Course Title: Provide freelance services

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term2 2020

Course Code: PERF5097C

Course Title: Provide freelance services

School: 375T Vocational Design and Social Context

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5378 - Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)

Course Contact: Rebekha Naim

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4849

Course Contact Email: rebekha.naim@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Teacher: Elena Popa

Email: elena.popa@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

None

Course Description

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.

 

It applies to individuals who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

052142 Provide freelance services

Element:

1. Promote self to potential clients

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish, follow up and regularly maintain industry contacts

1.2 Participate in and maintain relevant industry, employer and other networks

1.3 Identify and implement strategies to enhance a professional reputation

1.4 Produce material about the services provided and promote across a range of media outlets and platforms

Element:

2. Negotiate work arrangements

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Establish clear project outcomes with client and agree on fees, schedules and expenses

2.2 Confirm contracts or agreements contain payment terms and conditions that provide a viable cash flow

2.3 Confirm contracts or agreements include obligations of all parties and include a process for varying terms and conditions

2.4 Seek specialist advice to review contracts or agreements before signing, if appropriate

2.5 Store signed contracts or agreements securely for future reference

2.6 Adapt to client work demands without compromising ethics or reputation

2.7 Negotiate contract or agreement variations as required

Element:

3. Manage financial and business aspects of service

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Set up and use effective systems for managing budgets, finance, taxation and project documents, seeking expert advice and support where necessary

3.2 Set a realistic fee structure for services provided

3.3 Plan and maintain a viable work schedule and cash flow outlined in a business plan

3.4 Send invoices in line with payment terms and conditions and promptly follow up any non-payments

3.5 Keep accurate and up-to-date financial accounts and records

3.6 Submit all taxation documents, using an accountant if necessary

3.7 Comply with business regulations, taxation and insurance requirements

Element:

4. Undertake strategic planning

Performance Criteria:

4.1 Implement strategies to identify work opportunities and risks

4.2 Identify and act on opportunities to expand the client base, either alone or in partnership with others

4.3 Seek constructive feedback about work performance from clients and other relevant people to improve work practices

4.4 Identify opportunities for ongoing professional development and ensure skills and knowledge keep pace with industry developments

4.5 Regularly review and set realistic work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals

4.6 Identify risk factors and take action to minimise when planning work activities


Learning Outcomes


On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to:

    • participate in industry networks and develop a dynamic list of industry contacts
    • prepare resume and self-promotional materials and circulate using a variety of media outlets and platforms
    • prepare a business plan that identifies a fee structure and work schedule to maintain a viable cash flow
    • negotiate service contracts or agreements
    • develop and maintain an effective financial and document records system
    • develop and revise a strategic plan that identifies business opportunities and risks
    • seek constructive feedback to identify professional development needs and opportunities
    • review work objectives measured against quality of life, artistic and commercial goals.


Details of Learning Activities

Welcome to Provide freelance services.

In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.

It applies to individuals who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.

This course will be delivered through face-to-face classes and by utilising the learning support material and resources here in Canvas. 

To get started, review the Welcome & Orientation module, and check myTimetable (Links to an external site.) to ensure you know the time and location for your first class.

 

What you will learn in this course

In this course you will learn the skills and knowledge required to work as an independent operator within the creative arts industry.

It applies to individuals who use a high level of self-motivation and discipline, and an entrepreneurial attitude when pursuing work opportunities. They are engaged for specific projects and are responsible for promoting themselves to potential clients, negotiating their own contracts and managing their business affairs.

How the course is delivered

The course is delivered in face-to-face classes.


Teaching Schedule

Course Teaching Schedule

 

Week      

Class content

LECTURER

ASSESSMENTS

 

SEMESTER 2

   

Class 1

Week 1

Introduction to unit & assessments

Why this is important to industry
Contextualising in Major Project work groups


Intro to Cover letter & resume

---


Development of Business Plan 
Refining Plan
Plan the presentation

Why have a business plan?
Writing a business plan
Purpose of the components of a Business Plan
Developing a concept
SWOT analysis 
Business planning – establishment costs 
Obtaining an ABN 
Discuss GST

Discuss Ninety Nine / 100

Introduction to working in teams / Studio Practice

E Popa

M Kelson

Assessment 1

Resume

Class 2 Week 2

Cover letter

---

Production, contracts, financials and timelines in sound and music production.

Financials and invoicing

M Kelson

E Popa

Assessment 2 commences

Invoice

Class 3

Week 3

Resume


Business and legal requirements. 
Choosing an appropriate business structure
W.H. & S. requirements


Working in teams

Strategies for Major Project Recordings

Effective workplace practices

Equity in the workplace

E Popa

M Kelson

 

Class 4

Week 4

Review resumes


SITE VISIT / GUEST LECTURE

Simon Moro

Ninety-Nine 100

M Kelson

E Popa

 

Class 5 Week 5

Invoicing and finances

Pricing


The strategies of marketing 
Defining a market for your product/service

Layout and presentation of the plan
Development of Business Plan
Refining Business Plan

J Phillips

(MK N/A)

Assessment 1

DUE
RESUME & COVER LETTER

Class 6

Week 6

Introduction to Business plan

E Popa

(MK N/A)

Assessment 3 commences

Class 7

Week 7

MK Away??

Business plan

E Popa

(MK N/A)

Assessment 2

DUE
INVOICE

Class 8

Week 8

MK Away

Business plan


The strategies of marketing 
Defining a market for your product/service

Layout and presentation of the plan
Development of Business Plan
Refining Business Plan

E Popa

(MK N/A)

 

Week 9

MK Away

Business plan

E Popa

Assessment 4 commences

Week 10

Introduction Website Development

M Kelson

 

Sem 2

Week 11

Development of Business Plan 
Refining Plan
Plan the presentation

E Popa

M Kelson

 

Sem 2 Week 12

Review and preparation for Business Plan submission & Presentation

M Kelson

Assessment 3

Due
BUSINESS PLAN

Sem 2 Wks 13

 

M Kelson

 

Sem 2 Week 14

 

E Popa

 

Sem 2

Week 15

Presentation of Website

E Popa

M Kelson

Assessment 4

Due

PRESENTATION

 

Please Note: Weekly course delivery may be subject to change

 

 


Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

Se the Course Canvas Shell for further details.


Overview of Assessment

Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, and will include written submission and project work


Assessment Tasks

Assessment Task Information

Number of assessment task:      1     of   5     
Name of assessment task:  Resume and Cover Letter
National unit(s) code:   052142
National unit(s) title:   CUAIND402
National qualification code:   CUA50815
National qualification title:   Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)
RMIT program code:   c5378
RMIT course code:  PERF5097c

  


Summary and purpose of assessment

This project is one of five assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent for the unit PERF5097c Provide Freelance Services.

In this assessment you are applying for a job at Deluxe Mastering. You need to come up with Part 1 - Cover Letter and Part 2 - Resume in order to apply. You will research the company in order to find out more about them. Your cover letter should outline your experience, abilities and educational qualifications. Please refer to the YouTube videos provided for guidance.

Task instructions

You will be assessed against the criteria as listed in the observation checklist of this task and how well you answer the questions asked by your assessor. To achieve a satisfactory result you will need to address all criteria satisfactorily.

Observation Checklist

  1. Part 1 - Resume
  2. Part 2 - Cover Letter

Instructions on submitting supporting material 

You must submit assessment on Canvas only. File submissions: PDF

Feedback and grades

Feedback on your assessment will be released via the Grades item in the left menu. Assessment tasks will receive the following outcomes:

Complete

Incomplete

RMIT Electronic Submission of work for assessment

I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the Assessment declaration (Links to an external site.).

 

Invoice

Assessment Task Information

Number of assessment task: 2  of  5
Name of assessment task: Invoice
National unit(s) code: 052142
National unit(s) title: CUAIND402
National qualification code: CUA50815
National qualification title: Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) 
RMIT program code: c5378
RMIT course code: PERF5097c

Summary and purpose of assessment

This project is one of five assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent for the unit PERF5097c Provide Freelance Services. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your knowledge in communicating with a client and billing for your freelance services.

Create and submit an invoice for your freelances services that you will provide to your client. Include your name, contact details and costs. 

Task instructions

Use this template to complete the assessment: Invoice Template (1).xlsx

Using the above template as a guide you will submit an invoice for freelances services that you will provide to your client. Include your name, contact details and costs. This assessment will be completed outside of class time.

  1. Your contact details and ABN
  2. Client contact details and ABN
  3. Your hourly rate and costs.
  4. Payment due date

Conditions for assessment

Work must be submitted on or before the specified submission date. Failure to do so may result in an Incomplete result. 


Instructions on submitting your project/portfolio/report

Please name the file: Invoice by (include your name) and submit it as a PDF. Please submit the completed work in the Canvas in the PERF5097c Perform Freelance Services shell in the  Assessment 2 section. 


