Course Title: Provide freelance services
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2021
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: John Phillips
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4913
Course Contact Email: john.phillips@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
Learning will occur in class delivery and project work. Some external project completion will be required out of class, including:
- class exercises
-
analysis/critique of relevant reading material
-
design activities or projects
- class presentations
- group discussion
- research
-
independent project-based work
- ‘workshopping’ of student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
Teaching Schedule
CLASS |
CONTENT |
ASSESSMENTS COVERED |
Class 1 |
Introduction to course and assessments Discuss the Performance and Knowledge evidence to meet Competency in the course What is Freelancing? Discuss the different types of Freelancers. Introduce: ABN, GST, TFN |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 2 |
Freelance readiness
Resume: - what makes a good resume - how to format a resume - styles of resumes Discuss going to RMIT's Careers Support Services to help complete Assessment 2. Drop in to discuss your resume and getting a photo for your LinkedIn profile. |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients |
Class 3 |
Introduction to websites Discuss web builders Look at websites Discuss what will be the required content for the Website assessment Discuss social media integration How best to collect it and present portfolio information |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients |
Class 4 |
Look at setting up: Facebook profile LinkedIn profile Instagram account Work in class on Website development Check work progress on Resume and Linked In profile using RMIT's Careers Support Services - Job Shop |
Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients |
Class 5 |
Guest Lecture: Simon Moro How to grow a sustainable and profitable business in music production How to assess your skills, and determine your value How to price your services Invoicing How to build your client base |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 6 |
Invoicing - How to format an invoice - show invoice template Pricing Class time to work on assessments |
Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4 |
Class 7 |
Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Client Quote Client Contract Client Sign Off Client Invoice Project Timeline Class time to work on assessments |
Assesment 4 |
Class 8 |
Class Time on Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements |
Assessment 4 |
Class 9 |
Business plan - Introduction to business plans, discuss business ideas 1. 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 |
Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 10 |
Work on assessments |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 11 |
Work on assessments |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 12 |
Work on assessments |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Class 13 |
Work on assessments |
Assessment 1 - Resume Assessment 2 - Promote self to potential clients Assessment 3 - Undertake strategic planning Assessment 4 - Client Project: Negotiate work arrangements Assessment 5 - Invoice Assessment 6 - Business Plan |
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
The 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
Overview of Assessment
Assessment is ongoing throughout the course, and will include written submission and project work
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 and due dates
Assessment Task 1: Knowledge Questions
Assessment Task 2: Business Plan
Assessment Task 3: Professional Portfolio
Assessment Task 4: Client Project: Negotiate Work Arrangements (major project)
Results that apply to courses that are delivered and assessed in accordance with competency-based assessment are:
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 mapping documents are available through Program Administration if required.
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
Course Overview: Access Course Overview