Unit rationale, description and aim
As future leaders in health care, it is essential for students to be able to apply a theoretical foundation in the leadership and development of independent initiatives in their workplace.
This unit gives students an opportunity to apply a range of advanced knowledge and skills that foster culturally safe, high-quality effective health care through the creation of an effective solution to a unique administrative, leadership, educational or clinical challenge.
This unit provides students with the opportunity to critically evaluate the role of evidence-based, ethical practice through investigation of a self-identified area of challenge or opportunity drawn from a clinical/professional issue. The area of study must be measurable and extend the topic/issue as it relates to the student’s workplace or interest.
The aim of this unit is to provide students with the opportunity to undertake self-directed study and transition to life-long learning as a self-reliant and critically reflective professional.
Learning outcomes
To successfully complete this unit you will be able to demonstrate you have achieved the learning outcomes (LO) detailed in the below table.
Each outcome is informed by a number of graduate capabilities (GC) to ensure your work in this, and every unit, is part of a larger goal of graduating from ACU with the attributes of insight, empathy, imagination and impact.
Explore the graduate capabilities.
Synthesise advanced theoretical and professional k...
Learning Outcome 01
Develop an independent, evidence-based and ethical...
Learning Outcome 02
Critically evaluate evidence from scholarly litera...
Learning Outcome 03
Synthesise project processes and outcomes to commu...
Learning Outcome 04
Content
Module 1
- Project timeline template
- Supervisor meeting template
- Project milestone tracker
Module 2
- Workplace issue/problem identification worksheet
- Problem statement template
- Aim and objectives template
- Stakeholder mapping template
Module 3
- Project plan template
- Project activity plan
- Risk register
- Project success measures
Module 4
- Project progress tracker
- Implementation log
- Change/deviation log
- Stakeholder communication plan
Module 5
- Project evaluation framework
- Outcomes matrix
- Process reflection template
- Evaluation summary template
Module 6
- Recommendations template
- Practice implications worksheet
- Sustainability checklist
- "So what?" reflection
Module 7
- Project report template
- Presentation template
- Final project checklist
- Reflection template
Assessment strategy and rationale
The assessments in this unit enable students to demonstrate the unit learning outcomes and develop graduate attributes consistent with University assessment requirements.
Students will identify an issue suitable for investigation through an independent project, with guidance from teaching staff. Assessment Task 1, a written project proposal, scaffolds the development of the project by establishing its rationale, objectives and proposed approach. Assessment Task 2 is a written Project Report that documents the completed project, including its implementation, evaluation, findings and implications. Assessment Task 3 is an oral presentation of the project findings.
Together, these assessments develop students’ knowledge and skills in independent project work and support their progression towards becoming self-reliant and critically reflective professionals.
To pass the unit, students must demonstrate achievement of every unit learning outcome and obtain a minimum mark of 50% in the unit.
Overview of assessments
Assessment Task 1 - Project Proposal ...
Assessment Task 1 - Project Proposal
Enables students to demonstrate competence in project design by clearly articulating the project's aim, objectives, expected outcomes, timeframes and the evidence supporting the proposed approach.
25%
Assessment Task 2 - Project Report Enables...
Assessment Task 2 - Project Report
Enables students to demonstrate competency in independent project work and advanced written communication, producing a document suitable for dissemination to workplace peers/managers.
50%
Assessment Task 3 - Presentation Enables student...
Assessment Task 3 - Presentation
Enables students to achieve demonstrate competence in professional communication and to showcase their project to professional peers.
25%
Learning and teaching strategy and rationale
Teaching and learning strategies support achievement of the unit and broader course learning outcomes. Students demonstrate specialised knowledge and skills through the development, implementation and evaluation of an independent project. Students are recognised as independent learners and progressively take responsibility for their learning through self-directed study, reflection and engagement with the facilitator. A dialogic and collaborative approach supports students to reflect on their progress, identify areas for development and develop autonomy, project skills and professional practice. Facilitators provide guidance and formative feedback to support achievement of the learning outcomes.
ACU Online
Learning is delivered through online activities and resources, with facilitator communication via virtual platforms, email and/or telephone. A cohort of up to 25 students is supported through online discussion, guidance and formative feedback.
Multimode
Learning is delivered through on-campus and/or synchronous face-to-face activities, supported by online resources and virtual communication. Facilitator guidance, discussion and formative feedback are provided through scheduled learning activities and consultation.
Both modes support students in the final year of the Master by coursework to undertake a self-directed independent project and develop the autonomy, reflective capacity and professional capabilities required for lifelong learning as self-reliant and critically reflective professionals.