Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2014
Course Code: EASC5040C
Course Title: Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices
School: 650T TAFE Business
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4223 - Certificate IV in Business Administration
Course Contact : Sylvia Baroutis
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5469
Course Contact Email:sylvia.baroutis@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Other course teachers
Vivien Wong vivien.wong@rmit.edu.au
Hazel Sims hazel.sims@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 performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to effectively analyse the workplace in relation to environmentally sustainable work practices and to implement improvements and monitor their effectiveness. This unit requires the ability to access industry information, applicable legislative and occupational health and safety (OHS) guidelines. While no licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply holistically to this unit at the time of publication, relevant national, state and territory legislation, regulations and codes of practice impact upon this unit.
This unit applies to those with responsibility for a specific area of work or who lead a work group or team. It addresses the knowledge, processes and techniques necessary to implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices, including the development of processes and tools, such as:
- identifying areas for improvement
- developing plans to make improvements
- implementing and monitoring improvements in environmental performance
A person who demonstrates competence in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to implement and monitor integrated environmental and resource efficiency management policies and procedures within an organisation. Evidence must be strictly relevant to the particular workplace role.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBSUS301A Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices |
Element: |
2. Set targets for improvements |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Seek input from stakeholders, key personnel and specialists |
Element: |
3. Implement performance improvement strategies |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Source and use appropriate techniques and tools to assist in achieving efficiency targets |
Element: |
4. Monitor performance |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Use and/or develop evaluation and monitoring, tools and technology |
Element: |
1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify environmental regulations applying to the enterprise |
Learning Outcomes
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is clustered with BSBWRT401A/OFFC5208C Write complex documents and BSBITU401A/COSC5945C Design and develop complex text documents and separate Course Guides have been prepared for each unit.
Learning activities will include class-based exercises, demonstrations and observation in order to develop competency, including the underpinning skills and knowledge required for this unit. Students will have access to the virtual business Reflective Records in the SBS (Simulated Business Space) to further develop their advanced word processing skills in a business context using a variety of learning materials and web-based resources.
Teaching Schedule
| Week | Week Beginning | Content | Assessment |
| 1 | 10 Feb |
Course induction, delivery and assessment details Course support documents Blackboard and grading Essential student administration information and procedures What is sustainability? What makes a ’green workplace? |
Assessment TASK 2 - Sustainability Portfolio |
| 2 | 17 Feb | The triple bottom line and the ecological footprint | Portfolio |
| 3 | 24 Feb |
Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage Collect relevant information for the workgroup |
Portfolio |
| 4 | 3 Mar |
Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage Collect relevant information for the workgroup |
Portfolio |
| 5 | 10 Mar | Research for sustainability report and draft report template using MS Word | Portfolio |
| 6 | 17 Mar | Measuring resource usage and purchasing strategies | Portfolio |
| 7 | 24 Mar |
Resources defined Industry examples |
Portfolio |
| 8 | 31 Mar | Set targets for improvement |
Portfolio |
| 9 | 7 Apr | Set targets for improvement External sources of information and data Evaluate alternative solutions Set efficiency targets |
Portfolio |
| 10 | 14 Apr | Implement performance management strategies |
Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report Draft (Due Week 10 in Blackboard as MS Word file only) |
| MID SEMESTER BREAK 18-27 APRIL INCLUSIVE | |||
| 11 | 28 Apr | Weekly Classes ONLINE. Attend Diploma of Business Administration eConference. This date is not yet confirmed. | |
| 12 | 5 May | Implement performance management strategies Seek suggestions for improvements Costing strategies |
Portfolio |
| 13 | 12 May | Monitor performance Tools and technology for evaluation and monitoring Communicating outcomes |
Portfolio |
| 14 | 19 May | Monitor performance Evaluate performance New targets, tools and strategies Promote successful strategies |
Portfolio |
| 15 | 26 May | Finalise report and portfolio | Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report Due (perfect finished version) |
| 16 | 2 Jun | Feedback and Review | |
| Note: Assessment TASK 1 - Documents Portfolio is assessed for BSBWRT401A/OFFC5208C Write complex documents and BSBITU401A/COSC5945C Design and develop complex text documents. Refer to the Cluster: Sustainability and Writing Office Documents Assessment Outline document for detail work breakdown, activities and submission methods. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Software Publications Writing Team, Implement and Monitor Environmentally Sustainable Work Practices, BSBSUS301A, Software Publications, 2009. |
1-74123-950-8 |
References
Other Resources
- Reflective Records Style and Standards Manual
- Data for sustainability resources in the student drive and on Blackboard
- RMIT think green webpage http://www.rmit.edu.au/thinkgreen
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
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit (BSBSUS301A/EASC5040C Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices)
• knowledge of relevant compliance requirements within work area
• developing plans to make improvements
• planning and organising work group activities in relation to measuring current use and devising strategies to improve usage
• monitoring resource use and improvements for environmental performance relative to work area and supervision
• ensuring appropriate action is taken within work area in relation to environmental/sustainability compliance and potential hazards
• implementing new approaches to work area in an effort to resolve and improve environmental and resource efficiency issues and reporting as required
Assessment
There are three assessment tasks in cluster (refer Assessment Matrix) and relevant marking guides and assessment outline.
Assessment TASK 1 - Documents Folio (COSC5945C & OFFC5208C)
The learning activities and assessment tasks you will complete in this cluster will comprise of a range of tasks relevant to developing the required knowledge and skills to plan, write and produce documents for the office using complex technology functions utilising the MS Office Suite 2010. Students will submit tasks progressively to their teacher for feedback in class either to an In-Tray for all hard copy documents or the e-Tray on Blackboard (via myRMIT Studies) for electronic files.
Assessment TASK 2 - Sustainability Folio (EASC5208C)
Students will complete all tasks and submit for a CA grade for each activity to be deemed competent for this unit. Evidence for your portfolio will be produced on a regular basis and all tasks submitted on the due dates in order to achieve a CA grade. Feedback on activities and research for sustainability report is in class and ongoing.
Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report (COSC5945C, OFFC5208C & EASC5208C)
You will write a draft report of how Reflective Records simulated business (in SBS - Simulated Business Space) can be sustainable. This assessment relates to your textbook and weekly portfolio work. The planning and drafting of your report will form a major part of your assessment for BSBWRT401A/OFFC5208C Write complex documents (due in Week 10) and the complex technology functions applied will be assessed against the criteria set for BSBITU401A/COSC5945C Design complex text documents on your perfect finished version of the report due in Week 15. Please refer to the marking guide for further details on this research report.
Submission Requirements
Documents are to be produced in class as directed by the Assessment Outline to the In-Tray for all hard copy tasks and to the e-Tray on Blackboard (via myRMIT Studies) for all electronic files. This is to ensure students will have time to complete the Sustainability Report and focus on developing their typing technique.
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: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
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: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is "CAG".
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.
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:
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date. If your performance in the assessment is affected by unexpected circumstances, you should consider applying for Special Consideration. Information on the process and application form is available myRMIT and links in Student Diary.
• 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 a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of work for assessment is available on blackboard.
• 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.
