Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

system development life cycle
structured systems analysis
design methodology

multi-view
prototyping
object-oriented analysis and design
soft system methodology

traditional and non-traditional methodologies

cultural
organisational
procedural
developmental or processes
activities of the development process

Inputs and outputs for a task may include pre-conditional and post-conditional options. For example, pre-conditions may be a check that inputs fulfil specific requirements. Post-conditions may check if the outputs have met quality requirements

a total organisational change
a systems-only change
a business improvement process
an e-business solution involving the total organisation or part of the organisation

acceptance criteria
a review process
inspection
test plans

supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client

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 following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to understand a variety of system development methodologies and apply this knowledge to a systems project or scenario.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:

Design specifications and current methodologies
Organisational standards for documentation and version control

Context of and specific resources for assessment
Detailed user requirements document, including model and scope
Evaluating systems development methodologies to a project or scenario clarifies the scope and tasks involved in a systems project.
This should enable several development methodologies to be evaluated in order to make a decision of the suitability of the model to a project.
The stages of the development methodology should be followed within the scope of a project or scenario and the relevant supporting documentation produced.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.

Method of assessment
The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.
Competency in this unit should to be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.
Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICAA4041C Determine and confirm client business expectations and needs
ICAA4047B Determine project specifications and secure client agreement

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Understand a range of development methodologies and their application to a project or scenario
Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of the methodologies investigated
Apply a methodology to a project or scenario
Produce documentation required by the chosen methodology
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services