Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

CUSMGT401A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Manage distribution of music and associated products

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency CUSMGT401A - Manage distribution of music and associated products
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage the distribution of music in both physical and digital formats, as well as products associated with the music.
Employability Skills Not applicable
Learning Outcomes and Application Those responsible for managing the process of distributing the music and merchandise associated with an artist or act apply the skills and knowledge outlined in this unit. The unit may apply to artists, musical publishers, digital distributors/aggregators in association with independent labels, as well as those who work in record companies. The market for physical products, such as CDs, is contracting as consumers turn to online stores to purchase music in more flexible ways. Therefore digital distribution of music is becoming the dominant distribution mode.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Distribute physical products
  • In consultation with relevant personnel determine the range of physical products to be promoted and distributed
  • Ensure that contracts clearly state the rights and obligations of all parties with regard to distribution of music and associated products
  • Manage the distribution of physical products to retail outlets as required
  • Ensure that accurate records are kept of products distributed
  • Ensure that income from sales of products is distributed in line with contractual agreements
       
Element: Manage digital distribution of music
  • Ensure that artists, songwriters and composers understand different business models for digital distribution of their music
  • Ensure that artists, songwriters and composers understand their rights under a digital distribution deal
  • Supply music for digital distribution in the required format
  • Contribute to the promotion of music and associated products through media outlets as required
  • Ensure that accurate records are kept of music distributed
  • Ensure that income from sales of music is distributed in line with contractual agreements
       
Element: Evaluate distribution strategies
  • Assess the impact and effectiveness of distribution strategies
  • Analyse costs and timelines to evaluate benefits arising from distribution strategies
  • In consultation with relevant personnel, revise distribution strategies as required
       


Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the ability to:

develop viable strategies to distribute music and associated products

manage the digital distribution of music

work cooperatively with others involved in the distribution of music and associated products.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to an environment where distribution of music and associated products is required

access to artists and digital distributors/aggregators

use of culturally appropriate processes, and techniques appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are appropriate for this unit:

case studies to assess candidate's ability to communicate effectively in a range of situations dealing with the distribution of music and associated products

written or oral questioning to assess knowledge as listed in the required knowledge section of this unit

problem-solving activities to assess ability to manage contingencies in the process of distributing music and associated products.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)

Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

Required skills

research and literacy skills sufficient to access reliable information on business models for the distribution of music and associated products

communication and teamwork skills sufficient to:

liaise effectively with a range artists and personnel involved in the distribution of music and associated products

work cooperatively in a team environment

initiative and enterprise skills sufficient to establish and manage viable distribution arrangements

planning and organisational skills sufficient to plan and implement viable distribution arrangements

problem-solving skills sufficient to manage contingencies in distribution activities

self-management skills sufficient to:

set priorities and apply time-management strategies

work within established budgets and timeframes

technical skills sufficient to:

use the internet to access information

use software applications to track sales of music distributed digitally

Required knowledge

new and emerging business trends and models in the music industry

planning processes for organising the distribution of music and associated products

types of royalty income due to artists, composers and songwriters

relevant legislation, regulations and codes of practice, including:

copyright and intellectual property

ethical standards, privacy and confidentiality

OHS

role and functions of:

industry personnel

music retail outlets

music publishing companies

record companies

digital distributors/aggregators

national and international music industry associations

issues and challenges that typically arise in the context of managing the distribution of music and associated products

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Relevant personnel may include:

artists and performers

composers

songwriters

artist managers

publishers

record companies

digital distributors/aggregators

advertising agencies

public relations companies

media personnel, such as:

broadcasters

critics

journalists.

Physical products may include:

CDs

DVDs

merchandise, such as:

T-shirts

posters

stickers

mugs

gimmicky objects.

Rights may include the right to:

assign or retain all rights in the music

distribute through multiple agencies

vary the product range

opt out of a contract or agreement

set prices.

Obligations may include the party responsible for:

covering the cost of making products

distributing products to retail outlets

tracking sales and returns

keeping records

distributing income from sales.

Records may include:

type of physical or digital product

number of products

retail outlets

date when products were supplied to retail outlets

contact details at retail outlets

number of sales

number of returns

items out of stock

estimated date for new stock

back orders for stock

damage to stock

delivery method

contact details at delivery companies.

Business models may include:

artist's music publishing company dealing through a collection agency with online outlets, such as iTunes and Amazon MP3 on their behalf

artists using a digital distributor to deal with online outlets using business models, such as:

fee for service

subscription

upload fee and royalty percentage.

Required format may include:

single tracks

albums

audio files in format nominated by distribution agency

cover artwork in format nominated by distribution agency

barcode (universal product code [UPC])

international standard recording code (ISRC).

Contributing to promotional activities may include:

writing media releases

assisting artists to compile résumés

distributing artists' résumés

organising media interviews for artists.

Media outlets may include:

print

television

radio

internet, including:

artists' websites

broadcast email lists

YouTube

Facebook

MySpace

blogs

digital communication devices, e.g. mobile phones.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
In consultation with relevant personnel determine the range of physical products to be promoted and distributed 
Ensure that contracts clearly state the rights and obligations of all parties with regard to distribution of music and associated products 
Manage the distribution of physical products to retail outlets as required 
Ensure that accurate records are kept of products distributed 
Ensure that income from sales of products is distributed in line with contractual agreements 
Ensure that artists, songwriters and composers understand different business models for digital distribution of their music 
Ensure that artists, songwriters and composers understand their rights under a digital distribution deal 
Supply music for digital distribution in the required format 
Contribute to the promotion of music and associated products through media outlets as required 
Ensure that accurate records are kept of music distributed 
Ensure that income from sales of music is distributed in line with contractual agreements 
Assess the impact and effectiveness of distribution strategies 
Analyse costs and timelines to evaluate benefits arising from distribution strategies 
In consultation with relevant personnel, revise distribution strategies as required 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

CUSMGT401A - Manage distribution of music and associated products
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Assessment Record Sheet

CUSMGT401A - Manage distribution of music and associated products

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: