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.
Objectives may include but are not limited to how and what the organisation wants to achieve in:
work environment
problem solution processes
preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy
roles and technical responsibilities in the IT department
vendor and product service-level support agreements
Database may include but are not limited to:
relational databases
object-relational databases
proprietary databases
commercial off the shelf (COTS) database packages
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates
report writing principles
Client may include but are not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
individual people
employees
Systemarchitecture may include but is not limited to:
Operating system: Novell NetWare 5 or above or any operating system that has multi-user ability, Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above
Database software: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL server, Ingres, DB2, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Configuration: small memory model, large memory model, requests per second
Hardware may include but are not limited to:
Workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers
Software may include but are not limited to:
commercial
in-house
packaged or customised software
Requirements may be in reference to:
business
system
platform
application
database
network
people in the organisation
Scalability
May include reserve capacity and long-term capacity. In relation to databases, scalability relates to multi-tier architecture, scalable workflow architecture, database replication, distributed databases, server clustering

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 the ability to develop a well-structured report that represents the client's business reality and provides advice in relation to the scalability requirements and functionality of planned database.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:
Business requirements documentation
Business planning documentation
Documentation relating to the technical architecture
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Many applications are dependent on specific database functionality. This unit uses 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.

Database applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives, as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others.

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.

Assessment must ensure:
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.
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:
ICAA5139B Design a database

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate broad knowledge of theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information to plan or research database usage
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 industry products and services