Course Title: Analyse and present research information

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: BUSM6322C

Course Title: Analyse and present research information

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6106 - Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice

Course Contact : Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925-5944

Course Contact Email:doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Robyn Lang
Ph:99251565
Email:  robyn.lang@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 unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to gather, organise and present workplace information using available systems.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBRES401A Analyse and present research information

Element:

1. Gather and organise information

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Gather and organise information in a format suitable for analysis, interpretation and dissemination in accordance with organisational requirements
1.2. Access information held by the organisation ensuring accuracy and relevance in line with established organisational requirements
1.3. Ensure that methods of collecting information are reliable and make efficient use of resources in accordance with organisational requirements
1.4. Identify research requirements for combining online research with non-electronic sources of information
1.5. Use business technology to access, organise and monitor information in accordance with organisational requirements
1.6. Update, modify, maintain and store information, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

2. Research and analyse information

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Clearly define objectives of research ensuring consistency with organisational requirements
2.2. Ensure that data and research strategies used are valid and relevant to the requirements of the research and make efficient use of available resources
2.3. Identify key words and phrases for use as part of any online search strategy, including the use of Boolean operators and other search tools
2.4. Use reliable methods of data analysis that are suitable to research purposes
2.5. Ensure that assumptions and conclusions used in analyses are clear, justified, supported by evidence and consistent with research and business objectives

Element:

3. Present information

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Present recommendations and issues in an appropriate format, style and structure using suitable business technology
3.2. Structure and format reports in a clear manner that conforms to organisational requirements
3.3. Report and distribute research findings in accordance with organisational requirements
3.4. Obtain feedback and comments on suitability and sufficiency of findings in accordance with organisational requirements


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning experiences are planned for this course including class and online activities relevant to designing and producing business documents.


Teaching Schedule

This course is codelivered and coassessed with LAW5200 Legal Research Method (VU20124). Students have the opportunity to submit their assessment for LAW5184 as part of the evidence of their competency for this course.

Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
• Program overview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including:
  o Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
  o Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities
 
The nominal hours associated with this course 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

Date

Topics

Assessment Tasks

Competencies Delivered

1 9 Feb

Introduction to the Course including:
• Course requirements
• Course support documents
• Course Blackboard access
• Accuracy of enrolment
• Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Submission requirements
• Extensions/Resubmissions
• Feedback in this course
• Getting help

Introduction: What is Legal Research?

 Overview of the assessments

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

2 16 Feb  Finding Sources of Legal Information  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

3 23 Feb

 Electronic Searching

 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

4 2 Mar  Introduction to Legal Resources on the Internet   
 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

5 9 Mar  Legal Citation  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

6 16 Mar

Researching Secondary Sources of Law: Textbooks
 

 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

7 23 Mar  Researching Secondary Sources of Law: Law Journal Articles  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

8 30 Mar  Researching Secondary Sources Online  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

  2-8 April-  Mid Semester break
9 13 Apr

 Finding Case Law on a Subject

 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

10 20 Apr

 Finding Judicial Consideration of a Case

Assignment - Contract Law Essay
Due by 5:00 p.m.  24 April 2015

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

11 27 Apr

 Searching Full-Text Electronic Case Law Databases

  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

12 4 May

 Finding and Updating Legislation

 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

13 11 May

 Finding Legislation on a Subject

 

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

14 18 May

 Finding Delegated Legislation

Weekly exercises
Due: end of week 14

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

15 25 May  Revision  

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)

16 1 June   Final Test  Open book Final Test

LAW5200 (VU20124)
BUSM6322C (BSBRES401A)
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Bott B, Cowley J & Falconer L, Nemes & Coss’ Effective Legal Research, 4th edition
(Sydney : LexisNexis Butterworths, 2007)
OR
Milne S,&Tucker.K, A practical Guide to legal Research, 2nd edition, (Thomas Reuters 2010)

Australian Guide to Legal Citation, 3rd edition, (Melbourne University law Review Assoc. Inc 2010)


References


Other Resources

It is recommended that you have access to a mobile computing device to allow greater flexibility in terms of where you can work on campus outside class times.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of the requirements in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks, 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 final printed documents
• demonstration of techniques
• observation of presentations
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of software applications

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.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
 


Assessment Tasks

To pass this course you need to demonstrate you are competent to the industry standard as required of a paralegal. To achieve this, you must complete all assessments to an acceptable industry standard.
 

To be deemed competent in this course the following evidence is essential:
• presenting information and data
• maintaining and handling data and documents systematically
• analysing and interpreting data to support organisational activities
• knowledge of research processes and strategies to identify new sources of information. 

 This course has 3 assessment tasks and you must successfully complete all of them in order to be deemed competent.

Assessment Task 1 - On-line quizzes
Due Date: Week 14
Submission Procedure: On-line Blackboard (Learning Hub)
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of the various legal research methods to locate primary and secondary sources of legal information.

Assessment Task 2 - Research for Contract Law Essay
Due Date: 5 p.m. 24 April 2015
Submission Procedure: Submit via Blackboard (Learning Hub)
The purpose of this assessment is to demonstrate your ability to research legal information and then to present your research findings in an essay format. Students will have the opportunity to submit their research assessment that they complete in LAW5184 Contract Law. as evidence of their research competency. Students who are not undertaking LAW5184 will need to complete an equivalent task

Assessment Task 3 - Open Book Final Test
Due Date: Week 14
Submission Procedure:  In class as per teacher’s instructions.
The purpose of this assessment is for you to demonstrate your understanding of all topics covered in the course.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions.  You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed.  Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
 


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.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.

Marking Guide (Grading)
Grades received throughout semester are only indicative of your performance. These grades will only contribute to your final grade if you complete all assessments to an acceptable industry standard. If students cannot demonstrate competency across all learning outcomes or elements of the course the maximum grade they can achieve is NN or NYC. If students fail to submit one or more pieces of assessment, the maximum grade available is DNS.

 

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.

Other Information

Submission Requirements
You should:

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date:
  • 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 a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

 


Late Submission Procedures
If you are prevented from submitting an assessment on time, by circumstances outside your control, you must apply in advance 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):
Students who achieve an indicative grade of greater than 50%, yet have not demonstrated competency across all learning outcomes will be given the opportunity to undertake an oral questioning with the assessor in which they will be required to demonstrate competence in the elements or learning outcomes not yet demonstrated. If students cannot demonstrate competency across all learning outcomes or elements of the course the maximum grade they can achieve is NN or Not Yet Competent.

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://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=kehn9bz22r41

Course Overview: Access Course Overview