitted in two (2) parts
- Deliverable 1. Due Week 10 (9 September)
- Deliverable 2. Due Week 15 (28 October) (graded)
As a team, you will create, maintain and update a comprehensive, well-organised and professionally presented project plan that documents all aspects of your project. Individually you will write a personal reflection on the project. Deliverables will be submitted in 2 parts.

3. Group presentation. Due Week 16 (4 November) (graded)
As a team, you will present a review of your project to the class. Every member will participate actively in the presentation and some audio and/or visual content is required.


Graded assessment in this course uses the following grades:

  • 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


Grading criteria for this assessment can be found on the course Blackboard site.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency. These are available from the course contact in Program Administration.

Other Information

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

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.
Feedback - You will receive spoken and written feedback from teachers on your work. Where appropriate, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Student feedback at RMIT

Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Student progress policy

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. You can apply in writing for up to a week’s extension from your course teacher. If you need a longer extension, you wil need to apply for special consideration.Special consideration, appeals and discipline

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


 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview