Course Title: Undertake research and analysis
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2018
Course Code: MATH5332C
Course Title: Undertake research and analysis
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6140 - Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Course Contact: Julia Makin
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175
Course Contact Email: Julia.makin@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nick Reynolds
Email: nicholas.reynolds@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.
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 Define information needs based on work objectives and client and organisation requirements. 1.2 Evaluate and select potential sources of information and the format in which they are presented in line with the purpose and audience for the research. 1.3 Develop strategies to acquire required information. 1.4 Research information in a thorough way and within resource allocation. 1.5 Assess quantity, quality and relevance of initial search results and fill gaps using the same or adjusted research strategies. 1.6 Communicate the methods and outcomes of research, and the criteria used to make information decisions and choices. |
Element: |
2 . Analyse information and apply the results of analysis |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Use the findings from analysing information to meet client and/or organisational needs and organisation standards. 4.2 Determine and organise content of reports in a manner that supports the purposes and format of the organisation and audience. 4.3 Sequence the reporting of results and ensure it includes predictions, assumptions and constraints where relevant. |
Element: |
3 . Maintain information systems |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Examine, compare and evaluate information from various sources for content, structure and logic. 2.2 Select analytical techniques and processes in line with defined objectives. 2.3 Collate, consolidate and analyse information and advise senior staff of outcomes. 2.4 Identify facts, issues, patterns, interrelationships and trends through analysis in accordance with research aims. 2.5 Meet agreed project timelines and the defined standards of the organisation. |
Element: |
4 . Compile reports from information systems |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Maintain, validate and reconcile information systems so that data and system integrity are assured. 3.2 Maintain a range of standard and complex information systems and applications. 3.3 Review and update information systems as necessary. |
Learning Outcomes
Students will have a clear understanding of the research skills necessary in Public Relations.
Details of Learning Activities
A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative classroom based activities, and guest speaker presentations from industry specialists.
The self-paced activities will be delivered thought various technology platforms and include your contribution to online research activities, quizzes and interactive sessions.
The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated/real workplace environment.
We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.
Teaching Schedule
Week 1 - Introduction to research and the impact
Week 2 - Public relations and research
Week 3 - Research terms and definitions
Week 4 - Assessment Task 1 (Quiz)
Week 5 - Research tutorial
Week 6 - Guest speaker
Week 7 - Guest speaker
Week 8 - Guest speaker
Week 9 - Assessment 2 preparation - Assessment 2 due via Canvas 11:59PM Sunday 15th April
Week 10 - Planning your communications strategy
Week 11 - Conducting Primary Research
Week 12 - Assessment 3 preparation
Week 13 - Assessment 3 preparation
Week 14 - Assessment Task 3: Student presentations
Week 15 - Assessment Task 3: Student presentations
Week 16 - Re-submissions as required
Week 17 - Final week – no classes
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including technical requirements documentation, homework, assignments, group and/or individual projects, in class exercises, written and practical assessments, problem solving exercises, presentations, direct observation of actual and simulated work practice, presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files, review of products produced through work-based or course activities.
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.
Assessment Tasks
This course is co-delivered and co-assessed with MKTG5834C Interpret market trends
You are required to complete 3 assessment tasks.
You must achieve competency in all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this course. Each assessment contributes equal weighting towards your final grade
Assessment Task 1: Quiz (To be completed during class Week 4)
This is an individual assessment task, worth a third of the total mark.
- This test will be conducted in class
- Students will have one attempt to provide the correct answer
- This assessment task is a ‘closed book’ test
- This assessment task is assessed individually
- The student must correctly answer at least 10 of 20 questions to pass. Failure to achieve this mark will require a re-sit in Week 16, with a maximum grade of CAG allocated
Assessment Task 2 - Group Research Report (due 11:59PM Sunday 15th April - end of Week 9)
Details of Assessment:
The research report is to be 2,500 words, and the format is for use in a business context.
This is an group assessment task worth a third of the total mark.
This task requires your group to select a contemporary ‘issue’, business, product or service as the basis for your research, conduct secondary research to identify key market drivers / insights / key findings, and prepare a comprehensive report that aims to assist the business in developing a strategic communications plan.
Requirements:
Your group is required to clearly define both the ‘issue’ / business objectives, the research objectives, undertake primary and secondary research, analyse the data for content, structure and logic, and prepare a comprehensive research report that includes predictions, assumptions and constraints, and recommendations for future communications strategy. (These ‘key findings’ ad recommendations will form the basis of Assessment Task 3).
The report must describe the analytical techniques and processes utilised, consistent with defined business objectives and research objectives.
Assessment Task 3 - Communications Strategy Presentation (Slides to be submitted 11:59PM Sunday 13th May - end of Week 13)
Details of Assessment:
- This is a group assignment
- This Assessment Task is worth a third of the total grade
- Presentations to be delivered in-class Week 14/15
Requirements:
Your group is required to develop a strategic Communications Strategy Plan based on the key findings and recommendations from Assessment Task 2, test the Plan using primary research, and produce a 15 minute presentation discussing your suggested changes to the Plan.
Students are required to submit their presentation slides online by 11:59PM Sunday 13th May, before delivering their presentation during class in Week 14 or 15.
Assessment Matrix
Full details on how this course is assessed against the Unit Elements and performance criteria plus critical aspects of evidence can be found in the learning and Assessment Tool available on Canvas
Course Overview: Access Course Overview