Units

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Sample subject outline - Semester 1 2013

Note: Subject outlines often change before the semester begins. Below is a sample outline.

Rationale

This unit entails a structured program of industry experience in which you are exposed to a variety of organisational problems and issues. For the duration of the experience you will work on a specific HRM or Management project of relevance to the host organisation.

Aims

This unit is designed to augment your classroom knowledge of HRM/Management through exposure to an actual organisational setting. It provides an opportunity for theories, principles and concepts addressed in the classroom to be tested in the reality of a private, public or community sector organisation. The unit builds upon theoretical understanding of the relevant discipline in providing an environment in which you may gain first-hand experience of how theories and concepts are utilised in practice. In developing synergies between theory and practice, this unit involves the application of learned knowledge, development of professional skills and abilities, assessment of acquired learning as it relates to the specific industry experience project and examination of the nature and values of the organisation in which you are placed. This unit has a strong professional practice focus.

The industry experience provides you with opportunities to clarify career goals, test career choices, obtain information about specific aspects of the HRM or Management discipline, and gain understanding of organisational culture, teamwork and responsibility. It also provides exposure to a network of professional contacts, develops skills in self-directed learning, practice in resume preparation, honing of professional skills and presentation, confidence building and self-awareness, and provides valuable portfolio building that improves job opportunities.

Objectives

Course Learning Goals (Undergraduate)
The QUT Business School has established the Assurance of Learning (AOL) Goals to meet contemporary industry needs and standards. Achieving these learning outcomes will assist you to meet the desired graduate outcomes set at QUT - aligned with other internationally renowned business schools. Students will develop the following capabilities relevant to a contemporary global and sustainable business environment:

Have knowledge and skills pertinent to a particular discipline (KS)

1.1 Integrate and apply disciplinary theory and skills to practical situations
1.2 Incorporate the use of technology appropriate to the discipline and context

Be critical thinkers and effective problem solvers (CTA)

2.1 Identify, research and critically analyse information relevant to a business problem or issue, be able to synthesise that information in order to evaluate potential solutions, make recommendations or otherwise effectively address the problem or issue

Be professional communicators in an intercultural context (PC)

3.1 Communicate effectively through written tasks appropriate to varied contexts and audiences
3.2 Communicate effectively through professional oral presentations appropriate to varied contexts and audiences

Be able to work effectively in a Team Environment (TW)

4.1 Demonstrate effective team skills in order to contribute appropriately to the production of a group output

Have a Social and Ethical Understanding (SEU)

5.1 Apply ethical reasoning, standards or codes of practice relevant to the discipline and make decisions that are informed by social and cultural understanding


Unit Objectives
At the completion of the unit, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate awareness of the synergies between theoretical and practical dimensions of HRM/Management as they apply in an actual organisational setting.
2. Engage in self-directed learning, and show evidence of project management skills,
3. Identify critical learning incidents arising in the host organisation,
4. Reflect on HRM/Management as a career,
5. Demonstrate advanced research and presentation skills, and
6. Develop advanced analytical skills.


The specific course learning goals and unit objectives that apply to this unit are shown in the assessment section of this unit outline.

Content

The content of this unit will be shaped by the particular project and organisational placement you undertaken.

Approaches to Teaching and Learning

The unit presented to you is based on self-directed learning and a negotiated learning and assessment contract. The Unit Coordinator/s make a commitment to critical enquiry and intellectual debate in regard to the material covered, and you are encouraged to relate theories, concepts and research to your specific placement and project. You will be provided with readings where appropriate and are expected to have read written material and prepared before seminars as well as actively contributing to seminar discussion. You are expected to reflect on your workplace learning and be prepared to facilitate discussion based on your acquired skills and abilities.

Assessment

Academic assessment in this unit involves two items of assessment. One item is related to the content of your project (and is usually divided in to two pieces) and the other item is concerned with your personal reflection on, and insights gained from the placement. In addition, the host organisation supervisor will be asked to indicate whether all placement requirements have been met. These requirements include: attendance, punctuality, and professional behaviour [see QUT MOPP C4.4.7 c) for student responsibilities while undertaking work integrated learning]. You must achieve a Satisfactory grade on assessment item 1 to pass the unit.The workplace supervisor provides ongoing feedback to the student during the placement. In addition, the unit coordinator can also provide support. The unit coordinator will be available for consultation in relation to the academic components of the unit.

Assessment name: Demonstration
Description: You will undertake a placement concentrated in the area of a project negotiated with the host organisation supervisor and agreed by the Unit Coordinator. You will undertake a specific project that is intended to both contribute value to the host organisation and provide a learning experience for you.
Length / Duration: 120 hours
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Weighting: The placement component of assessment is graded on a Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory basis.
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1 - 6 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1) PC (3.2), TW (4.1) and SEU (5.1) as appropriate.
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Negotiated with UC

Assessment name: Project (applied)
Description: You will be required to negotiate a contract of assessment with the Unit Coordinator following the commencement of the workplace learning program. Negotiated Learning Contract Part A and Part B articualting appropriate content based assessments related to your project.
Length / Duration: 3,500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1) (3.2), SEU (5.1) as appropriate.
Weight: 70%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Negotiated with UC

Assessment name: Reflective Journal
Description: You will be expected to make reflective learning diary entries that fit within the broad aims and objectives and rationale for this unit. You are expected to use the diary to help formulate your learning analysis, give resonance to your understanding of the links between theory and practice, and reflect on your understanding of HRM/Management as a career.
You will negotiate a due date for this piece of assessment with the unit coordinator.
Length / Duration: 1,500 words
Formative or Summative: Formative and Summative
Relates to objectives: Unit objectives: 3, 4, 6 and AOL goals: KS (1.1), CTA (2.1), PC (3.1)
Weight: 30%
Internal or external: Internal
Group or individual: Individual
Due date: Negotiated with UC

Academic Honesty

QUT is committed to maintaining high academic standards to protect the value of its qualifications. To assist you in assuring the academic integrity of your assessment you are encouraged to make use of the support materials and services available to help you consider and check your assessment items. Important information about the university's approach to academic integrity of assessment is on your unit Blackboard site.

A breach of academic integrity is regarded as Student Misconduct and can lead to the imposition of penalties.

Resource materials

Prescribed Text
There is no prescribed textbook for this unit.

Other Resources
See Unit Blackboard site for other resources.

Risk assessment statement

There are no out-of-the-ordinary risks associated with lectures or tutorials in this unit. You should, however, familiarise yourself with evacuation procedures operating in the buildings in which you attend classes and take the time to
view the Emergency video.

Generally you will be working in an office environment which will pose no greater risks than attending class on campus. Some work placements may involve you being exposed to a greater level of risk e.g. manufacturing facilities. In all situations, you should familiarise yourself with applicable health and safety procedures in the host organisation.

A student undertaking a QUT approved work integrated learning work placement as defined by the MOPP policy is covered by
QUT's Personal Accident, Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policy.

Students are also covered by QUT's (limited) Personal Accident insurance policy whilst on campus and/or engaged in campus / course / sport related activities and/or practical or community placement activities related to their course of study.

Disclaimer - Offer of some units is subject to viability, and information in these Unit Outlines is subject to change prior to commencement of semester.

Last modified: 30-Jan-2013