Course Title: Deal with conflict

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2019

Course Code: GEDU6114C

Course Title: Deal with conflict

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C4386 - Certificate IV in Tertiary Preparation

Course Contact: Ms Vicki Mesiti

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5425

Course Contact Email: vicki.mesiti@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Nominal Hours: 30

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 handle difficult interpersonal situations and address the conflicts that may arise in day to day work activities. It includes identifying the cause of conflict, establishing and implementing strategies for dealing with conflict and evaluating the response and outcomes.    This unit applies to those working in generalist and specialist roles within the public sector.   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, performing complex tasks in a range of familiar and unfamiliar contexts.   No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to unit at the time of publication.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

PSPGEN032 Deal with conflict

Element:

1. Identify the cause of conflict

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Analyse the conflict situation, including the cause, and establish the position of each party. 1.2 Take steps to prevent escalation of the conflict. 1.3 Accept and treat all points of view with respect. 1.4 Identify, clarify and confirm factors and issues relevant to the situation. 1.5 Initiate proceedings to settle the conflict with minimal delay.

Element:

2. Establish and implement strategies for dealing with conflict

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Encourage all parties involved in the conflict to take shared responsibility for finding a solution to the situation. 2.2 Select a strategy for resolution, taking into account social and cultural differences and consistency with organisational policies and procedures. 2.3 Provide assertive feedback to the parties and accept constructive feedback from the parties non-defensively. 2.4 Agree on outcomes that meet individual requirements. 2.5 Seek assistance where necessary

Element:

3. Evaluate response and outcome

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Maintain records and reports. 3.2 Provide accurate and constructive observations of incidents in reviewing and debriefing the situation. 3.3 Evaluate and review effectiveness of response.


Learning Outcomes


  At successful completion of this course you should be able to:   •        Apply a range of communication techniques, both generic and written, relevant to resolving conflict for a range of organisations while managing their legal and compliance requirements. •        Evaluate the effect of a range of legal problems and determine appropriate responses for organisations through relevant conflict management strategies. •        Develop reasoned viewpoints, draw conclusions, and make recommendations after interpreting, analysing, and evaluating legal issues to resolve conflict.


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced, collaborative classroom work based learning (WIL) activities.   The self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms and include your contribution to wikis and discussion threads, reflective journals, 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 which include relevant field trips. We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.


Teaching Schedule

 

Introduction to the Legal Process 

Semester 2: 2019

         

Week

Topic

Readings and Activities

Assessment

 

Week 1

(08.07.2019)

Introduction to course-

Rules and Laws 

Understanding the Nature of Conflict

Reading: Introduction to the Australian Legal System Manual 1 p4 -Canvas Course Resources

Activity: Consolidation- Exploring the legal context from personal experience and discussion

 Assessment Tasks 1 and 2 available online via Canvas-Assignments Tab

 

Week 2

(15.07.2019)

Legal Research Skills

Distinguishing Criminal Cases and Civil Disputes

Types of Conflict

Reading: www.austlii.edu.au

Manual 2 P4-14

Activity: Research tasks

Begin character profiles Bogabilla case study

Library Workshop 2nd session- "Legal Research Skills"

 

 

Week 3

(22.07.2019)

Sources of Australian Law-Parliament

Reading: The Legislative Process p6 Manual See Canvas Course Resources

Visit to Parliament House

Introductory exercises "Parliament in context"

Video-parliamentary process

Continue character profiles-Bogabilla case study

 

 

Week 4

(29.07.2019)

Sources of Australian Law-The Constitution

Reading:  Evolution of Parliament in Australia: Manual p3-5 See Canvas Course Resources

Activity: Consolidation questions

Continue character profiles-Bogabilla case study

-

 

Week 5

(05.08.2019)

The Adversary System of Trial

 

Reading: The Adversary System  Manual 2 p2 See Canvas Course Resources

Visit to Victoria Police Museum

Film The Adversary System Consolidation questions

Continue character profiles -Bogabilla case study

 

 

Week 6

(12.08.2019)

The Australian Court Hierarchy-Federal Courts

Reading:Manual 1 p21-24 See Canvas Course Resources

Activity: Consolidation questions

Continue character profiles- Bogabilla case study

 

 

 

Week 7

(19.08.2019)

The Australian Court System-State Courts

 Reading:Manual 1 p15-21

Activity: Consolidation questions

Criminal Justice Program Guest Speakers

Continue character profiles- Bogabilla case study

 

 

Week 8

(26.08.2019)

The Australian Court System-State Courts

Reading: Manual 1 p15-21 See Canvas Course Resources

Activity: Assessment preparation

 

 

 

Mid semester break: 2nd - 6th September

 

Week 9

(09.09.2019)

Court Processes- Criminal and Civil Proceedings

Reading: Manual 2 p18-30 See Canvas Course Resources

Court Visits

Activity: Consolidation questions

  Assessment 1 Folio due Sep 9. Feedback will be available in or before week 11. If required re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of week 12.

 

Week 10

(16.09.2019)

Precedent

Research-Finding Case Law

Reading: Manual 2 p40-46 -See Canvas Resources

Activity: Case studies and Consolidation questions

 

 

Week 11

(23.09.2019)

Precedent-Statutory Interpretation

Reading: Manual 2 p48-52 -See Canvas Resources

Activity: Case studies and consolidation questions

Visit to Specialist Court

 

 

Week 12

(30.09.2019)

Alternative Dispute Resolution

Tribunals

Using Mediation to Resolve Conflict

Reading: p34-38 Manual 2 -See Canvas Course Resources

Activity: Case Studies, MDA video and Consolidation questions

 

 

Week 13

(07.10.2019)

Research and Presentation Skills

Assessment Preparation

 

 

 

Week 14

(14.10.2019)

Research and Presentation Skills

Assessment Preparation

   

Week 15

(21.10.2019)

 

Week 16

(28.10.2019)

Week 17

(04.11.2019)

Presentation

 

 

Re-submission period

Assessment 2 Presentation due 21st October.  Feedback will be available week 16. If required re-submission for this assessment is due by the end of week 17.

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete this course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

All learning resources are available within Canvas.  Resources include reading materials, videos and activities.  There are Collaborate Ultra (webinar) sessions and online discussion boards.

All resources are available in the Canvas LMS.

Online learning materials can be accessed by going into the RMIT web sites Online Learning Hub.

MyRMIT

The online learning materials listed include:

• Course outline • PowerPoint Presentations  • Course Reading Manuals  • Supporting Reading material  • Industry relevant articles  • Various learning activities • Relevant legal websites 

It is recommended that you have a pen and a notebook to take notes and a device for use in all your classes.


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence   To demonstrate evidence of competency in this unit you must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified you must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion:   • communicating strategies with a diverse workforce and client base including strategies of assertiveness, listening, non verbal communication, language style, problem solving • using problem solving to deal with unexpected issues or attitudes • dealing with difficult situations and people.   Knowledge Evidence   To demonstrate evidence of competency in this unit you must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified your depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context including:    • public sector legislation including WHS and environment, regulations, organisational policies, procedures and guidelines relating to conflict in the public sector workplace • types of conflict in the workplace and typical causes • conflict theory including signs, stages, levels, factors involved, results • group processes and roles people play • organisational structures and workplace culture • different social and cultural practices • conflict resolution skills and strategies • personal power and positional power • grievance procedures in the public sector.   Assessment Conditions   The assessment strategy must verify assessment requirements and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:   • written and/or oral assessment of the learners required knowledge • documented observation of the learners implementation of appropriate requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective, and efficient achievement of required outcomes • consistent achievement of required outcomes • first hand testimonial evidence of the learners working with others to understand and complete the performance evidence assessment requirements.   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 to obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. You can also email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain further 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

In order to be deemed competent in this course you will need to satisfactorily complete all of the following assessments:

Assessment Task 1 - Folio (written report) Due Date:  Start of Week 9  The aim of this assessment is for you to investigate the Australian legal system using primary and secondary sources and apply relevant principles of law.   You will need to produce:  

  • a legal research report encompassing folio tasks which clearly address the issues raised and reference all important legal materials.

Feedback for this assessment will be provided in or before week 11.  

Assessment Task 2 - Presentation (Multimedia & Oral Presentation) Due Date: Week 15 

Legal regulation and conflict resolution is a very important part of business and other organisations. You must prepare a presentation explaining to prospective new members of an organisation why an understanding of the law is essential for a successful business or organisation. You are welcome to research an area of future professional interest. Your presentation must address the following points:

  • Impact of federation (Refer to Parliament, legislative process and delegated legislation)
  • Explain criminal law using an example of legislation
  • Explain civil law using an example of precedent
  • Court hierarchy
  • Ways of resolving conflict by diverting cases from the justice system using alternative dispute resolution methods

Feedback for this assessment will be provided in week 16.  

You must successfully complete all assessments to be deemed competent.


Assessment Matrix

No

Name of Assessment Task

Method of Assessment

Elements

Performance Criteria

Foundation Skills

Performance Evidence

Knowledge Evidence

Assessment Conditions

1.

Folio

Written Report

E1 PC 1.1-1.5

E2 PC 2.4 2.5

E3 PC 3.1-3.3

 

1-3

1-3

1-9

NA

2.

Presentation

 

Oral Presentation

E1 PC 1.1 -1.5

E2 PC 2.1-2.3

 

1-3

1-3

1-9

Other Information

 

 

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 a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

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 Informationhttps://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.  You must submit your application within five working days after your assessment date or due date.

More Information:https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

Resubmissions (VET Programs):

If you are found to be unsuccessful (Not satisfactory/Unsatisfactory) in a Course Assessment Task 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.

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

 

Final Results

 

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.

 

The following grades are available for this course:

 

CA

Competency Achieved

 

NYC

Not Yet Competent

 

DNS

Did Not Submit for Assessment

 

 

Course Overview: Access Course Overview