Course Title: Undertake research and analysis

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2020

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:

Identify and undertake research

 

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:

Analyse information and apply the results of analysis

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:

Maintain information systems   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:

Compile reports from information systsems

 

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

This course will be delivered in 'face to face' lectures and tutorials, however students are expected to complete additional tasks in their own time.


Teaching Schedule

Course Schedule: Undertake Research & Analysis and Interpret Market Trends & Developments, Semester 1: 2020

Week

(week starting)

Topic

Readings

Assessment

Week 1

10 February 2020

Introduction

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 1 

 

 

Week 2

17 February 2020

 Assessment review and Topic selection

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 2

 

 

Week 3

24 February 2020

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

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 3

 

 

Week 4

2 March 2020

Research Agency Guest Speaker (TBC)

   Week 4 Activity Due

Week 5

9 March 2020

Research tutorial

 

 AT1

Week 6

16 March 2020

Conducting Primary Research

 Reading: Lecture Notes Week 6

 

 

Week 7

23 March 2020

Research report writing: 'Stakeholders and perspective'.

 

 

Week 8

30 March 2019

Assessment Tutorial

 Reading: Lecture Notes Week 8

 

Week 9

6 April 2020

Assessment Tutorial

Assessment Task 1 Due: Research Report

 

Assessment Task 1 Due

 

2020 Mid-Semester Break

9 - 15 April

Class resumes Thursday 16 April

 

  

Week 10

20 April 2020

Research Report Presentations

Reading: Lecture Notes Week 10

  

Week 11

27 April 2020

 Writing your Communications Plan

 

  

Week 12

4 May 2020

Guest Speaker

(TBC)

    

Week 13

11 May 2020

 Tutorial - Writing your communications plan.

 

Assessment Task 2 Due:  Communications Plan

Week 14

18  May 2020

Tutorial: Research Terms and definitions

 

 

Week 15

25 May  2020

Assessment 3: Quiz

Research terms and definitions

 

Assessment 3: Quiz

Research terms and definitions

Week 16

1 June 2020

Re-submissions

 

 
Week 17 Re-submission

 

 


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

There are three Assessment Tasks.

 

Assessment Task 1 – Research Report

 

Date handed out:  Week 1

Date and time due:  Semester Week 9, Sunday, 11:59PM

Group or Individual: This is an individual assessment task 

                          

Summary and Purpose of Assessment Task 1

 

Assessment Task 1 requires students to assume the role of a Communications Manager/Consultant and prepare a research report for a nominated ‘business’.

 

The Research Report is intended to be a business document (not a formal academic report) for use by a business for the purpose of developing a Communications Strategy based on the key findings and recommendations identified in the research report.

 

Assessment Instructions to students

 

This is an individual assessment task.

 

Students are required to select a contemporary ‘issue’ / business / product or service as their ‘topic’, conduct primary and secondary research on this topic, and prepare an apx. 2,500 word research report that is to be the catalyst for the development of a strategic communications strategy (Assessment Task 3).

 

Students are first required to undertake secondary research to identify key market drivers/findings/insights relevant to the issue / business / product or service. Students are then required to conduct primary research to validate the key findings / insights, and make recommendations as to their impact on the business / product or service for use in a Communications Plan.

 

The secondary research must use a minimum of 2 x RMIT database resources (e.g. ACORN, MOSAIC, PRIZM, EBSCO, PASSPORT, IBISWorld etc) and be appropriate referenced.

 

Wikipedia, and other non-reliable web-based resources are not to be used under any circumstances.

 

Students are required to present their research findings in class (10-minute presentation) as part of a business style ‘pitch’, as a justification for their future Communications Plan (Assessment Task 3).

 

 

Where

Students will be given some time to work on this assessment during class. The majority of the work should be done on the student's own time.

 

How

All students will upload a completed document on or before the due date.

 

 

 

Assessment Task 2 – Communications Plan

 

Date handed out:  Week 1

Date and time due:  Semester Week 14, Sunday 11:59PM

 

Group or Individual: This is an individual, or a ‘paired’ assessment task (prior approval required). 

                          

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.

 

Assessment Instructions to students

 

Prepare a strategic Communications Plan based on directly Assessment Task 1 ‘key findings / insights’ and recommendations.

 

The Communications Plan is intended to be a ‘business document’, and as such, must be concise, visually appealing, compelling in content, and free of typos and grammatical errors.

 

Suggested Communications Plan format:

 

  • RMIT Cover Page showing: ‘Assessment Task 2 – ‘Develop a Communications Plan’, submission date (‘Semester 1, 2020’), RMIT Subject(s) title & code, student name and student number
  • ‘Business’ Cover Page (Company, Author, Role, Date)
  • Executive Summary
  • Table of contents
  • Statement of document purpose / context of the Communications Plan
  • Summary of the ‘Key Findings / Insights and recommendations’ from the Research Report (from Assessment Task 1) and their potential impact on the business / issue
  • Recommendation on the application of the key insights for the Communications Plan
  • Current situation (including SWOT or PEST Analysis)
  • Competitor Analysis (where relevant)
  • Business Objectives / outcomes (what does the business want to achieve?)
  • Communication objectives / outcomes (what do you want the Communications to achieve?)
  • Stakeholders analysis / map
  • Communications Plan target audience segmentation and rationale / Persona
  • Key communications messages (primary and secondary, and proposed media)
  • Timing and duration of the campaign
  • Media relations (key contacts)
  • Proposed measures of effectiveness (communications and business objectives)
  • 3 x progressive media releases (ie: pre-launch, during the campaign, post-campaign) word count 350 words each)
  • 1 x Media ‘backgrounder’ (word count minimum 1000 words)
  • Conclusion

 

Assessment Task 3 – Quiz (Research terms and definitions)

Date handed out:  Week 1

Date and time due: Semester Week 15

 

Group or Individual: This is an individual assessment task.

                          

  • Students 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.


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on CANVAS. It comprises of list of criteria for assessment to demonstrate competency and a rubric that will assess the quality, research and competency achieved for each of the three tasks outline above.

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 re-submission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the re-submission.  

 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.

 

Successful re-submissions will contribute a CA (Competency Achieved) result to your overall assessment 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

 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