CQUniversity Unit Profile
CHIR20018 Professional Practice and Business Management
Professional Practice and Business Management
All details in this unit profile for CHIR20018 have been officially approved by CQUniversity and represent a learning partnership between the University and you (our student).
The information will not be changed unless absolutely necessary and any change will be clearly indicated by an approved correction included in the profile.
General Information

Overview

This unit will introduce key concepts in small business management as well as techniques for being successful in a clinical business environment. It will further enhance your ability to communicate in a professional manner. Areas of specialisation will be introduced allowing you to investigate the different types of chiropractic practices that exist. You will have the opportunity to participate in active and applied learning through a variety of mixed learning modes. This unit is aimed at producing work ready graduates that understand the role of business in clinical practice while providing you with a competitive edge for securing employment in Australia.

Details

Career Level: Postgraduate
Unit Level: Level 8
Credit Points: 6
Student Contribution Band: 8
Fraction of Full-Time Student Load: 0.125

Pre-requisites or Co-requisites

There are no requisites for this unit.

Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).

Offerings For Term 2 - 2019

Online

Attendance Requirements

All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes – in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).

Class and Assessment Overview

Recommended Student Time Commitment

Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.

Class Timetable

Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Rockhampton, Townsville
Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney

Assessment Overview

1. Presentation and Written Assessment
Weighting: 60%
2. Portfolio
Weighting: 40%

Assessment Grading

This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of ‘pass’ in order to pass the unit. If any ‘pass/fail’ tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully (‘pass’ grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the ‘assessment task’ section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University’s Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.

Previous Student Feedback

Feedback, Recommendations and Responses

Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.

Feedback from Moodle 'have your say'

Feedback

There was only 7 weeks of content and not 12 weeks.

Recommendation

With the new unit convenor in place, it is recommended that this subject be re-written aligning with the learning outcomes.

Feedback from Moodle 'have your say'

Feedback

The content was sub-standard and superficial.

Recommendation

It is recommended that, with a new unit coordinator in place, the subject will need to be re-written according to the learning outcomes. There should be one unit coordinator with subject knowledge.

Feedback from Moodle 'have your say'

Feedback

Guidelines for assessment tasks were unclear and not returned on time.

Recommendation

It is recommended that with a new unit coordinator in place, the subject will need to be re-written according to the learning outcomes. There should be one unit coordinator with subject knowledge.

Unit Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:
  1. Discuss the key aspects of running an efficient clinical practice
  2. Investigate and describe different specialisations of clinical practices
  3. Communicate in a professional manner
  4. Apply introductory knowledge of budgeting, risk analysis, marketing, practice and staff management in a clinical practice.

  1. Discuss the key aspects of running an efficient clinical practice. - CCEA unit 2
  2. Investigate different specialisations of clinical practices. - CCEA 2
  3. Apply introductory knowledge of budgeting, risk analysis, marketing, practice and staff management in a clinical practice -CCEA unit 2, unit 3, unit 4, unit 5, unit 9 subsection 9.4
  4. Communicate in a professional manner and build an inter-professional network - CCEA unit 1, unit 2, unit 3, unit 4, unit 5, Unit 6 subsection 6.7, unit 7 subsection 7.2, unit 9 subsection 9.4

Alignment of Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Graduate Attributes
N/A Level
Introductory Level
Intermediate Level
Graduate Level
Professional Level
Advanced Level

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes

Assessment Tasks Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 60%
2 - Portfolio - 40%

Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes

Graduate Attributes Learning Outcomes
1 2 3 4
1 - Knowledge
2 - Communication
3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills
4 - Research
5 - Self-management
6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility
7 - Leadership
8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures

Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Graduate Attributes

Assessment Tasks Graduate Attributes
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
1 - Presentation and Written Assessment - 60%
2 - Portfolio - 40%
Textbooks and Resources

Textbooks

Prescribed

The E-Myth Chiropractor: Why most Chiropractic Practices Don't Work and what to do about it

Edition: 1 (2012)
Authors: Gerber
Michael Gerber
ISBN: 9780983500131
Binding: Hardcover

IT Resources

You will need access to the following IT resources:
  • CQUniversity Student Email
  • Internet
  • Unit Website (Moodle)
Referencing Style

All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 6th Edition (APA 6th edition)

For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.

Teaching Contacts
Andrew Dane Unit Coordinator
a.dane@cqu.edu.au
Schedule
Week 1 Begin Date: 15 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Introduction to course

Introduction to Chiropractic post graduate opportunities

- Employee

- Associate – part ownership (typically single multipractitioner practices)

- Independent contractor (single/multipractitioner clinic)

- Purchase a pre-existing patient base

- Purchase a pre-existing practice

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 11 &12

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 1:  Which career option appeals to you, why?  What additional business related information would you want to know before making a final decision?

Week 2 Begin Date: 22 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Organizational Behaviour

- Why is organisational behaviour important in a chiropractic practice

- Motivation in the workplace

- Organizational reward systems

- Leadership and influence

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 10

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 2:  Why is organisational behaviour in a clinical setting important?  Use one positive or negative experience to develop your argument.


Week 3 Begin Date: 29 Jul 2019

Module/Topic

Marketing: (Weeks 3 & 4)

- Marketing vs sales vs advertising – 4 P’s of marketing

- Consumer buying behaviour

- Understanding healthcare markets

- Differentiating / Chiro positioning

- Product/Pricing decision – what is the right price?

- Marketing decisions

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 3: Research Chiropractic fees for a regular appointment, in your local area, from at least 3 clinics.

What do you think about the price from a marketing and business standpoint? Explain.


Week 4 Begin Date: 05 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Marketing: (Weeks 3 & 4)

Week 4 as above

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 6 & 7

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 4: Outline a marketing plan for a chiropractic business. 

Week 5 Begin Date: 12 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Accounting

- Introduction to Statements

- Balance sheet

- Income statement

- Cashflow statement

- Budgeting

- Investment decisions

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 3,4 &14

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 5: Pick one:

1) Write about what you think should be in your budget as a new chiropractic graduate, starting in a practice or as an independent contractor? Explain your reasoning.

OR 

2) Your bank is offering you a loan to buy a chiropractic practice, which financial statements would you want to see from the seller? Why? 


Vacation Week Begin Date: 19 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Week 6 Begin Date: 26 Aug 2019

Module/Topic

Risk Management/Strategic Planning

- Why is this important

- What is the difference

- Tools for Risk Management/Strategic Planning

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 6 & 7 / 17 & 18

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 6: Using a risk management/strategic plan tool of your choice, outline why you would choose to be an employee, independent contractor, start your practice, or buy practice?  Does your tool support your initial choice/selection?


Week 7 Begin Date: 02 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Write a Business plan

- Outline of a few chiropractic business plans

- Review and highlight features

Chapter

https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/business-plan-template


Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 7: There are a number of business plan templates available both on the Moodle page and online. Select one and outline why you have made that choice. 



Week 8 Begin Date: 09 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Staff Management

- When and how to hire?

- Contract

- Rewards

- Discipline

- Leadership

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 9

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 7: In point form, write out important things that you would like to see on a contract as either an independent contractor, or an employee.

Week 9 Begin Date: 16 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Patient Management

- How to effectively manage patient care?

- Tools for communication

- How to communicate effectively to another professional and a lay person.

- What do patients want to know and why do they care?

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 15 &16

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 9: A new patient with a lumbar (L4/5 R) radiculopathy presents to your practice, outline how you would implement these new communication strategies/skills into your report of findings.


Week 10 Begin Date: 23 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Contracts/Jobs

- Sample contracts


Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 11 &12

Events and Submissions/Topic

PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum (Portfolio) Weekly Task;

Week 10: Knowing what you know now, has your position changed from being an employee, working as an independent contractor or owning a practice?  How has it changed?

Week 11 Begin Date: 30 Sep 2019

Module/Topic

Business plan

- Outline of a few chiropractic business plans

- Review and highlight features

Chapter

Gerber, M. E. (1988). The E Myth. HarperCollins Publishers. - Chapter 24


Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Write and submit a business plan (CoB week 11)
  2. Present / pitch your plan (Tutorial time weeks 11 & 12)

Business Plan (written & oral presentation) Due: Week 11 Friday (4 Oct 2019) 5:00 pm AEST
Portfolio (Discussion Forum Posts) Due: Week 11 Friday (4 Oct 2019) 5:00 pm AEST
Week 12 Begin Date: 07 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Week 12: Review

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

  1. Present / pitch your plan (Tutorial time weeks 11 & 12)
Review/Exam Week Begin Date: 14 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Exam Week Begin Date: 21 Oct 2019

Module/Topic

Chapter

Events and Submissions/Topic

Term Specific Information

This unit will introduce future health care practitioners to applied business strategies. The emphasis of this course will be to discuss applied business practices in the context of current allied health care trends. Students in this course will benefit from case studies in organizational behaviour, how to manage small business accounting, and marketing strategies. An important objective of this course is to provide foundations for success in business and clinical practice. Additionally, the course will discuss risk management and teach concepts in strategic planning, as well as overviewing successful strategies for leadership including staff and patient management. Finally, the course will overview contracts and business plans as an innovative approach to equip each students with tools for success as a graduate. The course will emphasize active and applied learning strategies.

Assessment Tasks

1 Presentation and Written Assessment

Assessment Title
Business Plan (written & oral presentation)

Task Description

Develop and write a business plan for your future practice using the information from the unit to decide what type of practice you would like and using one of the templates available write a business plan; 

  1. Business plan templates are available on the PPBM Moodle page from Business Queensland, The Australian Government and Brisbane Chamber of Commerce or others online. Your business plan final document must be submitted by CoB Friday Week 11 on Moodle.
  2. Business plan presentations will be a summary of the completed business plan template summarizing the proposal and should be completed individually and last approximately 2 minutes. Presentations will take place during tutorial time during weeks 11 & 12. 


Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (4 Oct 2019) 5:00 pm AEST

Written Business Plan submission by CoB Week 11. Oral Presentations during tutorial time weeks 11 & 12.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (11 Oct 2019)

CoB Friday Week 12


Weighting
60%

Assessment Criteria

PPBM Rubric outlining the assessment criteria for the business plan and presentation will be available on PPBM Moodle page. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
Submit business plan online via Moodle on Friday CoB Week 11.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the key aspects of running an efficient clinical practice
  • Investigate and describe different specialisations of clinical practices
  • Communicate in a professional manner
  • Apply introductory knowledge of budgeting, risk analysis, marketing, practice and staff management in a clinical practice.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Research
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

2 Portfolio

Assessment Title
Portfolio (Discussion Forum Posts)

Task Description

This Portfolio will be composed of weekly student posts which each individual will write and post to address the weekly task/s outlined in the unit lecture and tutorial material. Each student should make 1 (ONE) weekly post in the PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum which summarizes their thoughts and/or addresses the weekly task. Student posts must be their own work, should be concisely written (suggested weekly maximum of 500 words) and post to the PPBM Moodle Discussion Forum during the week of the task. Overall submission of all weekly posts should be collated and submitted by Friday of Week 11 as a collective document (Portfolio = collective weekly journal submissions). In class (tutorial) activities (ICA) are included in this PPBM unit, 80% tutorial participation/attendance and 1 (ONE) forum post per week is required to successfully pass the unit.



Assessment Due Date

Week 11 Friday (4 Oct 2019) 5:00 pm AEST

Submit collective weekly journal submission document via Moodle - CoB Friday week 11.


Return Date to Students

Week 12 Friday (11 Oct 2019)

CoB Friday Week 12


Weighting
40%

Assessment Criteria

To successfully pass this assessment item students must participate in weekly tutorials AND forum discussions (80% tutorial participation AND attendance) to successfully pass this unit. ONE (1) weekly forum post must be made in the PPBM Discussion Forum to address the weekly task. Professional behaviour is expected at all times on all forum discussions. The collective portfolio document is each individual student's forum posts collated in one word document and submitted via Moodle by CoB week 11. 


Referencing Style

Submission
Online

Submission Instructions
The collective portfolio document is one word document and submitted via Moodle by CoB week 11.

Learning Outcomes Assessed
  • Discuss the key aspects of running an efficient clinical practice
  • Investigate and describe different specialisations of clinical practices
  • Communicate in a professional manner
  • Apply introductory knowledge of budgeting, risk analysis, marketing, practice and staff management in a clinical practice.


Graduate Attributes
  • Knowledge
  • Communication
  • Cognitive, technical and creative skills
  • Self-management
  • Ethical and Professional Responsibility
  • Leadership

Academic Integrity Statement

As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.

Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.

When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.

Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.

As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.

What is a breach of academic integrity?

A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.

Why is academic integrity important?

A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.

Where can I get assistance?

For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.

What can you do to act with integrity?