Course Title: Monitor and manage small business operations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2011

Course Code: BUSM6328C

Course Title: Monitor and manage small business operations

School: 320T Design (TAFE)

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5249 - Diploma of Interior Design and Decoration

Course Contact : Jennifer Crowley

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819

Course Contact Email:design.tafe@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Jenni Woods   jennifer.woods@rmit.edu.au

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 

Course Description

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to operate a small business and to implement a business plan. The strategies involve monitoring, managing and reviewing operational procedures.
Specific legal requirements apply to the management of a small business.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSMB405A Monitor and manage small business operations

Element:

1.  Develop operational strategies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Develop an action plan to provide a clear and coherent direction, in accordance with the business goals and objectives
1.2. Identify occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental issues and implement strategies to minimise risk factors
1.3. Develop a quality system for the business in line with industry standards, compliance requirements and cultural criteria
1.4. Develop performance measures and operational targets to conform with the business plan
1.5. Develop strategies for innovation, including the utilisation of existing, new or emerging technologies, where practicable, to optimise business performance

Element:

2.  Implement operational strategies and procedures

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Implement systems and key performance indicators/targets to monitor business performance and customer satisfaction
2.2. Implement systems to control stock, expenditure/cost, wastage/shrinkage and risks to health and safety in accordance with the business plan
2.3. Maintain staffing requirements, where applicable, within budget to maximise productivity
2.4. Carry out the provision of goods/services in accordance with established legal, ethical cultural and technical standards
2.5. Provide goods/services in accordance with time, cost and quality specifications, and customer requirements
2.6. Apply quality procedures to address product/service and customer requirements

Element:

3.  Monitor business performance

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Regularly monitor/review the achievement of operational targets to ensure optimum business performance, in accordance with the business plan goals and objectives
3.2. Review systems and structures, with a view to more effectively supporting business performance
3.3. Investigate and analyse operating problems to establish causes and implement changes as required as part of the business quality system
3.4. Amend operational policies and procedures to incorporate corrective action

Element:

4.  Review business operations

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Review and adjust business plan, as required, to maintain business viability, in accordance with business goals and objectives
4.2. Clearly record proposed changes to aid future planning and evaluation
4.3. Undertake ongoing research into new business opportunities and adjust business goals and objectives as new business opportunities arise


Learning Outcomes


This work is undertaken by individuals who operate a small business.
The unit is suitable for existing micro and small businesses or a department in a larger organisation.


Details of Learning Activities

Lectures

Online Tutorials

Guest Speakers

Audio Visual Presentations

Independent Research

Independent Project Work

Group Project Work

SELF DIRECTED LEARNING
Some activities will include a self directed learning approach. Self directed learning refers to organised activities that students undertake indepently, either as individuals or with other students. This may include workplace research, library assignments, field work and work placements.


Teaching Schedule

REFER TO BLACKBOARD FOR WEEKLY OUTLINE


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Notes on Blackboard

Access to Small Business Management Toolbox via MyRMIT


Overview of Assessment

Evidence of the following is essential:
• developing strategies and procedures to successfully manage the operation of the business
• making appropriate adjustments to the business operations as required
• knowledge of quality system principles and methods.


Assessment Tasks

SEE BLACKBOARD FOR DETAILED ASSESSMENT TASKS

TASK 1 - CREATE AN INTERIOR DECORATION/DESIGN BUSINESS IDENTITY

Students are to work in Groups to research all the business elements to go into a Business Plan and share via Group Wiki’s.  They are to then write a Business Proposal documenting business structure, goals, services, viability, operational systems, risks and financial factors.

TASK 2 - PREPARE CONTRACT DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR SMALL BUSINESS

Students are to prepare a Management System of documentation for their business to facilitate the running of a project.  These documents will include Fee Proposals, Scope of Works, Letters of Agreement and Contracts.


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview