Course Title: Conduct product research to support recommendations

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2021

Course Code: MKTG7921C

Course Title: Conduct product research to support recommendations

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5343 - Diploma of Financial Planning

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Sanjay D'Souza

sanjay.dsouza@rmit.edu.au

 

Nominal Hours: 80

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 carry out research by interpreting available information, and analysing and reviewing research findings and activities to enable the determination of financial investment strategies and options.

It applies to individuals who work in a range of financial services job roles involving research functions.                                   


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

FNSINC501 Conduct product research to support recommendations

Element:

1. Interpret available information and conduct research

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish timelines to meet research deadlines

1.2 Identify relevant sources of information accurately and consistently, and source and retrieve required information readily and promptly

1.3 Constantly review sources of research information and documentation to ensure currency and accuracy

1.4 Prepare research findings that logically flow from interpretation of information available in detailed, clear and accurate format, and in timely manner

Element:

2. Analyse and review research findings and activities

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Carry out research activities and outcomes in accordance with organisational policy and guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and relevant legislation or industry codes of practice

2.2 Analyse and review research findings and activities to ensure accuracy and thoroughness

2.3 Review statutory disclosures to maintain consistency and compliance

2.4 Seek feedback regularly to monitor effectiveness and appropriateness of research activities

Element:

3. Document research and distribute to relevant parties

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Check research to ensure compliance with organisational policy and guidelines, and with relevant legislation or industry codes of practice, and ensure it is authorised before release

3.2 Distribute research to all relevant parties as required in timely manner

3.3 Obtain confirmation of receipt of research information where relevant to complete organisational records of compliance


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 via Canvas learning management system and include your contribution to discussion threads, project portfolios, 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.

Remote Learning

This course will be delivered via our existing learning management system, Canvas.  This means that, for the foreseeable future, there will be no face-to-face classes in any of the units for which you are enrolled.

Classes in each of your units will still take place in their normal scheduled time-slots, but instead of being conducted in a face-to-face mode, your teachers will utilise the Collaborate Ultra platform to deliver ‘live’ online classes.  These classes delivered online will not only provide you with the required learning materials for those sessions, but they will also enable interactions with your teachers and fellow students via forums or discussion boards.

 


Teaching Schedule

This course comprises one unit of competency FNSINC501 Conduct product research to support recommendations

(The following weekly teaching schedule is subject to change)

 

Course Schedule: Conduct product research to support recommendations Semester 1, 2021

Week

Topic

Readings and Activities

Assessment

Week 1

 

Introduction to course schedules

 

Superannuation:

Part 1 – Superannuation,

Part 2 - Regulating -Superannuation

Course Workbook – Conduct Research Analysis


Chapter 1 – Overview of the Superannuation in Australia
Chapter 2 – Structure & Operation of Superannuation Funds

 

Week 2

 

Superannuation:

Part 3 - Types of Funds,

Part 4 - Superannuation and Retirement Preservation Standards

Course Workbook – Superannuation and Retirement Planning

 

Chapter 3 – The Regulatory Framework


Chapter 4 - Contributions to Superannuation Funds

 

Week 3

 

Superannuation:

Part 3 - Types of Funds,

Part 4 - Superannuation and Retirement Preservation Standards

Course Workbook – Superannuation and Retirement Planning

Chapter 3 – The Regulatory Framework


Chapter 4 - Contributions to Superannuation Funds

 

Week 4

 

Superannuation:

Part 5 – Investing in Superannuation,

Part 6 - Contributing to Superannuation

Course Workbook – Superannuation and Retirement Planning

Chapter 4 - Contributions to Superannuation Funds

Chapter 5 – Withdrawals from Superannuation

 

Week 5

 

Superannuation:

Part 7 - What is a SMSF?

Course Workbook – Superannuation and Retirement Planning

Chapter 9 – Self Managed Superannuation Funds

 

Week 6

 

Introduction of BID (Best Interest Duty , FASEA Code of Ethics)

 

 

Week 7

 

Product Recommendations

Refer to Fund Product Disclosure Statements

 

 

Week 8

Assignment Due on 29th March 2021

 

 

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 including the self - paced activities in the workbooks.

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT's Learning Management System, Canvas. 

The online learning materials listed may include: 

  • Course outlines
  • Power point Presentations
  • Supporting Reading material
  • Industry relevant articles
  • Activities.


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • establish and meet required research deadlines
  • accurately interpret and comply with relevant legislative requirements
  • access and interpret available information accurately and comprehensively
  • comply with statutory disclosure requirements
  • document research findings concisely and clearly for distribution purposes.

Knowledge Evidence

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

  • identify sources and parties that provide relevant information for research on financial products
  • describe the current economic climate and forecasted outlook for relevant financial products
  • explain financial forecasting techniques and tools to be used to assess the market for financial products
  • identify and outline local and international financial markets and investment outlook for financial products
  • describe organisational policy, procedures and requirements relevant to products and research
  • identify and describe key features of industry legislation and codes of practice relevant to product research, and protocols to be followed
  • describe techniques and tools for evaluation and interpretation of research data. 

Assessment conditions

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

  • common office equipment, technology, software and consumables
  • financial services product information.

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

 

You will demonstrate competency by undertaking three assessments. You must successfully complete all assessments to be deemed competent in this unit.  

Assignment 1: Research and Application Assignment

Due: Week 8

Summary and Purpose: For this Assessment Task you are required to demonstrate your knowledge by completing a series of eight theory and problem-solving activities over the course of the semester from weeks 3 to 8.

Assessment Instructions: You will be required to submit each activity as specified in the weekly schedule. The purpose of the activities is to enhance your understanding and ability to apply the knowledge to practice in the following areas:

a) superannuation tax policy
b) regulatory framework for the superannuation system 
c) regulatory bodies codes of practice in superannuation
d) role of professional associations and their influence on the superannuation industry
e) impact of superannuation on the Australian economy
f) impact of international and local markets on the superannuation fund holders in Australia
g) key documents that a superannuation advisor needs to explain to the client in the initial interview
h) operation of superannuation as a tax structure

What you need to do You must complete all prescribed tasks below including the individual requirements of each one as listed in the questions. You will require access to the course resources on the Learning hub, recommended textbooks and the website links prescribed for the program.

 

Assessment Instructions: The assessment comprises six short answer and problem-solving questions style questions. The duration of the assessment is two hours. This assessment will take place during your normal scheduled class time.

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas.

 

Other Information

Submission Requirements

  • 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 the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
  • Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

Resubmissions (VET Programs)

If you are found to be unsuccessful (Not satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) in a Course Assessment Task 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.

Penalties for Late Submission 

Late submissions of assignments without special consideration or extension will automatically be considered a re-submission (see above).

Extensions, Special Consideration and Adjustment to Assessments

Extensions:

Extensions are available for unforeseen circumstances of a short-term nature.

An application form must be submitted to the school at least one working day before the due date of the assessment.

Extensions can be approved for a maximum of one week (seven calendar days) past the due date for an assessment. (Where students need an extension exceeding one week they must instead apply for special consideration.)

Special consideration:

Special consideration is available for unexpected circumstances outside students’ control. These include but are not limited to: unexpected short-term ill health, and unavoidable family, work, cultural or religious commitments.

An application for special consideration is made in advance of an assessment wherever possible but will normally be accepted within five working days after the assessment date

For more information, see the Special Consideration page of the RMIT website.

Adjustments to Assessment:

RMIT provides several adjustments to assessment for students experiencing ongoing or long-term circumstances. Find the right one for your circumstances here.

Changes to the Assessment Scheme

Where a change to assessment approved by the dean/head of school changes an assessment due date, students will be given at least five working days’ notice of the new due date.

Feedback

You can expect to receive marks and feedback on in-course assessment work in time to improve your performance in related assessment tasks later in the course.

Academic Integrity and Misconduct

Students demonstrate academic integrity in their assessment practices by:

  • engaging with assessment activities in an honest way;
  • providing accountability for the authorship and originality of work submitted;
  • acknowledging the work of others and the re-use of original work.

Academic misconduct is addressed in accordance with the Student conduct policy

Assessment involving research with human participants, their information or their tissue, or animal subjects is carried out in accordance with the Staff ethics and integrity policy.

For further information see the Academic Integrity website.

Review and Appeal

A student may request a review of an assessment result or appeal a final course grade in accordance with the Conduct of assessment and appeals section of the Assessment Processes.

Grade Criteria

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.

The following grades are available for this course.

Vocational education grades:

CA - Competency Achieved

NYC - Not Yet Competent

DNS - Did Not Submit for assessment

Course Overview: Access Course Overview