Course Title: Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

Part B: Course Detail

Teaching Period: Term1 2024

Course Code: BUSM6518C

Course Title: Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

Important Information:


Please note that this course may have compulsory in-person attendance requirements for some teaching activities. 

To participate in any RMIT course in-person activities or assessment, you will need to comply with RMIT vaccination requirements which are applicable during the duration of the course. This RMIT requirement includes being vaccinated against COVID-19 or holding a valid medical exemption. 

Please read this RMIT Enrolment Procedure as it has important information regarding COVID vaccination and your study at RMIT: https://policies.rmit.edu.au/document/view.php?id=209

Please read the Student website for additional requirements of in-person attendance: https://www.rmit.edu.au/covid/coming-to-campus 

 

Please check your Canvas course shell closer to when the course starts to see if this course requires mandatory in-person attendance. The delivery method of the course might have to change quickly in response to changes in the local state/national directive regarding in-person course attendance. 

See Canvas

School: 525T Business & Enterprise

Campus: City Campus

Program: C5406 - Diploma of Business

Course Contact: Jeremy Glover

Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 1485

Course Contact Email: jeremy.glover@rmit.edu.au


Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff

Course leader: Siying Lyu

siying.lyu@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 develop and implement workplace sustainability policies and to modify the policy to suit changed circumstances.

The unit applies to individuals with managerial responsibilities who undertake work developing approaches to create, monitor and improve strategies and policies within workplaces. These individuals also engage with a range of relevant stakeholders and specialists.

'Sustainability' in this unit refers to a broad approach that focuses on the minimisation of an organisation’s social, economic and environmental impact, as well as proactive value creation in these areas.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.


National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria

National Element Code & Title:

BSBSUS511 Develop workplace policies and procedures for sustainability

Element:

1. Prepare workplace sustainability policies

Performance Criteria:

1.1 Establish scope and objectives of workplace sustainability policies

1.2 Gather information for development of sustainability policies

1.3 Analyse information and consultation insights

1.4 Develop and document sustainability policies according to organisational processes

1.5 Incorporate implementation and continuous improvement processes into sustainability policies

Element:

2. Implement workplace sustainability policies

Performance Criteria:

2.1 Present workplace sustainability policies and implementation processes to key stakeholders

2.2 Identify and source resources required to implement sustainability policies

2.3 Support implementation of workplace sustainability policies

2.4 Track continuous improvements in sustainability approaches using recording systems

Element:

3. Review implementation of workplace sustainability policies

Performance Criteria:

3.1 Document outcomes and provide feedback to key personnel and stakeholders

3.2 Identify trends requiring remedial action to promote continuous improvement of performance

3.3 Modify sustainability policies to incorporate improvements


Learning Outcomes


This course is structured to provide students with the optimum learning experience in order to demonstrate the skills and knowledge required to develop and implement workplace sustainability policies and to modify the policy to suit changed circumstances.


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 to all scheduled learning activities.

Pre-Class: This is online, by logging on to your Canvas course, and includes required pre-class reading and activities. Other self-paced activities will be delivered through various technology platforms. These may include your contribution to discussion threads, reflective journals, quizzes and interactive sessions. 

Sessions: There are a 4-hour face-to-face classroom session plus a one-hour online workshop for this unit each week which includes tutorials. There are additional activities to support learning and research.


Teaching Schedule

The course BSBSUS511 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with course BSBOPS504 Manage business risk. 

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

Topics

Assessment

1

Introduction
•  Introduction to Unit and outline Session Objectives
•  Assessment Methods and Process
• Case study overview
Risk & Sustainability
•  Overview of risk, definitions
•  Overview of sustainability , definitions
Sustainability
• Sustainability Requirements
• Stakeholder analysis: types, needs, influence/power grid
• Barriers

 Introduce Task 1 requirements

2

Sustainability
• Sustainability Pillars
• Triple bottom line (3 P's)
• Sustainability requirements
• Legal framework (Acts, regulations, standards & codes of practice)

 

3

Sustainability: Resources
• Climate Change: framework and agreements
• Organisational resources (gas, energy, water, materials)
• Reduce, reuse, recycle
• Implement Sustainable Practices and Eco friendly options
• Monitor & measure resource use

 

 

4

Sustainability: CSR
• Organisational policies and Procedures
• How to implement effective policies and procedures
Activity: developing policies and procedures for assessment task
• Reduce, reuse, recycle
• Implement Sustainable Practices and Eco friendly options
• Monitor & measure resource use

