Course Title: Communicate with influence

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2024

Course Code: COMM5479C

Course Title: Communicate with influence

Important Information:

See Canvas

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: Melbourne Cricket Education Academy

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 details

        

Resources/Activities

        

Assessment

        

WEEK 1

 

Main Topic Name

 

Course Introduction

        

 

Introduction to the course including:

  • Course requirements
  • Course support documents
  • Course Canvas access
  • Accuracy of enrolment
  • Assessment requirements/Cover Sheets
  • Reminder re Plagiarism
  • Reminder re Appeals
  • Extensions/Resubmissions
  • Feedback in this course
  • Reminder re submission requirements
  • Getting help

 

 What is an Operation Plan?

 

 Where does it fit in to an organisation?

        

Canvas (LMS) - weekly class notes and links.

        

 

        

WEEK 2

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan – Role & Structures

 

        

 

Cont…
What is an Operation Plan?

Where does it fit in to an organisation?

 

Operational Plans within the organisational plan.

 

Operational management.

 

Operational Plan Overview
    Ø courses of action aimed at achieving
        future goals
    Ø goals measurement
    Ø monitoring role & approaches

 

        

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links and

·       in-class activities.

 

 

 

Assessment overview.

        

 

        

WEEK 3

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan – Development (1)

 

        

 

Development structure & key tools
  Ø WBS (Work Breakdown Structures)
  Ø SMART goals
  Ø gantt charts

 

Obligations
  Ø Direct Obligation to produce an 
      Operational Plan
  Ø Legislative Content
  Ø Organisational policies, practices and
      procedures

 

Consultation
   Ø Why should we implement a consultation
       process?

 

        

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       learning case study activities

·       learning templates

 

        

 

        

 

WEEK 4

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan – Development

(2)

 

        

 

Development structure (2)

  Ø Organisation Charts
  Ø Internal & External consultation process
  Ø Stakeholders

Performance goals & measurement
  Ø KRA’s & KPI’s in an operational plan

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       learning case study activities

        

 

        

WEEK 5

 

Main Topic Name

 

Manage Risk and Document Control

 

        

 

Risk Management defined
  Ø Types of risk

 

 

Contingency Plans

 

Document control defined

 

Document Control Guidelines

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       learning case study activities

        

 

        

WEEK 6

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan -

Resource Planning, Hiring

 

        

 

Resource Planning - Operational plan
Ø Resources needed for plans

Ø Acquisition of physical resources and services

 

 

Hiring Procedures – planning for them
  Ø Why are these important?
  Ø Screening candidates
  Ø Costs of recruitment

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       learning case study activities

·       Assessment activities

 

        

 

 

        

WEEK 7

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan -

Acquiring Physical Resources

 

        

 

Risk Management Planning Process (detailed)

 

Acquisition of physical resources and services

 

Purpose of purchasing policy & procedures 

 

 

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

        

 

        

 

        

 

MID SEMESTER BREAK  

 

        

 

WEEK 8

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational Plan -

Acquiring Physical Resource

        

 

Purpose of purchasing policy & procedures

 

Business analysis tools

 

Implementation planning

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment activities

        

 

        

WEEK 9

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational plan –

Concepts & Tools (1)

 

        

 

Continuous Improvement Strategy

 

Models for monitoring 
  Ø Plan Do Check Act
  Ø Budget report monitoring

 

Underperformance
  Ø Causes of Underperformance
  Ø Signs of underperformance

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment activities

        

 

        

WEEK 10

 

Main Topic Name

 

Operational plan - Concepts and Tools (2)

 

        

 

Protecting Intellectual Property

  Ø Definition of Intellectual Property

  Ø Main types of Intellectual Property

  Ø Intellectual Property Dangers

  Ø Protection in employment &
  post-employment

  Ø Strategy for IP protection 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

        

 

        

WEEK 11

 

Main Topic Name

 

Monitoring and Variation Reporting

 

        

 

Operational Plan - Financial Management

 

Monitoring Strategies & Tools

  Ø Purpose of monitoring

  Ø Planning for Monitoring and Evaluation

  Ø Develop a Monitoring and
      Evaluation Plan

  Ø Monitoring Tools Monitoring and
  Variation Reporting

  Ø Monitoring an Operational Plan

  Ø KPI’s in SMART goal formats

 

Operational plan variation

  Ø Procedure for varying the plan
  Ø Considerations for varying the plan

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment activities

        

 

        

WEEK 12

 

Main Topic Name

 

Monitoring Strategies & Tools

        

 

Evaluation vs Monitoring

Evaluation Types

 

Considerations When Varying Plans

 

Assessment Workshop – applying learnings

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment activities

        

 

 

Assessment 1 Due 

        

 

WEEK 13

 

Main Topic Name

 

Plan Review

Workshop

 

        

 

Training Plans
  Ø Basic Principles
  Ø Individuals vs Teams

  Ø Skills Matrix

 

Introduction to Maintenance of Records
and Relationships

  Ø Why / What / When?

 

Plan Review Workshop for
Assessment 2

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment activities

·       Learning templates

        

 

        

WEEK 14

 

Main Topic Name

 

Responses to under-performance

 

        

 

Coaching underperformance in an operational plan.

 

Feedback principles


Coaching individuals and teams

 

 

        

 

Canvas (LMS) -

·       weekly class notes,

·       links

·       in-class activities

·       Assessment 2 activities
Part A and Part B

·       Learning templates

        

 

        

WEEK 15

 

Main Topic Name

 

Course Review

 

        

 

Presenting the operational plan to stakeholders – Assessment 2 Part C

  Ø Principles & preparation

  Ø Objectives

  Ø Outcomes

  Ø Variations and/or
      recommendations

 

Course Review – Wrap Up

 

        

 

        

Assessment 2 Due

        

WEEK 16

 

Main Topic Name

 

Interviews, feedback and re-submissions

 

        

 

Final resubmissions

        

 

        

 

        

WEEK 17

 

Main Topic Name

 

 

        

 

Final resubmissions

        
                 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Lecture slides, templates, and other required resources are available on CANVAS


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