Work Based Experience Assignment
Qualification - BTEC Higher National Diploma in Business (Marketing)
Unit number and title - Unit 17 Work Based Experience Assignment
QFC Level - Level 5
Purpose of assignment
Work-based learning has increasingly become an area of interest for the higher education (HE) sector. It is seen as a means by which to support the personal and professional development of students who are already in work or about to work and the focus of the learning and development tends to be on the student's workplace activities.
Knowledge creation and the deployment of new knowledge in the workplace have given rise to the workplace itself being recognised as a site of learning and knowledge production. This concept is an integral feature of the ‘knowledge economy' and the growing intellectual capital of businesses has the potential to erode awarding bodies as being the dominant force in knowledge creation. If HE is to continue to contribute to the knowledge economy, collaborative activities based in and around the workplace should be considered.
The challenge for global business is to compete on the basis of unique value. This will necessitate investments in new products, processes or services and in new ways of doing business. Measures to develop the enterprise skills and creativity of the workforce are likely to be a prerequisite. The speed of technological change and market responses demand a continuous drive to innovate. Work based experience has a key role to play in supporting businesses to innovate.
Case Studies
An important learning methodology is the extensive use of case studies. They enable learners to apply the concepts that they learn in their subjects. The learners have to study the case, analyse the facts presented and arrive at conclusions and recommendations. This assists in the assessment of the learner's ability to apply to the real world the tools and techniques of analysis which they have learnt. The case study serves as a supplement to the theoretical knowledge imparted through the course work
Aim:
A significant amount of learning can be achieved by carrying out practical activities in a workplace. Learning may be enhanced by taking a more formal approach to work-based activities - by planning, carrying out the activities and reflecting on the benefits of the activities to the business and to the learner.
Work Based Experienceis designed to allow flexibility of study for part-time and full-time students. It is expected that learners will be supervised in the workplace in addition to their academic supervisor. Learners will have the opportunity, supported by their supervisors, to negotiate and perform activities which will allow them to fulfil the assessment criteria for this unit. They will recognise the scope of what they have achieved by recording evidence from carrying out the activities. They will also gain maximum benefit by reflection on and evaluation of the work they undertake
Scenario
The key objective of this assignment is to enable you to experience the scope and depth of learning which may take place in a work based context by planning, monitoring and evaluating the work experience within Travel and tourism sector. To fulfil this objective, You are asked to either choose an organisation of your choice and identify a job description of your passion where you want to pursue it as your career in travel and tourism, or a Job of your choice where you are experienced and want to upgrade your work experience relating to travel and tourism, or a business plan that you want to start in the area relating to travel and tourism sector as this will help you build up the required industry experience. Through work placement or creating a business plan learners should be able to collect a portfolio of evidence for other units in the qualification. A work experience portfolio or progress file or written report should be put together addressing all learning outcomes and associated assessment criteria as instructed.
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Learning outcomes
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Assessment criteria for a pass
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Task
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LO1 Be able to negotiate industry experience
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1.1
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research and evaluate suitable organisations that could provide industry experience
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1
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1.2
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negotiate with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience
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1
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1.3
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recognise the business constraints on the work experience offered
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1
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LO2 Understand the specific requirements of the placement
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2.1
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agree and prioritise the tasks and responsibilities involved in the work experience
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2
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2.2
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produce a plan for the work experience
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2
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2.3
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analyse the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner
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2
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LO3 Be able to undertake work experience as identified
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3.1
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fulfil specified requirements of placement conforming to all related codes of practice
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3
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3.2
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produce systematic records of work undertaken
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3
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3.3
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revise the initial plan as required
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3
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3.4
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make suggestions for improvement and review these with appropriate supervisor
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3
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LO4 Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
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4.1
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monitor progress against original proposal
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4
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4.2
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evaluate the quality of own performance
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4
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4.3
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analyse the learning which has taken place during the work experience using suitable reflections
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4
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4.4
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make recommendations on how the experience could have been enhanced
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4
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LO1 Be able to negotiate industry experience
Research and evaluate suitable organisations that could provide industry experience. You should research organisations to examine facts and information. Find organisations best suited to your skills or potential future career within travel and tourism.
1.2 Negotiate with work and academic supervisors a proposal for the work experience. You should include your proposal in the appendix which will be used as the basis for negotiation. If you negotiate with the work supervisor by phone, letter or email you should include this evidence as well.
1.3 Recognise the business constraints on the work experience offered. You should consider possible limitations to the business of the work experience offered.
LO 2. Understand the specific requirements of the placement.
Address the job or business plan project for the purpose and answer the following. Note these have to be reflected on the ILWP.
2.1 Agree and prioritise the tasks and responsibilities involved in the work experience. You should agree the tasks with your work supervisor. You should include reasons for prioritisation. You can use a time management grid to help you determine the priorities.
2.2 Produce a plan for the work experience. You should include schedule of tasks, proposed dates for reviews, and expected inputs from supervisors.
2.3 Analyse the benefits of the proposed activities to the business and the learner.
LO 3 Be able to undertake work experience as identified
If you are preparing a business plan you should try to attend free events relating to your business plan and should be clearly evidenced. Address the work experience or business plan project for the purpose and answer the following.
3.1 Fulfil specified requirements of placement conforming to all related codes of practice. You should carryout tasks and project work according to relevant legislation, training and code of practice.
3.2 Produce systematic records of work undertaken. You should undertake systematic and appropriate recording of relevant activities for example by using logbook, diary, portfolio, and spreadsheets.
3.3 Revise the initial plan produced in Task 2.2 as required. You should review activities at the appropriate time if they meet requirements and make alterations as needed.
3.4 Make suggestions for improvement and review these with appropriate supervisor
LO 4. Be able to monitor and evaluate own performance and learning
Address your desired job or business plan towards work experience for the purpose and answer the following.
4.1 Monitor progress against original proposal produced in Task 1.2
4.2 Evaluate the quality of own performance. You need to judge the quality of your own performance. Did you meet industry standards? What were the comments/testimony from supervisors about your performance?
4.3 Analyse the learning which has taken place during the work experience using suitable reflections. Your evidence should be clearly evidenced. You may for example use in your portfolio a reflective journal or management report to record your evidence.
4.4 Following on Task 4.3 you should finally make recommendations on how the experience could have been enhanced. You should for example use the same reflective journal used for Task 4.3.