Initiate and conduct scientific/technological research

Unit of competency Outline

Date retreived
22/07/2026 11:12 AM AWST

Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.

Unit of competency

National Code
PSPSCI603A

State Code
C8310

TGA Status
Replaced

DTWD Status
Replaced

Current Release Number
3.00

Current Release Date
01/11/2012

View on TGA

State Implementation and Classification

Approved Date

07/07/2014

Field of Education

080313 - Public And Health Care Administration

Original Release Date

07/07/2014

Nominal Hours

Description

This unit covers the conduct of scientific/technological research at a level meriting national recognition where superior initiative and judgment are used within strategically important areas. It includes formulating the research question, devising the research methodology, conducting and managing the research, and publishing and presenting the research results.In practice, initiating and conducting scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as acting ethically, applying government systems, maintaining strategic networks, managing resources, managing risk, managing workplace safety.No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Notes

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Formulate research question

1.1 Ongoing professional development and networking with industry, external funding bodies and professional networks are used to identify issues for investigation.
1.2 Industry experience and industry analysis are used to formulate innovative research question/s in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
1.3 Research question is formulated that is logical, defensible and dissects key elements of the issue to be investigated.
1.4 Question to be researched is shown to be of strategic importance to the industry and to the organisation's objectives and timeframes.
1.5 Issues relating to intellectual property are identified and exploited in accordance with organisational requirements.
1.6 Research and professional networks are contributed to and used to access current information relevant to the research question, and both current and published information is assessed and relevant information is extracted.

2. Devise research methodology

2.1 Innovations in research methods, objectives and/or the formulation of a hypothesis are evolved that will enhance the conduct of the research and meet organisational and funding requirements.
2.2 Hypothesis is determined that is testable, relevant and of benefit, and research methods are developed appropriate to the hypothesis.
2.3 Risk management strategies and resource needs are identified and specified in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
2.4 Funding applications are prepared and submitted as required in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.
2.5 Documentation/recordkeeping is completed in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements.

3. Conduct and manage research

3.1 External funding is attracted and managed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
3.2 Leadership is provided and research team is influenced/managed to meet research objectives.
3.3 Performance and outputs are monitored and change/s in direction are instigated in accordance with the research methodology and organisational requirements.
3.4 Collaboration across locations and organisations is facilitated to meet research objectives and timeframes.
3.5 Research results are analysed, documented and report/s are prepared in accordance with the research methodology, organisational and funding body requirements.
3.6 Communication style is adapted to write for both scientific and lay audiences and to translate results to applied situations.

4. Publish and present research results

4.1 Research papers are published and results are disseminated widely both internally and externally to the organisation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
4.2 Research is presented at seminars and scientific conferences, nationally or internationally in accordance with organisational requirements.
4.3 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements.
4.4 National reputation is built through publication and presentation of research papers and networking nationally or internationally.

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.
Current information may include:
other research in progress locally, nationally and internationally
recently published information
unpublished information
Resource needs may include:
human
physical
monetary
design specifications
technical manuals
componentry
radioactive samples
Documenting may include:
complete record to be held internally within the organisation
preparation of research results for publication
Dissemination of results may include:
building a national reputation through publications and presentations
national recognition for publication of research results in externally refereed publications
publishing material in industry journals
publishing reports for scientific audiences
publishing reports/articles for lay audiences
presentations at seminars and scientific conferences
internal reporting verbally and in writing
drafting ministerials
contributing to policy

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.
Units to be assessed together
Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil
Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil
Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:
PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service
PSPGOV601B Apply government systems
PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks
PSPMNGT602B Manage resources
PSPMNGT604B Manage change
PSPMNGT608B Manage risk
PSPOHS602A Manage workplace safety
Overview of evidence requirements
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
the knowledge requirements of this unit
the skill requirements of this unit
application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
scientific/technological research initiated and conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive national recognition
research presentations for national scientific and industry audiences
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, procedures, guidelines and protocols
research guidelines and methodologies relating to scientific/technological research
industry information
risk management strategies relating to scientific/technological research
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture a range of different research situations
Where and how to assess evidence
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when initiating and conducting scientific/technological research, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
research initiated and conducted in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
evidence of published research papers and articles for scientific and lay audiences that receive national recognition
evidence of research presentations for national scientific and industry audiences
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
people with disabilities
people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
women
young people
older people
people in rural and remote locations
Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:
case studies
demonstration
observation
portfolios
projects
questioning
authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses
For consistency of assessment
Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

Replaced By

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
AWT46	PSPSCI013	Initiate and conduct scientific/technological research	Unit of competency

State Code	National Code	Title	Type
J323	PSP60112	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification
C770	PSP60104	Advanced Diploma of Government	Qualification