Professional skills? - 'When the going gets tough, the tough have a meeting'

Barbara de la Harpe
Centre for Educational Advancement
Curtin University of Technology

This paper looks at the implementation of the Professional Skills project in the Curtin Business School. After an agonising process of defining the meaning of professional skills, the project was implemented in 1998. First year unit controllers were asked to integrate skills into the courses. Standard unit outlines were created and icons were used to identify which skills would be taught in each course. Despite the best endeavours of some dedicated staff the project went off the rails in 1999 and attempts to re-rail it in 2000 have been tough. After many meetings the project may live again. In the meantime the Federal Government has announced that it will test students for various skills, which coincidentally match the professional skills model.

CBS Taskforce on Professional Skills

1. Writing skills
2. Presentation skills
3. Communication skills
4. Computer literacy
5. Information literacy
6. Team working
7. Decision making

The professional skills project commenced with all first year core units attempting to allocate and integrate the professional skills into various units. At present the six core units taught in first year in the Bachelor of Commerce consist of:

1. Accounting
2. Business Law
3. Economics
4. Marketing
5. Management
6. Information Systems

Implementation of the program

Therefore, it quickly became established that it was not necessary for each core unit to integrate each of the professional skills but rather that there should be an acquisition of the skills over the course of study of all the core units. In other words, writing skills and decision-making skills could feature strongly in Business Law and not feature in other units if they were not appropriate. Likewise, it may be difficult to integrate meaningful computer literacy in a first year Business Law unit, although some attempt at these skills could be made.

The next issue for consideration was; if professional skills were to be integrated into the units, it would be necessary in most cases for the assessment within those units to be altered to accommodate the professional skills.

As time was of the essence, the first year core controllers attempted to integrate the professional skills they chose into their courses and to make decisions on the assessments of those professional skills as they saw fit for first semester. It was never anticipated that first semester would necessarily be a blue print for future course but rather that it would be experimental. In order to indicate to the students which skills they could expect to be taught a system of icons was developed and used in all study guides. Overall a standard study guide was used. (See appendix one)

Throughout semester one of 1999, the course controllers of the core units regularly discussed the implementation of the program. It was thought necessary to attempt to measure the outcomes of the project and an effort was made to develop an instrument which would allow for the measurement of these outcomes. The essence of the instrument was to survey the students at the commencement of the semester to gauge what they considered to be their level of skill in relation to each of the professional skills. The students would then be surveyed later in semester to see whether or not they considered that there had been any improvement in their level of skills. Given that the cohort of students in the 100 units was largely similar across each unit, it was felt possible to survey the students in one of the core units in relation to all professional skills notwithstanding that that particular unit did not attempt to integrate all of the professional skills.

Associated matters

The Video Store and Perception Airlines videos had a number of spin-offs. First, they achieved the objective of alerting students to the need for a range of knowledge in business activity. Second, the videos had beneficial effect for staff who are frequently recognised both on and off campus by students who had seen the videos and appreciated the efforts by staff to contribute to a not-so-serious educational tool. Third, and probably at least as important as the previous two outcome, was the fact that a strong bond developed between core unit controllers (and some general staff who also assisted in the videos) to allow for the easy passage for the establishment of the professional skills core unit controllers discussions.

Problems develop

Consider the situation when the professional skills project was launched. By its nature, the professional skills project required a good deal of reflection by course controllers and schools. First, it was necessary for the course controller, and subsequently schools, to identify which skills they considered were important for their discipline. Second, it was necessary for assessments to be reconsidered, redeveloped and in some cases, abandoned where those assessment were inappropriate. Third, a considerable amount of foresight was required to anticipate the effect of deciding to incorporate a skill into a unit or likewise to rely upon another core unit and school to develop that skill. For example, if it was the case that writing and decision-making was considered important to Business Law in first year, it is also the case that in second and third year, students would be required to complete longer projects, which would require skills in report writing and referencing. If the report writing and referencing skills were not taught by Business Law but were taught by, for example, Management, could one school rely upon another to teach a particular skill in a way, which would be transferable for their discipline.

The question of assessment was significant. In many cases, core unit controllers realised that the forms of assessment, which they were using, did not actually assess any form of skill but were directed towards content only. If, for example, the writing skill were one which was selected by the core unit controller, how much of the assessment would be given for writing and what part would be given for content.

As time went on, the next question was: who should pick the skills, became more and more discussed This was particularly the case in relation to writing skills where core unit controllers noted that these kinds of skills could include the basic elements of English expression, grammar, etc. Many lecturers and tutors felt that if these writing skills were part of the curriculum there might be some difficulty for them in teaching these skills. Many lecturers and tutors noted the difference between correcting grammar and English expression and teaching a skill which would allow for the improvement of those matters. Others considered that English expression and grammar should not be taught, as they were pre-requisites for all University courses. Further, if a skill was to be taught, then what was the obligation of the unit controller to provide teaching of those skills or the materials available to students for them to acquire the knowledge to develop that skill? Sharp and perhaps artificial distinctions were drawn between teaching and giving access to information that would assist students to master a skill.

And so it was that with those difficulties many debates ensued. In some cases, some core unit controllers insisted that they would make little or no changes to their unit and refused to adapt their assessment. Some unit controllers made no attempt to distinguish between teaching and learning, suggesting that so long as students were given access to information to develop skills, this was adequate. On top of all these issues, was the pressing problem relating to the growing number of international students enrolled in the Bachelor of Commerce studies. With over 50% of students from offshore, a considerable number of issues were raised in relation to the teaching of professional skills such as writing skills and communication skills. In fact in the year 2000 the division appointed a specialist communication skills consultant to cater for the special problems increasing presented by high numbers of international students.

Ongoing debates

First, as was noted by the first year course controllers, the difficulty of horizontal integration of the professional skills project. Which core units should teach which skills? Which core unit is most suited for the development of particular skills and will that core unit adequately allow for cost fertilisation of the skills into other units? If decision making is taught in Business Law, is it necessary for it also to be taught in Management or Marketing? Is decision making in Business Law the same as decision making in Management? If the program is to extent beyond first year, what vertical progression of skills should take place? If some writing skills are developed in Legal Framework 100, what writing skills can then be developed in Law 200 and Law 300 units? If referencing is taught in Management 100, can a lecturer in a Law 200 unit rely upon that instruction as sufficient for the student to complete an adequately referenced report for a Law 200 unit? These were the issues of vertical integration.

Thirdly, as can be inferred from the previous two factors, the question of professional skills by discipline is one that needs to be considered. The simple matter of referencing is often a dilemma for students. It is frequently the case that Law students are asked to reference by Footnote but Management students are required to reference by the Harvard system. This in itself should not present too many difficulties so long students are aware that there are different systems and that they can gain access to the descriptions of those systems either from their lecturers or a few other sources. But it does illustrate the difficulties that are apparent where different professional skills mean different things in different disciplines. That said, it has become clear that some of the methods used in some disciplines have been usefully transposed into others. For example, in Legal Framework 100, a four-step decision making process is outlined for students who are required to utilise this (some would say ad nauseam) extensively throughout the course. An almost identical decision making process was later utilised by a lecturer in postgraduate Accounting units.

Benefits of the program

The development of professional skills is clearly a matter which is useful for employment prospects. Appendix one shows that students are encouraged to collect their course work and materials to compile a portfolio of their work for use in interviews and employment searches. It is anticipated that students will be able to show employers examples of work that demonstrates particular skills.

Future directions and government policy

The bedrock of the professional skills program must be the first year units, but the development of the program will go no further unless there is a willingness for, in the first case, the school and the division to adjust its existing programs to integrate skills into existing courses. This requires flexibility on behalf of course controllers, tutors and lecturers with encouragement and assistance from their immediate heads of school.

What has become apparent is that in many cases, lecturers, tutors and course controllers feel that the provision of professional skills is beyond their expertise. This is particularly the case in relation to writing skills where it has been the case that the Business School has engaged a specialist communication and writing skills consultant. Other than the creation of special positions for skills instruction, it has become clear that course controllers need to be able to gain access to and to provide students with a greater range of materials in relation to the range of skills than would be the case if the course were simply content focussed. For example, in relation to report writing, for the proper development of professional skills, the course controller needs to actually assess report writing and allocate a portion of the mark for report writing skill. Next, the course controller needs to provide students with information in relation to compilation of report and where appropriate, provide copies of sample reports for the students. The same applies to the range skills which may be selected in each unit. It is not simply enough for the skills to be assessed without properly supporting and instructing the students in to those skills. Therefore the proper development a professional skills project requires the course controller to identify the materials needed for each professional skill, this may mean accessing written and Internet or video materials or as is currently being developed at Curtin University collaborative skills seminars, which provide information to students on specific skills for specific units. These seminars are conducted by course controllers in conjunction with the skills consultant.

In some cases, the development of the professional skills program has led to the expansion of course and created a certain amount of timetable squeeze. This occurs where professional skills instruction is provided in tutorials so that sometimes choices have to be made between reducing content to increase skills. The contest between these two often create friction. Overall professional skills project needs to be horizontally and vertically monitored with discussions not simply between course controllers but between schools and various disciplines.

Endnote

1. Wyber, J. and de la Harpe, B. (1999). CBS Professional Skills Task Force Report.

Appendix 1

Contents

Important notice	8
Method of assessment	8
Contents	9
Welcome	9
CV development: Starting Your Portfolio	10
Syllabus	11
Unit material	11
Method of Instruction	12
Method of Assessment	14
Assessment	15
Assessment Tasks	17
The Semester Program	18
The Semester Program (continued)
Supplementary and Deferred examinations	21
Disability	22
University Policy Information	22

Welcome

Content

• A broad outline of the Australian law and its purpose;
• an introduction to the political and legal structure of Australia;
• an introduction to some of the legal rules and principles that govern Australian society;

Professional Skills

Look for the professional skill icon in your assessment tasks to determine which professional skills are being assessed and the mark allocation.

CV development: Starting Your Portfolio

It is likely that future employers will request evidence of professional skill development. A portfolio of your professional skills development is an excellent way to provide this evidence.

You should keep assessed work for your portfolio. We also recommend that you retain all of the study materials, including this Unit Outline, for future reference. You will also be required to submit this portfolio as part of your assessment in one of your final year Units.

Syllabus

• How to study Law
• Concepts and Sources of Law
• The Courts
• Parliament
• Government
• Property Law
• Torts: Negligence
• Negligent Misstatement; s.52 Trade Practices Act 1974 (Cth)
• Employment Law
• Law of Contract
• Crime in the Business

Unit material

Unit outline

Texts

P Latimer Australian Business Law CCH Ltd Sydney 1999

Legal Framework 100: 1999 Study Guide Curtin University of Technology Perth

Butterworths Business and Law Dictionary 1997 - This dictionary is not a compulsory purchase, however it will be a useful aid for this course and other law and business related subjects.

References

Barron M L Fundamentals of Business Law 2nd Edition McGraw-Hill 1997

Chisolm R & Nettheim G Understanding Law 5th Edition Butterworths Sydney 1997

Gillies P Business Law 6th Edition The Federation Press Sydney 1994

Kenny R An Introduction to Criminal Law in Queensland and Western Australia 3rd Edition Butterworths Sydney 1997

Terry A & Giugni D Business, Society & The Law Harcourt Brace Sydney 1994

Vermeesch R B & Lindgren K E Business Law of Australia 8th Edition Butterworths Sydney 1997

Method of Instruction

• 1 x one hour lecture A and 1x one hour lecture B (ie. 2 lectures) per week (on the same day)
• 1 x one-hour tutorial per week.

Lectures

Because of student numbers and time constraints, a free exchange of questions and comments between students and lecturer during lectures is generally not possible. However, you may approach your lecturer to discuss or clarify points arising from the lecture immediately after the lecture (if there is time), or at the lecturer's designated consultation time. You can get copies of the lecture PowerPoint slides from the Legal Framework 100 WebCT site.

Tutorials

• provide a small group forum for learning and applying decision making, and written and oral communication skills,
• administer two tutorial tests, and to provide feedback,
• assess students knowledge and professional skills,
• provide an opportunity for you to raise with your tutor questions about the course (eg. difficulties experienced with textbooks, with tutorial questions, or the tutorial tests)

The first two tutorials have been designed to help you understand the way to learn law, and to get to know the members of your tutorial group.

The rest of the tutorials will focus on analysis and group discussions of the questions found in the Study Guide, at the end of Topics 3 - 11 inclusive. You should read the tutorial questions before you come to the tutorial, and be prepared to discuss them.

In Law there is no one correct answer; rather, alternative conclusions are available. You should not, therefore, fear being "wrong", or be scared of speaking out in case you are wrong. You should express your point of view. It is more important to participate in tutorial discussion, than to arrive at the "correct" answer to a tutorial question. Participation will help you develop oral communication skills

The Tutorial Program contained in the Semester Program indicates that each tutorial is based on the previous week's lecture topic. Your tutor may depart from this program. You will be given notice of any changes to the program. Given the time constraints it may not be possible to deal with all tutorial questions.

Do not change tutorials without the consent of the course controller and your tutor. This will only be given if you have good reason for being unable to attend the tutorial that you have been allocated. The following are not appropriate reasons;

• "My friend is in the other tutorial."
• "I don't like coming in on Fridays."
• "I don't have any other classes on that day."
• "It's too early for me to come in."

Method of Assessment

Multiple choice test	25%
Tutorial tests (written essays) (15% and 20%)	35%
Final examination	40%
Total	100%

Multiple choice test

You must do this multiple-choice test. Failure to so do will result in forfeiture of the allocated 25% assessment.

The test is held in the Computer Managed Learning Centre. The Computer Managed Learning Centre is in the Robertson Library Building 105 in room 510. (Enter the Library turnstiles to take the lift to the fifth floor.)

You can make a booking with the Computer Managed Learning Centre as soon as the semester begins.

No books, notes, statutes or other materials are to be taken into the Computer Managed Learning Centre.

Self-marking multiple-choice questions, which cover all the remaining topics in the unit, are available on the Law Web CT site http://webct.curtin.edu.au. These questions are not compulsory; they do not make up part of the assessment. You can use them for revision. The tutorial questions from topics 1-4 will guide you as to what to expect in the multiple-choice test.

Tutorials tests

The first test

The second test

Tutorial tests will be assessed in accordance with the Feedback and Self-Assessment sheet attached to this Unit Outline.

Final examination

• You must answer two of these questions.
• All questions will be in problem style, and so you will need to use the four-step process.
• The final examination will focus on topics 5 to 11 of the course.
• Topics 1 to 4 will feature in the examination but will not be a major focus. It should be understood that topics 1 to 4 provide a framework for understanding all topics in the course.

Assessment

Important information about assessment

The Unit Controller may only alter due dates, assessment requirements, compulsory attendance and submission requirements as stated in this Unit Outline with the consent of the majority of students enrolled in the Unit.

The Final Exam will be held during the formal examination period.

It is your responsibility to check the date and the time of the Final Exam. The date and the time of the final exam will not be announced during lecture sessions.

University policy disallows information regarding the exam timetable to be given over the telephone.

No final results are available prior to the Board of Examiners meeting held after the exam. Results for this Unit are published on the WWW. You will be officially notified in writing by the University of your Final Result.

Assessment Tasks - Legal Framework 100

The Semester Program - Legal Framework 100

Supplementary and Deferred examinations

Supplementary examinations

Deferred examinations

Note that it is not generally regarded to be a reasonable cause/excuse to fail to attend for the following reasons:

• Attended the examination late,
• Forgot the date of the examination,
• Went to the wrong examination venue
• Was unprepared for the examination,
• Did not have time to study for the examination.

For more detailed information on Policies and Procedures relating to Examinations, students should refer to the WWW via the CBSHomPage.

Disability

University Policy Information

Academic Malpractice

Copyright

Information on the University Policy in relation to copyright and resulting disciplinary action can be viewed by following the First Year link on the CBSHomePage.

Self -assessment and Feedback

You do not need to bring this sheet with you. Your tutor will supply you with a sheet on the day of the tutorial test.

You should consider the points raised in the sheet. You will notice that it follows the main principles of the 4 step process.

After you have completed the test, you must complete your Self-assessment and Feedback sheet with a pencil and hand it in with your answer booklet.

When your tutor has marked the tutorial test paper, the sheet will be returned to you with the tutor's assessment of the paper. You will be able to compare your self-assessment and the assessment given by the tutor. If there is a large difference in your assessment and the tutor's then you should discuss this with your tutor.

It is important to note that the points noted on the Self-assessment and Feedback sheet do not necessarily correlate with the mark that has been given by your tutor. It does not follow that because you have been given a number of "5" scores that you will be given a high mark. If you have been given lower scores on some of the other points you may not achieve a high score.