Course Title: Conduct complex financial planning research

Part A: Course Overview

Program: C5343 Diploma of Financial Planning

Course Title: Conduct complex financial planning research

Portfolio: Vocational Education

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.

Terms

Course Code

Campus

Career

School

Learning Mode

Teaching Period(s)

BAFI5220C

City Campus

TAFE

650T Vocational Business Education

Face-to-Face or Internet

Term2 2016,
Term1 2017,
Term2 2017,
Term1 2018,
Term2 2018,
Term1 2019,
Term2 2019,
Term1 2020,
Term2 2020,
Term1 2021,
Term2 2021

Course Contact: Doug Gourlay

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5944

Course Contact Email: doug.gourlay@rmit.edu.au



Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to undertake research of a complex nature for use in the financial planning process. Research would involve plans for those with above average sums of money, with complex legal, regulatory or estate issues, or an above average range of products or plans for major clients.

It applies to experienced individuals who use specialised knowledge and techniques to source, evaluate and synthesise complex information to solve problems and support the planning process.

Work functions in the occupational areas where this unit may be used are subject to regulatory requirements. Refer to the FNS Implementation Guide Companion Volume or the relevant regulator for specific guidance on requirements.                  

Pre-requisite Courses and Assumed Knowledge and Capabilities

None



National Competency Codes and Titles

National Element Code & Title:

FNSFPL508 Conduct complex financial planning research

Elements:

1. Evaluate client’s current situation and identify issues

2. Identify research requirements and parameters

3. Extract and analyse information according to research requirements and parameters

4. Summarise and present results of research


Learning Outcomes


Overview of Assessment

In order to achieve competency in this unit, you must provide:

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • conduct and document research of a complex nature for use in the financial planning process that includes:
    • testing and assessing the integrity of information
    • specifying and justifying research objectives and strategy
  • summarise and prioritise findings based on:
    • assessing the impact of trends on product performance to interpret and assess available products and services and how they can be combined in a comprehensive portfolio
    • assessing risks and benefits associated with using a range of products and services within a portfolio
  • evaluate outcomes against client requirements to form recommendations that comply with company policy and procedures, industry codes of practice and relevant legislation.

Knowledge Evidence

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, you must:

  • identify and outline the key features of a wide range of:
    • financial products and services and their uses in portfolios
    • relevant financial product information sources and research techniques
    • identify and classify a wide range of available information sources and describe research strategies to obtain information not readily available
  • describe the key features of:
    • financial industry related Acts and regulations
    • industry trends and latest research findings
    • relevant legislative and code of practice requirements
    • relevant organisational policy, objectives and guidelines
  • identify and discuss the major risks and implications associated with financial products and services
  • explain theories of investment, portfolio management and management of investment and risk
  • describe issues relating to taxation and social security systems and regulations, and their effect on the specified financial products.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the financial planning field of work and include access to:

  • office equipment, technology, software and consumables. 

You are advised that you are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate your assessment work to your teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met.

Feedback

Feedback will be provided throughout the semester in class and/or online discussions. You are encouraged to ask and answer questions during class time and online sessions so that you can obtain feedback on your understanding of the concepts and issues being discussed. Finally, you can email or arrange an appointment with your teacher to gain more feedback on your progress.

You should take note of all feedback received and use this information to improve your learning outcomes and final performance in the course.