Course Title: Develop and implement a business plan

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2018

Course Code: BUSM6247C

Course Title: Develop and implement a business plan

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: 60

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 and knowledge required to run a business operation and covers the steps required to develop and implement a business plan.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBMGT617A Develop and implement a business plan

Element:

1.Develop business plan

 

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Review and evaluate pre‑existing strategic, business and operational plan, if available 1.2 Analyse and interpret business vision, mission, values and objectives 1.3 Consult with key stakeholders 1.4 Review market requirements for the product or service, profile customer needs and research pricing options 1.5 Develop performance objectives and measures through consultation with key stakeholders 1.6 Identify financial, human and physical resource requirements for the business 1.7 Consider any permits or licences that may be required for new activity 1.8 Write business plan

Element:

2. Monitor performance

 

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Communicate business plan to all relevant parties and ensure understanding of performance requirements and timeframes 2.2 Ensure skilled labour is available to implement plan 2.3 Test performance measurement systems and refine, if necessary 2.4 Ensure timely reports on all key aspects of the business are available, user‑friendly and balanced in terms of financial and non‑financial performance 2.5 Report system failures, product failures and variances to the business plan as they occur

Element:

2. Monitor performance

Performance Criteria:

2.1. Communicate business plan to all relevant parties and ensure understanding of performance requirements and timeframes

2.2. Ensure skilled labour is available to implement plan

2.3. Test performance measurement systems and refine, if necessary

2.4. Ensure timely reports on all key aspects of the business are available, user-friendly and balanced in terms of financial and non-financial performance

2.5. Report system failures, product failures and variances to the business plan as they occur

Element:

3. Respond to performance data

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Analyse performance reports against planned objectives 3.2 Review performance indicators and refine if necessary 3.3 Ensure groups and individuals contributing to under‑performance are coached, and provide training where appropriate 3.4 Review system processes and work methods regularly as part of continuous improvement


Learning Outcomes



Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are planned for this course including self-paced and collaborative class room based activities. The self-based activities will be delivered through various technology platforms. The collaborative classroom based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice skills in a simulated workplace environment.


Teaching Schedule

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.

Week

Week Commencing

Topics

Assessment

1

2 Jul

Course overview – Develop a Business Plan

 

2

9 Jul

Business Profile/ Introduction to Business Plan

 

3

16 Jul

Understanding the business

 

4

23 Jul

Industry Analysis

 

5

30 Jul

Market Analysis

 

6

6 Aug

Competitive Analysis

 

7

13 Aug

Marketing plans

 

8

20 Aug

Assignment 1 workshop

Assessment 1 due

26 Aug Sun. 11.59pm 

 

27 Aug – 2 Sep

Mid-Semester Break

 

9

3 Sep

Operating Plan: Production and Purchasing Plan

 

10

10 Sep

The Management Plan

 

11

17 Sep

Financial Plan

 

12

24 Sep

Implement, monitor and measure performance

 

13

1 Oct

Assignment 2 workshop – Group Business Plan) 

Assessment 2 due

7 Oct Sun. 11.59pm

14

8 Oct

Students to prepare for Assess.3 Week 15 & 16

(Business Plan project presentation)

 

15

15 Oct

Business Plan project presentation (Grp.1)

 

Assessment 3 – Group 1 Week 15

16

22 Oct

Business Plan project presentation (Grp.2) AND

Final Resubmissions.

Assessment 3 – Group 2 Week 16


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

All learning materials will be provided by RMIT.


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

Assessment 1 

Task Name: Proposed Business Idea (Business Proposal) 

(Group assessment – 2 to 3 students per group)

Duration and/or due date:

This assessment task is to be completed by week 8 (26 Aug Sunday 11.59pm) of commencing this unit.

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

This assessment task has been designed to allow you to develop a business proposal outlining your business idea and revenue streams. The business proposal is to identify if the business idea is a viable business venture.

This assessment task is one of three required to demonstrate competency for this unit.

Assessment Instructions

What

You are required to submit a written business proposal (using the template supplied) which will be an overview of your business idea. The proposal will indicate the feasibility of the idea, the potential income streams, business objectives, structure and licensing requirements, the market available and the financial viability. The proposed document is to be submitted electronically via Canvas. The report should not exceed 3,000 words.

Information must be well presented in a clear, concise, logical and business-like manner, using clear English expression.

Where

Some in class time will be provided to undertake this assessment task but you will also be expected to complete most of the assessment outside of class time.

How

You will be assessed according to the criteria outlined in the Criteria for Assessment below. All criteria identified must be addressed to satisfactorily complete this Assessment Task

Assessment 2 

Task Name: The Business Plan Report

(Group assessment – 2 to 3 students per group)

Duration and/or due date:

This assessment task is to be completed by week 13 (7 Oct., Sunday 11.59pm) of commencing this unit.

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

This assessment task has been designed to allow you to demonstrate your understanding of how to develop the various components of a business plan.

This assessment task is one of three required to demonstrate competency for this unit.

Assessment Instructions

What

You are required to submit a marketing, operational (production/purchasing), management and financial plan on your business idea. This includes implementing and analysing performance reports against planned objectives.

The marketing plan will cover elements of market research, marketing objectives, marketing tactics and strategies, market segmentation, targeting & positioning, competitive analysis and promotional plan. The operational plan will include operational requirements (production/purchasing), strategies for increased demand, systems for monitoring key performance areas, business development and industry networks. The management plan will include internal and external management considerations. The financial plan will cover the following elements: estimating revenue relevant to the proposed business idea, estimate expenditure, determining business start-up costs, complete cash flow statements and projections.

 Information must be well presented in a clear, concise, logical and business-like manner, using clear English expression.

Where

Some in class time will be provided to undertake this assessment task but youwill also be expected to complete most of the assessment outside of class time.

How

You will be assessed according to the criteria outlined in the Criteria for Assessment below. All criteria identified must be addressed to satisfactorily complete this Assessment Task.

Assessment 3 

Task Name: Oral presentation (Individual assessment)

Duration and/or due date:

This assessment task is to be completed by week 15 & 16 (Class time) of commencing this unit.

Summary and Purpose of Assessment

This practical assessment will allow you to demonstrate your ability to present an overview of your business plan highlighting your findings and reflections. The presentation is an opportunity for you to showcase your business idea and to explain your approach to the development of the business idea and how your business plan has been influenced by topics covered over the semester.

Assessment Instructions to students

What

  • Your group will be required to deliver a presentation on The Business Plan Report (Assignment 2) between 15 to 20 minutes. However, each student within the group will be assessed individually on the slides presented.
  • You are required to provide a hard copy of the power point slides to the class teacher before the presentation and also upload a soft copy of the presentation slides. Write your name on each of the hard copy slides you are presenting.
  • Allow 1-2 minutes for question time.
  • Dress Code: Smart office/business attire or uniform.

 Where

This assessment will only take place in class. All students must be present on that day to participate and receive a grade.

How

You will be assessed against the criteria as listed in the observation checklist in Section B of this task. To achieve a satisfactory result you will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.

 

 


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

Other Information:

Academic Integrity

Plagiarism 
Plagiarism is a form of cheating in assessment and may occur in oral, written or visual presentations. It is the presentation of the work, idea or creation of another person, without appropriate referencing, as though it is your own.

The penalties for cheating in assessment are severe, whether the cheating involves plagiarism, fabrication, falsification of data, copyright infringement or some other method. Penalties can include charges of academic misconduct, cancellation of results and exclusion from your course. It is also a disciplinary offence for you to allow your work to be plagiarised by another student.

Referencing 
RMIT Business produce their own referencing guidelines entitled written reports and essays: guidelines for referencing and presentation in RMIT Business which all Business students should use.

RMIT Business referencing guidelines (RTF, 1,286 KB, 52 pages); A supporting Referencing website has been developed for the RMIT Business guidelines. You can find out more about Academic Integrity at RMIT’s Academic Integrity webpage. 

Group Assessment 
A number of your assessments will rely upon group work. This is a critical part of your program as in the workplace you will be regularly required to work in a team environment. Teamwork is also one of the key employability skills for this qualification.

The key to being successful in group work is getting to know your classmates and finding out what they want to achieve. You should seek to find a team which shares your key interests and drivers.

If you are facing issues with your group, the key is to resolve them quickly well before assessments are due. If you need to you can seek support from your teacher.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview