Prescription: WX500 Work Experience

Aim of Module	To enable the student to experience a typical work environment involving the use of computers, and to gain an understanding of the particular environment in which the work is done.
Credits	7
Student Learning hours	70
Content Revised	pre 1996
Prescription Expiry Date	Nov 2007

Level and Assessment Schedule
Topics	Highest Skill Level	Suggested Assessment Percentage
1 Purpose and Structure of Organisation	C	40
2 Work Performance	A	60
		100

LEARNING OUTCOMES The Student Will
C	1	Describe the purpose and structure of an organisation which utilises computers and for which the student performs work.
A	2	Perform computer related tasks, for the organisation described under learning outcome 1 above, assigned during the work experience period, in a manner expected of a regular employee of the organisation.

CONTENT

1	Purpose and Structure of Organisation

>	The student will prepare a report which describes the organisation. The student will need to spend about half a day researching items for the report, but should use opportunities as they arise to accumulate the facts and opinions required.
>	Suggested list of contents:
		- Description of the purpose of the organisation for which the work is done.
>	An explanation of the business environment in which the organisation operates, including a brief history of the organisation, what competition there is for its products or services, and future prospects.
>	A description of the personnel structure of the organisation
>	A description of the hardware and software used by the organisation.
>	A description of the uses to which the hardware and software is put.
>	A description of the physical environment in which the work is done, including plant or office layout where this affects work and comfort or efficiency.
>	A description of the work assigned and how it was performed.

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2	Work Performance

>	The employer or supervisor will be asked to complete a report on the student. The report will be in the form of a checklist where a number of items are assessed as:
		- Unsatisfactory, Satisfactory, Very Good, or Excellent
>	The items to be assessed are:
		- Relationship with others
		- willingness to carry out instructions
		- appropriate seeking of assistance
		- ability to work in a team
		- clear communication
		- Personal
		- punctuality
		- personal presentation
		- reliability
		- honesty
		- Job performance
		- sound existing knowledge base
		- ability to adapt
		- ability to learn new skills
>	To obtain a pass the employer assessment must contain no 'unsatisfactory' assessments, and at least sixty percent of the items must be either 'excellent' or 'very good'.
>	The student is required to perform the tasks assigned during the work experience period while demonstrating punctuality, reliability, cooperation, appropriate standards of dress, and ethical behaviour.

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Note
	NOTES TO TUTORS
>	The module requires the student to undertake duties in a workplace for a period of no less than one week, in an environment which utilises computers.
>	This environment will typically be a business organisation but there is no restriction on the type of activity which may be undertaken, so long as the topics of the module can be meaningfully completed.
>	The student may be involved in activities ranging from data entry to systems development.
>	The work may be arranged by the Polytechnic or by the student, but tutorial staff must ensure that the work proposal meets the requirements of this module.