Course Description

(Higher Education)
School:

Federation Business School

Course Title:

Managerial Skills

Course Code:

BUMGT2601

Teaching Location:

All Locations

Credit Points:

15 Credit Points

Semester, Year:

Semester 2, 2015

Prerequisite(s):

BUMGT1501 Management Principles

Corequisite(s):

Nil

Exclusion(s):

Nil

ASCED Code:

080301

Program Level:

Level of course
in Program

AQF Level(s) of Program

5

10

Introductory
Intermediate

Advanced

CRICOS Provider No. 00103D

This course description complies with the course outline authorised by Curriculum Committee 6/14 [28/05/2014]

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Course Description (Higher Education)

BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills

Organisation:
Staff
Tutor Details
(if relevant)

Lecturer Details
Name

Peter Osman

Email Contact

p.osman@federation.edu.au

Office Location &

Campus

Sessional Office, Mt Helen

Phone Contact

0408364641

Consultation Hours

By arrangement

Prescribed Text
This course will be conducted on the presumption that students have a copy of:

De Janasz, S.C., Crossman, J.,Campbell, N., & Power, M. (2014). Interpersonal Skills in Organisations. (2nd.
Ed.) North Ryde, N.S.W.: McGraw-Hill. ISBN: 9781743071540.

Student Responsibility
It is the responsibility of every student to be aware of the requirements for this course, and understand the specific details
included in this document.
For full details of programs and school procedures, please refer to the Federation Business School Programs Handbook
available at http://federation.edu.au/faculties-and-schools/federation-business-school/student-resources/continuingstudents/timetables
Students should be aware of the content of the handbook, particularly:
Special Consideration process and forms
Assignment Coversheet
Submission of tasks and assignments
Grading codes
Appeal process
Unsatisfactory progress - Early Intervention
It is emphasised that this course requires a significant commitment outside of formal class contact. The learning tasks in
this course may include classes (lectures, tutorials or seminars), required reading, the preparation of answers to set
questions, exercises and problems, and self-study. In addition, students may be required to complete an assignment, test
or examination.
The table below is an example of the suggested time allocations for this course.
Classes
Reading
Preparation of set questions, exercises and problems
Preparation of assignment
Study and revision for test and end of semester examination
TOTAL

3 hours per topic

2 hours per topic
4 hours per topic

36 hours
24 hours
48 hours
20 hours
22 hours
150 hours

Attendance and Participation

It is in students interest to make every effort to attend all the classes for this course and to complete all preparatory and
assessment tasks. It is our experience that those students who do not attend class or carry out the associated activities
are more likely to do poorly or to fail the course completely.

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Course Description (Higher Education)

BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Late Submission
Assessment tasks submitted after the due date, without prior approval/arrangement, will be penalised at 10% of the
available marks per day. Requests for extension of time must be made with the lecturer concerned and based on Special
Consideration guidelines
http://policy.federation.edu.au/student_services_and_administration/enrolment/special_consideration/ch01.php

Moderation of Results
Moderation refers to the practice of quality assurance of assessable tasks and marking carried out at any of the Schools
Partner Providers locations. Moderation addresses the interests of students, staff, the Schools partners and external
stakeholders. Moderation seeks to ensure that:
Good practice in assessment is being applied consistently across the institution and its programs;
Student performance is being properly, fairly and consistently judged for all students undertaking the same course
of study; and
Standards expected of, and achieved by, students are appropriate, reliable and comparable to good practice at the
University and nationally.
Standardisation of assessment may result in a students mark being amended. This is your guarantee that your results
are comparable to Federation University results in all locations.

Course Evaluation
We welcome feedback as one way to keep improving this course. Students are encouraged to provide course feedback
through eVALUate, the Universitys online student feedback system. eVALUate will be available to students during Weeks
10 and 11 by the Student Survey dashboard system using FedUni student user names and passwords.

Moodle
Moodle is used to host course resources for all courses. Students can download lecture and tutorial notes to support
class participation. Students login to Moodle at https://moodle.federation.edu.au/login/index.php

Generally, assessments are submitted online through Moodle. Should you need assistance, please use the available
resources and support through the drop-down menus in Moodle.

Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is the presentation of the expressed thought or work of another person as though it is one's own without
properly acknowledging that person.
Students must not allow other students to copy their work and must take care to safeguard against this happening. In
cases of copying, normally all students involved will be penalised equally; an exception will be if the student can
demonstrate the work is their own and they took reasonable care to safeguard against copying.
Plagiarism is a serious offence. Please refer to the following documents:
Statute 6.1: Student Discipline
Regulation 6.1: Student Discipline
Regulation 6.1.1: Plagiarism

Adopted Reference Style:

APA
The link to the library website for more information is: FedUni Library - Referencing

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Course Description (Higher Education)

BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills

Learning Outcomes:
Management Skills provides students with the opportunity to put into practise the theoretical concepts learned in the
general management course, Management Principles (BUMGT1501).
This course aims to gain essential skills and to equip students to function in managerial roles. The course will also assist
students to develop managerial skills in the areas of communication, effective and ethical decision making, supervision,
group interaction and comprehend the way in which such skills can influence individuals and groups within an
organisational setting.
.

Knowledge
K1
K2
K3

Describe the role of managerial skills in achieving optimal management of employees

Analyse the role of managerial skills in enabling employees to reach their maximum potential
Examine the significance of effective managerial skills in creating constructive discussion in the workplace.

Skills
S1
S2
S3
S4

Identify, analyse and act on the information and knowledge gained in experiential managerial workshops
Demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication skills by transferring knowledge and ideas to others via
written and/or oral presentation
Analyse and evaluate the personal skills required in various managerial functions
Critically reflect on personal behaviour and the behaviour of others in the organisational setting.

Application of knowledge and skills

A1
A2

Relate a diverse range of managerial functions using appropriate managerial skills theories
Develop, implement and evaluate managerial skills concepts in the workplace from an ethical, socially
responsible and international perspective.

Course Content:
The content of this course may address the following topics:
Communication skills:
o Communicating effectively with staff; conveying verbal messages accurately; Understanding and working with
diverse groups; Networking and organisation politics
Effective and ethical decision making
o Creative problem solving; Effective and ethical decision making
Supervisory skills
o Delegation and feedback; Handling staff stress
Group interacting and influencing skills
o Coaching and mentoring for improved performance; Conflict management; Negotiation; Team facilitation;
Planning and conducting effective meetings

Values:
This course will help students to develop values and attributes that will enable them to:
Appreciate the role of managerial skills in effective management practice
Appreciate the interrelationship of theory and practice in management
Value diversity in the workplace
Appreciate that the changes taking place in organisational structures require specialised management and
communication skills.

Learning Tasks and Assessment:

At the University a PASS is usually achieved at 50%. For courses listed below, a mark of at least 40% in the examination
must additionally be achieved.

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
BUACC1506, BUACC1507, BUACC1521, BUEBU1501, BUECO1507, BUECO1508, BUENT1531, BUHRM1501,
BULAW1502, BULAW1503, BUMGT1501, BUMKT1501, BUMKT1503, BUTSM1501, BUTSM1502, BUACC5901,
BUACC5930, BUACC5937, BUECO5903, BUHRM5912, BULAW5911, BULAW5914, BULAW5915, BUMGT5921,
BUMKT5901, BUMKT5922.
Students are strongly advised to attempt ALL assessment tasks. Students who do not submit a task(s) or fail a task(s) in
the semester will be identified as a student at risk of unsatisfactory academic progress (outlined in the School
Handbooks) and will be directed to the Schools Intervention Program. Students who encounter difficulties or who are
otherwise concerned regarding their progress should consult their lecturer.
Assessment criteria set out the details by which performance in each task will be judged. This information will give a clear
and explicit understanding of the expected standards to be achieved relative to the marks awarded.
Learning
outcomes
assessed
K1,K2
S1,S3
A1,A2
K1,K2
S1,S3
A1,A2

Assessment Task

Assessment
Type

Individual research project

Learning
Contract/Actio
n Plan
Individual
Report

10%

Week 4

20%

Week 10

3.

K1,K2,K3
S1,S2,S3,S4
A1,A2

Research Project including group and

individual presentations

Group and
individual
presentations

20%

Weeks 7
&8

K1,K2,K3
S1,S3
A1,A2

Comprehensive review of the material

studied in the course

Examination

50%

Exam
Period

1.
2.

