Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What projects may be included in this unit?
Separate project activity funded under program for specific purposes that may require separate accounts and accounting records, regular reporting may be required on project basis.

What are the project outcomes which may be relevant?
Project deliverables as defined in contract or agreement with agency.

What could be meant by an approved application?
Application upon which the contract or agreement is based.

How could the timing of evaluation be important to this unit?
Evaluation is ideally designed at commencement of project to capture data as it becomes available and is not lost. There may be a need to obtain 'before and after' comparison data. Evaluation may be commenced after project commences or even after it concludes, requiring use of alternative data collection and evaluation methods.

What types of evaluation methods may be used?
May be custom or according to a documented method, or to a program or agency requirement. Where a predefined method is used, it is customised to suit specific project. Evaluation may have specific inputs, processes and outcomes to be reported, and/or may require an evaluation of efficiency or effectiveness.

What are the project requirements?
Those specified in the project agreement and supplementary papers.

What might be included as resources used?
Project inputs, measure of which may give an indication of efficiency or project method. May include personnel, equipment, materials, information and technology.

In this unit what are the project processes?
Any steps or methodology or technology used to obtain project outcomes. May be included in evaluation to determine effectiveness of project.

What program and agency requirements may be covered?
May cover: evaluation, data collection, recording and storage, and reporting.

Who are the possible stakeholders relevant to this unit?
The group delivering project and related/associated groups, program coordinators, community and community groups, agency, industry or local government.

How might stakeholder views be included?
May be reported as part of evaluation, and may be diverse.

What type of software may be included?
Word processing, spreadsheets, databases, farm analysis and internet and networks.

Which programs may be relevant to this unit?
Commonwealth Government community programs under the Natural Heritage Trust, Rural Industry Programs, Business Programs State Government community programs related to the environment.

What agency could be included?
Commonwealth, State or Territory department or statutory body managing a program.

How might records be kept?
Manually or electronically, archived and/or backed-up.

How might literacy be part of this unit?
Preparation of reports including quantitative, qualitative and graphical data and analysis, preparation of appropriate forms, interview sheets and questionnaires, reading and understanding documents explaining technologies.

What forms of communication may be relevant?
Written documents to cater for diverse groups of people and to cater for a range of cultures and viewpoints, implementation of a range of consultative processes, interview techniques, facilitative approaches and presentations.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in evaluating project submissions requires evidence that submissions for programs have been appropriately evaluated and reported on according to best practice and enterprise guidelines. The skills and knowledge required to conduct project evaluations must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different projects, types of submissions and evaluation and reporting requirements.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Evaluation techniques and appropriate reporting methods.
Concepts of maintaining valid evaluations.
Identifying and documenting limitations.
Natural resource management technologies.
Data collection methods.
Program and agency requirements, including reporting requirements.
Agency procedures.
Standard form of contract and agreement requirements.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Develop evaluation approach.
Organise data collection.
Prepare reports including quantitative, qualitative and graphical data and analysis.
Prepare appropriate forms, interview sheets and questionnaires.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Through participation in meetings, presentations and discussions with those submitting or evaluating project submissions. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through evaluation of submissions against pre-established criteria. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In consultation with others and in accordance with accepted procedures for evaluation of project submission evaluation. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through participation with other in evaluating project submissions. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Though checking calculations in the project submissions. (3)

Solving problems
In dealing with conflict/conflict of interest situations or where there is community concern regarding project. (3)

Using technology
Through use of computers and communication systems. (3)