Yes+I+can+Manage+Case+Study

=Name of Project = =Yes, I Can Manage! = =Executive Summary =

This project developed an assessment tool that brought together three core competencies from the Diploma of Management (People Management, Operational Planning and Manage Budgets and Finances) in an integrated and realistic assessment.

=Background=

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia is a national association representing the interests of Pharmacists and providing continuing professional education for Pharmacists and their staff. This project was developed by the PSA Tasmania Branch in collaboration with the PSA Registered Training Organisation and the national Professional Development Unit.

The aim of the project was to develop a holistic and integrated assessment tool for the Diploma of Management to address three key units (People Management, Operational Planning and Manage Budgets and Finances). This summative assessment tool was needed as previously each unit was assessed individually and the candidate did not have the opportunity to demonstrate the ability to integrate management skills which is required at the Diploma level.

=What was done=

Our first task was to bring the critical aspects of assessment together and develop a real life scenario that could enable the demonstration of these aspects. The scenario chosen was that of expanding an existing business. Three contexts were developed, two simulated and the third the candidates own workplace. As the competencies required demonstration of monitoring and taking corrective action there was also a need to develop simulated situations for staffing and budgets where candidates could demonstrate these abilities.

The draft assessment tools were trialled with 17 Pharmacists from across Tasmania following a face to face session that brought this group together to go over the learning material associated with the competencies. In addition sections of the assessment tool were trialled with another 12 participants for feedback. The complete assessment tool has been reviewed by an experienced trainer in the field. An assessment plan and guide for assessors has been developed for implementation of the assessment tool.

=Benefits experienced by=

This project was an opportunity to put assessment theory into practice without relying on the workplace to produce the environment for assessment. We attempted to create a realistic e-learning situation while using quite simple software solutions using Articulate. The benefit for us is that we have been able to produce a product that addresses our needs and we can improve on this process and the products in the future.

=Lessons learnt=

During the project we backtracked at least twice. Not regarding the software but rather the challenge of developing a valid assessment tool that would not lead a candidate but enable them to demonstrate their skills.

We learnt that we could not remove the assessor from this summative assessment as for many management situations there is no “right” answer and requires creative and innovative problem solving.

=The results=

Our project enabled us to produce the deliverables identified in our application but also enabled us to work through a range of issues associated with clustered assessment and the use of e-learning.

=Project Outputs=

 [word 199 KB]
 * A summative assessment tool for three core competencies from the Diploma of Management. **

 [pdf 247 KB]

 <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[word 191 KB]
 * <span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif'; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">An assessment plan and assessor guide. **

<span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">[pdf 190 KB]

=Framework connection=

The national training system’s e-learning Strategy, the Australian Flexible Learning Framework funds and supports <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E-learning Innovations projects which aim to embed e-learning into the national training system by supporting and enabling innovation in training design and delivery, at the state and territory level.

<span style="font-family: 'Arial','sans-serif';">This project will contribute to the use of e learning for assessment across the VET system.

=Acknowledgement=

This is a insert state/territory <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">E-learning Innovations project output, developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia, with seed funding from the Framework.

=For more information=

For more information on the Australian Flexible Learning Framework: Phone: 07 3307 4700 Email: <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">enquiries@flexiblelearning.net.au <span style="font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;">Website: flexiblelearning.net.au