 Introduce Task 2 requirements

5

Sustainability: Policies and procedures
• Organisational policies and Procedures in detail
• How to implement effective policies and procedures
Activity: developing policies and procedures for assessment task

 

 

6

Sustainability: Implement Sustainable Practices
• Setting targets
• Benchmarks and best practice
• Green office
• Transport
• Purchasing strategies
• Action plans
• Training

Introduce Task 3 requirements

7

Sustainability: compliance
• Environmental Sustainability Audit
• Compliance matters
•  Reporting
• Implement Policies
• Monitor Sustainable Practices

 

8

Risk
• Sources of risk
• 5 Major Categories of business risk
• PESTLE analysis

Assessment Task 1 due

9

Risk
• Critical success factors
• Risk Management Framework
• Risk Management Process
• Risk- Legal Framework
• Business Risk Obligations and Accountabilities
• Risk Principles and Standards

 

10

Risk Management
• Terms and Concepts
• Risk Based Decision Making
• Risk Management framework
• Risk Profile
• Risk maturity
• ISO and Standards
• Risk Legal Framework

 

11

Risk Management Process
• Risk matrix
• Controls
• Risk Categories
• Risk Criteria - overview

 

12

Risk Scope and Context
• Risk criteria review
•  Setting criteria for risk assessment 

 

13

Risk
• Risk Register
• Responsibility Matrix
• Risk Resources
• Insurance

Assessment task 2 due

14

Continuous Improvement strategies
• Why improve
• PDCA

 

15

Revision of semester and assessment workshop

 

16

Final submissions

Assessment task 3 due




Learning Resources

Prescribed Texts


References


Other Resources

See Canvas


Overview of Assessment

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

Performance Evidence

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

  • develop and implement workplace policies and procedures for sustainability on at least one occasion, including:
  • implementing sustainability policy and procedures into wider organisational policies and procedures
  • consulting and communicating with relevant stakeholders to generate engagement with sustainability policy development, implementation and continuous improvement.

 

Knowledge Evidence

  • Australian and international standards relating to corporate sustainability
  • environmental and sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to organisation
  • internal and external sources of information and their use in planning and developing organisational sustainability policies and procedures
  • elements required for the development of organisational sustainability policies and processes including:
  • agreed outcomes of the policy and procedures
  • policy timeframes and costs
  • performance indicators
  • activities to be undertaken
  • assigned responsibilities
  • record keeping, review and improvement processes
  • common sustainability issues with organisational systems and procedures
  • typical barriers to implementing policies and procedures in an organisation and possible strategies to address them

 

Assessment Conditions

Skills in this unit must be demonstrated in a workplace or simulated environment where the conditions are typical of those in a working environment in this industry.

This includes access to:

  • corporate sustainability legislation, regulations, standards and codes
  • organisational documentation on sustainability and sustainable practices.

 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

The course BSBSUS511 Develop workplace policy and procedures for sustainability course is clustered (co-delivered and co-assessed) with BSBOPS504 Manage business risk 

You are required to successfully complete all assessment tasks to be deemed competent in this course.  

Business Continuity Cluster:  Student Assessment Task - Product/ Product-Based/Portfolio

Assessment Task 1: Sustainability policies and procedures.   Due:  Week 8   Summary and Purpose of Assessment   This assessment will focus on your ability to develop workplace sustainability policies for your nominated business.  The purpose is to provide evidence of your ability to plan, develop and implement an organisational policy which is compliant with all relevant legislation and governmental requirements for a business.  This demonstrates skills such as critical analysis, problem-solving, data interpretation and communications.     Assessment Task 2: Risk assessment process   Due: Week 13   Summary and Purpose of Assessment   This assessment will focus on your ability to conduct a risk assessment for your nominated business. The purpose is to provide evidence of their ability to follow the risk management process that identifies, analyses and evaluates risks within the organisation and treat the risks in accordance with the established context.     Assessment Task 3: Sustainability and risk management handbook.   Due: Week 16   Summary and Purpose of Assessment   For this task, you will need to work in groups of 4-5. You and your team members will work collaboratively to plan a risk and sustainability program which will include identifying and analysing any associated risks involved in a business becoming more environmentally sustainable and then providing strategies to treat these risks. Whilst you work in groups you are still required to submit your own work.

 


Assessment Matrix

The assessment matrix that maps all the assessments 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