Course Title: Build and sustain an innovative work environment
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: BUSM7930C
Course Title: Build and sustain an innovative work environment
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5338 - Diploma of Leadership and Management
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
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 skills and knowledge required to create an environment that enables and supports the application of innovative practice focusing on a holistic approach to the integration of innovation across all areas of work practice.
It applies to individuals working in leadership or management roles in any industry or community context. The individual could be employed by the organisation, but may also be an external contractor, the leader of a cross organisation team or of a self-formed team of individuals. The work group could be permanent or temporary in nature.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBINN502 Build and sustain an innovative work environment |
Element: |
1 Lead innovation by example |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Make innovation an integral part of leadership and management activities 1.2 Demonstrate positive reception of ideas from others and provide constructive advice 1.3 Establish and maintain relationships based on mutual respect and trust 1.4 Take considered risks to open up opportunities for innovation 1.5 Regularly evaluate own approaches for consistency with the wider organisational or project context |
Element: |
2 Establish work practices that support innovation |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Consult on and establish working conditions that reflect and encourage innovative practice 2.2 Introduce and maintain workplace procedures that foster innovation and allow for rigorous evaluation of innovative ideas 2.3 Facilitate and participate in collaborative work arrangements to foster innovation 2.4 Build and lead teams to work in ways that maximise opportunities for innovation |
Element: |
3 Promote innovation |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Acknowledge suggestions, improvements and innovations from all colleagues 3.2 Find appropriate ways of celebrating and promoting innovation 3.3 Promote and reinforce the value of innovation according to the vision and objectives of the organisation or project 3.4 Promote and support the evaluation of innovative ideas within the wider organisational or project context |
Element: |
4 Create a physical environment which supports innovation |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Evaluate the impact of the physical environment in relation to innovation 4.2 Collaborate with colleagues about ideas for enhancing the physical work environment before taking action 4.3 Consider potential for supporting innovation when selecting physical resources and equipment 4.4 Design, fit‑out and decorate workspaces to encourage creative mindsets, collaborative working and the development of positive workplace relationships |
Element: |
5 Provide learning opportunities |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Pro‑actively share relevant information, knowledge and skills with colleagues 5.2 Provide or encourage formal and informal learning opportunities to help develop the skills needed for innovation 5.3 Create opportunities in which individuals can learn from the experience of others |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
This Cluster (of two courses) will be delivered through face-to-face classes and by accessing materials and resources here in Canvas.
In this cluster, you will learn to Build and Sustain an Innovative Workplace Environment and Facilitate Continuous Improvement. The unit addresses management of the range of programs to successfully lead innovation and continuous improvement that is critical to the business success and the achievement of organisational goals and objectives.
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Date | Details | Assessments |
| 1 | 3 Sept |
Course orientation
2. Lead innovation by example |
|
| 2 | 10 Sept | Establish work practices that support innovation | |
| 3 | 17 Sept | Promote innovation | |
| 4 | 24 Sept |
1. Create a physical environment that encourages innovation 2. Provide learning activities |
|
| 5 | 1 Oct | Lead continuous improvement systems and processes | |
| 6 | 8 Oct | Monitor and adjust performance strategies | |
| 7 | 15 Oct | Manage opportunities for further improvement | Assessment 1 due Friday 17.00 |
| 8 | 22 Oct | Final Assessment review and consultation | Assessment 2 due Friday 17.00 |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
RMIT Library
PowerPoints
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to maximise opportunities for innovation by:
- establishing procedures and practices that foster innovation including:
- collaborative work arrangements
- building team capacity to contribute to innovation
- providing formal and informal learning opportunities
- evaluating ideas
- celebration and promotion of innovation
- consultation
- respectful communications and sharing of ideas and feedback
- reinforcing the value of innovation to the vision and objectives of the organisation,
- model ling behaviour including being receptive to ideas, giving constructive advice, evaluating own work, establishing and maintaining relationships based on mutual respect and trust, taking considered risks that provide opportunities for innovation
- evaluating how the physical environment can be enhanced to support innovation and collaboration and collaborating on ideas to make improvements including in the selection of physical resources and equipment, and the design, fit-out and decoration of the workspaces
- making changes to a workspace that will encourage innovation in at least one of
- design
- fit-out
- decoration
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:
- explain the concepts and theories of innovation and how these link to innovation in practice
- explain the context for innovation in the workplace including core business values, overall objectives, broader environmental context and the need to ensure the value and benefit of innovative ideas and projects
- discuss the factors and tools that can motivate individuals to use creative thinking and apply innovative work practices
- research the legislative framework that impacts on operations in the relevant workplace context
- explain how different approaches to management and leadership can support or hinder innovation
- discuss typical challenges and barriers to innovation within teams and organisations and ways of overcoming these including rewarding and celebrating innovation, coaching and learning, modelling behaviour and managing the physical environment.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the creativity and innovation and include access to:
- workplace documents
- case studies and, where possible, real situations
- office equipment and resources
- interaction with others.
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
Assessment 1 Innovation and continuous improvement report
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
The audience for this report is senior and middle management in your organisation
1. Review the processes in your organisation for innovation. How is innovation identified and supported within the organisation to support the overall goals and objectives of the organisation? What resources are identified to foster a culture that embraces and acknowledges the importance of innovation? (500-700 words)
2. Identify the work practices within the organisation that support innovation. How is innovation encouraged in work teams? What elements of the physical environment support innovation? Describe any changes needed to develop work practices to support innovation. (600-800 words)
3. What strategies exist in the organisation to engage work teams and individuals in the process of continuous improvement? What communication processes are in place for other stakeholders? How are learnings, insights and experiences captured and used to promote continuous improvement? (800-100 words)
4. How is operational progress monitored and measured? What processes are in place to ensure that operational progress is recorded and analysed to assist in the identification of opportunities for improvement? Provide examples of how monitoring and measuring performance is used to enable continuous improvement of work teams (500-700 words)
5. Reflect on your organisation's ability to facilitate continuous improvement and foster an innovative work environment. Identify ways in which the organisation does, or may ensure, that improvement and change process meet sustainability requirements (700-900 words)
Assessment 2 Innovation Strategy
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
NOTE: The audience for this report is senior and middle management in your organisation.
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
Identify and propose an Innovation Strategy for your organisation. This should be a new idea that provides benefit to the organisation and supports the achievement of organisational goals and objectives. Develop a short power point presentation outlining the innovation strategy you are proposing. You should include information on the following:
• a description of the innovation strategy
• the potential benefits of the innovation for the organisation
• the linkage to organisational goals and objectives
• a brief description of how this innovation meets sustainability requirements and uses the continuous improvement processes of the organisation
• the areas of the organisation and stakeholders impacted
• a brief outline of the process required to develop and implement the innovation into the organisation
Assessment Matrix
Other Information
Conditions for assessment |
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· Make sure you confirm the units your assessment tools have been developed for are appropriate for this task with your assessor prior to beginning your report · This is an individual task, however, you are required to get information, feedback and ideas from your assessor and work colleagues to help complete the tools · You must submit all documents listed in the instructions and marking criteria. Your assessor will assess the documentation you provide · All documents must meet the criteria to the standard described in the marking guide in Section B to be deemed satisfactory in this assessment |
Instructions on submitting your project/portfolio/report |
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Your report must be submitted to Canvas, RMIT’s learning management system 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 1of 10. Resubmissions/Late Submissions 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (unresolved)Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaesl.pdf (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.Resubmissions (VE 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 writingoutlining 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 (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. Assessment Feedback Feedback on assessment will be provided within two weeks of the due date for assessment. The School of Vocational Business Education is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are informed by the practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as 'competency-based training' (CBT). 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. |
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