Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2013

Course Code: EASC5040C

Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4226 - Certificate IV in Frontline Management

Course Contact : Seymour Jacobson

Course Contact Phone: 9925 1563

Course Contact Email:seymour.jacobson@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

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

There are no pre-requisites for this unit.

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively analyse the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices and to implement improvements and monitor their effectiveness. 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.

This unit applies to those with responsibility for a specific area of work or who lead a work group or team. It addresses the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices, including the development of processes and tools, such as:
 

  • identifying areas for improvement
  • developing plans to make improvements
  • implementing and monitoring improvements to environmental performance.

A person who demonstrates competence in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to implement and monitor integrated environmental and resource efficiency management policies and procedures within an organisation. Evidence must be strictly relevant to the particular workplace role.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Element:

1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Identify environmental regulations applying to the enterprise
1.2. Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability regulations
1.3. Collect information on environmental and resource efficiency systems and procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate
1.4. Collect, analyse and organise information from a range of sources to provide information/advice and tools/resources for improvement opportunities
1.5. Measure and document current resource usage of members of the work group
1.6. Analyse and document current purchasing strategies
1.7. Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in identifying areas for improvement
 

Element:

2. Set targets for improvements

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists
2.2. Access external sources of information and data as required
2.3. Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace environmental issues
2.4. Set efficiency targets
 

Element:

3. Implement performance improvement strategies

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets
3.2. Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to communicate to the work group and management
3.3. Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities
3.4. Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for improved practices and resource efficiency in work area
3.5. Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate
3.6. Implement costing strategies to fully value

Element:

4. Monitor performance

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring, tools and technology
4.2. Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to key personnel and stakeholders
4.3. Evaluate strategies and improvement plans
4.4. Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and strategies
4.5. Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible
 


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

 

Students should attend all classes to complete activities and attendance is mandatory for all in-class assessments. The class activities provide an opportunity to develop skills and apply theory to real life situations. The learning activities may include:
• Case studies and project work
• Collaborative classroom activities and team activities
• Peer interaction, reflection and discussion
• Games and simulations
• Reading the text book and accessing materials on Learning Hub
 


Teaching Schedule

Week number/date Content Assessment
1. 11 February  Inroduction to course Course overview, Assessment overview, Academic administration procedures, Class management,
2. 18 February

 1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage

1.1 Identify environmental regulations applying to the enterprise

Regulations, compliance, workplace regulations
3. 25 February 1.2 Analyse procedures for assessing compliance with environmental/sustainability regulations Asessing compliance, environmental regulations, International laws, Commonwealth laws, State and Territory laws, Local governmentIndustry bodies, compliance audit

4. 04 March

1.3 Collect information on environment and resource efficiency systems and procedures, and provide to the work group where appropriate

1.4 Collect, analyse and organise information from a range of sources to provide information/advice and tools/resources for improvement opportunities

 Examine current practices, legal reporting, research competitors, best practice, customers and other stakeholders, websites and media

Why plan, how to plan, operational advice and reporting

Assessment 1 -

Portfolio 1 due on class day via myRMIT

5. 11 March 1.5 Measuring and document current resource usage of members of the work group  Resources, usage, energy,water, waste, human resources
6. 18 March

1.6 Analyse and document current purchasing strategies

1.7 Analyse current work processes to access information and data to assist in identifying areas for improvement

Purchasing strategies, internal audits. external research 

Workplace processes, audits,

7. 25 March

 2. Set targets for improvement

2.1 Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists

2.2 Access external sources of information and data as required

2.3 Evaluate alternative solutions to workplace nvironmental issues

Who are the stakeholders, seeking input, consultation

External sources

 

Practicality,questionnaires, reports

7. 01 April MID SEMESTER BREAK SPLIT WEEK 28 MARCH - 03 APRIL
8. O8 April

 2.4 Set efficiency targets

3. Implement performance improvement strategies

3.1 Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets

Efficiency targets, communication

Documentation, Enviromental management plan, checklists, training, meetings

Assessment 2 - in-class test covering Tasks 6-21ATTENDANCE MANDATORY

9. 15 April

3.2 Apply continuous improvement strategies to own work area of responsibility, including ideas and possible solutions to communicate to the work group and management

3.3 Implement and integrate environmental and resource efficiency improvement plans for own work group with other operational activities

 Continuous improvement, strategies

Strategy. legal requirements, internal acceptance, reporting lines,

10. 22 April

3.4 Supervise and support team members to identify possible areas for improved practices and resource efficiency in work areas

3.5 Seek suggestions and ideas about environmental and resource efficiency management from stakeholders and act upon where appropriate

Recognising potential improvements, assisting team members

Seek suggestions

11. 29 April 3.6 Implement costing strategies to fully value environmental issues

Costs, activity based costing, full-cost accounting

 

12. 06 May

  4. Monitor performance

4.1 Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring tools and technology

Benchmarks, measure performance, checking, corrective action, audit forms

Assessment 1 -

Portfolio 2 due on class day via myRMIT

13. 13 May 4.2 Document and communicate outcomes to report on efficiency targets to key personnel and stakeholders Reports, quarterlies, annual, meetings
14. 20 May

 4.3 Evaluate strategies and improvement plans

4.4 Set new efficiency targets, and investigate and apply new tools and strategies

Risk, evaluation, identifying issues

Address conflicts, efficiency targets, implementation, monitoring

15. 27 May  4.5 Promote successful strategies and reward participants where possible  Internal promotion, competitions, memos/emails, PR, website, AGM, industry awards
16. 03 June  Course review Assessment task 3 - report due on class day via myRMIT

NOTE : This schedule may be varied due to unforeseen circumstances but students will not be disadvantaged as a result


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Implement and Monitor Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices, Software Publications Writing Team, Software Publications Pty Ltd, 2009

1-74123-950-8


References

Management Theory and Practice, 5e, Cole Kris, Pearson Australia, 2013

9781442550681


Other Resources

  1. RMIT Library
  2. Handouts and exercises will be given in classs as appropriate
  3. myRMIT Blackboard
  4. The Learning Lab is a learning and study skills site developed by the Learning Skills Unit offering online interactive tutorials, printable handouts and an email Learning Query service. The site is helps students develop capabilities for tertiary study. http://www.dlsweb.rmit.edu.au/lsu/


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including technical requirements documentation, homework, assignments, group and/or individual projects, in class exercises, written and practical assessments, problem solving exercises, presentations, direct observation of actual and simulated work practice, presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files, review of products produced through work-based or course activities.

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 be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.


Assessment Tasks

There are 3 assessments for this course. Students must be competent in all assessments. If an assessment is marked Not Yet Competent, (NYC), you will be given an opportunity to re-submit within a short timeframe. If a submission is late you will require Special Consideration to re-submit

Assessments will consist of a portfolio of responses answering tasks listed in the prescribed text and a major assignment outlining sustainability improvements for the Virtual Enterprise

Assessment 1 - Portfolios of work

Portfolio 1 due week 4 on class day via myRMIT

Students will write individual responses to Tasks 1-5 in the prescribed text by Software Publications

 Portfolio 2 due week 12 on class day via myRMIT

Students will write individual written responses to Tasks 22; Task 26; Task 27; Task 30 in the prescribed text by Software Publications

Assessment 2 - In-class test - week 8 -ATTENDANCE MANDATORY

Students will complete an in-class test based on Tasks 6-21 in the prescribed text by Software Publications. The test will use a selection of tasks and they are to be answered according to the task instructions

Assessment 3 - Report due week 16 on class day via myRMIT

You will carry out an analysis of the sales and/or purchasing data in the VE, in order to develop, or improve, the sustainability of the simulated workplace environment. You will obtain some ’hard data’ first. After analysing this information, you will develop ideas for improving the way that the VE produces ethically and environmentally sustainable products and services as well as using sustainable products and processes. Further information and guidance will be given during the course


Assessment Matrix

Other Information

Academic Administration Procedures

Plagiarism
Plagiarism is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person as though it is your own. It is a form of cheating and is a very serious academic offence that may lead to expulsion from the University. Plagiarised material can be drawn from, and presented in, written, graphic and visual form, including electronic data and oral presentation. Plagiarism occurs when the origin of the material used is not appropriately cited. Examples of plagiarism include:
• Copying sentences or paragraphs word-for-word from one or more sources, whether published or unpublished, which could include but is not limited to books, journals, reports, theses, websites, conference papers, course notes, etc. without proper citation;
• Piecing together text from one or more sources and adding only linking sentences;
• Copying or submitting whole or parts of computer files without acknowledging their source;
• Copying a whole or any part of another student’s work; and
• Submitting work as your own that someone else has done for you.
For further information including “Plagiarism (and how to avoid it): Resources for Students” refer to the Plagiarism section of the RMIT Policies, at http://www.rmit.edu.au/governance/policies in the Teaching and Learning Policy section. Penalties include official reprimand, recording of a failure result or expulsion from the University.

Referencing

Students are to use the Harvard Referencing System


Essays which do not use the Harvard system of referencing will not be graded until referencing is correct. Wrong referencing includes using the footnote system instead of the Harvard (author-date) system, no page numbers in references where there is a quote, being unable to use the formula for in-text referencing, using a bibliography instead of a reference list, having no reference list, failing to show where a quote begins and ends, writing out the book title because you don’t know how to use references and not using all elements of the reference citation i.e. surname, initial, date published, title (correctly signified), publisher and place published. Minor errors such as wrong punctuation, a wrong page number or a simple typographical error in a date are not defined as an error.



Submission of written work/assessments
Written work must conform with RMIT’s guidelines “Written Reports And Essays: Guidelines For Referencing And Presentation In RMIT Business”, in repect to Harvard Referencing, which can be found at: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/s9sx559hurvc.rtf
Written assessment must be lodged by the due date in the format specified.
Please do not place work in plastic binders or plastic pockets.
Attach a signed Assignment Cover Sheet to each submission of written work or assessment.

You must keep a copy of your assignment/written work, which can be produced if the original is lost or damaged.

Each page of your online assessments should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Carole Marco, S123456, Task 2, BUSM6245C Implement operational plan, Page 1 of 10.


Special Consideration
Special Consideration is a process that enables the University to take account of unexpected circumstances such as illness, injury or bereavement that affect a student’s performance in assessment. Forms are available from http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/forms Further information can be accessed from http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsideration


Return of Assessments and Feedback
Hard copies of any in-class assessments will be returned to you together with written feedback during class/lecture times. Feedback for online assessments is via myRMIT. Assesments are normally returned within two weeks of submission


Variations to Assessment
A change will not be made to the form or forms of assessment as detailed in the Course Guide unless:
1. the students enrolled in that course have received notice in writing of the proposed change; and
2. the change is approved by the Head of School and not less than 70% of the students enrolled in that course.
Appealing Assessment
You are entitled to appeal assessment results. Refer to RMIT Policy – Appeal Against Assessment Result available at http://www.rmit.edu.au/governance/policies in the Teaching and Learning Policy area.
Students are required to attempt all assessments and be rated as competent against all performance criteria to pass the course.
RMIT University recognises nationally accredited or endorsed qualifications and Statements of Attainment issued to the student by other Registered Training Organisations (RTO’s). Also, RMIT provides credit for work experience or other forms of life experience that match the learning outcomes/competencies of RMIT courses. You must provide evidence that is current, relevant valid, and verifiable that your experience matches the learning outcomes/competencies of the relevant course for which you are seeking credit. This evidence may include formal qualifications (certificates, etc); work samples; references; documents, etc. Please speak to your teacher before applying.
To apply, you should obtain an RPL Information Sheet. Forms are available on the RMIT Website at http://www.rmit.edu.au/student-records/studentforms . You should complete the appropriate form (RPL and/or Credit Transfer), attach the relevant supporting documentation and submit the form to your facilitator for this unit.

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)
Each assessment task is marked as Competent or Not Yet Competent, but not graded until achieving competency across the assessment tasks. 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
We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to implementing sustainability in a workplace situation

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING
We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in sustainability in the workplace.. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable sustainability principles in all the assessment tasks.


3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING
We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in sustainability in a workplace with people and teams and how these might be addressed.


4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT
We expect to see on-going uploading of information that is relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.

5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK
We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled collaborative sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to sustainability in the workplace.


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

Course Overview: Access Course Overview