Course Title: Communicate with influence

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2022

Course Code: COMM5474C

Course Title: Communicate with influence

Important Information:

See Canvas

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5407 - Diploma of Leadership and Management

Course Contact: Steven Hansen

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5705

Course Contact Email: steven.hansen@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 present and negotiate persuasively, lead and participate in meetings and make presentations to customers, clients and other key stakeholders.

The unit applies to individuals who are managers and leaders required to identify, analyse, synthesise and act on information from a range of sources, and who deal with unpredictable problems as part of their job role. They use initiative and judgement to organise the work of self and others and plan, evaluate and co-ordinate the work of teams.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBCMM511 Communicate with influence

Element:

1. Identify communication requirements

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Confirm authority to present material on behalf of an organisation or work area, according to organisational policies and procedures

1.2 Identify information that may be subject to confidentiality and manage appropriately

1.3 Identify information needs of audience and prepare a position in line with purpose of communication

Element:

2. Negotiate to achieve agreed outcome

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Identify objectives of negotiation, and needs and requirements of stakeholders

2.2 Identify and document potential issues and problems

2.3 Prepare positions and supporting arguments according to objectives

2.4 Communicate with stakeholders, and establish areas of common ground and potential compromise

2.5 Confirm and document outcomes of negotiation

Element:

3. Participate in and lead meetings

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Identify the need for meeting and schedule according to stakeholder availability

3.2 Prepare meeting materials and distribute to stakeholders

3.3 Conduct meeting and contribute to discussions

3.4 Seek consensus on meeting objectives

3.5 Summarise outcomes of meetings and distribute to stakeholders

Element:

4. Make presentations

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Identify forums to present according to organisational objectives

4.2 Determine tone, structure, style of communication and presentation according to target audience

4.3 Prepare presentation according to desired outcomes

4.4 Provide an opportunity for audience to ask questions

4.5 Follow up with stakeholders following presentation

4.6 Evaluate presentation and identify areas for improvement

Learning Outcomes


This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to present and negotiate persuasively, lead and participate in meetings and make presentations to customers, clients and other key stakeholders.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are provided in this course. These include collaborative classroom based activities and online self-paced activities.

Classroom: The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated workplace environment. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.

Pre-Class: This is online, by logging on to your Canvas course, and includes required pre-class reading and activities. Other self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms. These may include your contribution to discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.

Sessions: There are two face-to-face classroom sessions for this unit each week which includes tutorials and workshops. There are additional activities to support learning and research.


Teaching Schedule

The courses in this cluster are: BSBTWK502 Manage Team Effectiveness, BSBLDR523 Lead and Manage Effective Workplace Relationships & BSBCMM511 Communicate with Influence

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 as follows: 

Week / Topic 

Topic details  

Assessment 

WEEK 1 

 

Working in Teams  

& Group Dynamics 

 

This week we will explore fundamentals of working in teams. We explore how teamwork can lead to better decisions, products, or services. We also introduce type of teams and characteristics of an effective team to work towards objectives.  

We will also discuss several important factors which impact group dynamics, such as group member power, roles, and coalitions. 
  •  

WEEK 2 

Team Participation, Collaboration & Facilitate Team Communication 

 

 

This week we will discuss how to cultivate optimum team participation through individual behaviour and how collaborating in the workplace enables businesses to finish important projects and meet crucial deadlines efficiently. We discuss the importance of developing strategies to help teams participate in planning and decisions. 

This week we will also explain how team collaboration is closely connected to team communication. In other words, poor collaboration can create barriers to effective communication and vice-versa. We will also discuss the efforts to establish good open communication in teams following procedures, and how it is imperative for the team leader to create a receptive ‘teamwork’ setting.  
  •  

WEEK 3 

Negotiate to achieve agreed outcomes & Group Decision Making 

 

 

This week we identify objectives of negotiation including potential issues and problems. We discuss how communication is important in establishing common ground, supporting arguments and confirm outcomes of negotiations. 

We will also explain how group decision making is a type of participatory process in which multiple individuals acting collectively, analyse problems or situations, consider and evaluate alternative courses of action, and select from among the alternatives a solution. 

Assessment 1 Due 

 

WEEK 4 

Managing Conflicts in Teams & Team Performance Plans 

 

 

This week we will explain how people can have different viewpoints and, under the right set of circumstances, those differences escalate to conflict. We also discuss how you handle that conflict  through communication determines whether it works to the team's advantage, or contributes to its demise. 

This week we will also discuss how performance planning is used to provide a structured approach to the attainment of the desired level of performance for both individuals and teams 

 
  •  

WEEK 5 

Team Engagement and Key Performance Indicators  

& Constructive Feedback 

 

This week we will explain how to use a measurement that demonstrates how effectively a company is achieving its key business objectives. We also discuss how organisations use KPI metrics to evaluate their success in reaching targets. 

We also discuss how giving and receiving feedback can be a delicate process, and explain how there's no doubting its value in helping to identify issues and solve them. We will also explain how team leaders need to manage feedback in a positive way so that it can do what it's intended to do: Help improve and grow  the team and the organisation. 

 
  •  

WEEK 6 

Leadership Skills & Leadership Styles & Organisational Stakeholders 

 

 

This week we will discuss how Leadership skills can be learned, and how leadership development benefits individuals and organisations. We will also discuss the varying perspectives and models that surround the leadership development field, as well as the importance of leadership development 

Wel also explain who the stakeholders are and how they support the organisation and accept all the business practices regarding the action that business takes, which can include corporate governance, strategic management, corporate social responsibility. We also analyse the most common types of stakeholders and look at the unique need that each of them typically has. The goal is to put you in the shoes of each type of stakeholder and see things from their point of view. 

Assessment 2 Due 

 

 

WEEK 7 

Organisational Policies & Procedures, Participate in and lead meetings and presentations 

 

 

This week we will explain how policies and procedures are designed to influence and determine all major decisions and actions, and all activities take place within the boundaries set by them.  We will also explain how procedures are the specific methods employed to express policies in action in day-to-day operations of the organisation.  

We will also discuss meetings and presentations, including setting objectives, scheduling meetings, preparing materials and conducting meetings and presentations. 

We also discuss communication of presentations, including tone, style, and providing the opportunity for audience to ask questions. 
  •  

WEEK 8 

 

This week we complete Assessment Task 3 role plays in class 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

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

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

  • participate in and lead at least two meetings
  • prepare and make a presentation to two different groups.

In the course of the above, the candidate must:

  • communicate with key stakeholders to position the business to best effect including:
  • listening actively
  • understanding information needs of others
  • adapting communication to suit the audience
  • identifying suitable platform for presentations
  • presenting reliable information
  • designing the presentation to meet the needs of the audience
  • answering questions clearly and concisely.

 

 

Knowledge Evidence

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

  • industry, media and government organisations, events and communication channels that are relevant to the organisation
  • cross-cultural communication
  • techniques for negotiation, mediation, conflict resolution and incident de-escalation
  • structured and inclusive meeting procedures
  • organisational policies and procedures relevant to:

    • presenting and negotiating
    • leading and participating in meetings
    • making presentations
  • communication tone, structure, style and impact on others
  • relevant organisational policies and procedures on confidentiality of information.

Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

  • workplace documentation and resources relevant to performance evidence
  • organisation information, including organisational structure, goals, objectives and plans.

 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

The courses in this cluster are: BSBTWK502 Manage Team Effectiveness, BSBLDR523 Lead and Manage Effective Workplace Relationships & BSBCMM511 Communicate with Influence

You are required to successfully complete all assessment tasks to be deemed competent in this course. NOTE: Details about specific tasks and assessment criteria will be included in the Learning Management System.

There are three assessments:

Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Assessment – Due week 3

This is a short answer assessment developed to assess the knowledge in developing and facilitating team cohesion, group dynamics, gaining consensus, resolution strategies, managing effective workplace relationships and communicating with influence.

Assessment Task 2: Case Study – Due week 6

The purpose of this assessment is to assess your skills and knowledge in applying a range of team leadership and participation skills. You will be required to establish team performance plans, develop and facilitate team cohesion and facilitate teamwork.

Assessment Task 3: Role Plays – Due week 8

The purpose of this assessment is for you to be able to demonstrate your skills when working in teams. You will be given the opportunity to demonstrate how you work in the team and use effective team management, presentation and participation skills.


Assessment Matrix

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

Other Information

Submission Requirements

You should:

• 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.

· CA Competency Achieved 
· NYC Not Yet Competent
· DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

Course Overview: Access Course Overview