Course Title: Provide services on a freelance basis
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2020
Course Code: PERF5075C
Course Title: Provide services on a freelance basis
School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context
Campus: City Campus
Program: C5314 - Diploma of Professional Writing and Editing
Course Contact: Penny Johnson
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4383
Course Contact Email: penny.johnson@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Michelle Deans
Michelle.deans@rmit.edu.au
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
There are no pre-requistes or co-requisites for this course.
Course Description
In this course you develop the skills and knowledge required to operate as a freelance writer and editor. You learn how to plan strategically, to promote yourself and your business, to negotiate terms of employment and to manage the financial and business aspects of freelance work.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUFIND401A Provide services on a freelance basis |
Element: |
1 Promote yourself to potential employers |
Performance Criteria: |
1. Establish, follow up & regularly maintain business contacts within industry 2. Participate in relevant networks to support your freelance activity 3. Identify & follow appropriate strategies to enhance your professional reputation 4. Maximise your reputation by circulating current & succinct information about your experience 5. Join & maintain regular contact with relevant employment networks 6. Advertise your services in relevant media outlets as required 7. Produce & distribute promotional material as required |
Element: |
2. Negotiate work arrangements |
Performance Criteria: |
8. Establish clear performance outcomes for jobs & agree on fees, schedules & expenses 9. Ensure that contracts contain payment terms & conditions that provide a viable cash flow 10. Ensure that contracts contain a clear statement of the obligations of all parties & a process for varying terms & conditions 11. Ensure that the terms of contracts match agreements & securely store written copies of final signed contracts for reference during the course of jobs 12. Negotiate variations to contracts as required 13. Seek specialist advice in the development of contracts where appropriate 14. Be willing to adapt to the demands of others, but without compromising your personal work ethic & reputation 15. Be prepared to reject work offers that do not provide sufficient financial remuneration or job satisfaction |
Element: |
3 Manage financial and business aspects of freelance work |
Performance Criteria: |
6. Seek advice on & determine the most appropriate way of operating as a freelancer 17. Set up & use effective systems for managing budgets, finance & paperwork 18. Establish & maintain effective support services 19. Establish a realistic fee structure that takes into account all factors associated with your freelance activity 20. Plan ahead to organise & maintain a viable work & cash flow 21. Send invoices in line with payment terms & conditions & follow up any non-payment of invoices promptly & in a businesslike manner 22. Keep simple but accurate & up-to-date accounts & records 23. Submit annual tax returns, using the services of an accountant as required 24. Comply with regulatory, taxation & insurance requirements relevant to freelance activities |
Element: |
4. Undertake strategic planning |
Performance Criteria: |
25. Identify & implement strategies that help identify work opportunities at an early stage 26. Seek constructive feedback from relevant people about your performance & evaluate feedback to identify personal development needs 27. Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development & take appropriate action to ensure that your skills & knowledge keep pace with industry developments 28. Identify & act on opportunities to expand your client base, either alone or in partnership with other freelancers 29. Regularly revisit, review & set realistic objectives 30. Continually monitor & analyse work options against quality of life, & artistic & commercial outcomes 31. Identify risk factors & take action to minimise risk when planning work activities |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will be able to:
- market yourself to potential clients
- negotiate work contracts
- develop and maintain effective records and financial documentation
- plan strategically in a way that takes into account the need for adequate cash flow
Details of Learning Activities
In-class activities may include:
- lectures
- industry speakers
- teacher directed activities
- class exercises
- class role plays.
Out-of-class activities will include:
- online research
- project work.
Teaching Schedule
In this course you develop the skills and knowledge required to operate as a freelance writer and editor. You learn how to plan strategically, to promote yourself and your business, to negotiate terms of employment and to manage the financial and business aspects of freelance work.
Course Schedule: Providing Services on a Freelance Basis | |||
Week Commencing |
Topic |
Required Activities |
Assessment |
|
June 1
|
Setting Goals
|
Online class/discussion
Online Modules to Complete:
To Do:
|
|
June 7 |
Setting Financial Goals
|
Online Modules to Complete:
To Do:
|
|
June 15 |
Marketing Yourself
|
Online Modules to Complete:
To Do:
|
|
June 22 |
Working as a Freelancer
|
Online Modules to Complete:
To Do:
|
Ass 1: Freelance Business Plan & Feedback Reflection |
|
June 29
(Online class scheduled Saturday 4 July) |
Running your business
|
Online class/discussion
Online Modules to Complete:
To Do:
|
Ass 2: Online Profile |
July 6 |
To Do:
|
Ass 3: Quote, Contract & Invoice |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
None |
References
Resources are available on Canvas. |
Other Resources
Resources are available on the course management system.
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to writing tasks.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace. To be assessed as competent in this course you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher at the conclusion of each assessment task.
You should refer to the assessment brief which is available through Canvas for full assessment criteria.
1. Business Plan - due 28 June
You develop a personal business plan that identifies the business aims and objectives, finances, long and short-term goals and a SWOT analysis. This assessment is graded.
2. Online bio - due 5 July
You create copy for the website or other relevant online site for the real or imagined freelance business described in your business plan. This assessment is graded.
3. Quote and negotiate, draft a contract and issue an invoice - due 12 July
You engage in a simulation, which involves you role playing (in class and via email with your partner) to develop a quote, notes for a draft agreement and a professionally formatted invoice.
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did not Submit Assessment
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration.
Other Information
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises
It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students
Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (eg. applying for an extension of time):
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
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
Other ResourcesThe University Library has extensive resources and provides subject specialist expertise, research advice, help with referencing and support through:
The learning Lab
www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/learning-lab
The Study Support Hub
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/study-support-hub
English for uni workshops
https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/study-support/workshops/english-uni-workshops
Course Overview: Access Course Overview