Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2015

Course Code: COSC5946C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5317 - Diploma of Financial Planning

Course Contact : Michael Elliot

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5519

Course Contact Email:michael.elliot@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Philip Bowler
Philip.bowler@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 use spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and to produce complex documents.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBITU402A Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Element:

1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Performance Criteria:

1.1. Organise personal work environment in accordance with ergonomic requirements
1.2. Analyse task and determine specifications for spreadsheets
1.3. Identify organisational and task requirements in relation to data entry, storage, output, reporting and presentation requirements
1.4. Apply work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques to plan work activities

Element:

2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Utilise spreadsheet design software functions and formulae to meet identified requirements
2.2. Link spreadsheets in accordance with software procedures
2.3. Format cells and use data attributes assigned with relative and/or absolute cell references, in accordance with the task specifications
2.4. Test formulae to confirm output meets task requirements

Element:

3. Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Performance Criteria:

3.1. Evaluate tasks to identify those where automation would increase efficiency
3.2. Create, use and edit macros to fulfil the requirements of the task and automate spreadsheet operation
3.3. Develop, edit and use templates to ensure consistency of design and layout for forms and reports, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

4. Use spreadsheets

Performance Criteria:

4.1. Enter, check and amend data in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.2. Import and export data between compatible spreadsheets and adjust host documents, in accordance with software and system procedures
4.3. Use manuals, user documentation and online help to overcome problems with spreadsheet design and production
4.4. Preview, adjust and print spreadsheet in accordance with organisational and task requirements
4.5. Name and store spreadsheet in accordance with organisational requirements and exit the application without data loss or damage

Element:

5. Represent numerical data in graphic form

Performance Criteria:

5.1. Determine style of graph to meet specified requirements and manipulate spreadsheet data if necessary to suit graph requirements
5.2. Create graphs with labels and titles from numerical data contained in a spreadsheet file
5.3. Save, view and print graph within designated time lines


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

Students will use MS Office Excel for this competency. Learning activities will include class-based discussions, demonstrations, practical exercises and observation in order to develop competency, including the underpinning skills and knowledge. In addition to the assessments, formative feedback is provided to students throughout the duration of the course.

Some learning activities will include a self-directed approach. Self-directed learning refers to organised teacher-directed learning activities that you will undertake independently, either as individuals or with other students.


Teaching Schedule

Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:

• Program overview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Overview of assessment requirements
• Pre-Training Review including:
o Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfers
o Assessment of current skills and knowledge
• Competency/Grading Criteria
• Plagiarism
• Appeals
• Extensions
• Feedback
• Privacy
• Submission requirements
• Resubmission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities

Week

Week Commencing Content/Topic/Element of Competency Assessment
1
09 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

Workplace health & safety in business offices

 

 
2 16 February

Topic 1  Spreadsheet skills reviewed, Topic 2  Formulas in Excel

 

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 1-2 and WHS).

Consolidation Tasks 1,3

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

3 23 February

Topic 3 Functions in Excel, Topic 4 Using statistical functions

 

 
4 02 March

Topic 5 Viewing and adjusting worksheets, Topic 6 Using date and time functions

 

 
  09 March

 LABOUR DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

 

 
5 16 March Topic 7 Using logical functions, Topic 8Creating and editing templates

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 3-7).

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

6 23 March

Topic 9 Using lookup functions, Topic 10 Using maths functions

 

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 8-10).

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

7 30 March

Topic 11 Charting and pictures in excel, Topic 12 Using financial functions

 

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 11-12).

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

  2-8 April

MID-SEMESTER BREAK

 

 
8 09 April

Topic 13 Useful text functions, Topic 14 Working with data in tables

 

 
9 13 April

Topic 15 Creating pivot tables and pivot charts, Topic 16 Useful database functions

 

 
10 20 April

Topic 17 Importing and exporting data, Topic 18 Linking excel data to other programs

 

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 13-18).

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

11 27 April

Topic 19 Tools for summarising data, Topic 20 Conditional formatting

 

Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topics 19-20).

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence.

 

12 04 May Topic 21 Creating macros Demonstration of Techniques Assessment (Topic 21)

In class assessment tasks

Feedback will be provided immediately. If required, the student will be able to re-demonstrate their techniques in order to achieve competence

.

13 11 May Revision - Catch Up

 

 

14 18 May Revision - Catch Up

 

 

15 25 May Applying your skills and knowledge

Final Assessment (Workplace Scenario). Feedback will be provided in week 16. If required, re-submission for this assessment is due by week 17.

 

16 01 June Re-submissions if required

 

 

17 08 June Re-submissions if required

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

Tilde Skills Develop and Use Complex Spreadsheets, Tilde Publishing


References


Other Resources

RMIT Library

myRMIT


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 tests, 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.
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. You will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.

 


Assessment Tasks

Critical aspects of evidence

Evidence of the following is essential:

- Developing complex spreadsheets

- Developing graphical representations of data contained in spreadsheets

To be successful in ’Develop and Use Complex Spreadsheets’ you must complete 2 assessments. Once they have been completed and you have been deemed competent to industry standard, a grade will be applied.

 TASK 1: Demonstration of Techniques - Due Weeks 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12

You will complete activities/exercises in class and you will be required to demonstrate your techniques to your teacher during weeks 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 and 12

 

TASK 2: Final assessment (In-class assignment) - Due Week 15

The final in-class assessment is an "open book" assessment and will be taken under supervised conditions. This assessment will cover all topics/elements of competency/performance criteria covered in class in the previous weeks.

 

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks need to be submitted via MyRMIT (BLACKBOARD) or hard copy, if required.

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

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

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 educational 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
NYC Not Yet Competent
DNS Did Not Submit for assessment
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

Graded assessment criteria - when your work is assessed the following criteria are used:

1. Level of independence, initiative, enterprise and performance of the work task
You will need to show that you can use initiative, enterprise and accepted performance to produce the exercises and activities on a weekly basis. After receiving feedback from your teacher, you will need to show that you have improved your skills, based on the feedback given.

2. Demonstrated breadth of underpinning knowledge and a willingness to continue learning
You will identify the underpinning knowledge/skills required to produce spreadsheets. In particular you should demonstrate literacy skills in being able to interpret and follow instructions in the self-paced textbook and undertake backup procedures in order to protect the security of your work. In addition, you will need to demonstrate a variety of strategies to be able to plan and review your own work, including proofreading and editing skills to check for the accuracy and consistency of information. You will also need to demonstrate numeracy skills when developing and using the spreadsheets as well as an understanding of software functions required to produce spreadsheets. You should identify any gaps in your knowledge/skills and demonstrate a willingness to continue learning by actively seeking assistance from your teacher in the first instance. You will need to demonstrate your understanding of relevant legislation, standards and codes that may affect business operations, such as: anti-discrimination legislation, ethical principles, codes of practice and occupational health and safety.

3. Techniques and processes, technology skills and problem solving
You will demonstrate an understanding of the functions of spreadsheets as these apply in a business context.

4. Work organisation, planning and self-management
You will demonstrate your organisational skills by ensuring you attend classes and bring all resources required to study and develop the required skills, for example textbooks, notes and any other required resources. You will also complete the self-paced exercises and activities in a timely manner, as far as practicable, produce these when requested to your teacher, in the weeks when these become due.

5. Communication, people networking, language and interpersonal skills and teamwork
You will communicate in a manner suitable for a business environment while in class. You will be aware of others needs and maintain a respectful manner when communicating with both teachers and your peers.


Assessment Matrix

Course Overview: Access Course Overview