Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2013

Course Code: POLI5036C

Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6101 - Advanced Diploma of International Business

Course Contact : Tim Wallis

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5423

Course Contact Email:timothy.wallis@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

 Kean Soong - kean.soong@rmit.edu.au

Nominal Hours: 40

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 course covers establishing, expanding and utilising strategic networks. It includes identifying features of required strategic networks, identifying or establishing network links with key stakeholders and building strategic relationships


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks

Element:

Build strategic relationships

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Effective communication channels are established to exchange strategic information for the mutual benefit of network members.
3.2 Interaction and consultation with key stakeholders are used to anticipate developments that may impact on the organisation and require a strategic approach to dealing with them.
3.3 Misunderstandings and conflict situations are identified and constructively addressed in accordance with principles of conflict resolution.
3.4 Opportunities are sought and acted upon to improve communication processes and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
 

Element:

Identify features of required strategic networks

Performance Criteria:

1.1 The strategic value and likely outcomes of participating in networks are identified at an individual and organisational level.
1.2 The benefits of existing networks are researched and assessed.
1.3 Key stakeholders and their needs, expectations and roles are identified.
 

Element:

Identify or establish network links with key stakeholders

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Existing network links between key stakeholders are identified, and strategies to maintain or expand them are identified and initiated.
2.2 New network links between self and key internal and external stakeholders are established and used effectively.
2.3 Strong working relationships are developed and maintained among network members.
 


Learning Outcomes


In practice, establishing and maintaining strategic networks may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity, etc.


Details of Learning Activities

Learning activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative class room based activities.

The self-based activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and will include student 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 skills in a simulated workplace environment
 


Teaching Schedule

Week Date Topics
1 8 July Concepts of Networking
2 15 July Business Networking Case study 1
3 22 July Research on Business Networks
4 29 July Workshop on Business Case study 2
5 5 Aug Workshop - Professional Organisations
6 12 Aug Student Study Week
7 19 Aug Presenting the Business
8 26 Aug Social Networking Case study 3
  2 – 6 Sep Mid-Semester Break
9 9 Sep Workshop - Presentation Support Table
10 16 Sep Submission of Draft Learning Contract
11 23 Sep Theory of Negotiation
12 30 Sep Role Play - Negotiation Case Studies
13 7 Oct Networking Ethics Major Assignment Interview Project
14 14 Oct Ethics case studies in class
15 21 Oct Presentations
16 28 Oct Interviews


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts

There is no prescribed text


References


Other Resources


Overview of Assessment

Students must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of a particular competency to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks.

Assessment will incorporate a variety of methods including assignments, journals, presentation and written or test. Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.


Assessment Tasks

Assessment One - Three in class group case studies covering business and social networking cases.

Assessment Two - Case Study Individuial - KUDOS, Melbourne based marketing firm involved in business promotion and succession plan.

Assessment Three - Major assignment and presentation. Plan, organise & conduct interview. listing criteria required to evulate successful candidate. 

Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including in-class exercises, problem-solving exercises, assignments, group or individual projects, presentations and written or practical tests, as well as homework activities.

Other activities may be workplace-based or simulate work practices. These may include the production of technical requirements documents, direct observation of workplace practices and the presentation of a portfolio of evidence. This portfolio may include documents, photographs, video and/or audio files.

Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.

Submission Requirements

Assessment tasks must be submitted via Blackboard.

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application forms is available at http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ls0ydfokry9rz website.
• 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 work for assessment 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.


 


Assessment Matrix

Marking Guide (competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.

You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying.

You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you receive a competency grading.

Please refer to the Final Grades table below.

Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognized against industry standards and employability skills.


The grading is according to the following criteria:


1. LEVEL OF INDEPENDENCE, INITIATIVE, ENTERPRISE AND PERFORMANCE OF WORK TASK

We are looking for a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in your approach to the task

2. DEMONSTRATED BREADTH OF UNDERPINNING KNOWLEDGE AND A WILLINGNESS TO CONTINUE LEARNING

We are looking for depth of understanding of the key concepts and knowledge required in the assessments system. You should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all requirements in all the assessment tasks.

3. TECHNIQUES & PROCESSES, TECHNOLOGY SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING

We are looking for appropriate use of technology to assist in presenting all tasks clearly and suitable for the intended audience. You also need to show an understanding of the kinds of problems that can arise in managing pertinent issues and how these might be addressed.

4. WORK ORGANISATION, PLANNING AND SELF MANAGEMENT

If required by the teacher we would expect to see ongoing uploading of information into Pebble Pad that is relevant to the unit, full utilisation of Pebble Pad and Blackboard as per course requirements and timely submission of all required assessment tasks.


5. COMMUNICATION, PEOPLE NETWORKING, LANGUAGE AND INTERPERSONAL SKILLS AND TEAMWORK

We expect to see contributions to relevant discussions and scheduled Collaborate sessions. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to management issues in the workplace.

Final Grades table:

Graded Assessment at RMIT
At RMIT, the grades to be used for VET programs are:
DNS - Did not submit for assessment
NYC - Not yet competent
CAG - Competency achieved – graded
CC - Competent with credit
CDI - Competent with distinction
CHD - Competent with high distinction

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview