Work Placement- Business Management (MGMT 671)

OVERVIEW

1. COURSE DESCRIPTION

To achieve the aims above, this course covers a number of tasks that are divided into two parts. The first
part is the professional orientation which focuses on gaining a clear understanding of the work environment
of the prospective employers and of the job markets in general. After this, the students will be placed at
the selected employers where they will apply their acquired knowledge, skills and attitude in a real work
environment. It is important for the students to comply with the hosting organization’s requirements, to
meet the Performance Objectives (POs) and to keep track of their training progression throughout the work
placement period.

2. REASON FOR THE COURSE

This course aims to develop practical knowledge, skills and attitude of the students and to strengthen their
positions in relevant industries. The students will apply the knowledge and theories acquired in previous
coursework in a real business setting. Through this opportunity the students can explore their interests
and be familiar with the working norms, rules and regulations governing the industry as well as build a
professional business network. The course emphasizes students’ preparation for their future careers and
helps them to be well-trained candidates when they graduate. At the end of the work placement, the
students will be deeply familiar with the key factors for success in a management career.

3. STUDY HOURS

4. ROLE IN CURRICULUM


Prerequisites:
Before commencing this course, students are recommended to complete the following courses:
             • Advanced Performance Management ACCT 621; or
             • Strategic Business Leader MGMT 621
Also, students must have completed the 9-hour preparation activities provided by Career Services and
Student Advising (CSSA) or employer-conducted orientation approved by CSSA.

SKILLS

  • LEARNING OUTCOMES
  • ASSESSMENT AND GRADING
  • TEACHING METHODS
  • STUDY PLAN
  • TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES
  • APPENDIX 1 - PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
  • CORE SKILLS

5. COURSE LEARNING OUTCOMES (CLO)

On successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

Knowledge Level of Learning Related PLO
Explain the effect of law and regulations

Explain how national and international business law and regulations affect the organization, operations and strategy of the business.

 Understand PK1
Cognitive Skills Level of Learning Related PLO
Assess the alignment

Assess the alignment of business strategy, business operations, product/service portfolio and stakeholder needs.

 Analyze PC5
Create an action plan

Create and execute an operational management action plan.

 Create PC5
Communication, Information Technology, and Numerical Skills Level of Learning Related PLO
Analyze the data

Analyze the qualitative and quantitative data to draw reasonable conclusions that support the business operation and strategy.

 Analyze PCIT1
Interpersonal Skills and Responsibilities Level of Learning Related PLO
Lead a team

Lead a productive and collaborative team in business management

 Characterize PIP1

6. ASSESSMENT AND GRADING

Grades will be determined based on the following assessments and score allocations:

SKILL Assessment Skill Weighting for Grade
Mentor Peer PE Report Interview
Explain the effect of law and regulations     50% 50% 20%
Assess the alignment     50% 50% 20%
Create an action plan     50% 50% 20%
Analyze the data 50% 50%     20%
Lead a team 50% 50%     20%

7. TEACHING METHODS

This course is primarily an experience-based course. An orientation will be conducted at the beginning
of the course to ensure that the students will gain a clear understanding of the work environment in the
hosting organization and some basic skills for performing their work effectively during the placement. A
variety of methods will be employed to encourage and assess student achievement on course learning
outcomes. Some methods include, but are not limited to, presentation, interview and written reports,
group discussions, business writing, self-reflection, and peer consultation.

Performance Objectives

Students are required to achieve a minimum of four performance objectives in total including all three of interpersonal qualities and the core skills of performance objectives in banking, investment and finance.

Students may achieve each performance objective by participating in the suggested activities or other similar activities related to the performance objectives by providing an explanation in the practical experience report.

The performance objectives are set out in interpersonal qualities and core skills as in the appendix 1.

To provide evidence of achieving performance objectives, students are required to request a confirmation letter from their supervisor with attachment of the performance objectives that they have achieved during the job training.

Personal Experience Report

Work Arrangement: Individual

Output format : Performance Objective Matrix

Language : English

Report : Students will be required to produce a summarized report reflecting the experience
                obtained from the job training that satisfies the required performance objectives.
               As their training progresses, students should keep track of their experiences. At
               the end of the training, students will be required to write a report summarizing the
               experience in their own words in a performance objective matrix. The report should
               be clear and truthfully reflect the experience with examples provided.

