Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2018
Course Code: POLI5044C
Course Title: Establish and maintain strategic networks
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6155 - Advanced Diploma of Marketing and Communication
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
Nicholas (Nick) Reynolds
Email: nick.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 describes the skills required to establish, expand and use strategic networks. It includes identifying features of required strategic networks, identifying or establishing network links with key stakeholders and building strategic relationships.
The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.
Those undertaking this unit would work independently seeking advice as required, performing complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
PSPGEN067 Establish and maintain strategic networks |
Element: |
1. Identify features of required strategic networks |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify the strategic value and likely outcomes of participating in networks at an individual and organisational level. 1.2 Research and assess the benefits of existing networks. 1.3 Identify key stakeholders and their needs, expectations and roles. |
Element: |
2. Identify or establish network links with key stakeholders |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Identify existing network links between key stakeholders, and identify and initiate strategies to maintain or expand them. 2.2 Establish and use new network links between self and key internal and external stakeholders. 2.3 Develop and maintain strong working relationships among network members. |
Element: |
3. Build strategic relationships |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Establish effective communication channels to exchange strategic information for the mutual benefit of network members. 3.2 Interact and consult with key stakeholders to anticipate developments that may impact on the organisation and require a strategic approach to dealing with them. 3.3 Identify and address misunderstandings and conflict situations. 3.4 Seek and act upon opportunities to improve communication processes and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. |
Learning Outcomes
Students will develop the skills required to identify and develop strategic relationships within the business environment.
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 |
Topic |
Activities |
Assessment |
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Week 1 2 July 2018 |
Introduction to the course |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 1 |
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Week 2 9 July 2018 |
Networking and Personal Branding | Reading: Lecture Notes Week 2 |
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Week 3 16 July 2018 |
Consumer Analysis |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 3 |
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Week 4 23 July 2018 |
The Not-for-profit Sector | Reading: Lecture Notes Week 4 |
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Week 5 30 July 2018 |
International Environment |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 5 |
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Week 6 6 August 2018 |
Political and Legal Environment |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 6 |
Assessment 1: Individual Report Due: Online submission via Canvas on or before 11:59PM Sunday 12th August 2018 |
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Week 7 13 August 2018 |
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Week 8 20 August 2018 |
Cross-cultural Communication | Reading: Lecture Notes Week 8 |
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Break 26 August - 2 September 2018 |
Mid-Semester Break |
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Week 9 3 September 2018 |
Risk Assessment and Management Strategies |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 9 | |
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Week 10 10 September 2018 |
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Reading: Lecture Notes Week 10 |
Assessment 2: Group Report Due: Online submission via Canvas on or before 11:59PM Sunday 16th September 2018 |
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Week 11 17 September 2018 |
The 4P's of Marketing #2 |
Reading: Lecture Notes Week 11 |
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Week 12 24 September 2018 |
Assessment 3 Workshop |
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Week 13 1 October 2018 |
Assessment 3 Workshop |
Assessment 3: Group presentation Due: Slides must be submitted online via Canvas on or before 11:59PM 7th October 2018 |
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Week 14 8 October 2018 |
Assessment 3 Delivery |
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Week 15 15 October 2018 |
Resubmission | ||
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Week 16 22 October 2018 |
Resubmission | ||
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Week 17 29 October 2018 |
Grade Entry |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
All resources will be available via CANVAS
Overview of Assessment
In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:
Performance Evidence
Evidence requirements to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.
- applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to public sector environment
- using communication methods with diverse strategic networks including consultation, liaison, negotiation, building influence and reputation, transparency
- using formal and informal industry communication channels
- resolving conflict in a strategic networking context
Knowledge Evidence
Evidence requirements to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.
- public sector legislation including WHS and environment, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to work in a public sector environment
- local/national/international public sector structures/protocols
- industry/professional communication channels and networks
- principles of interpersonal, group and inter-agency communication
- principles of conflict resolution in a strategic context
Assessment Conditions
This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.
Feedback
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.
You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.
Assessment Tasks
This course is co delivered and co assessed.
POLI5044C Establish and maintain strategic networks and MKTG7916C Evaluate international marketing opportunities
Assessment Task 1 - In-class Test
Due: In-class Thursday 9th August, i.e. Week 6
Duration: Three hours
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
To demonstrate the skills required to:
- Establish, expand and use strategic networks;
- Identifying features of required strategic networks;
- Identifying or establishing network links with key stakeholders; and
- Building strategic relationships.
Assessment Instructions
- Students will be required to attend class on Thursday 9th August from 13:30-16:30 to undertake the test
- Students will have three (3) hours to complete the test
- The test will be comprised of six (6) short essay questions
- The total weight of this assessment is 33% of the overall course mark
- The test will be open-book and students are encouraged to utilise any resources at their disposal
- Any external source material must be referenced correctly using Harvard Referencing
Assessment Task 2 - Due Week 10
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
This assignment will allow you to demonstrate an understanding of how to evaluate the international environment, to identify cultural and market factors and risks, research market and competition trends in an international market.
Word count: No more than 3000 words.
Assessment Instructions
The overall task is divided into two sections; Part A is a PESTE Analysis of a nominated international market, Part B is a Market and Consumer analysis, and a Risk Assessment of the same market.
The group will firstly have to research the nominated market to identify a range of information about a number of specific issues, including but not limited to Political, Cultural, Economic and Technological.
Secondly, there will also be a Risk assessment, and an analysis of the market including trends, competition and distribution including ecommerce and consumers.
The week prior to submission (i.e. in week 9) students MUST present as a group a 5-7 minute status report of each team member’s personal contribution. This presentation will form part of your overall mark for this assessment.
Assessment Task 3 - Due Week 13
Summary and Purpose of Assessment
This assessment asks students to demonstrate the knowledge and skills needed to develop marketing strategies to launch an organisation into an overseas market.
Presentation duration: 10 -15 minutes
Groups of 2 – 3 students
Assessment Instructions
Students must build upon the feedback that was provided to them in Assessment 2 to develop a minimum of five (5) recommended marketing strategies to launch an organisation you select into an overseas market you selected for Assessment 2 and present these for discussion. The final strategies will be submitted via Powerpoint slides on Canvas and presented to the class for assessment.
Students must justify why their recommended strategies will be effective for integrating their organisation into the overseas market. These justifications must be supported with a minimum of five (5) peer-reviewed references. Students must also state how the success of their recommended strategies will be measured.
Students will be expected to provide an estimated budget of the costs of implementing the suggested strategies. This budget must be realistic and reflect the business’s capacity.
Assessment Matrix
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
Late Submission Procedures 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 particular 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 only (Competency Achieved Grading) result to your overall grade 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. Marking Guide (Grading) After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades: Final Grades table: CHD Competent with High Distinction CDI Competent with Distinction CC Competent with Credit CAG Competency Achieved – Graded CA Competency Achieved – Not Graded 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