School: Federation Business School Course Title: Managerial Skills Course Code: BUMGT2601 Teaching Location: ATMC Melbourne Credit Points: 15 Credit Points Semester, Year: Semester 1, 2017 Prerequisite(s): BUMGT1501 Management Principles Corequisite(s): Nil Exclusion(s): Nil . ASCED Code: 080301 Program Level: Level of course in Program AQF Level(s) of Program 5 6 7 8 9 10 Introductory Intermediate X Advanced  Organisation: Staff Lecturer Details Tutor Details (if relevant) Name Dr Alan Lawler Email Contact [email protected] or [email protected] Office Location & Campus ATMC Lonsdale St Phone Contact ATMC Lonsdale St Consultation Hours By arrangement Prescribed Text This course will be conducted on the presumption that students have a copy of: De Janasz, S.C., Crossman, J.,Campbell, N., & Power, M. (2014). Interpersonal Skills in Organisations. (2nd. Ed.) North Ryde, N.S.W.: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781743071540. Student Responsibility It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the requirements for this course, and understand the specific details included in this document. For full details of programs and school procedures, please refer to the Federation Business School Programs Handbook available at http://federation.edu.au/faculties-and-schools/federation-business-school/student-resources/continuing-students/timetables Students should be aware of the content of the handbook, particularly: Special Consideration process and forms Assignment Coversheet Submission of tasks and assignments Grading codes Appeal process Unsatisfactory progress - Early Intervention It is emphasised that this course requires a significant commitment outside of formal class contact. The learning tasks in this course may include classes (lectures, tutorials or seminars), required reading, the preparation of answers to set questions, exercises and problems, and self-study. In addition, students may be required to complete an assignment, test or examination. The table below is an example of the suggested time allocations for this course. Classes 3 hours per topic 36 hours Reading 2 hours per topic 24 hours Preparation of set questions, exercises and problems 4 hours per topic 48 hours Preparation of assignment 20 hours Study and revision for test and end of semester examination 22 hours TOTAL 150 hours Attendance and Participation It is in students’ interest to make every effort to attend all the classes for this course and to complete all preparatory and assessment tasks. It is our experience that those students who do not attend class or carry out the associated activities are more likely to do poorly or to fail the course completely. Late Submission Assessment tasks submitted after the due date, without prior approval/arrangement, will be penalised at 10% of the available marks per day. Requests for extension of time must be made with the lecturer concerned and based on Special Consideration guidelines http://policy.federation.edu.au/student_services_and_administration/enrolment/special_consideration/ch01.php Moderation of Results Moderation refers to the practice of quality assurance of assessable tasks and marking carried out at any of the School’s Partner Providers’ locations. Moderation addresses the interests of students, staff, the School’s partners and external stakeholders. Moderation seeks to ensure that: Good practice in assessment is being applied consistently across the institution and its programs; Student performance is being properly, fairly and consistently judged for all students undertaking the same course of study; and Standards expected of, and achieved by, students are appropriate, reliable and comparable to good practice at the University and nationally. Standardisation of assessment may result in a student’s mark being amended. This is your guarantee that your results are comparable to Federation University results in all locations. Course Evaluation We welcome feedback as one way to keep improving this course. Students are encouraged to provide course feedback through eVALUate, the University’s online student feedback system. eVALUate will be available to students during Weeks 10 and 11 by the Student Survey dashboard system using FedUni student user names and passwords. Closing the loop As part of the student feedback cycle and eVALUate (Online Student Feedback mechanism), this course is constantly reviewed and critiqued to ensure that learning and teaching improvements are incorporated as a result of that student feedback.  This also plays a large role in quality assurance and reflective practice. Moodle Moodle is used to host course resources for all courses. Students can download lecture and tutorial notes to support class participation. Students login to Moodle at https://moodle.federation.edu.au/login/index.php Generally, assessments are submitted online through Moodle. Should you need assistance, please use the available resources and support through the drop-down menus in Moodle. For assistance with submission, go to http://federation.edu.au/staff/learning-and-teaching/clipp/elearning-hub/moodle-lms/how-to/submit-an-assignment Plagiarism: Plagiarism is the presentation of the expressed thought or work of another person as though it is one's own without properly acknowledging that person. Students must not allow other students to copy their work and must take care to safeguard against this happening. In cases of copying, normally all students involved will be penalised equally; an exception will be if the student can demonstrate the work is their own and they took reasonable care to safeguard against copying. Plagiarism is a serious offence. Please refer to the following documents: Statute 6.1: Student Discipline Regulation 6.1: Student Discipline Regulation 6.1.1: Plagiarism Adopted Reference Style: APA Australian MLA Chicago Other (please specify) ( The link to the library website for more information is: FedUni Library - Referencing Learning Outcomes: Management Skills provides students with the opportunity to put into practise the theoretical concepts learned in the general management course, Management Principles (BUMGT1501). This course aims to gain essential skills and to equip students to function in managerial roles. The course will also assist students to develop managerial skills in the areas of communication, effective and ethical decision making, supervision, group interaction and comprehend the way in which such skills can influence individuals and groups within an organisational setting. Knowledge K1 Describe the role of managerial skills in achieving optimal management of employees K2 Analyse the role of managerial skills in enabling employees to reach their maximum potential K3 Examine the significance of effective managerial skills in creating constructive discussion in the workplace. Skills S1 Identify, analyse and act on the information and knowledge gained in experiential managerial workshops S2 Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills by transferring knowledge and ideas to others via written and/or oral presentation S3 Analyse and evaluate the personal skills required in various managerial functions S4 Critically reflect on personal behaviour and the behaviour of others in the organisational setting. Application of knowledge and skills A1 Relate a diverse range of managerial functions using appropriate managerial skills theories A2 Develop, implement and evaluate managerial skills concepts in the workplace from an ethical, socially responsible and international perspective. Course Content: The content of this course may address the following topics: Communication skills: Communicating effectively with staff; conveying verbal messages accurately; Understanding and working with diverse groups; Networking and organisation politics Effective and ethical decision making Creative problem solving; Effective and ethical decision making Supervisory skills Delegation and feedback; Handling staff stress Group interacting and influencing skills Coaching and mentoring for improved performance; Conflict management; Negotiation; Team facilitation; Planning and conducting effective meetings Values: This course will help students to develop values and attributes that will enable them to: Appreciate the role of managerial skills in effective management practice Appreciate the interrelationship of theory and practice in management Value diversity in the workplace Appreciate that the changes taking place in organisational structures require specialised management and communication skills. Learning Tasks and Assessment: At the University a PASS is usually achieved at 50%. Students are strongly advised to attempt ALL assessment tasks. Students who do not submit a task(s) or fail a task(s) in the semester will be identified as a ‘student at risk’ of unsatisfactory academic progress (outlined in the School Handbooks) and will be directed to the School’s Intervention Program. Students who encounter difficulties or who are otherwise concerned regarding their progress should consult their lecturer. Assessment criteria set out the details by which performance in each task will be judged. This information will give a clear and explicit understanding of the expected standards to be achieved relative to the marks awarded. Learning outcomes assessed Assessment Task Assessment Type Weighting Week Due 1. K1,K2 S1,S3 A1,A2 Individual research project Learning Contract/Action Plan 10% Week 4 2. K1,K2 S1,S3 A1,A2 Research project/reflective assignment Individual Report 20% Week 10 3. K1,K2,K3 S1,S2,S3,S4 A1,A2 Research Project including group and individual presentations Group and individual presentations 20% Weeks 7 & 8 4 K1,K2,K3 S1,S3 A1,A2 Comprehensive review of the material studied in the course Examination 50% Exam Period Assessment Task 1: Learning Contract/Action Plan (10%) Assessment Details The intention of learning tasks 1 and 2 is to improve personal performance in a chosen managerial skill area. Ideally, the development and application of this skill should benefit you in a future management role. Learning task 1 - the development of a learning contract and action plan for personal skill development - is the first step in this learning process. The specific purpose of this learning task is to assist you in effective planning for achieving your development objectives and managing your personal performance. The Learning Contract / Action plan you develop will then form the basis of the work you undertake on the second learning and assessment task in this course (the enhancement of a managerial skill and the written report you submit describing the experience in Week 10). PLEASE NOTE: In order to do well on this assessment, you will need to start preparing for this task in Weeks 1 and 2. Students may choose for their area of skill development any one of the topics in