Research project/reflective assignment

Weighting

Week
Due

Assessment Task 1: Learning Contract/Action Plan (10%)

1) Assessment Details
The intention of learning tasks 1 and 2 is to improve personal performance in a chosen managerial skill area. Ideally, the
development and application of this skill should benefit you in a future management role.
Learning task 1 - the development of a learning contract and action plan for personal skill development - is the first step in
this learning process. The specific purpose of this learning task is to assist you in effective planning for achieving your
development objectives and managing your personal performance. The Learning Contract / Action plan you develop will
then form the basis of the work you undertake on the second learning and assessment task in this course (the
enhancement of a managerial skill and the written report you submit describing the experience in Week 10). PLEASE
NOTE: In order to do well on this assessment, you will need to start preparing for this task in Weeks 1 and 2.
Students may choose for their area of skill development any one of the topics in the lecture outline. Reading and
researching this skill should commence immediately. NB: It may be of benefit to speak to your friends, peers, and
fellow students before choosing a skill area for your Learning Contract. Students will devise an action plan made up of a
number of steps (or actions) based on specific academic theories which will enable them to improve their personal
performance in their chosen skill. Time will be made available in the first two tutorials to work on this planning task. To
facilitate this goal, please ensure that you speak with your tutor during Weeks 1 and 2 to discuss your skill choice and an
appropriate Learning Contract.

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
The following guidelines are provided to assist you to obtain the maximum benefit from this assessable task. The
Learning Contract and action plan should include the following:
(1) The Learning Contract Aim should describe desired changes in behaviour or attitude in the skill area chosen, and
should include a time-frame. For example:
"By ............I will have developed my ability to give feedback to members of my tutorial group, or colleagues at
work, to a point where I am able to convey both positive and negative feedback to others".
(2) The Rationale should detail WHY you have chosen the skill.
(3) Consideration will need to be given to pre-test and post-test measures. These requirements will be clarified by
your tutor in Weeks 1 and 2.
(4) The Action Plan should set out exactly HOW you intend to bring about the desired changes in attitude or behaviour
by implementing the specific academic theories you have identified.
IMPORTANT: Please note: You will be expected to set out your steps VERY SPECIFICALLY when you write up
your Action Plan.
For example:
In Week 2, I plan to work out what my current skill levels are. I will do this by assessing how well I have done on
last years presentations in various units. I will measure this by analysing evaluations from various lecturers/tutors
in previous units. The expected outcomes will be an improvement in my presentation skills through analysing the
feedback received, and focussing on my weak areas.
(Then detail the steps to be taken in the Action Plan).
The Action plan sets out the step by step activities to be undertaken specifically to achieve the learning contract, and
these will typically cover a period from Week 2-9. When writing up your Action Plan, consider what you will need to do in
order to reach your objective. Remember that if required, support will be available from both tutors and students in your
tutorial group. Feel free to request any assistance you may require.
The Learning Contract / Action Plan (LC/AP) will be delivered to the tutorial in Week 4. Each student will be allocated a 3
minute segment to outline their Rationale, Aim, and Action steps to the class as an overhead. Your presentation should
be a summary of what you intend to do over the next six weeks.
A handout of the Learning Contract / Action Plan is to be given to the tutor before the presentation, and feedback will be
provided by the tutor in the following tutorial, which should be used as the basis for working on learning and assessment
task 2 (see notes on Learning Task 2 below). In addition, please present a one page summary to your tutor detailing the
reference material you have used in the preparation of your LC/AP. You will be required to resubmit your learning
contract / action plan if it is not assessed as satisfactory.
2) Criteria used to grade this task
Marking guide is included at the end of this document.
3) Task Assessor
Lecturer.
4) Suggested time to devote to this task
Approximately 6 hours should be devoted to this task.
5) Submission details
The LC/AP will be submitted via Moodle prior to the tutorial presentation in week 4.
6) Feedback and return of work

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Feedback will be returned to students via Moodle two weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 2: Individual Report (20%)

1) Assessment Details
Learning task 2 continues and builds on the work undertaken for Learning task 1 in your chosen managerial skill
area. Specifically, with learning task 2 you will research theoretical concepts relevant to your selected skill area,
describe the action you undertook in the action plan (from learning task 1) and reflect on your efforts over the
semester to develop your personal performance in your chosen managerial skill area.

Students will research their chosen skill area, consider their experiences relating to the actioning of their Learning
Contract/Action Plan and write a report of approximately 3000 words. The structure of the report should take the
following form.
Approximately half of the report should cover an outline of theoretical concepts relevant to your skill area, and a
discussion of the implications of these skill areas in effective management practices. That is, the report should do
more than describe the skill area you have chosen in your Learning Contract.
The second half of your report should address your action plan outcomes and measures of achievement.
Successful completion of this assessment is dependent on the ability to describe the outcomes of your pre and post
measures, and demonstrated learning achievements. Focus on the actual learning outcomes or changes in skill
level that you are able to demonstrate you have achieved.
In writing the report, it may be helpful to consider areas such as - what evidence would demonstrate to yourself and
to others that you have increased your competence in the chosen area of learning?, how has your understanding of
the skill broadened (or not)?, what have you learnt from your successes or failures?, what would/could you have
done differently? etc.
The report is to be approximately 3,000 words in length. Please be aware that you will be required to attach to your
report any supporting documentation, such as journals, audio tapes, questionnaires, survey responses etc. in the
form of appendices as well as the Learning Contract/Action Plan with the original feedback from your tutor.
2) Criteria used to grade this task
Marking guide is included at the end of this document.
3) Task Assessor
Lecturer.
4) Suggested time to devote to this task
Approximately 8 hours should be devoted to this task.
5) Submission details
The report will be submitted via Moodle on the Monday of Week 10 by 10am.
6) Feedback and return of work
Feedback will be returned to students via Moodle two weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 3: Group & Individual Presentation (20%)

1) Assessment Details
This assessment will be structured as a group task. Groups will be formed and will be presented with a case study about
a common problem scenario found in management. Students will form into small groups (approx. 5 members) in the first
two weeks of tutorials. A case study for each group to work on will be made available in Week 2. Over subsequent weeks,

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outside of class time, groups are expected to analyse their case, undertake research, and prepare a 30 minute
presentation that covers the four areas detailed below. There will be two group presentations in each of Weeks 7 & 8. The
group presentation should be in four parts:
(1) Case Study:
It is recommended that groups initially present a brief summary outline of their case. The group will then be expected to
come up with an appropriate resolution to the problem presented in the case study, which will include selection of the
Management skills required to solve the problem, and details of how these skills will be used to address the problem.

(2) Theoretical overview:

In the theoretical overview, the group will need to summarise the theoretical information about the key issues raised in the
case study, and reflect on lectures and reading on the topic.
(3) Skill Demonstration:
Students will be required to demonstrate one managerial skill (related to their case) within their presentation. This may
take the form of a Role-play or other style of interactive delivery, and should last no longer than 10 minutes (please note,
a self-assessment tool will not be considered appropriate).
(4) Reflection:
Groups will be required to present to the class what learning and insights were gained from both content and process in
their preparation and presentation of this assignment. Consideration may be given to the process of working together as
a group, and the effect this had on this particular assignment.
A detailed handout for each student in the tutorial is expected from each group prior to the presentation. This is
to include a summary of all points covered during the presentation. In addition, the group should invite and answer
questions from the class in relation to your topic. The total duration of the presentation should be approximately 30
minutes. Each student should present for approximately the same amount of time, which should be a minimum of 5
minutes.
Allocation of marks (20% in total) will be as follows:
Group Grade (10%)
Assessment of the Group Presentation will be based on two components, the group grade and the individual grade. The
group mark will be allocated on the basis of:

an appropriate analysis of the case study and theoretical overview

creativity and appropriateness of skill presentation
the ability to convey information in an interesting, professional manner to the class
the ability to adequately address the questions posed in the case study.

Individual Grade (10%)

As well as assessing the overall quality of each group's presentation, your tutor will also assign each student an individual
mark. This grade will be assessed in relation to an individuals presentation skills (appropriate platform skills - standing,
looking, gestures, smiling, and voice tone).
2) Criteria used to grade this task
Marking guide is included at the end of this document.

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3) Task Assessor
Lecturer.
4) Suggested time to devote to this task
Approximately 8 hours should be devoted to this task.
5) Submission details
The handout and presentation will be provided during the weeks 7 & 8 tutorials.
6) Feedback and return of work
Feedback will be returned to students two weeks after submission.

Assessment Task 4: Exam (50%)

1) Assessment Details
The final exam will be closed book with a pre-sighted case study. The exam will be 3-hours in length and consist of a
series of questions and a case study application section which will examine the knowledge of the students from the
lecture topics.
2) Criteria used to grade this task
Marking allocation and exam structure will be discussed in the Week 12 class..
3) Task Assessor
Lecturer.
4) Suggested time to devote to this task
Approximately 22 hours study time is suggested for the final exam.
5) Submission details
The examination will be held during the exam period following the end of the semester. Normal exam conditions will
apply.
6) Feedback and return of work.
Students will be informed of results when results are released.

Sequence:
As semesters and contact hours vary between teaching locations, delivery is usually scheduled across three hours a
week for 12 weeks. As the University offers many programs in a variety of formats please contact local lecturers for
further information about the schedule.
Please note that the sequence and content of lectures and tutorials may need to be changed and the following
information should be used as a guide only.
LECTURE

TOPIC

READING

Lecture 1

Intro to managerial skills; Self-awareness

Ch 1, 2

Lecture 2

Establishing goals/Ethics

Ch 3

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Lecture 3

Effective communication (1) Making effective

presentations; Conveying accurate verbal messages

Ch 7, 8

Lecture 4

Effective communication (2) Listening

Ch 6.

Lecture 5

Planning and running effective meetings; Working with

diverse others

Ch 12, 5

Lecture 6

Handling staff stress; Time management

Ch 4

Lecture 7

Politicking, Networking and Mentoring

Ch 15, 16

Lecture 8

Coaching and providing feedback for improved

performance

Ch 17

Lecture 9

Team building and facilitation

Ch 10, 13

Lecture 10

Negotiation and managing conflict

Ch 9, 11

Lecture 11

Making effective and ethical decisions; Creative problem

solving

Ch 14

Lecture 12

Leadership, Empowerment and effective delegation

Ch 18

SWOT VAC
Examination Period

Additional Resources:
Additional useful references:
The reference list below is intended to provide a range of entry points into the literature on Managerial Skills. Your
attention will also be drawn to additional sources throughout the semester.
Carlopio, J., Andrewartha, G. & Armstrong, H. (2001). Developing management skills: A comprehensive guide for leaders
(2nd ed.). Frenchs Forest NSW: Pearson Education Australia.
Dwyer, J. (2009). Communication in business. Strategies and skills (4th ed.). Frenchs Forest, N.S.W.: Pearson Education.
Hunsaker, P.L. (2005). Management: A skills approach (2nd ed.). New Jersey: Pearson: Prentice Hall.
Rees, W.D. & Porter, C. (2008). The skills of management (6th ed.). London : South-Western/Cengage Learning.
NOTE: You should not restrict your reading to the listed texts. To successfully complete this course you are strongly
encouraged to also read Management and related peer reviewed journals and peruse daily newspapers for issues
relevant to Management issues.
The link to the library website for more information is:

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http://www.federation.edu.au/current-students/assistance,-support-and-services/academic-support/learning-andstudy/resources/general-guide-for-the-presentation-of-academic-work

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills

Marking Guides/Rubrics:
BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Assessment Feedback: Learning Contract/Action Plan (10%)
Student Name:
1. Evidence of personal assessment of need for the chosen skill:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
2. Appropriateness of Rationale and Aim:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
3. Level of specific detail provided in the Action Plan steps:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
4. Evidence of reading and researching the topic (Minimum of five (5) cited academic sources):
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
5. Overall:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
.
.

NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/6069%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39%

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Assessment Feedback: Individual Report (20%)
Student Name:
1. Demonstration of the required structure:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
2. Reading and research in your topic area (Minimum of five (5) cited academic sources):
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
3. Ability to consider and reflect on the outcomes of the Learning Contract and Action Plan:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
4. Quality of written expression and writing style (i.e. spelling, grammar, proof-reading, neatness and correct
citation methods):
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
5. Additional requirements word length, due date submission:
Satisfactory

Unsatisfactory

Comments (optional)
6. Overall:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/6069%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39%

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BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
BUMGT2601 Managerial Skills
Assessment Feedback: Group Presentation of Case Study (20%)
Student Names:
1. An appropriate analysis of the case study and theoretical overview:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
2. Creativity and appropriateness of skill presentation:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
3. The ability to convey information in an interesting, professional manner to the class:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
4. The ability to adequately address the questions posed in the case study:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
5. Individual presentation skills (i.e. appropriate platform skills - standing, looking, gestures, smiling, and voice
tone):
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
6. Overall:
Excellent

Very good

Good

Fair

Poor

Very poor

Comments (optional)
.
.
.
.
NOTE: Equivalent terms in grading: Excellent/Higher Distinction/HD/80- 100%; Very good/Distinction/D/ 70-79%; Good/Credit/C/6069%; Fair/Pass/P/50-59%; Poor/Fail/MF/40-49%; Very poor/Fail/F/0-39%

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