Course Title: Monitor and manage small business operations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2012

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

In Class Activities will include:
• Lectures
• Guest speakers
• Peer teaching and class presentations
• Group discussion
• Teacher directed group activities/projects
• Class exercises to review discussions/lectures
• ‘workshopping’ of student projects
• Analysis/critique of relevant reading material


Out of class activities will include:
• Online research
• Independent project based work
• Industry related excursions


Self-Directed Learning - Some activities will include a self-directed learning approach; self-directed learning refers to organised activities that students undertake independently, either as individuals or with other students that are supervised by a teacher. This may include workplace research, library assignments. Field trips and work placements.
 


Teaching Schedule

For Weekly Outline of Teaching Schedule and Course Outline, please refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder.


Please note: While your teacher will cover all the material outlined in the Weekly Outline, the weekly order is subject to change depending on class needs and availability of speakers and resources.
 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References

Knackstedt, M. V., 2005, The Interior Design Business Handbook, 4th Edn., John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York

Pile, J., 2007, Interior Design, 4th Edn., Pearson Prentice Hall


Other Resources

 Lecture and class notes, refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder

Relevant industry websites and organisations, refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder

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

TASK 1 - 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.
 

TASK 2 - CREATE AN INTERIOR DECORATION/DESIGN BUSINESS IDENTITY & MARKETING PLAN

Students are to develop an individual business identity and prepare a detailed marketing plan to be included in a proposed Business Plan.

You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time. The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a quality indicator that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome. At the completion of the course, grading will be offered in addition to, and after, competency based assessment.


Assessment Matrix

For Assessment Matrix, please refer to Blackboard link located in MyRMIT in the relevant folder.

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
 

 

    

Other Information

Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio based exercises, demonstration and production. It is strongly advised that students attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to gain the competency.


Special Consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level. If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension. Please refer to the following URL for extensions and special consideration.
www.rmit.edu.au/students/specialconsiderations/online


Cover Sheet for Submissions
All students must complete a submission cover sheet for every piece of submitted work. This signed sheet acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. Please refer to the following URL for further information regarding plagiarism.
www.rmit.edu.au/academicintegrity/students


Work not seen in progress
If a student hands in any work that the teacher has never seen in class or discussed with the student prior to the submission, the teacher can refuse to assess the work on the basis of authentication issues.
 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview