What you will be studying

In this module, you will be looking at the role of critical thinking in the workplace. You will be analysing work processes and determining solutions using critical thinking concepts. You will review decision-making practices, present your proposal, seek feedback and identify areas for self-development.

This module is about understanding current methods of collaboration, reviewing existing digital technology and identifying opportunities for implementing digital technologies for workplace collaboration in a world where distance and time zones need no longer be barriers to effective teamwork.

In this module, you will see what it takes to establish, develop and maintain effective work relationships and networks. This starts by looking at the business development goals of the organisation, reviewing the opportunities available for building business contacts and building on those contacts using written and verbal communication. Once the relationship is established, you will move on to developing rapport, identifying barriers and negotiating through difficulties to maintain and improve those relationships.

This module introduces you to both the practical and legislative requirements of work health and safety. It begins with providing information to the work team about WHS policies, procedures, hazards and outcomes of risk assessments. It goes on to discuss consultation mechanisms to facilitate work team participation in managing work area hazards and identifying and meeting the training needs of team members. The module also covers the procedures and legal requirements for identifying hazards and assessing and controlling risks, and finally addresses organisational procedures for maintaining WHS records.

In this module, you will learn how to plan complex documents taking into consideration your audience, the purpose of the document and your organisation’s policies and procedures. You will cover formatting, content overview and the logical sequencing of information. You will develop a draft document that satisfies the defined purpose and requirements and then identify gaps in the required data, collecting additional material from relevant sources if required. Lastly, you will see what it takes to finalise a complex document. You will check to see whether the document’s purpose and requirements have been met and check grammar, spelling, style and punctuation. The final steps are to confirm approval of the draft text, incorporate any amendments into the final copy, apply basic design elements, check the document and confirm all requirements are met.

This module covers how best to prepare for communication, what planning needs to be done and the importance of feedback. It describes the different types of communication you are likely to need in an Australian workplace and provides you with the opportunity to select presentation methods and communication strategies based on the requirements of the audience. This module also discusses the use of interpersonal skills, problem-solving and decision-making skills to build relationships and facilitate respectful communication considering the needs of those from diverse backgrounds.

In this module you will be looking at what it takes to stay healthy in the workplace. You will identify factors that may impact your own physical and mental health, research strategies for health management and review resources available to you. You will also be looking at the legislation and organisational policies and procedures relating to health and wellbeing. This will lead to the development of strategies for managing personal health and well-being, sharing these strategies with relevant personnel and scheduling activities that align with those strategies. Finally, you will understand the importance of monitoring your own performance, identifying changes in circumstances and reviewing and updating your personal strategies as needed.

This module will help you to plan and prioritise your work tasks. It begins with identifying task requirements and your accountabilities, discovering whether there are any barriers to satisfactory performance and developing a personal work schedule. It then focuses on implementing that work schedule – from communicating with the relevant stakeholders to monitoring and documenting any variations between expected and actual work performance. Importantly, it then discusses seeking and evaluating feedback, analysing variations in expected performance and updating your personal work schedule to reflect this feedback and any changes in circumstances.

This module will help you with the skills and knowledge required to lead teams and individuals by modelling high standards of conduct to reflect the organisation’s standards and values. You will begin by identifying the organisation’s requirements for management performance. When you understand what qualities are required, you will go on to develop and implement performance plans for teams and individuals, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) according to business objectives. The next step is to locate and assess the organisation’s standards and values for conducting business and identify how your own performance will contribute to upholding these. After aligning your own behaviour with organisational values, you will model leadership behaviour, facilitating individual’s and team’s active participation in team decision-making processes, developing plans and using feedback processes to monitor the implementation and impact of decisions. This Module will help you to transition from being a team member to taking responsibility for the work and performance of others. As you provide this first level of leadership within an organisation, you will have a strong influence on the work culture, values and ethics of your team.

This module focuses on the teamwork skills required for a team leader or supervisor. The starting point is to identify common objectives, responsibilities and required outcomes, and then use performance plans and appropriate strategies to ensure team members are accountable for their roles and responsibilities. It is also necessary to plan for contingencies that could impact the team. Coordinating the team and individuals requires communicating objectives and responsibilities to team members, allocating tasks based on expertise or development potential and providing appropriate instructions. The best teams use open and respectful communication and collaboration between team members and consider the needs of those from diverse backgrounds. Great gains can be made by identifying opportunities for cross-collaboration between external and internal teams and individuals. A strong leader supports their team members with coaching, identifying and helping to resolve task-related issues and inefficiencies, and uses problem-solving skills to deal with challenges. Finally, you will measure team member performance and provide constructive feedback, identifying specific learning and development opportunities and implementing action plans to address individual and team training needs.

In this module, we identify the importance of treating individuals and groups from different backgrounds, cultures and languages with respect and sensitivity. You will identify and support the positive qualities of people, understand how past experiences may impact their behaviour, and consider the impact of management decisions on human values. You will be able to provide support to others by identifying their knowledge, skills and experience and sharing your own knowledge and skills with them and will use active listening skills to resolve issues in culturally appropriate and sensitive ways. You will understand the importance of demonstrating approachability and openness to suggestions and will develop strategies to support a team approach. You will identify issues that may cause cross-cultural conflict or misunderstanding and work to mitigate them. And finally, you will encourage and provide feedback to people about their performance.

This module will help you to use creative techniques to provoke a response, reaction and critical discussion. You may be involved in contributing and presenting ideas relating to new products, services, processes or creative works and need to communicate ideas persuasively. Understanding your audience and the purpose of your communication, you will evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of communication. You will review persuasive techniques and identify specific ways to provoke and encourage response and will consider any potential challenges and find strategies for mitigation. After research and documentation, you will present key ideas, respond to questions with relevant information and use feedback to refine communication.