Bridging the Gap: From Classroom to Career

A: Alright, let’s zoom in on what the WIL 3 journey looks like—from the initial brief through to your final Portfolio of Evidence, or PoE, and the all-important presentation. To start, can you explain what WIL stands for and how it fits into your final year?

B: Sure! WIL means Work Integrated Learning. So, it’s about applying everything we’ve learned in the previous years to actual or simulated real-world projects—like a final test-drive before entering the job market.

A: Exactly. In the XBIT7329 module, for example, the point is to use business analysis theories and methods to assess an organisational problem, then design, propose, and evaluate an IT-enabled business solution. The key is integration—drawing from all your prior learning in a way that mimics a workplace challenge.

B: Got it... But how does the timeline work? That 12-week structure sounded a bit intimidating when you went over it.

A: It can seem brisk! Here’s the breakdown: Weeks 1 through 3 cover orientation and professional conduct. From Weeks 4 to 8, your team—usually two or three people—does an organisational study, SWOT analysis, and starts modelling processes and requirements. By Week 10, you submit a nearly-final project, receive feedback in Week 11, implement changes, and then the lecturer assesses your presentation and final PoE around Week 13.

B: So basically, no slacking off early on—it’s all quite paced. What about placements? Do you have to do actual hours somewhere?

A: Correct. If you’re placed, you must complete a minimum in multiples of 40 hours—generally 80 to 120 hours. The PoE won’t be accepted unless you’ve logged those hours, and it’s your responsibility to track this.

B: And the team setup... I heard about specific roles. That’s, uh, Project Manager and Business Analyst, right?

A: Right. Each group appoints a Project Manager or team leader, and a Business Analyst—or Secretary. You’ll target a real NGO or NPO, schedule an exploratory meeting with them, and draw heavily on previous modules, like BUSA7311’s parts on elicitation and collaboration.

B: Interesting. And what kind of analysis happens between Weeks 4 and 8—beyond just the SWOT?

A: You'll study core documents, model using BPMN, plan and approve requirements, and do rigorous options analysis—including validating with your liaison. The deliverable is a robust, business-level report documenting systems, processes, and potential improvements, ready for formal feedback and pitching.

B: What about assessment? How much do presentations and attendance actually matter?

A: Assessment is multi-faceted—60% from the project and PoE, 20% from your final presentation, 15% from self and peer evaluations, and 5% simply for maintaining 80% or better attendance at sessions. A solid individual PoE is essential, and your presentation is graded with a detailed rubric—see Annexure B for the criteria.

B: The PoE sounds hefty. What has to go in it?

A: It’s all about integrity and completeness: title sheet, student ID, up-to-date CV, WIL summary, proof of your professional conduct module, confirmation of placement, project files, self/peer evaluations, group documents, logbook if placed, a declaration of authenticity, and your presentation slides. Follow IIE’s intellectual integrity policy—the guide is at DOI: 10.17226/13398.

B: So, it’s this comprehensive story—covering everything from the kickoff to the final reflective document, with integrity at every step. Not just ticking boxes.

A: Precisely. Treat your PoE as both a showcase for academic achievement and preparation for the professional you’re about to become.