              Presentation: Students are required to attend the interview by the evaluators and
              answer any questions they may be asked during the interview. Rubric

8. STUDY PLAN

  Lesson Learning Outcomes Teaching and Learning Activities,
Assessment
1

Course Orientation

1. Introduce the course aims, descriptions and criteria.
2. Explain the performance objectives to be achieved during the job training.
3. Explain the practical experience report
4. Guide the students in searching for relevant information
about jobs and prospective organizations.

Lecture

Question and Answer
2-18 On-the-job training (All CLOs) Apply knowledge and skills

9. TEXTBOOKS AND REFERENCES

References

1. ACCA rule book https://www.accaglobal.com/gb/en/about-us/regulation/ethics/acca-rulebook.html

2. ACCA performance objectives https://www.accaglobal.com/vn/en/student/practical-experience-per/performance-objectives.html

Interpersonal Quality

These are the important elements of interpersonal qualities that students must achieve. They are required to maintain the professional code of ethics, develop productive business relationships with stakeholders and take initiative as a leader during work.

Performance Objectives Elements
Maintain professional code of ethics
  • Act diligently and honestly, following codes of conduct, taking into account and keeping up-to-date with legislation.
  • Act with integrity, objectivity, professional competence and due care and confidentiality. You should raise concerns about non-compliance.
  • Develop a commitment to your personal and professional knowledge and development. You should become a life-long learner and continuous improver, seeking feedback and reflecting on your contribution and skills.
Develop productive business relationships
  • Display sensitivity, empathy and cultural awareness in all your communications. This allows you to establish trust and credibility with a range of stakeholders and gain their confidence.
  • Use a range of mediums and make appropriate use of digital technology to communicate clearly, concisely and persuasively in formal and informal situations.
  • Develop and build effective and ethical professional relationships and networks using face to face and digital technology.
Apply leadership and self development
  • Show initiative with your team – working towards organisational goals, collaborating with and supporting others.
  • Manage time and tasks effectively to meet business needs and professional commitments. You are capable of working under pressure.
  • You negotiate effectively and can justify solutions logically and persuasively to colleagues and clients.

Business Management

Students are expected to identify alternative sources of finance and evaluate the financial viability of the investment decision. In addition, they may also assist in managing cash and working capital effectively and advising an appropriate action to mitigate the risk and exploit the opportunities for investment.

Performance objectives Elements
Plan business activities and control performance
  • Contribute to setting objectives to plan and control business activities.
  • Coordinate, prepare and use budgets, selecting suitable models.
  • Regularly review your progress against plans.
  • Use appropriate techniques to assess and to evaluate overall performance against plans.
  • Advise on business performance and recommend improvements.
Measure and assess the departmental and business performance
  • Identify the key external factors, including financial factors, affecting organisational performance.
  • Analyse and provide appropriate information to measure performance.
  • Identify and use performance measurement techniques.
  • Monitor and evaluate individual and departmental performance to identify areas for development.
  • Advise on appropriate ways to maintain and improve performance.
Develop clear insight into both internal and external issues
  • Identify and use appropriate financial and non-financial information to build a comprehensive understanding of a business.
  • Identify ways to use business partnering to make better connections and develop successful relationships based on achieving best practice and creating additional value.
Analyze the data and draw conclusions
  • Identify any relevant financial and non-financial data and use it to provide insights to answer important business questions and provide solutions for the organisation.
  • Use appropriate analytical tools to process, manipulate and analyse data. These tools could include spreadsheet applications or more technical statistical analysis software.
  • Apply modelling techniques to deliver specific types of analysis, which may include: scenario analysis, forecasting, optimisation problems or cost-benefit analysis.
  • Use data and resulting information ethically and responsibly, analysing and interpreting data sceptically to draw appropriate conclusions and make recommendations to support effective decision-making.
  • Communicate the recommendations to relevant stakeholders in a way they can easily visualise and understand, to exploit business opportunities, manage risk and evaluate performance.

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