Course Title: Research and develop business plans
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: BUSM6674C
Course Title: Research and develop business plans
Important Information:
Please note that this course has compulsory engagement attendance requirements for teaching activities.
Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see when this course requires mandatory attendance.
School: 530T Built Environment and Sustainability
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6188 - Advanced Diploma of Building Design (Architectural)
Course Contact: Catherine Ciavarella
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4819
Course Contact Email: catherine.ciavarella@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Nominal Hours: 50
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 research and develop business plans for achieving business goals and objectives.
The unit applies to those establishing or operating a business providing self-employment, as well as those establishing a new venture as part of a larger organisation.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
BSBESB401 Research and develop business plans |
Element: |
1. Prepare to develop business plan |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Identify purpose and required components of business plan 1.2 Identify and document business goals, objectives and budget 1.3 Research market needs and estimate market size |
Element: |
2.Draft business plan |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Establish resource, legal and compliance requirements according to identified business goals and objectives 2.2 Assess product mix, volumes and pricing opportunities relevant to the identified target market and according to business goals and objectives 2.3 Plan marketing activities relevant to the product mix and according to marketing objectives and strategies and budgetary requirements 2.4 Develop draft plan according to identified business goals, objectives and market needs 2.5 Analyse draft plan and identify, assess and prioritise internal and external risks according to workplace procedures 2.6 Research specialist services and sources of advice and cost according to available resources. |
Element: |
3.Create a business plan |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Identify costs associated with production and delivery of business products and/or services 3.2 Calculate prices based on costs and profit targets, as a charge-out rate for labour or unit price for products and/or services 3.3 Prepare cash flow projections to enable business operation according to business plan and legal requirements 3.4 Select budget targets to enable ongoing monitoring of financial performance 3.5 Identify sources of finance for required liquidity according to business goals and objectives and workplace procedures |
Element: |
4.Finalise business planning and plan for risk |
Performance Criteria: |
4.1 Develop risk management strategies according to business goals and objectives, and legal and compliance requirements, and established business activities 4.2 Assess likelihood of non-conformance with each component of business plan 4.3 Develop a contingency plan to address possible areas of non-conformance according to workplace procedures 4.4 Identify specific interests and objectives of key stakeholders and confirm their support of planning outcomes |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course, you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place in a classroom using industry standard tools and resources. Classes will be in a remote (virtual) learning mode online.
Refer to your course syllabus and Canvas shells for specific information on how each of your courses is delivered this semester.
You will also be required to undertake independent study and research.
Activities will include:
- teacher directed and independent project work,
- teacher directed and independent research,
- group work,
- student pin-ups and presentations,
- in-class instruction and demonstrations,
Teaching Schedule
Week Commencing |
Topic |
Collaborate Sessions |
Assessment Task |
|
Week 1: 10-16 Feb |
Course overview and introduction Introduction to online learning using the Canvas LMS design and expectations. Assessment summary |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 2: 17-23 Feb |
Identify elements of the business plan Identify purpose of the business plan Identify and review the essential components of the business plan Identify and document business goals and objectives as a basis for measuring business performance |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 3: 24 Feb - 2 Mar |
Identify elements of the business plan Identify purpose of the business plan Identify and review the essential components of the business plan Identify and document business goals and objectives as a basis for measuring business performance |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 4: 3-9 Mar |
Discussion Board Activity (all to attend and participate for hurdle assessment). |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
Discussion Board Activity Due (Monday 3 Mar, 11:59 pm) |
|
Week 5: 10-16 Mar |
Assessment 1 Workshop |
Collaborate Session Monday 10 Public Holiday, Replacement Class on 14 March (Friday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 6: 17-23 Mar |
Assessment 1 discussion and support (Attendance Optional) |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
Assessment 1 Due (Fri 21 Mar, 11:59 pm) |
|
Week 7: 24-30 Mar |
Develop a business plan (Market) Research resources, legal and compliance requirements, specifically in relation to occupational health and safety (OHS ), in accordance with business goals and objectives. Research market needs, and market size and potential. |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 8: 31 Mar - 6 Apr |
Assessment 2 Workshop |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 9: 7-13 Apr |
Assessment 2 discussion and support (Attendance Optional) |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 10: 14-20 Apr |
Develop a business plan (Marketing Plan) Identify methods, from the marketing strategies, to promote the market exposure of the business. |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
Assessment Task 2 Due (Mon 14 Apr, 11:59 pm) |
|
Mid-semester break 18-25 April | |||
|
Week 11: 28 Apr - 4 May |
Develop a business plan (Financial Plan) Identify sources and costs of finance, from the financial plan, to provide required liquidity and profitability for the business. |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 12: 5-11 May |
Develop a business plan (Operations Plan) Identify methods/means of production/operation from the production /operations plan to conform with business goals and objectives. Identify staffing requirements to effectively produce/deliver products/services. Identify specialist services and sources of advice, where required, and cost in accordance with resources available. |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 13: 12-18 May |
Develop strategies for minimising risks Identify specific interests and objectives of relevant people and seek and confirm their support of the planned business direction Identify and develop risk management strategies according to business goals and objectives, and relevant legal requirements Develop contingency plan to address possible areas of non-conformance with the plan |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 14: 19-25 May |
Assessment 3 Workshop |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 15: 26 May - 1 June |
Assessment 3 discussion and support Course Wrap-up! (Attendance Optional) |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
|
|
Week 16: 2-8 June |
Assessment 3 discussion and support |
Collaborate Session (Monday 5:30-6:30 PM) |
Assessment Task 3 Due (Mon 2 June, 11:59 pm) |
|
Week 17: 9-15 June |
Feedback and resubmissions |
No live webinar. |
|
|
Week 18: 16-22 June |
Final resubmissions (grade entry) |
No live webinar. |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral/written presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Assessment Task 1
Assessment Task 2
Assessment Task 3
Assessment
This course is delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment.
CA: Competency achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did Not Submit for Assessment
All work for assessments is required to be submitted on the due date and time as outlined in the course syllabus. Exception to this is where an approved Equitable Learning Plan after discussion with teacher, an application for Special Consideration or an approved Extension of Time is in place, submitted before the task’s due date with appropriate documentation. Any extensions will be in relation to original submission date only. There are no extensions to resubmissions.
Special consideration Policy (Late Submission)
All assessment tasks are required to be completed to a satisfactory level.
If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment by the due date, you will need to apply for an extension of time for your assessable work.
Please see following access for the details on applying for extension of time to assessments;
Special consideration;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration
Application for extension of time;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-results/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Equitable assessment arrangements (EAA);
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-services/equitable-learning
If your work is incomplete, you are strongly encouraged to submit your work on the due date, in order to meet the submission requirements. Should it be below competency you may be asked to resubmit.
Assessment Matrix
An assessment matrix demonstrating alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant Unit of Competency is available in Canvas.
Other Information
Attendance
The major learning experience involves studio-based exercises, demonstration and production.
It is strongly advised that you attend all sessions in order to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring the maximum opportunity to be successful in this course.
Canvas
Use Canvas to access your course content and announcements, submit assignments, and receive your grades and feedback;
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/support-and-facilities/it-services-for-students/canvas
Student feedback at RMIT:
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
The following link is an outline and ways that you will receive your feedback at RMIT;
Student Progress Monitoring
Academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential.
Please see following access to the Student progress policy webpage; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-progress
Submitting Assessments onto Canvas
Here is a guide to submitting assessments on Canvas; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/submitting-assessments-in-canvas
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity.
Please see following access for more information on Academic Integrity at RMIT; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/academic-integrity
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification). Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course:
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/enrolment/apply-for-credit
Orientation
It's time to get ready; https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/new-student-guide
Get involved in student life at RMIT
Course Overview: Access Course Overview