Course Title: Research and apply the public relations role in an industry context
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term1 2016
Course Code: MKTG7879
Course Title: Research and apply the public relations role in an industry context
School: 650T Vocational Business Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C6140 - Advanced Diploma of Business (Public Relations)
Course Contact : Sally Parrott
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 5175
Course Contact Email:sally.parrott@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Alain Grossbard
Telephone: 99255522
Level 5, Building 80, RMIT University, 445 Swanston Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000
Nominal Hours: 40
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 covers the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research, analyse, increase and update knowledge pertaining to the public relations role in industry. It includes knowledge of and a practical application of public relations activity for cross industry purposes, such as strategies for realising identified business initiatives. This unit also focuses on how changing technology impacts upon public relations.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
VU21660 Research and apply the public relations role in an industry context |
Element: |
2. Seek and apply information on the use of technology in public relations |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 |
Element: |
3. Update public relations role in an industry context |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 |
Element: |
1.Research and apply public relations industry information |
Performance Criteria: |
.1 |
Learning Outcomes
Students will have a clear understanding of the research skills necessary in Public Relations.
Details of Learning Activities
The student is to select a real world client for whom they will fulfil a work placement brief. Work with the chosen client to complete the supplied brief in suitable depth paying particular attention to the client’s core objective, target market and key message(s). Choose a Single Minded Proposition or some creative approach that would ideally work towards the following communication pieces to be submitted; and provide a completed evaluation form about the quality of internship work written by the employer.
Students are to choose a selection of opportunities to establish and maintain relationships with a range of clients related to public relations and show evidence of participating in and providing an active contribution to a public relations business related network. The student is to provide a two page report of topics of interest and present a three minute persuasive speech on what was covered in developing client relationships and business networks. The discussion will be assessed on a combination of:completion of set number of hours (10 hours); produce a completed evaluation form about the quality of internship work written by the employer; and ability to employ persuasive techniques along with presentation style including visual aids, structure, pace and pitch, poise and eye contact with the interviewee.
This unit is co-joined and co-assessed with MKTG 5828C - Build Client Relationships and Business Networks
Teaching Schedule
Week 1 Feb 8 Course Induction
• Course delivery and assessment details
• Course support documents – any text books or readings
• Online learning environment – go through Blackboard shell
• Grading – remind them of codes and no marks (codes at end of doc)
• Plagiarism – must have signed cover sheets on all assessments
• Appeals – take them through this process and where it is on website
• Extensions – take them through process (details on website.)
• Feedback – when they can contact you and expect a response.
• Submission requirements – how all work must be uploaded and how
• Resubmission policy – one resubmission, marked to a pass allowed
• Where to get support - Student study support details
• Student responsibilities – must check emails and bb shells weekly
Week 2 Feb 15 Introduction - understanding the PR practitioner’s role an responsibilities
Week 3 Feb 22 PR trends and developments
Week 4 Feb 29 Understanding the Creative BriefWeek 5 Mar 7 A Life in PR guest presentations
Week 6 Mar 14 Portfolio work
Week 7 Mar 21 Work Placement – Non-teaching week
Semester break - 25 March to 1 April (inclusive)
Week 8 April 4 Internship - Non- teaching week
Week 9 April 11 Build client relationships and business networks
Week 10 April 18 Work Placement – Non-teaching week
Week 11 April 26 Understanding the Creative Brief
Week 12 May 2 Portfolio work
Week 13 May 9 Portfolio in
Week 14 May 16 Interviews
Week 15 May 23 Interviews
Return final assessment and schedule any resubmission for next week
Week 16 May 30 No classes - resubmissions only
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Nil
Overview of Assessment
Assessment may incorporate a variety of methods including technical requirements documentation, homework, assignments, group and/or individual projects, in class exercises, written and practical assessments, problem solving exercises, presentations, direct observation of actual and simulated work practice, presentation of a portfolio of evidence which may comprise documents, and/or photographs and/or video and audio files, review of products produced through work-based or course activities.
Students are advised that they are likely to be asked to personally demonstrate their assessment work to their teacher to ensure that the relevant competency standards are being met. Students will be provided with feedback throughout the course to check their progress.
Assessment Tasks
This unit is co-joined and co-assessed with MKTG 5828C - Build Client Relationships and Business Networks.
Students are required to complete 3 tasks. All tasks must successfully be completed to be deemed competent in this course.
Assessment Task 1 & 2: Written Portfolio, submitted in either a printed or online format followed by a personal interview and presentation of work placement covered (Due in class by Week 15)
This is worth 80% of the total course assessment
The student is to select a real world client for whom they will fulfil a work placement brief. You will need to choose a client who is happy to work with you and who has a communications objective they need fulfilled. For example you might choose:
- A local café/bar that has just opened and needs to increase awareness
- A public relations consultancy who needs to inform its public
- A fashion brand that is launching a new range and needs to inform its public
- A sole operator such as a public relations company who is trying to gain interest from a new market
- A retail store that needs to increase its image and sales
- A public relations department in a large public or private sector
Students are to:
• Work with the chosen client to complete the supplied brief in suitable depth paying particular attention to the client’s core objective, target market and key message(s)
• Choose a Single Minded Proposition or some creative approach that would ideally work towards the following communication pieces to be submitted; and
• provide a completed evaluation form about the quality of internship work written by the employer.
Assessment Task 3 – Build client relationships and business networks. (Due in class Week 14)
Written Report (Two pages), submitted in either a printed or online format followed by a personal interview and presentation of networks and client relationships covered (Due in class by Week 15)
This is worth 20% of the total course assessment
Provide a two page report of topics of interest and present a three minute persuasive speech on what was covered in developing client relationships and business networks. The discussion will be assessed on a combination of:
• completion of set number of hours (10 hours);
• produce a completed evaluation form about the quality of internship work written by the employer
• content, ability to employ persuasive techniques along with presentation style including visual aids, structure, pace and pitch, poise and eye contact with the interviewee.
Students are to choose a selection of opportunities to establish and maintain relationships with a range of clients related to public relations and show evidence of participating in and providing an active contribution to a public relations business related network.
Submission Requirements
You should:
• Ensure that you submit assessments on or before the due date.
• 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 a cover sheet that includes a declaration and statement of authorship. You must complete, sign and submit a cover sheet with all work you submit for assessment, whether individual or group work. On the cover sheet you declare that the work you are presenting for assessment is your own work. An assignment cover sheet for submission of each assessment task is available on blackboard.
• Each page of your assessment should include footer with your name, student number, the title of the assessment, unit code and title and page numbers. For example, Julie Macpherson, 324567, Task 2, OHS2345C Ensure safe workplace, Page 1 of 10.
<Add any additional requirements>
Late Submission Procedures
You are required to submit assessment items and/or ensure performance based assessment is completed by the due dates.
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. <check links are still current>
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/students/assessment/extension
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/seca86tti4g4z.pdf
Where an extension of greater 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. <check links are still current>
More Information: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=g43abm17hc9w
Form to use: http://mams.rmit.edu.au/8a5dgcaqvaes1.pdf
Resubmissions (VET Programs):
If you are found to be unsuccessful in a Course Assessment Task you will be allowed one resubmission only. Your teacher will provide feedback regarding what you need to do to improve and will set a new deadline for the resubmission. The highest grade you will receive if your resubmission is successful is “CAG”.
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. For more information about the circumstances under which the assessment arrangements might be granted please access the following website: <check link is still current>
More Information: http://rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=7usdbki1fjf31
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.
Marking Guide (Grading)
After achieving competency we then grade your performance in the unit and you will achieve one of the following grades:
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
Further information regarding the application of the grading criteria will be provided by your teacher.
Assessment Matrix
Nil
Other Information
Nil
Course Overview: Access Course Overview