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.

May be in reference to the business, system, application, network or people in the organisation

May include but is not limited to internal departments, external organisations, individual people and employees

This process may include evaluation of customer testimonies and support documents

May include but is not limited to new hardware, hardware upgrades, new software, software upgrades, user training or implementing a new system

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.
Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to evaluate a range of vendor products and equipment against a client's functional requirements.

Knowledge and skills
Relevant knowledge of current and future technical systems
Features and function of relevant hardware components
Features and function of relevant software products
Interaction between relevant hardware and software products
Broad knowledge of the client business domain (e.g. when confirming system components to acquire and agreeing on methods for acquiring components)
Current industry-accepted hardware and software products with knowledge of general features and capabilities and detailed knowledge in some areas
Broad knowledge of vendor product directions
Copyright and intellectual property
Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics
Identification of key sources of information
Understanding specification sheets
Accurately summarising and documenting information
Understanding conflicts and integration capabilities between diverse equipment
Understanding importance and relevance of product information
Communicating with vendors effectively
Organising performance deviations

Assessment Guidance
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.

Resources

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

Client functional requirements
Hardware and software specifications from vendors

Role context
Evaluation of vendor products is critical for reducing costs, improving quality and ensuring better internal processes.
Planning and evaluation of vendor products uses skills and knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and management requirements, evaluation and coordination.
Vendor product evaluation may include participation in teams, including those concerned with planning and evaluation functions.
The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.
The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industy products and services