Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2016

Course Code: EASC5065C

Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4358 - Certificate IV in Business Administration

Course Contact : Sylvia Baroutis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5469

Course Contact Email:sylvia.baroutis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Seymour Jacobson

Tel: +61 3 9925 1563

Email: seymour.jacobson@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 skills and knowledge required to effectively analyse the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices and to implement improvements and monitor their effectiveness.

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


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSUS301 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 utilise environmental assets
 

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


Learning activities will include class-based exercises, site visits, demonstrations and observation in order to develop competency, including the underpinning skills and knowledge required for this unit.


Teaching Schedule

Week Week Beginning Content Assessment
1 8 February

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

 

2 15 February The triple bottom line and the ecological footprint  
3 22 February

Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage

 

 Assessment 1 Site visit - To be confirmed
4 29 February

Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage

 

 
5 7 March Analysing sustainability in the workplace  
6 14 March

 

Measuring resource usage and purchasing strategies

 Assessment 1 Due - Report

7 21 March

Resources defined

Industry examples

24-30 March Mid-semester break
7 28 March Resources defined

Industry examples

24-30 March Mid-semester break
8 4 April

Set targets for improvement
External sources of information and data
Evaluate alternative solutions



 
9 11 April Set targets for improvement
External sources of information and data
Evaluate alternative solutions
Set efficiency targets
Work on Switch-off campaign
 
10 18 April Implement performance management strategies
Techniques and tools
Continuous improvement strategies
 
Work on Switch-off campaign
 
11 25 April

Implement performance management strategies

Environmental and resource efficiency improvement plan
                                                             

Supervise team members

Work on Switch-off campaign
 
 
12 2 May

Implement performance management strategies
Seek suggestions for improvements
Costing strategies

 

Work on Switch-off campaign

13 9 May Monitor performance
Tools and technology for evaluation and monitoring
Communicating outcomes
Work on Switch-off campaign
 
14 16 May Monitor performance
Evaluate performance
New targets, tools and strategies
Promote successful strategies
Work on Switch-off campaign
 
15 23 May Finalise report Assessment TASK 2 - Switch-off campaign Report
16 30 May Feedback and Review  
17 6 June Resubmissions/Resits as appropriate  
 

 

  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Cole K, Management theory and practice 6e, Cengage Learning Australia, 2016 

9780170354059


References

Dwyer, J, The Business Communication Handbook 10th Edition, Cengage Learning Australia, 2016

9780170035417


Other Resources

 


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

 Evidence of the ability to:

  • analyse information from a range of sources to identify current procedures, practices and compliance requirements in relation to environmental and resource sustainability
  • consult and communicate with relevant stakeholders to seek input and encourage engagement with developing and implementing sustainability improvements, encourage feedback and suggestions and report on outcomes
  • plan and organise work group activities to:
  • measure current resource usage
  • solve problems and generate ideas for improvements
  • evaluate and implement strategies to improve resource usage
  • plan, implement and integrate improvements into operations
  • meet environmental requirements
  • apply continuous improvement approach to sustainability performance
  • apply change management techniques to support sustainability performance.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • identify relevant internal and external sources of information and explain how they can be used to identify sustainability improvements
  • explain the compliance requirements for the work area with reference to legislation, regulations, codes of practice and workplace procedures that relate to environmental and resource issues
  • outline common environmental and energy efficiency issues within the industry
  • give examples of benchmarks for environmental and resource sustainability that are relevant to the organisation
  • outline organisational systems and procedures that relate to environmental and resource sustainability improvements including:
  • supply chain, procurement and purchasing
  • quality assurance
  • making recommendations and seeking approval.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the sustainability field of work and include access to:

  • relevant legislation, regulations, standards and codes
  • relevant workplace documentation and resources
  • case studies and, where possible, real situations
  • interaction with others. 

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your 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


There are two assessment tasks with relevant marking guides and assessment outlines.

Assessment TASK 1 - Site visit Week 3 and Report Due Week 6

Students are required to visit an environmentally friendly business, nominated by the teacher. It will be an accommodation venue and students will be briefed on-site by the venue staff on their sustainability program. Students will take notes and list all the aspects of the business that minimise their impact on the environment. The visit attendance and submission of a report to the Blackboard will each form part of the assessment

Assessment TASK 2 - Switch-off Campaign Due Week 15. Students will study the City Switch initiative as an "employee" of an organisation which makes recommendations to home owners about making energy efficiency changes/or other sustainability changes to their homes. Students will then prepare a Switch-off Campaign for improved sustainability for a residence, using knowledge from both the City Switch initiative and the site visit to the accommodation venue
 

Submission Requirements
1. Attendance at the accommodation venue - date to be confirmed

2. Submission to the Blackboard of findings from the accommodation venue - Week 6

3. Submission to the Blackboard of a Switch-off Campaign - Week 15

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time, by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher 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):

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.

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

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 form is available myRMIT and links in Student Diary.
• 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 footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.


Assessment Matrix

 

 


 

  

Other Information

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 pass that unit of competency.

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 recognised against industry standards and employability skills.

Final Grades Table:


CHD Competent with High Distinction
CDI Competent with Distinction
CC Competent with Credit
CAG Competency Achieved – Graded


 

 


 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview