Course Title: Plan and manage conferences
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2019
Course Code: BUSM7933C
Course Title: Plan and manage conferences
Important Information:
None
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5375 - Diploma of Business Administration
Course Contact: Allan Maree
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1601
Course Contact Email: allan.maree@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 30
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 plan, promote and coordinate conferences, ensuring follow-up procedures are incorporated.
It applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who are required to plan and manage conferences. They may work as senior administrative staff, or may be other individuals who have been delegated responsibility for planning and managing a conference.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBADM503 Plan and manage conferences |
Element: |
1 Plan conference |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Confirm purpose, required outcomes and style of conference with conference convenor/s 1.2 Confirm conference facilities requirements, budget, and preparation timeline with conference convenor/s 1.3 Identify speakers/presenters and/or prepare a call for papers in accordance with conference purpose and style 1.4 Draft conference program in line with stated purpose, and balance choice of program elements to allow outcomes to be achieved 1.5 Select, invite and brief speakers in accordance with conference program 1.6 Identify participant target group and project numbers in consultation with conference organisers 1.7 Plan conference administration requirements and tasks, processes and resources to ensure efficient management of conference data and resources |
Element: |
2 Promote conference |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Establish a promotion strategy that reaches required number of target participants 2.2 Prepare publicity material in accordance with promotion strategy and budget allocation/s, and despatch within designated timelines |
Element: |
3 Organise conference |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Make conference arrangements in accordance with booking lead times and budget allocation/s 3.2 Record acceptances, receipt fees and confirm participants within designated timelines 3.3 Identify and cater for participants' specific needs 3.4 Confirm program details and prepare conference papers in accordance with speakers' requirements and conference timeline 3.5 Despatch pre conference information to participants within designated timelines |
Element: |
4 Coordinate conference proceedings |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Check conference facilities to confirm they meet agreed requirements 4.2 Register participants in accordance with planned registration procedures 4.3 Communicate to participants any late changes to published program 4.4 Make contingency arrangements to ensure smooth running of conference 4.5 Ensure speakers' schedules are managed and their conference requirements met throughout conference 4.6 Manage administration requirements during conference in accordance with conference plan/schedule |
Element: |
5 Follow up conference proceedings |
Performance Criteria: |
5.1 Record, report and/or follow up conference outcomes in accordance with organisational requirements 5.2 Prepare conference papers for publication and distribution within designated timelines 5.3 Post-conference correspondence is prepared and despatched within designated timelines 5.4 Finalise receipts and payments, and acquit conference funds in accordance with organisational procedures and audit requirements |
Learning Outcomes
See Canvas for more information
Details of Learning Activities
This course BUSM7933C Plan and manage conferences is clustered with BUSM7932C Manage meetings.
The purpose of the meetings will be the conference event. As a conference is a meeting, the student will read the scheduled meetings for the full committee and the sub-committees and provide those administrative tasks such as schedules, agendas and meeting documents relating to the conference. Each student will conduct and chair a meeting, there will be a variety of meetings that a student can chair during the semester. Students will apply theory to their meeting practice and enjoy an excursion where they will see meeting protocols in practice.
Some learning activities will include a self-directed learning approach. Self-directed learning refers to organised teacher-directed learning activities that you will undertake independently, either as individuals or with other students. This may include workplace research, library assignments, field work and Work Integrated Learning.
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.
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Week commencing |
Topics |
Reading and activities |
Assessment |
1 |
8 July 2019 |
Orientation session. Prior to training commencement a program level orientation session will be conducted that comprises the following:
Introduction to the course.
http://simbuscommunity.com.au/ About the key stakeholders: http://www.vsk.org.au/ or https://www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au/
|
Activity: Task 1 – Conference Meeting Portfolio is overviewed and discussed as it comprises of four portfolios. Note that the conference meeting portfolio requires: Minutes (submission 1) Minutes (submission 2) Meeting form 1: self-evaluation Meeting form 2: chairperson evaluation |
|
2 |
15 July 2019 |
Topics: Plan conference, and the first-steps, Set goals, objectives and define tasks. Establishing effective working relationships. The conference toolbox located in Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) Assessment: the repository for each of the four portfolios. Topic: Prepare for meeting, conduct meeting Introducing the agenda. Introducing the minutes document. How to take and transcribe minutes.
|
Reading: Cole chapter 2. Activity: Form into sub-committees |
|
3 |
22 July 2019 |
Topics: Plan conference, venue requirements. Leading and participating in meetings. Topics: What is the required knowledge for meetings: (cultural, key provisions of relevant legislation, group dynamics, meeting terminology, organisational procedures and policies). |
Reading: Chapter 6 Activity: Make a group charter. |
|
4 |
29 July 2019 |
Topics: Plan conference, venue requirements. Organising meetings and conferences. Topic: Prepare for meeting What is the role of the chairperson? What is the purpose of the action plan?
|
Reading: Chapter 22. And read Conference Toolbox a pdf in Canvas. Activity: make a vision statement for the conference. Hold committee meeting. |
|
5 |
5 August 2019 |
Topics: Plan and promote conference
|
Reading: https://www.rmit.edu.au/about/our-values/sustainability Activity: Hold committee meeting |
Portfolio 1 due Friday 9 August at 5.00pm. The conference plan |
6 |
12 August 2019 |
Topics: Plan and promote conference. Ideas for marketing collateral. Risk management for conferences. Topic: How to take notes. Note-taking tips.
|
Activity: Register event with Eventbrite. Arrange for RSVP and registration processes. Activity: Hold committee meeting |
|
7 |
19 August 2019 |
Planning day Topics: Types of meetings, meeting rules and regulations, compliance with legislation. |
Activity: Hold meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). |
|
8 |
26 August 2019 |
Topics: plan, promote, organise and coordinate conference Topics: How to follow up meetings. Transcription and storage of meeting documents. Distribution of meeting documents.
|
Activity: Hold meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). |
Portfolio 2 due Friday 30 August 2019 at 5.00pm. Conference plan and promotion. |
|
2-8 September 2019 |
Mid-semester break |
|
|
9 |
9 September 2019 |
Topics: Planning for conference proceedings and its evaluation. Apply risk management principles Finalise budget Finalise audience requirements Write speeches Write run sheet and agenda for conference Prepare necessary documents and checklists
|
Activity: Hold meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). | |
10 |
16 September 2019 |
Meeting |
Activity: Rehearsal meeting Hold meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). |
|
11 |
23 September 2019 |
Topic: Coordinate conference proceedings Confirmations using checklists Contingency planning
|
Activity: Hold conference.
|
|
12 |
30 September 2019 |
Topic: Evaluation workshop. How to prepare summary of qualitative and quantitative data Budget: acquit funds and report to committees.
|
Activity: Hold meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). Teacher observation/interviews. |
Portfolio 3 due Friday 4 October at 5.00pm. Conference organisation |
13 |
7 October 2019 |
Excursion to the Melbourne Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC). To be confirmed.
|
Activity: Be informed about best industry practice for conferences by observing how the MCEC holds its events. | |
14 |
14 October 2019 |
Prepare documents for portfolio.
|
Excursion to the State Parliament of Victoria (this is sitting week). Details to be confirmed. | |
15 |
21 October 2019 |
Topic: Ensure post conference activities are followed up. Feedback and review |
Activity: Hold ad hoc meeting (note weekly rotation of full committee and sub-committee). |
Portfolio 4 due Friday 25 October 2019. Conference proceedings and follow-up |
16 |
28 October 2019 |
Interviews/resubmissions if required. |
|
|
17 |
4 November 2019 |
Special Consideration |
|
|
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Kris Cole, Business Administration, 2nd ed. Cengage. |
9780170387033 |
References
Other Resources
See Canvas
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence of the ability to:
prepare and investigate conference requirements
promote the conference using public relations strategies according to predetermined budgets and deadlines
coordinate conference proceedings including addressing any problems as they arise
fulfil all post-conference requirements according to organisational requirements.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Knowledge Evidence
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
summarise relevant organisational policies and procedures for planning and managing conferences
outline tools that could be used in managing conferences
explain budgeting strategies used for projects
identify techniques for conference planning including setting milestones.
Assessment Conditions
Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the general administration field of work and include access to:
office equipment
reference material related to conference venues, transport, accommodation and catering
necessary conference documentation
relevant contact persons, including speakers, clients and management.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
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
|
Conference meeting portfolio: Task 1 of 1 Summary and Purpose of Assessment You will conduct and chair meetings in class time face-to-face for the conference project. A variety of meetings will be held, including the conference meeting itself. All students are expected to attend the conference by the concurrent class. You will manage a range of meetings including overseeing the meeting preparation processes, chairing meetings, organising the minutes and reporting meeting outcomes. Furthermore, you will plan, promote and coordinate conferences, ensuring follow-up procedures are incorporated. The assessment is individually submitted by the student. It is your own work but can be common documents that your committee has produced. Each portfolio item contributes to being deemed competent for the course. The conference meeting portfolio is one project consisting of four assessment tasks. The Manage Meetings competency requires minutes (submission 1); minutes (submission 2); meeting form 1: self evaluation and meeting form 2: chairperson evaluation. The student should complete it in its entirety, and satisfactorily, in order to be deemed competent for this course. Completing this project allows a person to demonstrate competency in this cluster. Assessment Instructions This Assessment is to be submitted by the student by Friday at 5.00pm inCanvas dropbox in the week due. The student will run a real conference with a stakeholder from either Guide Dogs Victoria or Very Special Kids http://www.vsk.org.au/ and https://www.guidedogsvictoria.com.au/. Read this document with the course guide. This is a work integrated learning project requiring the student to demonstrate their skills in managing meetings (notetaking and transcription to formatted text) and planning and rolling out a real conference. To do the work of the conference, sub-committees carry out their work contributing to the full committee. All work needs approvals, so meetings are scheduled according to the course guide, held fortnightly for the full committee and the subcommittee. Three students will be elected by the full committee to take an executive role. Those roles are Conference Manager, Conference Coordinator and Fundraising Manager. They do not form part of a sub-committee. You are required to manage a range of meetings for the purpose of planning and managing your conference. This includes overseeing the meeting preparation processes, chairing meetings, organising the minutes and reporting meeting outcomes. You will be taking minutes each week, either in full committee or sub-committee. The subcommittees will contribute to the full committee’s fundraising goal. Targets will be achieved through the principles of corporate social responsibility. The conference’s business actions are connected to a good social cause. A fundraising agreement document “Community Fundraising Proposal and Guidelines” from the charity website must be signed and approved by the teacher. Executive: Conference manager has a leadership and liaison role. The manager will work for the full committee steering, planning, promoting, providing contingency advice and ensuring the conference proceedings run smoothly. The manager uses their skills in the evaluation of the conference and assisting in the collation of post-evaluation data to report to the full committee. The Conference coordinator works closely with the conference manager and fundraising manager providing coordination advice and performs the duties associated with the tasks that are accountable to them. They may range over all the sub-committee works. The Fundraising manager works closely with the budget sub-committee. They will liaise with the stakeholder and keep records for the fundraising purposes. They will account for, bank and acquit the funds.
The sub-committees are: Venue and OH&S Speakers and protocol Promotions/publicity/sponsorship Budget/fundraising Catering and special needs Students will do the work of the committee/sub-committee at RMIT in the scheduled class. The conference will be held at RMIT. It is expected that the student will read course materials indicated in the course guide and Canvas each week. The tools that are to be used for managing conferences are found in the Cole textbook and Canvas. All conference documents and meeting templates are found in Canvas modules. Two planned excursions provide a context of a state-of-the-art conferencing facility in Melbourne, the Melbourne Conference and Exhibition Centre; and for meeting protocol the State Parliament of Victoria, where the student will observe both houses during sitting time. The student will be assessed four times during the semester with continuous feedback provided in class by the teacher. The student is assessed against the criteria listed in the marking guide for this task. To achieve a satisfactory result, you will need to address all criteria satisfactorily for portfolio items 1-4. |
Assessment Matrix
See Canvas
Other Information
Submission Requirements
You should:
• It's individual work to be submitted into Canvas based on committee (group) work. Each member of the committee will then submit their own unique work.
Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date via Canvas.
• 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.
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
Extension of Time. 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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Form to use is found in the section "How to apply."
Special Consideration. Where more 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: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Resubmission (VE Programs)
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a course assessment task (or you do not submit the assessment tasks/attend the assessment) 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 in Canvas.
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.
More information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment
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.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview