Course Title: Undertake research and analysis

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2014

Course Code: MATH5332C

Course Title: Undertake research and analysis

School: 650T TAFE Business

Campus: City Campus

Program: C6102 - Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)

Course Contact : Sally Parrott

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175

Course Contact Email:sally.parrott@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Fiona McQueen
Email: Fiona.mcqueen@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 unit covers research and analysis to develop advice and recommendations. It includes identifying and undertaking research, analysing information and applying the results of analysis, maintaining information systems, and compiling reports from information. In practice, undertaking research and analysis may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, providing client service, developing policy, preparing for community engagement, initiating projects, developing procedures for service delivery, undertaking scientific research, detecting fraud, identifying contaminated sites, assessing security risks, undertaking court listing activities, determining liability, etc.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis

Element:

1. Identify and undertake research

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Information needs are defined based on work objectives and client and organisation requirements.
1.2 Potential sources of information and the format in which they are presented are evaluated and selected in line with the purpose and audience for the research.
1.3 Strategies are developed to acquire required information in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
1.4 Information is researched in a timely and thorough way and within resource allocation.
1.5 Quantity, quality and relevance of initial search results are assessed and gaps filled using the same or adjusted research strategies.
1.6 The methods and outcomes of research, and the criteria used to make information decisions and choices are clearly communicated.

Element:

2. Analyse information and apply the results of analysis

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Information from various sources is examined, compared and evaluated for content, structure and logic.
2.2 Analytical techniques and processes are selected in line with defined objectives.
2.3 Information is collated, consolidated and analysed and outcomes are advised to senior staff in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
2.4 Facts, issues, patterns, interrelationships and trends are identified through analysis in accordance with research aims.
2.5 Agreed project timelines are met, and the defined standards of the organisation are met for all work.

Element:

3. Maintain information systems

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Information systems are maintained, validated and reconciled so that data and system integrity are assured.
3.2A range of standard and complex information systems and applications is maintained in accordance with organisation standards.
3.3 Information systems are reviewed and updated as necessary.

Element:

4. Compile reports from information systems

Performance Criteria:

4. Compile reports from information systems
4.1 The findings from analysing information are used to meet client/organisational needs and organisation standards.
4.2 Content of reports is determined and organised in a manner that supports the purposes and format of the organisation and audience.
4.3 Reporting of results is sequenced logically, is concise and clear, and includes predictions, assumptions and constraints where relevant.


Learning Outcomes


This unit covers research and analysis to develop advice and recommendations. It includes identifying and undertaking research, analysing information and applying the results of analysis, maintaining information systems, and compiling reports from information.


Details of Learning Activities

This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience. Students will participate in a combination of group and individual learning activities. These activities will be provided through a combination of face to face teacher/student deliveries plus classroom work time. Additional learning activities will also be provided to students to complete outside of timetabled time.


Teaching Schedule

Week 1 - 10 February
Course Induction

Weeek 2 -  17 February
Introduction to research

Week 3 - 24 February
Sources of research

Week 4 - 3 March
Research concepts – setting objectives

Week 5  - 10 March
Research project planning

Week 6 - 17 March
Reporting design & delivery

Week 7 - 24 March
Presentation methods for communicating research results

Week 8 - 31 March
Research & Analysis reporting

Week 9 -  7 April
In class test

Week 10 -14 April
Survey Development

21 April Mid semester break

Week 11 - 27 April
Literature Review

Week 12 - 5 May
Writing final Report

Week 13 - 12 May
Research case studies

Week 14 -19 May
Assessment

Week 15 - 26 May
Final report submission

Week 16 - 2 June
Resubmissions

Week 17 - 9 June
Final week – no classes


 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


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 1 – Research Proposal (1000 words)

Due: 5pm Friday week five – 14 March 2014
Students will work in pairs to identify a research project and provide detailed background to support the research that will be conducted for the final report (assessment three – consistent pairs). The proposal will be structured in key stages:

1) Introduction
2) Background
3) Problem/ Opportunity
4) Research questions
5) Target audience
6) Research Objectives
7) Project Plan
8) Hypothesis

Assessment 2 – in class test during week 9 – week commencing 7 April 2014
Individual assessment piece. Test will cover learnings from week 2 to week 7 – 60 minute time frame.

Assessment 3 – Research, analysis and production of final Report and Presentation
Due: Friday 5pm week 15 due 30 May 2014
• In pairs (same as assessment 1)
• Research report (5000 words total – excluding survey responses)

Research & Analysis Report
Students will conduct research in response to their research brief. This will include:
• Secondary data collection;
• Primary data collection;
• An analysis of the research findings;
• Interpreting research findings into recommendations;
• Identifying areas where further research may be required or which could support the ongoing management of the communication / public relations program.


 


Assessment Matrix

Assessment Matrix details will be distributed with your Assessment Task Feedback sheets for each assessment.

Assessment Mapping can be obtained from the teacher.
 

Other Information

null

Course Overview: Access Course Overview