Assessment Matrix
Assessments
| Required knowledge | Assessment |
|
• best practice approaches relevant to own area of responsibility and industry • compliance requirements within work area for all relevant environmental/sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice including resource hazards/risks associated with work area, job specifications and procedures • environmental and energy efficiency issues, systems and procedures specific to industry practice • external benchmarks and support for particular benchmarks to be used within organisation, including approaches to improving resource use for work area and expected outcomes • OHS issues and requirements • organisational structure and reporting channels and procedures • quality assurance systems relevant to own work area • strategies to maximise opportunities and to minimise impact relevant to own work area • supply chain procedures • terms and conditions of employment including policies and procedures, such as daily tasks, work area responsibilities, employee, supervisor and employer rights, equal opportunity. |
Assessment TASK2 - Sustainability Portfolio Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report |
| Required skills | |
| • analytical skills to analyse problems, to devise solutions and to reflect on approaches taken • change management skills • communication skills to answer questions, clarify and acknowledge suggestions relating to work requirements and efficiency • communication/consultation skills to support information flow from stakeholders to the work group • innovation skills to identify improvements, to apply knowledge about resource use to organisational activities and to develop tools • literacy skills to comprehend documentation, to interpret environmental and energy efficiency requirements, to create tools to measure and monitor improvements and to report outcomes • numeracy skills to analyse data on organisational resource consumption and waste product volumes • planning and organising skills to implement environmental and energy efficiency management polices and procedures relevant to own work area • problem solving skills to devise approaches to improved environmental sustainability and to develop alternative approaches as required • technology skills to operate and shut down equipment; where relevant, to use software systems for recording and filing documentation to measure current usage; and to use word processing and other basic software for interpreting charts, flowcharts, graphs and other visual data and information • supervisory skills to work effectively with a team. |
Assessment TASK2 - Sustainability Portfolio Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report |
| Element and performance criteria | Assessment TASK 2 - Sustainability Portfolio |
Assessment TASK 3 - Sustainability Report
|
| 1. Investigate current practices in relation to resource usage | ALL | ALL |
| 2. Set targets for improvements | ALL | ALL |
| 3. Implement performance improvement strategies | ALL | ALL |
| 4. Monitor performance | ALL | ALL |
(Assessment TASK 2 - Sustainability Folio is only assessed for BSBUS301A/EASC5040C Implement and monitor environmentally sustainable work practices)
Marking Guide (competency):
Vocational Education and Training (VET) is based on current industry needs and the focus on preparing you for the workplace. Because VET courses are informed by practical application of knowledge and skills, they are based on a system known as ‘competency based training’ (CBT). So when you are assessed in VET it is about whether you are competent to do the job, as well as having a firm grasp on the knowledge and skills required to do that job, as opposed to traditional curriculum based education settings that are often based on knowledge retention.
You need to demonstrate you are competent in each element of the unit of competency you are studying. You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you whether you are competent or not and how well you are performing. Once competent in all elements of the unit you pass that unit of competency.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit; this gives you the opportunity to have the level of your performance formally recognised against industry standards and employability skills.
Final Grades Table:
| CHD | Competent with High Distinction |
| CDI | Competent with Distinction |
| CC | Competent with Credit |
| CAG | Competency Achieved – Graded |
The grading is according to the following criteria:
1. Level of independence, initiative, enterprise and performance of work task
Students must be able to demonstrate a high level of ability to complete all tasks independently as per the specifications as well as demonstrating a high level of initiative in an individual approach to planning, drafting, preparing and producing the Sustainability Report.
2. Demonstrated breadth of underpinning knowledge and a willingness to continue learning
Students should be able to demonstrate a thorough understanding of all applicable writing conventions, ergonomic skills when using computers/word processing to produce documents for all the assessment tasks, whilst following safe work practices throughout.
3. Techniques and processes, technology skills and problem solving
Students are required to demonstrate their problem solving skills in order to analyse the requirements for producing both the Portfolio of Evidence activities/exercises/research. Portfolio tasks can be applied and included in to the research report.
4. Work organisation, planning and self-management
Students are expected to organise their own work schedules in order to produce the required evidence by the noted deadlines in the Teaching Schedule. Students also must ensure that they evaluate their own performance and identify areas for improvement and that this is demonstrated throughout the semester. They should manage time and ensure ergonomic requirements are met when producing all business documents.
5. Communication, people networking, language and interpersonal skills and teamwork
Students should be able to communicate with colleagues, customers and SBS management to gather information about their needs and provide services, listening to and following complex oral instructions, proofreading and editing, writing clear and detailed instructions.
Contributions to relevant class discussions and online sessions (if required) will be observed where applicable. In addition your tasks should demonstrate a very good understanding of strategies for a collaborative approach to adopting sustainable strategies in the SBS workplace.
Course Overview: Access Course Overview