Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2017
Course Code: COSC6185C
Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5343 - Diploma of Financial Planning
Course Contact: Callie Harvey
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5772
Course Contact Email: callie.harvey@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
The course co-ordinator and teacher for this course for semester 2, 2017 is Mr. Claude Marasco.
Contact Phone number: 9925 1651
Contact Email Address: claudio.marasco@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 skills and knowledge required to use spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and produce complex documents.
It applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who require skills in creation of complex spreadsheets to store and retrieve data. They may work as individuals providing administrative support within an enterprise, or may be independently responsible for designing and working with spreadsheets relevant to their own work roles.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBITU402 Develop and use complex spreadsheets |
Element: |
1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Organise personal work environment in accordance with ergonomic requirements |
Element: |
2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Utilise spreadsheet design software functions and formulae to meet identified requirements |
Element: |
3. Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Evaluate tasks to identify those where automation would increase efficiency |
Element: |
4. Use spreadsheets |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Enter, check and amend data in accordance with organisational and task requirements |
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 |
Learning Outcomes
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
Induction Session
Prior to training commencement a program level induction session will be conducted that comprises the following:
• Program oveiview and requirements
• MyRMIT/Blackboard
• Oveiview 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
• Re-submission policy
• Where to get support
• Student responsibilities.
The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
The Teaching Schedule for this course is attached to this document (Part B) but please note that it is subject to change.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Prescribed Text Book
"Develop and Use Complex Spreadsheets", Microsoft Excel 2013, Tilde Publishing and Distribution.
ISBN: 978-0-7346-0855-0
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
- follow organisational and safe work practices including:
- ergonomic requirements
- energy and resource conservation techniques
- adhere to organisational requirements for:
- ensuring consistency of style, design and layout
- saving and printing documents within designated timelines
- naming and storing documents
- adhere to identified or task requirements when producing documents including:
- editing macros and automating some tasks
- using appropriate templates
- creating graphs to represent data
- resolve issues by referring to user documentation and online help
- use appropriate data storage options
- evaluate tasks to improve efficiency
- apply knowledge of functions and features of contemporary computer applications
- communicate with relevant personnel
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
- explain advanced functions of spreadsheet software applications
- describe impact of formatting and design on presentation and readability of data
- explain organisational requirements for ergonomics, work periods and breaks, and conservation techniques.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the information and communications technology – IT use field of work and include access to:
- organisational policies and procedures
- relevant workplace documentation and resources
- industry software packages and user instructions.
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.
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 Task Descriptions
Overview of Assessment
This course is comprised of a single competency which will make reference to the underpinning skills and knowledge you will acquire in FNSASICU503 Provide advice in superannuation.
You will demonstrate competency by undertaking two assessments, a portfolio and a workplace simulated project. The assessments for this course have been designed to allow you to apply your learning to particular workplace scenarios and demonstrate your competence in a variety of ways.
Critical Aspects of assessment are described above in the performance evidence for this course.
Task 1 – Portfolio (Weeks 15)
This assessment is a practical portfolio that has been designed for you to progressively, step by step build your knowledge and skills in Excel with the aim to enhance your understanding and skills with advanced spreadsheet functions and develop complex spreadsheets.
The portfolio will address of a variety of topics that will be covered throughout the semester in the weeks specified in your weekly schedule attached to the course guide. You are required to use “Develop and use complex spreadsheets, Microsoft Excel 2013”, Tilde skills, 2nd edition as resource for this assessment.
You will be given time in class to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in spreadsheets in areas including formulas, creating and editing templates, using lookup functions, charting and pictures, importing and exporting data, tools for summarising data and creating macros.
You must successfully complete all of the practical topics for this portfolio by the due date specified in the weekly schedule in order to satisfactorily achieve the criteria covered in this portfolio.
Please refer to the Learning Hub, Cluster 3, Complex Spreadsheets, FS5A - Semester 2 – Assessment Tasks Folder for detailed documentation relating to this Assessment.
Please note that you will receive the feedback no later than two weeks after submission of each task. If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 16.
Task 2 – Workplace Simulated Project - Financial Planning Spreadsheets
For this assessment task you will design a number of Excel spreadsheets that will demonstrate your skills and knowledge acquired in topics 1 to 21. This assessment is comprised of two parts: Part 1 (A & B) and Part 2 (C & D).
Part 1 (A & B)- Week 5 – will require you to develop a cash flow and budget report incorporating an income and expenditure reports.
Part 2 (C & D) – Week 15 – will require you to develop Balanced Fund Asset Allocation Reports represented in a spreadsheet that you will convert to graphs including pie charts and bar graphs.
You will acquire all the data to complete Part 1 and 2 for this assessment from the simulated client file used in the practice firm for the competency FNSASICU503 Provide advice in superannuation.
The workplace simulated projects are linked to the “practice firm”, Swanston Banking Group Ltd. The practice firm has a physical presence in Building 80, level 6, room 7. The Bank has been set up as a simulated publicly listed company in the Financial Services (Banking) industry offering a retail banking and customer service experience of the highest level not offered or matched by its competitors.
The products and services offered to its personal customers (simulated clients) include banking and investment products and financial services such as bank accounts and debit cards, savings and investment accounts, credit cards, travel money cards, overseas and local money transfers, foreign exchange, Superannuation, home and personal loans and insurance.
The Bank has a website for prospective clients and an employee portal via the Learning Management System.
For this project, Parts 1 and 2 you will assume the role of a financial planner at the Swanston Banking Group Ltd (Practice Firm) and follow the company policies and procedures as if you were a real employee of the bank. You will need to access a specific simulated client file which will include client details, background of their particular circumstances, assets and liabilities statement, a bank statement, pay slips and a superannuation statement. You will be required to analyse all of these documents in order to prepare the cash flow, budget report the Balanced Fund Asset Allocation Reports.
You will use “Advice Tools” stored in the employee portal throughout this course. The tools mirror those used in industry and will prepare you to adapt to industry practice and link your studies to the workplace. The tools include industry specific calculators and documents used in every day financial services practices including Authority to Access Information (AAI), Best Interest Duty file note (BID), client checklist, client acknowledgement form, fact find and style guide.
This Workplace Simulated Project requires you to satisfactorily complete both Parts 1 and 2 and all the questions in each part to fulfill the criteria of this competency.
A number of Learning Audit Dates have been scheduled and you are expected to progress as per the set targets throughout the Assessment but it must be submitted no later than week 15.
Please refer to the Learning Hub, Cluster 3, Complex Spreadsheets, FS5A- Semester 2 – Assessment Tasks Folder for detailed documentation relating to this Assessment.
You must successfully complete both assessments, Task 1 – Portfolio and Task 2 – Workplace Simulated Project to be deemed competent.
Please note that you will receive the feedback no later than two weeks after submission of the each task. If required, resubmission for this assessment is due by the end of week 16.
Grading will be applied once you have been deemed competent for this competency.
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Blackboard under the “Assessments” folder or link.
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 (unresolved)
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Resubmissions (VET Programs):
Resubmissions (VE Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a particular Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) you will be allowed one resubmission. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission.
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.
Grading & re-submissions
Re-submissions do not contribute to your overall grade for the course.
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):
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
CA - Competency Achieved – Not 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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview