Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

Course Code: BUSM6394C

Course Title: Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6092 - Advanced Diploma of Marketing

Course Contact : Kit Andrews

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5518

Course Contact Email:kit.andrews@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Elaine J Holstein

Level 10 building 108 (until we move to SAB)

9925 5155

Consulting times are Monday mornings from 9:30 am - 11:30 am

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 Required

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 requires the ability to access industry information, applicable legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines. While no licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply holistically to this unit at the time of publication, relevant national, state and territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice impact upon this unit.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSUS501A Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability

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

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


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

This subject will consist of on-line assessments and Blackboard coolaborate sessions. Students will be provided with all the details as well as any additional technical support required to successfully particiapte in these activities.


Teaching Schedule

Week Number Week Beginning Topics Assessments
1

25th June

 

Course Induction
•Course delivery and assessment details
•Course support documents
•Online learning environment
•Grading
•Plagiarism
•Appeals
•Extensions
•Feedback
•Privacy
•Submission requirements
•Resubmission policy
•Where to get support
•Student responsibilities

Pre-Training Review
•Includes skills analysis and Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
Overview of the specific technology required for this course:
oBlackboard discussion board
oWikis
oWeebly
oBlackboard collaborate
Introduction to on-line resources
(Robyn Phillips Tafe Business Library)
Introductory Activities
Developing an on line and in class code of conduct using the wiki technology
Reflections on Discussion Board
 

This session is relevant to all assessment tasks.

Reflective discussion board activities begin this week and continue until the end of week 15. A total of six discussion board entries will be required per student.

They will be reviewed and assessed

Week 1 Group wiki due – code of conduct on-line
 

2 2nd July Develop workplace sustainability policy

Introduction to sustainability
Sustainability in the workplace

Students arrange groups and select an organisation for case study focus.
 

all assessments
3 9th July Overview of the process


•Develop workplace sustainability policy
•Communicate workplace sustainability policy
•Implement workplace sustainability policy
•Review workplace sustainability policy implementation

Steps and stages
 

all assessments
4 16th july Communicate workplace sustainability policy
Identify all affected areas and stakeholder and communications management and comprehensive strategy and action plan.

Using tools from last semesters – look at how to prepare a stakeholder plan for each key group outlining expectations, actions etc.

 

all assessments
5 23rd July Develop workplace sustainability policy –research.

1. Business Drivers
2. Vision
3. Objectives of the company that you have selected
Review of weebly for “staff” communications tool
 

all assessments
6 30th July Assessing the current position
Gap Analysis (strategic gap analysis…tools from last semester modified)
Include pest, occupational health and safety issues etc.

 

all assessments
7 6th August Developing strategies to address gaps from current to desired practise.
 
all assessments
8 13th August Sustainability Marketing – sustainable consumer behaviour
Developing sustainability marketing standards and
strategies
 
Task 2 Due
You will receive the feedback in week 10. If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 11.

Task 1 - Discussion Board contribution due
 

9 20th Agust Developing action plans – utilising templates provided in previous semester all assessments
10 3rd September Identifying risks and developing a risk management strategy as part of plans all assessments
11 10th September Developing objectives and systems to monitor implementation and success of strategy and action plans Task 1 - Discussion Board contribution due
12 17th September Sustainability – the broader strategic view
Reframing sustainability marketing
Towards a more sustainable economy
 
all assessments
13 24th September Developing marketing communications for sustainability – a broader perspective Task 1 - Discussion Board contribution due
14 1st October The future of sustainability….. Task 3 Due
You will receive the feedback in week 15. If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the beginning of week 16.
 
15 8th October Group interviews and feedback Task 1 - Discussion Board contribution due
16 15th october Group Interviews and feedback, resits if required  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, presentation and written or test. 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 receive ongoing feedback on their progress in the course.


Assessment Tasks

Part 2 Assessment Outline

Assessment Tasks

Students are required to complete 3 tasks. All tasks must successfully be completed to be deemed competent in this unit.

TASK 1 – Group participation and e-reflection.

Each week students will be set a case study or research and analysis task for completion during the class. This will be followed by a group discussion.

Students will be required to participate both in the research and analysis task and take an active part in small group and in class discussions. They will be observed by the teacher for quality research/analysis and contribution to the discussions. For weeks 4, 8, 11, 13 and 15 students will be required to prepare a short reflective comment and discussion board entry that summarises the essence of their learning for each week and includes the link to 1 interesting reference (not including in teachers resources and not included by another student I your class) to share with the rest of the class. Week 1 the code of conduct wiki is also assessable.

Submission Requirements: Students are required to participate in class activities and post discussion board contributions as per the specific criteria to be outlined in class, during the identified weeks. The parameters of the discussion content will be discussed in the first week of class.

To be deemed competent in this task students must complete participate in class activities and satisfactorily participate in the weekly discussion board discussions.

Submission Requirements: Through the discussion board and wiki facilities on Blackboard.

Task 2 - Sustainability Policy Recommendations draft 1: (Due week 7)

Working in groups on NO MORE THAN 4

Students are to assume the role of management consultant to a medium sized organisation. They have been engaged by this organisation to help prepare for future marketing directions and challenges which include a review and recommendations for developing, implementing and monitoring an organisation wide workplace sustainability policy and procedures.

To be deemed competent in this task, students must prepare a comprehensive sustainability draft report that includes:

•Introduction to the challenge and objectives of the strategy.
•A thorough description and analysis of the business and the business the industry operates in. A PEST analysis needs to be used here with specific reference to the political, legal/regulatory issues that impact the business and it’s environment. Specific reference to any systems/ manufacturing requirements also need to be taken into consideration.
•A clear understanding of the business’s current policy (if there is one) and practice in sustainability evidenced though their stated practices and documents release, media generated etc.
•A brief overview of the business units and areas that will be most impacted by the sustainability policy
•A comment on how the success of the policy and procedures will be monitored and measured.
•A stakeholder register, identifying key stakeholders and a draft “staff website” which will form part of the communications strategy (this will be done on Weebly)

Submission Requirements: Students are required to provide a written document by the due date uploaded into blackboard. Please note that submissions are not to be emailed.

Task 3. Sustainability Final Report (Due week 14)

•Structured report presentation with contents, references etc.
•Introduction to the challenge and objectives of the strategy.
•A thorough description and analysis of the business and the business the industry operates in a pest analysis needs to be used here with specific reference to the political, legal/regulatory issues that impact the business and it’s environment. Specific reference to any systems/ manufacturing requirements also need to be taken into consideration.
•A clear understanding of the business’s current policy and practice in sustainability evidenced though their stated practices and documents release, media generated etc.
•A clear analysis and statement of the business units and areas that will be most impacted by the sustainability policy
•The sustainability policy statement
•An implementation strategy (with operational strategy)
•A clear description of how the success of the policy and procedures will be monitored and measured.
•A comprehensive stakeholder strategy and communications plan which includes the completion of the “staff” website.
•A recommendation as to how the organisation would incorporate its sustainability “commitment” (as evidenced through their policy) into their broader marketing and specifically marketing communications strategy.

Note that once the assessment has been handed in an informal group discussion will be held in weeks 15 and 16 for each group to establish that the appropriate learning has taken place for each student within the group. The outcome of this discussion will impact the final grade for each student.

Submission Requirements: Students are required to provide a written document by the due date uploaded into blackboard. Please note that submissions are not to be emailed.
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 from the Student forms website.
•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.


Assessment Matrix

Required KnowledgeAssessment
•environmental or sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to industry and organisation

Tasks 1, 2 and 3
•equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles and occupational health and safety implications of policy being developed
Tasks 1, 2 and 3
•policy development processes and practicesTasks 1, 2 and 3
•principles, practices and available tools and techniques of sustainability management relevant to the particular industry context
Tasks 1, 2 and 3
•quality assurance systems relevant to own organisationTasks 1, 2 and 3
•relevant industry competencyTasks 1, 2 and 3
•relevant organisational policies, procedures and protocolsTasks 1, 2 and 3
•relevant systems and procedures to aid in the achievement of workplace sustainabilityTasks 1, 2 and 3
Required SkillsAssessment
•communication skills to adjust communication to suit different audiences; to respond effectively to diversity; to work as a member of a team to consult on and validate policyTasks 1, 2 and 3
•literacy skills to read and evaluate complex and formal documents such as policy and legislationTasks 2 and 3
•problem skills to effectively manage different points of view and dissenting stakeholdersTasks 1, 2 and 3
•research, analytical and writing skills to research, analyse and present information; to prepare written reports requiring precision of expression and language and structures suited to the intended audienceTasks 2 and 3
•communication skills to adjust communication to suit different audiences; to respond effectively to diversity; to work as a member of a team to consult on and validate policyTasks 1, 2 and 3

Element/performance criteriaTasks 2 and 3

1.Develop workplace sustainability policy
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
Tasks 1, 2 and 3

2. Communicate workplace sustainability policy
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
Tasks 2 and 3

.Implement workplace sustainability policy
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 approachesTasks 2 and 3

4.Review workplace sustainability policy implementation
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 madeTasks 2 and 3

Other Information

A

Course Overview: Access Course Overview