Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
Sources of information may include:
organisation materials
client information
market trends
registries and file records
library materials
financial records
statistical information
personnel/human resource records
asset records
legislation
policies
Information format may include:
multimedia
database
web site
dataset
audio/visual
word processed documents
books
gazettes and other publications
reports
pivot tables
Strategies may include:
research plan
search strategy tailored to the information retrieval system selected:
using key concepts and terms
using classification schemes
using search engines
using analysis systems
using data warehouse systems
using internal organisers such as indexes in books
Legislation, policy and procedures may include:
Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, standards and guidelines especially relating to privacy, confidentiality, freedom of information, security, fraud control, copyright, intellectual property
government policy
public sector code of ethics
national standards
Australian standards such as records management, knowledge management, risk management
the organisation's policies and practices
organisational code of conduct
Internet etiquette (netiquette)
Evaluation of content may include:
reliability
validity
accuracy
authority
currency
point of view
bias
prejudice
deception
manipulation
supporting arguments
contradictions
different viewpoints
the cultural, physical or other context in which the information was created
the impact of context on interpretation of the information
comparison of new knowledge with prior knowledge
whether information contradicts or verifies information from other sources
Analysis may include:
application of statistical methods
mathematical calculations
critical analysis
problem solving
forecasting
Information systems may contain:
computers and networks
communication channels
records management guidelines
data
procedures
protocols
legislation, guidelines and awards
organisation, legal and policy materials
client information
market trends
registries and file records
library systems
financial records
basic statistical information
personnel records
Client/organisational needs may include:
provision of advice
input into policy development
solutions/options for action
forecasting
determining future outcomes
identifying strategies derived from analysis of information

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:
PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service
PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations
PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies
PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documents
PSPGOV520A Scope statistical data collection
PSPGOV521A Collect statistical data
PSPGOV522A Process statistical data
PSPGOV523A Interrogate and analyse statistical data
PSPGOV524A Interpret data and related statistics
PSPSCI503A Develop and undertake scientific/technological research
PSPFRAU502B Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity
PSPLAND506A Identify and manage contaminated sites
PSPSEC501A Assess security risks
PSPCRT505A Undertake senior court listing activities
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 Employability Skills as they relate to this unit
research and analysis undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)
Resources required to carry out assessment
These resources include:
legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to research and analysis
access to electronic and other information sources relevant to the workplace
case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when undertaking research and analysis.
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 undertaking research and analysis, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
research and analysis undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).
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
portfolios
projects
questioning
scenarios
simulation or role plays
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