Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement explains the scope and context of the unit of competency allowing for differences between workplaces. The scope of variables chosen for training and assessment requirements will depend on the particular work situation.

The strategic plan will depend on:
Size and scale of the service/organisation
The client focus and needs
The level of available funding and the need to raise finance
The level of risk involved
Service/organisational philosophy
The community within which it operates

The strategic plan should include:
Mission, goals and objectives
Strategies for achieving goals
Work plans
Income and expenditure statement
Cash flow forecast
Quality assurance mechanisms
Performance measures

The financial plan takes account of:
Current financial state of the organisation
Financial performance to date
A review of financial inputs required sources and forms of finance
Projections of likely financial results budgeting
Risks and measures to manage or minimise risks
Forms of finance including working capital, fixed capital, debt and equity capital

Sources of finance may be:
Through donations
Financial institutions
Industry sources
Government sources
Borrowing/investments
Commercial activities

Projections may include:
Resource requirements
Estimates of profit and loss
Cash flow estimates

Stakeholders may include:
Providers of finance
Clients
Suppliers of resources
Community
Industry associations
Workers
Management
Government and/or funding bodies

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects of assessment, and the essential knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency in this unit. The Evidence Guide is an integral part of the assessment of competency and it should be read carefully in conjunction with the Range Statement, elements and performance criteria.
Critical aspects of assessment:
Business plan is part of and assists in improvement of the service or organisation
Consultation with relevant people take place
Business plan meets legislative and legal requirements

Essential knowledge:
Strategic planning principles and approaches
Process re-engineering
Quality assurance
Organisational development and management

Essential skills:
Negotiations
Time management and work planning
Awareness and understanding of effectiveness of individuals and teams in the service

Effective communication and interpersonal skills including:

Language competence required to fulfil the procedures of the organisation/service. Language used may be English, signing or a community language
Literacy competence required to fulfil organisation's procedures. Language used may be English or a community language
Numeracy competence required to complete financial plans for the organisation

Resource implications:
Access to appropriate workplace where assessment can be conducted or
Simulation of realistic workplace setting for assessment

Consistency in performance:
Assessment may include observations, questioning and evidence gathered from the workplace
Assessment may take place on more than one occasion but must cover assessment of all aspects of formulating and applying a business plan

Context of assessment:
This unit is most appropriately assessed in the workplace or in a simulated workplace and under the normal range of workplace conditions. This may include the use of languages other than English and alternative communication systems.