the lecture outline. Reading and researching this skill should commence immediately. NB: It may be of benefit to speak to your friends, peers, and fellow students before choosing a skill area for your Learning Contract. Students will devise an action plan made up of a number of steps (or actions) based on specific academic theories which will enable them to improve their personal performance in their chosen skill. To facilitate this goal, please ensure that you speak with your tutor during Weeks 1 and 2 to discuss your skill choice and an appropriate Learning Contract. The following guidelines are provided to assist you to obtain the maximum benefit from this assessable task. The Learning Contract and action plan should include the following: (1) The Learning Contract Aim should describe desired changes in behaviour or attitude in the skill area chosen, and should include a time-frame. For example: "By ............I will have developed my ability to give feedback to members of my tutorial group, or colleagues at work, to a point where I am able to convey both positive and negative feedback to others". (2) The Rationale should detail WHY you have chosen the skill. (3) Consideration will need to be given to pre-test and post-test measures. These requirements will be clarified by your tutor in Weeks 1 and 2. (4) The Action Plan should set out exactly HOW you intend to bring about the desired changes in attitude or behaviour by implementing the specific academic theories you have identified. IMPORTANT: Please note: You will be expected to set out your steps VERY SPECIFICALLY when you write up your Action Plan. For example: “In Week 2, I plan to work out what my current skill levels are. I will do this by assessing how well I have done on last year’s presentations in various units. I will measure this by analysing evaluations from various lecturers/tutors in previous units. The expected outcomes will be an improvement in my presentation skills through analysing the feedback received, and focussing on my weak areas”. (Then detail the steps to be taken in the Action Plan). The Action plan sets out the step by step activities to be undertaken specifically to achieve the learning contract, and these will typically cover a period from Week 2-9. When writing up your Action Plan, consider what you will need to do in order to reach your objective. Remember that if required, support will be available from both tutors and students in your tutorial group. Feel free to request any assistance you may require. The Learning Contract / Action Plan (LC/AP) will be submitted via the Moodle link prior to the Friday in Week 4. Criteria used to grade this task Marking guide is included at the end of this document. Task Assessor Lecturer. Suggested time to devote to this task Approximately 6 hours should be devoted to this task. Submission details The LC/AP will be submitted via Moodle prior to the Friday in week 4. Feedback and return of work Feedback will be returned to students via Moodle two weeks after submission. Assessment Task 2: Individual Report (20%) Assessment Details Learning task 2 continues and builds on the work undertaken for Learning task 1 in your chosen managerial skill area. Specifically, with learning task 2 you will research theoretical concepts relevant to your selected skill area, describe the action you undertook in the action plan (from learning task 1) and reflect on your efforts over the semester to develop your personal performance in your chosen managerial skill area. Students will research their chosen skill area, consider their experiences relating to the actioning of their Learning Contract/Action Plan and write a report of approximately 3000 words. The structure of the report should take the following form. Approximately half of the report should cover an outline of theoretical concepts relevant to your skill area, and a discussion of the implications of these skill areas in effective management practices. That is, the report should do more than describe the skill area you have chosen in your Learning Contract. The second half of your report should address your action plan outcomes and measures of achievement. Successful completion of this assessment is dependent on the ability to describe the outcomes of your pre and post measures, and demonstrated learning achievements. Focus on the actual learning outcomes or changes in skill level that you are able to demonstrate you have achieved. In writing the report, it may be helpful to consider areas such as - what evidence would demonstrate to yourself and to others that you have increased your competence in the chosen area of learning?, how has your understanding of the skill broadened (or not)?, what have you learnt from your successes or ‘failures’?, what would/could you have done differently? etc. The report is to be approximately 3,000 words in length. Please be aware that you will be required to attach to your report any supporting documentation, such as journals, audio tapes, questionnaires, survey responses etc. in the form of appendices as well as the Learning Contract/Action Plan with the original feedback from your tutor. Criteria used to grade this task Marking guide is included at the end of this document. Task Assessor Lecturer. Suggested time to devote to this task Approximately 8 hours should be devoted to this task. Submission details The report will be submitted via Moodle on the Friday of Week 10 by 10am. Feedback and return of work Feedback will be returned to students via Moodle two weeks after submission. Assessment Task 3: Group & Individual Presentation (20%) Assessment Details This assessment will be structured as a group task. Groups will be formed and will be presented with a case study about a common problem scenario found in management. Students will form into small groups (approx. 5 members) in the first two weeks of tutorials. A case study for each group to work on will be made available in Week 2. Over subsequent weeks, outside of class time, groups are expected to analyse their case, undertake research, and prepare a 30 minute presentation that covers the four areas detailed below. There will be two group presentations in each of Weeks 7 & 8. The group presentation should be in four parts: (1) Case Study: It is recommended that groups initially present a brief summary outline of their case. The group will then be expected to come up with an appropriate resolution to the problem presented in the case study, which will include selection of the Management skills required to solve the problem, and details of how these skills will be used to address the problem. (2) Theoretical overview: In the theoretical overview, the group will need to summarise the theoretical information about the key issues raised in the case study, and reflect on lectures and reading on the topic. (3) Skill Demonstration: Students will be required to demonstrate one managerial skill (related to their case) within their presentation. This may take the form of a Role-play or other style of interactive delivery, and should last no longer than 10 minutes (please note, a self-assessment tool will not be considered appropriate). (4) Reflection: Groups will be required to present to the class what learning and insights were gained from both content and process in their preparation and presentation of this assignment. Consideration may be given to the process of working together as a group, and the effect this had on this particular assignment. A detailed handout for each student in the tutorial is expected from each group prior to the presentation. This is to include a summary of all points covered during the presentation. In addition, the group should invite and answer questions from the class in relation to your topic. The total duration of the presentation should be approximately 30 minutes. Each student should present for approximately the same amount of time, which should be a minimum of 5 minutes. Allocation of marks (20% in total) will be as follows: Group Grade (10%) Assessment of the Group Presentation will be based on two components, the group grade and the individual grade. The group mark will be allocated on the basis of: an appropriate analysis of the case study and theoretical overview creativity and appropriateness of skill presentation the ability to convey information in an interesting, professional manner to the class the ability to adequately address the questions posed in the case study. Individual Grade (10%) As well as assessing the overall quality of each group's presentation, your tutor will also assign each student an individual mark. This grade will be assessed in relation to an individual’s presentation skills (appropriate platform skills - standing, looking, gestures, smiling, and voice tone). Criteria used to grade this task Marking guide is included at the end of this document. Task Assessor Lecturer. Suggested time to devote to this task Approximately 8 hours should be devoted to this task. Submission details The handout and presentation will be provided during the weeks 7 & 8 tutorials. Feedback and return of work Feedback will be returned to students two weeks after submission. Assessment Task 4: Exam (50%) Assessment Details The final exam will be closed book with a pre-sighted case study. The exam will be 3-hours in length and consist of a series of questions and a case study application section which will examine the knowledge of the students from the lecture topics. Criteria used to grade this task Marking allocation and exam structure will be discussed in the Week 12 class. Task Assessor Lecturer. Suggested time to devote to this task Approximately 22 hours study time is suggested for the final exam. Submission details The examination will be held during the exam period following the end of the semester. Normal exam conditions will apply. Feedback and return of work. Students will be informed of results when results are released.  Sequence: As semesters and contact hours vary between teaching locations, delivery is usually scheduled across three hours a week for 12 weeks. As the University offers many programs in a variety of formats please contact local lecturers for further information about the schedule. Please note that the sequence and content of lectures and tutorials may need to be changed and the following information should be used as a guide only. LECTURE TOPIC READING Lecture 1 Intro to managerial skills; Self-awareness Ch 1, 2 Lecture 2 Establishing goals/Ethics Ch 3 Lecture 3 Effective communication (1) Making effective presentations; Conveying accurate verbal messages Ch 7, 8 Lecture 4 Effective communication (2) Listening Ch 6. Lecture 5 Planning and running effective meetings; Working with diverse others Ch 12, 5 Lecture 6 Handling staff stress; Time management Ch 4 Lecture 7 Politicking, Networking and Mentoring Ch 15, 16 Lecture 8 Coaching and providing feedback for improved performance Ch 17 Lecture 9 Team building and facilitation Ch 10, 13 Lecture 10 Negotiation and managing conflict Ch 9, 11 Lecture 11 Making effective and ethical decisions; Creative problem solving Ch 14 Lecture 12 Leadership, Empowerment and effective delegation Ch 18 SWOT VAC Examination Period  Additional Resources: Additional useful references: The reference list below is intended to provide a range of entry points into the literature on Managerial Skills. Your attention will also be drawn to additional sources throughout the semester. Carlopio, J., Andrewartha, G. & Armstrong, H. (2001). Developing management skills: A comprehensive guide for leaders (2nd ed.). Frenchs Forest NSW: Pearson Education Australia. Dwyer, J. (2009). Communication in business. Strategies and skills (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Education. Hunsaker, P.L. (2005). Management: A skills approach (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Pearson: Prentice Hall. Rees, W.D. & Porter, C. (2008). The skills of management (6th ed.). London : South-Western/Cengage Learning. NOTE: You should not restrict your reading to the listed texts. To successfully complete this course you are strongly encouraged to also read Management and related peer reviewed journals and peruse daily newspapers for issues relevant to Management issues. The link to the library website for more information is: http://www.federation.edu.au/current-students/assistance,-support-and-services/academic-support/learning-and-study/resources/general-guide-for-the-presentation-of-academic-work.  Marking Guides/Rubrics: BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills Assessment Feedback: Learning Contract/Action Plan (10%) Student Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1. Evidence of personal assessment of need for the chosen skill: (1 mark) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Appropriateness of Rationale and Aim: (2 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Level of specific detail provided in the Action Plan steps: (4 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4. Evidence of reading and researching the topic (Minimum of five (5) cited academic sources): (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Overall: Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/60-69%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39%  BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills Assessment Feedback: Individual Report (20%) Student Name: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1. Demonstration of the required structure: (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Reading and research in your topic area (Minimum of five (5) cited academic sources): (5 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. Ability to consider and reflect on the outcomes of the Learning Contract and Action Plan: (9 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4. Quality of written expression and writing style (i.e. spelling, grammar, proof-reading, neatness and correct citation methods): (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Additional requirements – word length, due date submission: Satisfactory Unsatisfactory Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6. Overall: Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/60-69%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39% BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills Assessment Feedback: Group Presentation of Case Study (20%) Student Names: ……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 1. An appropriate analysis of the case study and theoretical overview: (1 mark) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2. Creativity and appropriateness of skill presentation: (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3. The ability to convey information in an interesting, professional manner to the class: (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4. The ability to adequately address the questions posed in the case study: (3 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5. Individual presentation skills (i.e. appropriate platform skills - standing, looking, gestures, smiling, and voice tone): (10 marks) Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6. Overall: Excellent Very good Good Fair Poor Very poor Comments (optional) …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/60-69%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39% General Grade Descriptions High Distinction In addition to the passing requirements, the student’s work demonstrated a consistently high level of performance on all criteria for assessment. Distinction In addition to the passing requirements, the student’s work demonstrated a consistently high level of performance on most criteria for assessment. Credit In addition to the passing requirements, the student’s work demonstrated a sound level of performance on the criteria for assessment. Pass The student’s work demonstrated a satisfactory level of performance on the criteria for assessment. MF - Fail Level 1 The student’s work marginally failed to demonstrate a satisfactory level of performance on the criteria for assessment, but nevertheless shows potential for improvement. F – Fail Level 2 The student’s work failed to achieve a satisfactory level of performance on the criteria for assessment.