Criteria for Assessment

Below is a checklist for how this assessment task will be judged as Complete or Incomplete:

  1. Your contact details and ABN
  2. Client contact details and ABN
  3. Your hourly rate and costs.
  4. Payment due date

Feedback and grades

Feedback on your assessment will be released via the Grades item in the left menu. Assessment tasks will receive the following outcomes:

Complete or Incomplete


RMIT Electronic Submission of work for assessment

I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the Assessment declaration

 

Business Plan

Assessment Task Information

Number of assessment task:  3 of   5    
Name of assessment task:  Business Plan 
National unit(s) code: 052142
National unit(s) title: CUAIND402
National qualification code: CUA50815
National qualification title: Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production) 
RMIT program code: c5378
RMIT course code:

PERF5097c

 

Summary and purpose of assessment

This project is one of five assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent for this unit. Completing this project allows you to demonstrate your ability to successfully complete a business plan.


Task instructions

1.Come up with a business idea.

2. Write a business plan using the template below. Accessibility score: Low Click to improvebusiness_plan.doc

Action 

You will be provided some class time to work on this assessment, however it is expected that the majority of this assessment will be completed outside of class."

You will be assessed against the criteria listed for this assessment task. You need to submit the assessment via Canvas in the 


Instructions on submitting your project/portfolio/report

Please name the file Business Plan- (your name here).  You are required to submit the business plan in the PERF5097c Provide Freelance Services shell in PDF format. Email submissions will not be accepted.


Criteria for Assessment

You can use this space to list the criteria for assessment, or use the 'rubric' feature below to list them.

Below is a checklist for how this assessment task will be judged. This is a graded assessment.

1. Business Overview
2. Products/Services
3. Market Analysis
4. Competition
5. Marketing Strategy
6. Business Structure & Management 
7. Finances
8. Action Plan
9. Appendix I: Competitor Analysis
10. Appendix II: Strategic SWOT Analysis


Feedback and grades

Feedback on your assessment will be released via the Grades item in the left menu. This is a graded assessment. Assessment tasks will receive the following outcomes:

CHD Competent High Distinction

CDI Competent Distinction

CC Competent Credit

CAG Comptency Achieved Graded

NYC Not Yet Çompetent

DNS Did not submit


RMIT Electronic Submission of work for assessment

I declare that in submitting all work for this assessment I have read, understood and agree to the content and expectations of the Assessment declaration

 

Website

Assessment Task Information

Number of assessment task:    4  of   5     
Name of assessment task:  Website
National unit(s) code:   052142
National unit(s) title:   CUAIND402
National qualification code:   CUA50815
National qualification title:   Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)
RMIT program code:   c5378
RMIT course code:  PERF5097c

 


Summary and purpose of assessment

This project is one of five assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent for the unit PERF5097c Provide Freelance Services.

In this assessment you are creating an online promotional presence to present your professional skills to potential clients.

 

 

Studio Work Group collaboration

Assessment Task Information

Number of assessment task:    5  of   5     
Name of assessment task:  Studio workgroups
National unit(s) code:   052142
National unit(s) title:   CUAIND402
National qualification code:   CUA50815
National qualification title:   Diploma of Music Industry (Sound Production)
RMIT program code:   c5378
RMIT course code:  PERF5097c

  


Summary and purpose of assessment

This project is one of five assessment tasks you need to complete satisfactorily in order to be deemed competent for the unit PERF5097c Provide Freelance Services.

In this assessment your studio groups will be reviewed to co firm your ability to complete tasks and maintain professional workplace communications and overcome potential issues, communicate with others, and be respectful of others from different backgrounds.

 

For further information on the grading system and criteria used, please refer to the course RMIT site.


Grades which apply to courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment, but which also use graded assessment:

CHD - Competent with High Distinction
CDI - Competent with Distinction
CC - Competent with Credit
CAG - Competency Achieved - Graded
NYC - Not Yet Competent
DNS - Did Not Submit for Assessment

 

Grades which apply to ungraded courses delivered in accordance with competency-based assessment:

CA: Competency Achieved
NYC: Not Yet Competent
DNS: Did not Submit for 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

Please refer to the RMIT student page for extensive information about study support, assessment, extensions, appeals and a range of other matters.

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.

Assessment Feedback:

You will receive spoken and written feedback on all your work. Where relevant, this feedback will also include suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.

Student Progress:

Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy designed to assist you in achieving your learning potential.

Adjustments to Assessment (eg. applying for an extension of time):

If you are unable to complete any piece of assessment satisfactorily by the due date, you can choose to apply for an adjustment to your assessment. RMIT University offers a range of adjustments designed to support you in your studies, including an extension of time to complete the 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.

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.

Recognition of Current Competency (RCC) RCC applies only if you have previously successfully demonstrated competence in a unit of competency, and now require to be reassessed to ensure that the competence is being maintained.

Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer, RPL, or RCC for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.

Course Overview: Access Course Overview