Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: COSC6185C

Course Title: Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Important Information:

None

School: 650T Vocational Business Education

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5375 - Diploma of Business Administration

Course Contact: Allan Maree

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1601

Course Contact Email: allan.maree@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Michael Elliot

michael.elliot@rmit.edu.au

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 use spreadsheet software to complete business tasks and produce complex documents.  It applies to individuals employed in a range of work environments who require skills in creation of complex spreadsheets to store and retrieve data. They may work as individuals providing administrative support within an enterprise, or may be independently responsible for designing and working with spreadsheets relevant to their own work roles.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBITU402 Develop and use complex spreadsheets

Element:

1. Prepare to develop spreadsheet

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Organise personal work environment in accordance with ergonomic requirements 1.2 Analyse task and determine specifications for spreadsheets 1.3 Identify organisational and task requirements of data entry, storage, output, reporting and presentation requirements 1.4 Apply work organisation strategies and energy and resource conservation techniques to plan work activities

Element:

2. Develop a linked spreadsheet solution

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Utilise spreadsheet design software functions and formulae to meet identified requirements 2.2 Link spreadsheets in accordance with software procedures 2.3 Format cells and use data attributes assigned with relative and/or absolute cell references, in accordance with task specifications 2.4 Test formulae to confirm output meets task requirements

Element:

3 Automate and standardise spreadsheet operation

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Evaluate tasks to identify those where automation would increase efficiency 3.2 Create, use and edit macros to fulfil requirements of task and automate spreadsheet operation 3.3 Develop, edit and use templates to ensure consistency of design and layout for forms and reports, in accordance with organisational requirements

Element:

4. Use spreadsheets

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Enter, check and amend data in accordance with organisational and task requirements 4.2 Import and export data between compatible spreadsheets and adjust host documents, in accordance with software and system procedures 4.3 Use manuals, user documentation and online help to overcome problems with spreadsheet design and production 4.4 Preview, adjust and print spreadsheet in accordance with organisational and task requirements 4.5 Name and store spreadsheet in accordance with organisational requirements and exit application without data loss or damage

Element:

5. Represent numerical data in graphic form

Performance Criteria:

5.1 Determine style of graph to meet specified requirements and manipulate spreadsheet data if necessary to suit graph requirements 5.2 Create graphs with labels and titles from numerical data contained in a spreadsheet file 5.3 Save, view and print graph within designated timelines

Learning Outcomes


See Canvas


Details of Learning Activities

A range of learning activities are provided in this course. These include collaborative classroom-based activities and online self-paced activities.  Classroom: The collaborative classroom-based activities will include group discussion, group problem solving activities and opportunities to practice your skills in a simulated workplace environment.  We expect you to participate and contribute in all scheduled learning activities.  Pre-Class: This is online, by logging on to your Canvas course, and includes any required pre-class reading and activities. Other self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms. These may include your contribution to discussions, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions.  Sessions: There are face-to-face classroom sessions (see timetable) for this unit each week which includes tutorials and workshops.  There are additional activities to support learning and research.


Teaching Schedule

This course is comprised of one competency: BSBITU402 Develop and use complex spreadsheets. The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course.  This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.

The Teaching Schedule for this course is as follows:

Week

Date

Topic

Assessment

1

   6 July

Introduction to the course 

Topic - Introduction to Complex Spreadsheets

 

2

   13 July

Topic 1 - Spreadsheet skills reviewed

Topic 2 – Formula in Excel

 

3

   20 July

Topic 2 – Formula in Excel

Topic 3 – Functions in Excel

 

4

   27 July

Topic 4 – Using Statistical functions

Topic 5 – Viewing and adjusting worksheets

 Assessment 1 Due

5

   3 August

Topic 6 - Using data and time function

 

6

   10 August

Topic 7 - Using logical functions

Topic 8 – Creating and editing templates

 

7

   17 August

Topic 9 - Using Lookup functions

Topic 10 – Using math functions

Working on Assessment 2 – Part A - Cash Flow

 

8

  

24 August

(31 August – Mid-Semester break)

Topic 11 – Charting and pictures in Excel

Working on Assessment 2 – Part A - Balance sheet and Superannuation Model

 

9

   7 September

opic 12 – Using financial functions

Topic 13 – Useful text functions

Working on Assessment 2 – Part A - Assets  Allocation

 

10

   14 September

Topic 14 – Working with data in tables

Topic 15 – Creating PivotTables and Pivot Charts

Topic 16 - Useful database functions

 Assessment Task 2 (Part A) Due

11

   21 September

 

Topic 17 – Importing and exporting data

Topic 18 – Linking Excel data to other programs

 

12

   28 September

Topic 19 - Tools for summarising data

 

13

   5 October

Topic 20 – Conditional formatting

Topic 21 - Creating macros

  

14

   12 October

Topic 20 – Conditional formatting

Topic 21 - Creating macros

 

 

15

   19 October

Summary of Course

Working on Assessment 2 Part B

 

16

   26 October

Summary of Course

Working on Assessment 2 Part B

Assessment Task 3 (Part B) Due

The nominal hours associated with this are a guide only and represent the total teaching time and student effort required to successfully complete the course. This may include not only scheduled classes but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities including the self - paced activities in the workbooks. 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Online learning materials can be accessed by going to Canvas. 

The online learning materials listed may include: 

  • Course outlines
  • Power point Presentations
  • Supporting Reading material
  • Industry relevant articles
  • Activities.


Overview of Assessment

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

Performance Evidence

Evidence of the ability to:

  • follow organisational and safe work practices including:
    • ergonomic requirements
    • energy and resource conservation techniques
  • adhere to organisational requirements for:
    • ensuring consistency of style, design and layout
    • saving and printing documents within designated timelines
    • naming and storing documents
  • adhere to identified or task requirements when producing documents including:
    • editing macros and automating some tasks
    • using appropriate templates
    • creating graphs to represent data
  • resolve issues by referring to user documentation and online help
  • use appropriate data storage options
  • evaluate tasks to improve efficiency
  • apply knowledge of functions and features of contemporary computer applications
  • communicate with relevant personnel

Knowledge Evidence

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

  • explain advanced functions of spreadsheet software applications
  • describe impact of formatting and design on presentation and readability of data
  • explain organisational requirements for ergonomics, work periods and breaks, and conservation techniques.

Assessment Conditions

Assessment must be conducted in a safe environment where evidence gathered where evidence gathered demonstrates consistent performance of typical activities experienced in the information and communications technology – IT use field of work and include access to:

  • organisational policies and procedures
  • relevant workplace documentation and resources
  • industry software packages and user instructions.

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. 


Assessment Tasks

You are required to successfully complete all assessment tasks to be deemed competent in this course.  NOTE:  Details about specific tasks and assessment criteria will be included in Canvas.

Assessment Task 1: Portfolio of Complex Spreadsheets

Due: See Canvas

Summary and Purpose:This assessment is a practical portfolio that has been designed for you to progressively, step by step build your knowledge and skills in Excel with the aim to enhance your understanding and skills with advanced spreadsheet functions and develop complex spreadsheets.

You must successfully complete all of the practical topics for this portfolio by the due date specified in Canvas in order to satisfactorily achieve the criteria covered in this portfolio.

Assessment Task 2 (Part A) and 3 (Part B): Workplace Simulated Project

Part A and B Due: See Canvas

Summary and Purpose: Workplace simulated project consists of 2 tasks - Part A and Part B. You will have access to a simulated client file, which will incorporate financial planning advice in Superannuation by producing financial planning spreadsheets that includes client(s) cash flows, assets and liability, superannuation account, assets allocation variance and recommended superannuation strategies to achieve client's goals. You are required to present a linked spreadsheet solution for your clients in the form of reports, tables, charts, template and create a macro.

You must successfully complete all Assessment Tasks 2 and 3 (Parts A and B) by the due date specified in Canvas in order to satisfactorily achieve the criteria covered in this project.

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessment is available on Canvas.

 

Other Information

Submission Requirements

You should:

• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date via Canvas. 
• Always retain a copy of your assessment tasks. (hard copy and soft copy)
• When you submit work for assessment at RMIT University you need to use the Assessment task document that includes a declaration and statement of authorship.
• Each page of your assessment should include a footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers.

Late Submission Procedures

You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.

Extension of Time.  If you are prevented from submitting an assessment item on time by circumstances outside your control, you may apply in advance to your teacher for an extension to the due date of up to seven calendar days.

More information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/extensions-of-time-for-submission-of-assessable-work
Form to use is found in the section "How to apply."

Special Consideration. Where more than seven days is needed, you must apply for Special Consideration.  Applications for special consideration must be submitted no later than two working days after the assessment task deadline or scheduled examination.

More information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/special-consideration

Resubmission (VE Programs)

If you are found to be Not Yet Competent in a course assessment task (or you do not submit the assessment tasks/attend the assessment) you will be allowed one resubmission.  Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission in Canvas. 

If you are still not meeting the assessment requirements you must apply to your Program Manager in writing outlining the steps you will take to demonstrate competence in your course. Your submission will be considered by the Program Team and you will be advised of the outcome as soon as possible.

Adjustments to Assessment

In certain circumstances students may be eligible for an assessment adjustment. 

More information: https://www.rmit.edu.au/students/student-essentials/assessment-and-exams/assessment/adjustments-to-assessment

Marking Guide (Competency):

You must demonstrate that you have all the required skills/knowledge/elements in the unit of competency you are studying.  You will receive feedback on each assessment task that will inform you about your progress and how well you are performing.

  • CA Competency Achieved
  • NYC Not Yet Competent
  • DNS Did Not Submit for assessment

Course Overview: Access Course Overview