Course Title: Facilitate continuous improvement

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: EMPL7075C

Course Title: Facilitate continuous improvement

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5338 - Diploma of Leadership and Management

Course Contact: Suzanne Maugeri

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1466

Course Contact Email: suzanne.maugeri@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 60

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 lead and manage continuous improvement systems and processes. Particular emphasis is on the development of systems and the analysis of information to monitor and adjust performance strategies, and to manage opportunities for further improvements. It applies to individuals who take an active role in managing a continuous improvement process in order to achieve an organisation’s objectives.

At this level, work will normally be carried out using complex and diverse methods and procedures which require the exercise of considerable discretion and judgement, using a range of problem-solving and decision-making strategies.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBMGT516 Facilitate continuous improvement

Element:

1. Lead continuous improvement systems and processes

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Develop strategies to ensure that team members are actively encouraged and supported to participate in decision-making processes, assume responsibility and exercise initiative as appropriate

1.2 Establish systems to ensure that the organisation’s continuous improvement processes are communicated to stakeholders

1.3 Ensure that change and improvement processes meet sustainability requirements

1.4 Develop effective mentoring and coaching processes to ensure that individuals and teams are able to implement and support the organisation’s continuous improvement processes

1.5 Ensure that insights and experiences from business activities are captured and accessible through knowledge management systems

Element:

2. Monitor and adjust performance strategies

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Develop strategies to ensure that systems and processes are used to monitor operational progress and to identify ways in which planning and operations could be improved

2.2 Adjust and communicate strategies to stakeholders according to organisational procedures

Element:

3. Manage opportunities for further improvement

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Establish processes to ensure that team members are informed of outcomes of continuous improvement efforts

3.2 Ensure processes include recording of work team performance to assist in identifying further opportunities for improvement

3.3 Consider areas identified for further improvement when undertaking future planning


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

This is a summary of the learning structure which will help you check that you are on-track. 

1. 3 September 2018

Course orientation

  1. Course requirements
  2. Course support documents
  3. Course Blackboard access
  4. Accuracy of enrolment
  5. Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
  6. Reminder re Plagiarism
  7. Reminder re Appeals
  8. Extensions/Resubmissions
  9. Feedback in this course
  10. Reminder re submission requirements
  11. Getting help

2. Lead innovation by example

 
2. 10 September 2018 Establish work practices that support innovation  
3. 17 September 2018 Promote innovation  
4. 24 September 2018

1. Create a physical environment that encourages innovation

2. Provide learning activities

 
5. 1 October 2018 Lead continuous improvement systems and processes  
6. 8 October 2018 Monitor and adjust performance strategies  
7. 15 October 2018 Manage opportunities for further improvement Assessment 1 due Friday 17.00
8. 22 October 2018 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: 

  • facilitate effective contributions to and communications about continuous improvement processes and outcomes
  • address sustainability requirements
  • incorporate mentoring, coaching and other support to enable people to participate effectively in continuous improvement processes
  • capture insights, experiences and ideas for improvements and incorporate them into the organisation’s knowledge management systems and future planning.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • explain how systems and procedures can support effective continuous improvement
  • explain how continuous improvement systems and processes relate to other business systems and requirements including, knowledge management, quality, performance management and sustainability.

 Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the management and leadership field of work and include access to:

  • relevant workplace documentation and resources
  • case studies and, where possible, real situations
  • 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

·        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 

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.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview