Course Title: Develop a transport and logistics business plan

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: BUSM7819C

Course Title: Develop a transport and logistics business plan

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5302 - Diploma of Logistics

Course Contact : Tim Wallis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5423

Course Contact Email:timothy.wallis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Justin Briggs
Email:  justin.briggs@rmit.edu.au 
Telephone:  +61 3 9925-5433
 

Nominal Hours: 150

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 involves the skills and knowledge required to develop a business plan for an organisation or a discrete business unit in the transport and logistics industry in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements and workplace procedures. This includes conducting a situational and market analysis, analysing the organisational environment, developing appropriate strategies, and implementing and evaluating the resulting business plan. Licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements are applicable to this unit.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

TLIP5004A Develop a transport and logistics business plan

Element:

1 Conduct a situational and market analysis

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The transport and logistics business's principal services, markets, products and the factors that distinguish the business and contribute to its success are identified
1.2 The transport and logistics business/operating environment is defined and reviewed using information from staff members, customer feedback and external sources
1.3 Qualitative and quantitative market analysis data is documented
1.4 Target markets and relevant regulatory requirements are identified
1.5 Impact of transport and logistics business on market is recorded and projected change in market and/or services during the life of the plan is projected
1.6 Competitors, customer perceptions and market share of existing competitors operating in the transport and logistics industry are identified
1.7 Proposed business focus on specific target markets, pricing, sales and appeals are defined
1.8 Potential profitable opportunities are identified and documented

Element:

2 Analyse organisational environment

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Current transport and logistics business operations, practices, work flow, equipment and facilities are analysed
2.2 Capability of the organisation in terms of technology, research, development and tools is outlined
2.3 Current resources and any resources that may be accessed to meet identified opportunities for business operations are evaluated
2.4 Developments in technologies predicted within the lifetime of the business plan are evaluated and analysed
2.5 Capability of the organisation in terms of staff, equipment, facilities, operational systems and financial status are assessed for strengths and weaknesses
2.6 Costs of making operational adjustments in relation to existing and new business to influence improved profitability and positioning are reviewed
2.7 Premises for decisions are documented, potential circumstances which may alter the environment are identified and contingency provisions are made

Element:

3 Develop strategies

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Benchmark goals are documented and checked for realism in terms of internal and external environmental factors
3.2 Decisions and adjustments regarding resource allocation to various products and services are made, based on external and internal analyses
3.3 Organisational adjustments are documented and implementation strategies are established
3.4 Projections of profit and loss or income statements per quarter until break-even point are constructed for the whole organisation and each cost centre
3.5 A finalised business plan including performance indicators is prepared in accordance with enterprise requirements and circulated to stakeholders
3.6 Questions and feedback from stakeholders are responded to promptly and, where appropriate, incorporated into the plan

Element:

4 Implement and evaluate business plan

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Implementation plans for the management of workplaces, staff, business operation and operational systems are monitored and, where required, adjustments to the plans are made
4.2 Current and future marketing strategies and any areas of specialisation are detailed and implemented
4.3 Performance of the organisation in relation to the identified performance indicators are regularly monitored and reviewed

Learning Outcomes


Students will develop the skills and knowledge required to develop a business plan for an organisation or a discrete business unit in the transport and logistics industry.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities.
The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
 


Teaching Schedule

This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with BUSM7818C Develop a Logistics Enterprise

Week Date Topic Assessment
1 9 Feb Develop and evaluate strategies for transport and Logistics enterprises / 1  Assessment 1 Hand Out
2 16 Feb Develop and evaluate strategies for transport and Logistics enterprises / 2  
3 23 Feb Develop and evaluate strategies for transport and Logistics enterprises / 3  
4 2 Mar Develop and evaluate strategies for transport and Logistics enterprises / 4  Assessment 2 & 3 Hand Out
5 10 Mar Evidence on the Use of SWOT / 1  
6 16 Mar Evidence on the Use of SWOT / 2  
7 23 Mar Evidence on the Use of SWOT / 3  
8a 30 Mar Evidence on the Use of SWOT / 4  
  2-8 Apr  Semester Break  
8b 9-10 Apr Self-directed Study for Assessment Task 1  
9 13 Apr Operational Change Control Process / 1  Assessment 1 Due
10 20 Apr Operational Change Control Process / 2  
11 27 Apr Operational Change Control Process / 3  
12 4 May Operational Change Control Process / 4  
13 11 May Cost-Effective Ways for Business Leaders to Improve Communication and Collaboration / 1  
14 18 May Cost-Effective Ways for Business Leaders to Improve Communication and Collaboration / 2  Assessment 2 Due
15 25 May Student Presentation  Assessment 2 & 3 Presentation
16 1 Jun Feedback & re- submission  


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

TLIP5011A-Develop and evaluate strategies Workbook 2015


References

DevStrategiesTemplateWorkplace Proposal.doc
 

Business-plan-template2014.docx


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including in-class exercises, problem-solving exercises, assignments, group or individual projects, presentations and written or practical tests, as well as homework activities.

Other activities may be workplace-based or simulate work practices. These may include the production of technical requirements documents, direct observation of workplace practices and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio may include documents, photographs, video and/or audio files.

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

Assessment Task 1 – Transport and Logistics Strategy
Date handed out: Week 1
Date and time due: Week 9
Group or Individual: Individual
Purpose: This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to develop and evaluate strategies for transport and logistics enterprises in accordance with relevant regulatory requirements and workplace procedures. This includes analysing the enterprises internal and external operating environment, developing strategies to maximise outcomes for the enterprise, implementing and evaluating strategies, and responding to changes within the transport and logistics environment.
The business environment is constantly changing, and businesses are becoming more efficient and more competitive. A business that does not change will almost certainly be left behind and as such it is important to continually develop and implement strategies for Logistics & Transport improvements.
Brief: For this task you will be allocated a product by the teacher to base your Logistic & Transport Development strategy upon, you must identify and select a strategies for the importation & distribution of your product throughout a National network of current wholesale customers.
You must assess and evaluate the best strategies for the importation & distribution of your product then create a report outlining the benefits of the proposed strategy for the business.
Finally you must base your report on the following 6 requirements listed below, you will report on the method used and recommendations for the implementation, actioning and the related operational process to the workplace. The report should be no more than 1500 words and must include the critical criteria listed below.
 

Assessment Task 2 – Transport and Logistics Business Plan
Date handed out: Week 4
Date and time due: Week 14
Group or Individual: Groups of no more than 3 students
Purpose:All businesses should have an annual business plan, something to guide the activities for the year, to nominate priorities, to reflect on the current market and see how trends and changes in the market place may affect the activities of the business for the next year; like a road map to follow. So for this unit we have prepared you to write a Business plan using the range of activities you have already discussed during class activities & Guide to Writing a Business Plan template provided on the (Co Joined Assessment Guide).

Requirements: You are expected to complete a fully referenced written report of not more than 3000 words. You should work through all of the sections as we progress through the study period.
 

Assessment Task 3 – Presentation of Business Plan
Date handed out: Week 4
Date and time due: Week 15
Group or Individual: Groups of no more than 3 students (Same group as Assignment 2)
Purpose: In order to successfully implement a business plan you must get organisational buy-in. This presentation will allow you to develop the skills of ‘selling’ your business plan to the organisation.

Requirements:In groups of not more than 3 students you will be required to present a short, 10-15 minute presentation on your business plan. You should articulate each element of your business plan and why that element is important to your business.
 


Assessment Matrix

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 each assessment task 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. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.


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 unsuccessful 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:
http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
Marking Guide (Competency):
You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.
You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:

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