1
Tasmanian School of Business and Economics
BAA709
Corporate Internship
Semester 2, 2014
Unit Team:
Unit Coordinator:
Mr Norton Grey
Tutor:
Ms Elly Hope
Corporate Internship Mentors
CRICOS Provider Code: 00586B
2
Contact Details
Unit Coordinator: Mr Norton Grey
Campus: Hobart
Room Number: 411, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, Sandy Bay campus
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 6226 2377
Consultation Time: By Appointment
Tutor: Ms Elly Hope
Campus: Hobart
Room Number: 428, Tasmanian School of Business and Economics, Sandy Bay campus
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +61 3 6226 2714
Consultation Time: By Appointment
3
Contents
Contact Details ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 2
Unit Description …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 4
Intended Learning Outcomes and Generic Graduate Attributes .………………………………………….. Page 5
Learning Expectations …………………………………………………….…………………….………………………………. Page 6
Learning Resources ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. Page 6
Details of Teaching Arrangements ………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 7
Assessment …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 8
Specific Attendance and Performance Requirements……………………………………………………………. Page 10
Penalties and requests for extension of assignments ………………………………………………………….. Page 11
Academic Referencing …………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Page 11
Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism ………….………………………………………………………………………. Page 11
Getting Assistance ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… Page 12
Internship Mentor Assessment Criteria ………………………………………………………………………………… Page 14
4
1. Unit Description
This Unit integrates work and learning for final year Master’s degree students. It carries a 25%
weighting (equivalent to two units), and is an elective unit or specialisation unit in Master’s degrees
offered by the TSBE. You will undertake a corporate internship (project/s and or tasks) with a
business organisation in the public, private or not-for-profit sector in Tasmania that employs or
trains staff and be assigned a Mentor from within the organisation. Specific work projects,
assignments and related duties for you are determined in discussion between you and the
nominated representative/s of the internship business organisation (the ‘Internship Mentor’) and
the TSBE, in order to ensure that appropriate standards are maintained. During the term of the
internship the Unit Director will liaise closely with you, the Internship Mentor and TSBE Postgraduate
Course Coordinators.
Pre-Requisite/Co-Requisite Unit(s)
Enrolment in this unit is subject to satisfactory performance in your Master’s degree (Distinction average, minimum) and permission from the Faculty Postgraduate Course Coordinator and the Director of the Corporate Internship Program. The application process is competitive and there are no guarantees you will obtain a placement.
Enrolment in the Unit
Enrolment in the unit will be possible only after completion of all the following stages in the order in which they are listed:
1. An enrolment check to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria; 2. Online application received by Programme Director for an internship project/placement
advertised on the Corporate Internship website (Note: you are also encouraged to source your own internships, subject to approval by the Programme Director);
3. Attendance at an interview conducted by the business organisation offering the internship project/s;
4. Offer of an internship placement by business organisation following the interview; 5. With permission from Program Director and Postgraduate Course Coordinator, enrol in
Corporate Internship study unit: BAA709 = 25% weighted unit = 2 day p/w per semester internship placement
INTERCAMPUS TRAVEL
The Workshop in week 12 will be held in Launceston. The Poster presentation session in Week 13
will be held in Hobart. ALL enrolled students are required to attend the face-to-face workshop and
poster presentation. Transport between campuses will be provided by the University and students
are expected to take that transport except in exceptional circumstances and by prior arrangement
with the Unit Coordinator.
5
2. Intended Learning Outcomes and Generic Graduate Attributes
Learning Outcomes
Assessment Criteria – In assessing this learning outcome I will be looking at student ability to:
Assessment Methods
Graduate Attribute Outcomes
a): Critical reflection on the skills, capabilities and knowledge acquired in the 1
st,
2nd
and 3rd
years of study in your undergraduate degree and elsewhere and their application to the internship project(s) and related tasks. Understanding limitations of university study and its application to a corporate environment.
Link UTAS Graduate Attributes: knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, social responsibility, global perspective
Weekly journal entries.
Workshop
Poster presentation
Knowledge: The ability to transfer knowledge acquired during your university studies and elsewhere to complex business situations and to transmit that knowledge to business professionals for critical discussion, evaluation and/or implementation. Acquire knowledge of corporate culture, structures, practices and procedures, the nature of project-based work and business project reporting. Development of self-knowledge and lifelong learning skills to further fulfilment of professional and personal career aspirations.
Communication: The ability to engage in persuasive, succinct discussions. Communicate orally and in writing to support a position held. Create clear and detailed analyses and research-based recommendations for business stakeholders. Develop and/or augment business report writing skills. Communicate knowledge-transfer through clear, concise business and academic report writing. Problem Solving: The ability to apply logical, critical and creative thinking to complex business problems. A critical grasp of theoretical frameworks and practices and the ability to integrate and apply them to problem resolution in a business context. The ability to locate, evaluate, analyse and use information from a range of appropriate media to achieve outcomes associated with the internship project(s) and related tasks. Global Perspective: Develop and demonstrate awareness of the local, national and/or global context of your study discipline and/or professional area and impact of same in relation to your internship project(s) and related tasks. Develop awareness of the interconnectedness of business activity with economic, social and/or political decision-making. Social Responsibility: Develop awareness of and the ability to identify and articulate ethical issues involved in business planning and strategy development with executives and key stakeholders. Demonstrate awareness of the implications of your decisions and actions upon others in a corporate context. Develop awareness of potential social and economic impacts of enterprise activity on specific social groups and appreciate the impact of social change through the decision-making processes and economic imperatives of business and industry.
Critical reflection (with evidence) on applicability (or not), of university-acquired theories, concepts and methods to undertake and complete internship business project (s) and related tasks
As above
b): Integration of acquired skills, capabilities and knowledge from university studies with practical experience in the workplace. Integration of corporate knowledge and skills acquired in workplace to university studies. Public presentation of project outcomes and learning experiences.
Link UTAS Graduate Attributes: knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, social responsibility, global perspective
As above
Research, analyse, evaluate and provide recommendations to decision-makers in the workplace. Critically evaluate (with evidence), the integration of university-acquired theories, concepts and methods to the internship business project and related tasks. Synthesise skills, capabilities and knowledge acquired from university studies with those acquired in the internship corporate environment. Collaborate with peers. Present project findings and reflections on learning experience in poster format.
As above
c): Capacity to perform project-based work assignments and provide project reports on such assignments to decision-makers in the workplace
Link UTAS Graduate Attributes: knowledge, problem-solving skills, communication, social responsibility, global perspective
As above
Performance during completion of project-based tasks assigned by workplace Mentor and/or Project Leader
Internship Business/Mentor evaluation of Internship business project and related tasks
6
3. Learning Expectations
The University is committed to a high standard of professional conduct in all activities, and holds its
commitment and responsibilities to its students as being of paramount importance. Likewise, it
holds expectations about the responsibilities students have as they pursue their studies within the
special environment the University offers. The University’s Code of Conduct for Teaching and
Learning states:
Students are expected to participate actively and positively in the teaching/learning
environment. They must attend classes when and as required, strive to maintain steady
progress within the subject or unit framework, comply with workload expectations, and
submit required work on time.
To undertake this unit you MUST strive to meet the expectations of the TSBE and the University as
stated.
Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
The University is committed to providing a safe and secure teaching and learning environment. In
addition to specific requirements of this unit you should refer to the University’s policy at:
http://www.admin.utas.edu.au/hr/ohs/pol_proc/ohs.pdf
4. Learning Resources Access to MyLO - Corporate Internship unit BAA709
MyLO
MyLO software has been incorporated into the delivery of this unit to enhance the learning
experience by providing access to up to date course materials and by allowing for online discussion
through this web based environment.
To access MyLO from your own computer you will need the appropriate software, and hardware to
run that software. See Learning Online at http://uconnect.utas.edu.au/ for computer software you
will need.
Note: Older computers may not have the hardware to run some of the required software
applications. Contact your local IT support person or the Service Desk on 6226 1818 if you
experience difficulties.
Privacy Policy and Notice
The Tasmanian School of Business and Economics takes the utmost care to protect the privacy and
security of your personal information and to ensure its accuracy. If you have any concerns about
your privacy in MyLO please contact the unit coordinator or view the University of Tasmania MyLO
Privacy Policy Statement available from the university website on
http://www.utas.edu.au/coursesonline/privacy.htm.
7
Prescribed Texts, Journals and Periodicals
Apart from books, you will find it valuable to get into the practice of reading relevant articles from journals and periodicals (including newspapers and magazines). There are no prescribed texts, academic and related journals or periodicals for this unit.
5. Details of Teaching Arrangements There will be a compulsory 2 hour seminar in Week 1 of the semester. At this seminar (video-linked between Hobart, Launceston and Cradle Coast as required) you will be introduced to the programme and other interns, obtain advice about assessment tasks and requirements and review relevant UTAS policy relating to the internship programme. Note: the seminar will not be repeated.
At the commencement of your internship placement, you will attend an initial meeting with the
Internship Mentor. At the meeting a programme of work will be determined involving the
completion of one or more major projects that shall be agreed upon together with the performance
of any related duties. The programme of work will include reference to your Pre-Placement Learning
Plan (PPLP). Thereafter you will commence work on the project/s and related duties as directed by
the Internship Mentor.
Time spent by you completing the major project/s and related duties in the workplace will be the
equivalent of two (2) days per week for a 13-week period (26 days).
You are required to attend the business premises of the Internship Mentor or such other place as
may be directed by the Mentor on each of the 26 days during business hours from 9.00am to
5.00pm or during such other period of eight (8) hours as may be agreed with the Internship Mentor
and the Unit Director in accordance with the Programme of Work. During the period of the
internship, you will be under the direct supervision of the Internship Mentor and you will carry out
such activities as may be directed by them in connection with the major project/s and related duties.
Placement Visit & Contact
The Unit Coordinator will liaise with the Internship Mentor and with you during the period of the
internship and will make at least one visit to you both at the internship workplace midway through
your internship at a time as shall be agreed between you. Additional visits can be arranged if
required. You are expected to contact the Unit Coordinator on a regular basis via email, as necessary,
and respond to all requests from the Unit Coordinator for information about the internship, in a
timely manner. All communication relating to the programme MUST be through your UTAS account.
Communication, Consultation and Appointments
Communication with TSBE staff throughout the internship period is via your UTAS email account.
Individual consultation with the Programme Director and other teaching staff is by appointment.
8
6. Assessment
Assessment Schedule
Assessment Task/External Assessment Date due Percentage
Weighting
1. Pre-Placement Learning Plan Week 1 (submit to
Mentor)
-
2. Reflective Journal Entries 12 noon Friday in
weeks 2-11
30%
3. Workshop & Poster Presentation Weeks 12 &13.
Dates and times
TBA.
40%
4. Internship Mentor Evaluation (External Assessment) Not due from the
student
30%
Assessment Details
1. Pre-Placement Learning Plan (PPLP) (compulsory but not assessed)
Task Description
It will be helpful for your Mentor to understand your background knowledge and experience, as well
as what you hope to learn from your internship placement. To help you to clarify and articulate your
personal learning objectives, a template PPLP will be provided to you prior to your first meeting with
the Internship Mentor. You are expected to complete the template, add any additional information
you think relevant, and bring this with you to the first meeting. Your PPLP will directly inform
reflection and evaluation in this unit.
Task Length Template provided
Due Date Week 1 – submit to Mentor at first meeting
2. Reflective Journal Entries - 30%
Task Description
You will be required to present weekly Reflective Journal entries in respect of all work and activities
undertaken in connection with the major project/s. Journal entries will focus on specific questions
which will be released via MyLO each Monday at 0900. You will respond to these questions with
reference to your PPLP, the specific project/s you have completed, and your experience of learning
as a student intern.
9
Task Length 500 words per entry
Due date Weekly - 12 noon Friday in Weeks 2-11. Submit via Dropbox in MyLO.
3. Workshop & Poster Presentation - 40%
Task Description
You will use your specific project/s and reflection on attainment of PPLP objectives as a basis for a
poster display and presentation.
Week 12 – A one-day workshop will be held at which you will review your internship experiences,
design your poster presentation, update your CV and collaborate with other interns to in
preparation for the Poster Session. Supplementary information will be provided on MyLO, including
guidelines for preparing posters and the presentation session, links to websites which illustrate how
to create effective posters and a YouTube clip which demonstrates how a poster session works in
practice.
Week 13 – Poster presentation at TSBE. You will design and produce a poster which will provide a
snapshot of your internship project, your experience and your reflections on the skills, knowledge
and abilities you have acquired. The posters will be displayed in a Poster Session at the TSBE.
Business mentors and academics from TSBE and the broader University community will be invited to
attend. Refreshments will be provided and the atmosphere will be collaborative and relaxed.
Participation in a Poster Session requires you to engage in interactive conversation with audience
members i.e. you will be expected to talk to your poster and be prepared to discuss your
experiences and learning with the invited guests and other students. This aspect of the assessment
can be quite challenging for students who may not have previously presented work in this way; you
may be required to engage in various levels of conversation because some audience members may
know little about the topic and others may have an extensive knowledge and wish to discuss the
internship project in depth. For this reason, the workshop in Week 12 will include guidance for
producing poster, presentation formats, topics that may be covered, design and layout and
discussion about engagement with guests.
Task Length Not specified. Poster presentation.
Due Date Weeks 12 & 13. Dates TBA.
4. Mentor Evaluation - 30%
Task Description
During the course of the internship, the Internship Mentor will evaluate the work and activities
undertaken by you in connection with the major project/s. The Internship Mentor will advise the
Unit Coordinator and you of the nature and content of the evaluations on a regular basis. The
evaluations may be provided orally and/or in writing. You shall comply with any and all reasonable
directions provided by the Internship Mentor in connection with the activities undertaken in
connection with the major project/s, the related duties or otherwise. At the conclusion of the
internship period, the Internship Mentor will provide to the Unit Coordinator a formal written
evaluation of all work and activities undertaken by you in connection with the major project/s. An
10
electronic version of the pro forma in this Unit Outline will be used by the Internship Mentor for the
purposes of the formal written evaluation.
Assessment/Learning Outcomes/Generic Graduate Attributes Matrix
Le
arn
ing
Ou
tco
me
s
Reflective Journal Entries
Workshop & Poster Presentation
Internship Business/Mentor Evaluation
a
b
c
Ge
ne
ric
Gra
du
ate
Att
rib
ute
s
Knowledge
Communication
Problem-solving
Global perspective
Social Responsibility
Assessment in this unit tests the extent to which the learning outcomes referred to above have been
achieved.
7. Specific Attendance/Performance Requirements
Subject to illness or other compassionate grounds accepted by the Unit Coordinator, you are
expected to attend the workplace of the Internship Mentor for two days per week for a period of 13
weeks (26 days) for 8 hours per day OR the equivalent thereof in accordance with the Programme of
Work agreed with the Internship Mentor and the Unit Coordinator.
It is most important that any information gained in the workplace be kept CONFIDENTIAL between
you, the Internship Mentor and the Unit Coordinator, including when you post any questions or
comments to the Discussion Board on MyLO. Where required by the Internship Sponsor, you and the
Unit Coordinator will sign additional confidentiality agreements.
You must achieve both an overall mark of 50% AND have completed and submitted each item of
assessment to pass the unit.
11
8. Penalties and requests for extension of assignments
Written coursework not submitted by the due date and time will incur a penalty of 10% of the
available marks for EACH DAY the coursework is late.
Consistent with the TSBE’s Policy on late submission of coursework, extensions of time will only be
granted on medical or compassionate grounds. Requests for extension must be made to the Unit
Coordinator in writing on the TSBE’s Corporate Internship Assignment Extension Form available from
MyLO or the Unit Director.
Medical certificates or other evidence, which supports the application, must be attached.
Certificates attached must be valid for:
The period during which the assignment was being prepared; AND
Cover you for the number of working days past the due date.
Extension requests must be made BEFORE the assignment deadline.
Tasmanian School of Business and Economics Late Assessment Policy
A full copy of the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics late assessment policy is available
from the TSBE homepage - http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/business/business/policies.asp.
9. Academic Referencing
In your Reflective Journal Entries you will need to support your ideas and comments by referring to
scholarly literature and/or other literature/documents (e.g. literature, documents, etc.,
prepared/used by the Internship Mentor). It is important that you understand how to correctly refer
to the work of others and maintain academic integrity. Failure to appropriately acknowledge the
ideas of others constitutes academic dishonesty (plagiarism), a matter considered by the University
of Tasmania as a serious offence (see below).
For this unit you will be required to adhere to the Harvard system of referencing. For further
information on referencing styles go to: http://utas.libguides.com/referencing
10. Academic Misconduct and Plagiarism Academic misconduct includes cheating, plagiarism, allowing another student to copy work for an assignment or an examination and any other conduct by which a student:
(a) seeks to gain, for themselves or for any other person, any academic advantage or advancement to which they or that other person are not entitled; or (b) improperly disadvantages any other student
Students engaging in any form of academic misconduct may be dealt with under the Ordinance of
Student Discipline, and this can include imposition of penalties that range from a
deduction/cancellation of marks to exclusion from a unit or the University. Details of penalties that
12
can be imposed are available in the Ordinance of Student Discipline – Part 3 Academic Misconduct,
see http://www.utas.edu.au/universitycouncil/legislation/.
Plagiarism is a form of cheating. It is taking and using someone else’s thoughts, writings or
inventions and representing them as your own, for example:
using an author’s words without putting them in quotation marks and citing the source; using an author’s ideas without proper acknowledgment and citation; or copying another student’s work
If you have any doubts about how to refer to the work of others in your assignments please refer
to the academic integrity resources at:
http://www.utas.edu.au/tl/supporting/academicintegrity/index.html.
The intentional copying of someone else’s work as one’s own is a serious offence punishable by
penalties that may range from a fine or deduction/cancellation of marks and, in the most serious of
cases, to exclusion from a unit, a course or the University.
The University and any persons authorised by the University may submit your assessable works to
a plagiarism checking service, to obtain a report on possible instances of plagiarism. Assessable
works may also be included in a reference database. It is a condition of this arrangement that the
original author’s permission is required before a work within the database can be viewed.
For further information on this statement and general referencing guidelines, see
http://www.utas.edu.au/plagiarism/ or follow the link under ‘Policy, Procedures and Feedback’ on
the Current Students homepage.
11. Getting Assistance
If you have any concerns about this unit then in the first instance you should discuss the matter with
the Unit Coordinator.
Difficulties with Studies, Personal Problems, Disability and Illness
If you are experiencing difficulties with the internship or in satisfying the assessment requirements
for the internship, have personal or life planning issues, disability or illness which may affect the
course of the internship, you should raise this with the Unit Coordinator and one of the following
staff as soon as possible: Student Advisor, Student Counsellor, Careers Adviser and/or Disability
Adviser.
Information about services and support for students provided by the University may be obtained
from the University Website: http://services.admin.utas.edu.au/
University and TSBE Equity Plans
The University's Equity Plan is a dynamic document. It identifies eight key principles that underpin
four broad goals. The strategies, performance measures and responsibilities are placed in the
University Plan context and format. Through these the Equity Plan promotes, in a practical way, the
13
image of an inclusive community where diversity is embraced and celebrated, rights are protected
and all students and staff are able to achieve their full potential.” University of Tasmania Equity Plan:
http://services.admin.utas.edu.au/equity/Equity_Plan/Text/index.htm
Student Complaints and Appeals
There are a number of avenues available to you if you have not been able to resolve a concern to
your satisfaction through informal means. You can obtain information about these processes from:
http://www.utas.edu.au/studentconcerns/
14
12. Internship Mentor Assessment Criteria
30% of the total assessment for this unit comprises an evaluation of your performance by the
Internship Mentor. It is recommended that the Internship Mentor award a mark out of 20 for each of
the following criterion at the completion of the internship. An electronic version of the form will be
submitted to the Unit Coordinator and the marks aggregated and reduced to a mark worth 30%
overall. Internship Mentors are encouraged to provide comments based on their experiences
working with their intern and to share these with them thus contributing to the student’s learning.
The form should be completed in the final week of the internship placement period. This document
will be made available to interns upon completion of the unit.
Criteria Mark (out of 20) + Comments Use the scale below this table when assigning the mark.
General attributes (e.g., punctuality, personal presentation,
willingness to learn and accept direction from others, capacity to
work independently, interpersonal skills, social responsibility in
workplace)
Comments:
Mark:
Communication skills (e.g., demonstrate high standards of oral and
written communication skills through ability to: access, interpret,
organise and present information effectively; use appropriate
medium for communication; listen to and evaluate views of others;
communicate own ideas effectively)
Comments:
Mark:
Problem-solving skills (e.g., able to: identify critical issues relevant
to work being undertaken; conceptualise problems and formulate
appropriate solutions; learn new skills and apply them appropriately
in the workplace; work effectively with others; demonstrate
initiative, apply logical, critical and/or creative thinking to a range of
problems; able to organise self)
Comments:
Mark:
Knowledge (e.g., able to demonstrate: awareness of core business,
management structure and culture of organisation; understanding
of information imparted and assigned tasks; application of relevant
technical and/or informational (academic) skills to assigned tasks;
capacity to identify learning needs and understand limit of current
knowledge relevant to assigned tasks)
Comments:
Mark:
Project Requirements (e.g., all tasks completed to agreed
organisational requirements, quality of work, capacity to meet set
deadlines, overall contribution to business organisation)
Comments:
Mark:
Please use the following scale to help you assign a mark out of 20 for each item above:
Excellent Good Neither good nor poor Poor Very poor
20 15 10 5 0
