Elements and Performance Criteria

RANGE STATEMENT
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.
User may include:
a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates and report writing
maintaining equipment inventory
client training
satisfaction reports
System may include but is not limited to:
network
application
software
business
computers
financial system
management system
information system
Hardware may include:
Workstations, personal computers
Modems or other connectivity devices
Networks
Remote sites
Servers
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial, in-house, packaged or customised software
Organisational requirements may be in reference to:
work environment
problem solution processes
preventative maintenance
diagnostic policy
roles and technical responsibilities in the IT department
vendor and product service-level support agreements
Organisational guidelines may include but are not limited to:
personal use of emails and internet access
content of emails
downloading information and accessing particular websites, opening mail with attachments, virus risk, dispute resolution, document procedures and templates
communication methods
financial control mechanisms
OH&S standards may include:
correct posture
lighting
type of desk
type of monitor
style of chair
typing position
repetitive strain injury prevention
ventilation
light position
correct lifting method
length of time in front of computer

EVIDENCE GUIDE
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 competency in sustaining the operation of the network through maintenance of network integrity and the performing of diagnostic tests. Assessment must also confirm competency in contributing to the formulation of a disaster recovery plan and providing the client with an optimised network that complies with organisational guidelines.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
Peers and supervisors for obtaining information on the extent and quality of the contribution made
Live network
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Demonstrating competency in network systems administration would include knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas; and demonstrate basic practical skills, such as the use of relevant systems administration tools.

Breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge application where there are clear guidelines on managing a network system and associated software and hardware.


The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specified problems. This would be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.

Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a defined range of skilled operations, usually within a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures, where some discretion and judgement is required in the section of equipment, services or contingency measures and within known time constraints would be characteristic.

Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be involved.
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 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:
ICAI3020B Install and optimise operating system software
ICAS3120B Configure and administer a network operating system

Demonstration of competency would involve:
Demonstrating basic operational knowledge of a network system in a range of areas
Applying appropriate knowledge and skills in managing and administering a network within a limited range of predictable outcomes
Performing a range of tasks where choice between options for network performance is required

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge
Apply a range of well-developed skills
Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems
Perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required
Interpret available information, using discretion and judgement
Take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Take limited responsibility for the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services