Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: POLI5036C

Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6101 - Advanced Diploma of International Business

Course Contact : Tim Wallis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5423

Course Contact Email:timothy.wallis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Stuart Castricum

stuart.castricum@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 course covers establishing, expanding and utilising strategic networks. It includes identifying features of required strategic networks, identifying or establishing network links with key stakeholders and building strategic relationships


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks

Element:

Build strategic relationships

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The strategic value and likely outcomes of participating in networks are identified at an individual and organisational level
1.2 The benefits of existing networks are researched and assessed
1.3 Key stakeholders and their needs, expectations and roles are identified
 

Element:

Identify features of required strategic networks

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Existing network links between key stakeholders are identified, and strategies to maintain or expand them are identified and initiated
2.2 New network links between self and key internal and external stakeholders are established and used effectively
2.3 Strong working relationships are developed and maintained among network members
 

Element:

Identify or establish network links with key stakeholders

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Effective communication channels are established to exchange strategic information for the mutual benefit of network members
3.2 Interaction and consultation with key stakeholders are used to anticipate developments that may impact on the organisation and require a strategic approach to dealing with them
3.3 Misunderstandings and conflict situations are identified and constructively addressed in accordance with principles of conflict resolution
3.4 Opportunities are sought and acted upon to improve communication processes and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes
 


Learning Outcomes


In practice, establishing and maintaining strategic networks may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity, etc.


Details of Learning Activities

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

The self-based activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and will include student contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice skills in a simulated workplace environment
 


Teaching Schedule

Week Date Topics
1  10 Feb Induction;  Identifying Networks - Types of networks: Social and Professional
2  17 Feb Identifying Networks – Setting Network objectives
3  24 Feb Identifying Networks – Industry and Government Networks
4  3 Mar Stakeholders – Identifying Stakeholders
5  10 Mar Stakeholders - Consultation & liaison
6  17 Mar Building Network Links - Principles of interpersonal and group communication
7  24 Mar Building Network Links - Building influence and reputation
8 31 Mar Building Network Links – Business Networking for Business Development
9  7 Apr Building Network Links – Building International Networks
10  14 Apr Building Strategic Relationships - Formal and informal communication
    Mid Semestere Break
11  28 Apr Building Strategic Relationships – Providing support and assistance
12  5 May Building Strategic Relationships – E-Communications
13 12 May         Building Strategic Relationships - Negotiation & Conflict resolution
14  19 May Building Strategic Relationships – Diversity and Cross-cultural communication
15  26 May Revision and Review
16  2 June Resubmissions and Resits

Week 1 will consist of an induction to the course which will include completion of a pre training review and familiarisation with:
• Your teacher(s) and other students.
• Services and facilities
• Student responsibilities
• Where to get support
• Course requirements, key learning outcomes, assessment, feedback and grading.
• Submission requirements and the resubmission policy
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions and Special Consideration
• Privacy
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed text


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.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task 1 – Knowledge Sharing Workshops
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Weeks 4-11 – Student groups may nominate a week – if multiple requests for one week then random selection will be made.
Group or Individual: Groups of 3 students.

Purpose: This assessment will allow you to demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit.

Requirements: Students will be required to prepare a 20-30 minute knowledge sharing workshop which will be held at the start of each class in weeks 4-11. Students should prepare the workshop based on the relevant weekly topics for that week.

Assessment Task 2 – Networking & Interview Plan
Date handed out: Week 3
Date and time due: Week 12
Group or Individual: Groups of 3 students.

Purpose: This assessment will allow you to develop and demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strategic networks.

Requirements: Each student in the group must define their career objective looking at a 3-5 year timeframe. Based on this – the group will then be required work together to develop clear network objectives and develop a networking and interview plan for each student.

Assessment Task 3 – Interview Report
Date handed out: Week 3
Date and time due: Week 14
Group or Individual: Individual

Purpose: This assessment will allow you to develop and demonstrate your ability to build and maintain strategic networks.

Requirements: Students are required to conduct an interview with one of the contacts on their networking and interview plan. They should then prepare a short summary of the interview (one page) and a one page reflection on how the interview went and how they felt the interview contributed to the development of their career objectives.

Submission requirements:
Assessment tasks must be submitted online through blackboard.

You must:
• Retain a copy of your assessment tasks.
• 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.
• For group assignments - all group members must complete and sign the cover sheet.
• Each page of your assessment you should include footer with your name(s), student number(s), 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.

Resubmissions:
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.

Final Date for All Assessments.
Unless the Late Submission Procedures (see above) are applied, No assessment tasks or resubmissions will be accepted after 5pm Friday, Week 16.
 


Assessment Matrix

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.

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.
You will be provided with an assessment matrix in the assessments area of the unit blackboard shell. Generally, your grading will be assessed against how well you demonstrate:
• Perform the activities as required by the learning elements of this unit of competency.
• Demonstrate the required knowledge for this unit of competency.
• Execute the required skills for this unit of competency.
• Demonstrate your employability skills through contribution to learning activities related to this assessment, timeliness, use of technology and teamwork.

Final Grades table:
DNS - Did not submit for assessment
NYC - Not yet competent
CAG - Competency achieved – graded
CC - Competent with credit
CDI - Competent with distinction
CHD - Competent with high distinction

Other Information

Late submissions
If circumstances outside your control are likely to prevent you from submitting an assessment item on time, you may apply to your teacher for an extension of up to seven calendar days.
You must apply for an extension at least one working day prior to the submission deadline.
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf

Special Consideration
Extensions of greater than seven days will only be granted to eligible students through the special consideration process. 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

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
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview