Course Title: Undertake research and analysis

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2019

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

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 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. 3.2 A 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:

4.1 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


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

Course Schedule: Undertake Research & Analysis and Interpret Market Trends & Developments, Semester 1: 2019

Week

 

Topic

Readings

Assessment

Week 1

 

Introduction

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 1 

 

 

Week 2

 

Assessment review and Topic selection

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 2

 

 

Week 3

 

Guest Speaker (TBC)

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 3

 

 

Week 4

 

RMIT Database Research Tutorial and Activity (including a mandatory submission - not graded)

   

Week 5

 

Research tutorial

 

 AT1

Week 6

 

Conducting Primary Research

 Reading: Lecture Notes Week 6

 

 

Week 7

 

Research report writing: 'Stakeholders and perspective'.

 

 

Week 8

 

Assessment Tutorial

 Reading: Lecture Notes Week 8

 

Week 9

 

Assessment Tutorial

Assessment Task 1 Due: Research Report

 

Assessment Task 1 Due

Week 10

 

Research Report Presentations

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 10

 
 

Week 11

 

Writing your Communications Plan

 

 

Week 12

 

Guest Speaker

(TBC)

   

Week 13

 

Tutorial: Research Terms and definitions

 

 

Week 14

 

Assessment Task 2 Due:  Communications Plan

 

Assessment 2 Due

Week 15

 

Tutorial: Research Terms and definitions

 

 

Week 16

 

Assessment 3: Quiz

Research terms and definitions

 

Assessment 3 Due

Week 17 Resubmission activities

 

 

 

 

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

All resources will be available in Canvas.

 


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 and Developments

You are required to complete 3 assessment tasks.

You must achieve a satisfactory result in all 3 tasks to be deemed competent in this course. 

 

Assessment Task 1 - Research Report  

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 individual assessment task.

This task requires you to select a contemporary ‘issue’, business, product or service as the basis for your research, conduct 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:

You are required to clearly define your ‘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 & constraints, and recommendations for future communications strategy. (These ‘key findings’ and recommendations will form the basis of 'Assessment Task 2').

The report must describe the analytical techniques and processes utilised, consistent with defined business objectives and research objectives.

 

Due date: Week 9 

 

 

Assessment Task 2 - Communications Strategy Plan

Details of Assessment:

  • This is a 'paired' (group) or individual task

Requirements:

Your group (pairs) is required to write a strategic Communications Strategy Report based on the 'key findings' and recommendations from Assessment Task 2, test the strategy by undertaking primary research, identify and report on any required changes to the Strategy based on the primary research conducted.

 Students are required to develop a strategic Communications Plan for use in a business context in order to achieve stated business and communication objectives.

 

The Communications Plan is to be based directly on their research report ‘key insights / findings’ and recommendations’ identified in Assessment Task 1 Research Report. The association with the Research Report findings and recommendations is essential.

 

This is a ‘paired’ (group) assessment task.

 Due date: Week 14

 

 

 

Assessment Task 3: Quiz 

·  You are to access the online Quiz via CANVAS, and have 3 hours to complete this task.

·   Test will be conducted online, and will be automatically assessed

·   Students will have three attempts to provide the correct answer

  • This assessment task is a ‘open book’ test
  • This assessment task is assessed individually
  • The student must correctly answer all 20 questions to pass. Failure to achieve this mark will require a re-sit in Week 17.

 

Due date: Week 16 (online)

 

 


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.

 

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS.

 

Submission Requirements

 

You should:

  • Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.  
  • 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 footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. 

Other Information

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance-based assessment is completed by the due dates. 

 

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

 

Where an extension of greater 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

 

 

Resubmissions:

 

If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task (or you do not submit/attend) 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.  

 

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.

 

Grading & re-submissions

 

Successful re-submissions will contribute a CAG (Competency Achieved) result to your overall result for the course.

 

 

 

 

Adjustments to Assessment 

 

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website: 

 

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. 

   

Final results will be in the following format:

 

CA Competency Achieved

NYC Not Yet Competent

DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

 

Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview