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 include but is not limited to workstations, personal computers, modems and other connectivity devices, networks, DSL modems, remote sites and servers

May include a supervisor, teacher, authorised business representative or 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.
Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment must confirm the ability to apply technical knowledge in the preliminary analysis of emerging technology according to organisational requirements or practices
Assessment also must confirm the ability to convey and access conceptual information regarding emerging technology in relation to organisational needs.

Knowledge and skills
Current industry and technology information sources (e.g. vendor seminars, expert email groups, etc, as mentioned above)
Current business practices in relation to preparing reports
Components of the business planning process relevant to the development of IT business solutions
Current industry-accepted hardware and software products, including broad knowledge of general features and capabilities, with particular reference to emerging trends and product design
Broad knowledge of vendor product directions such as self-configuring ADSL or cable modem-router-switch for the Small Office Home Office (SOHO) market
General knowledge of the client business needs, with a view to expanding into new possibilities, as presented by new technology
Basic knowledge of quality assurance practices, to promote reliable investigation processes
Basic knowledge of information gathering techniques
Industry networks
Key individuals and organisations within the IT industry
Solving unknown problems in a range of contexts, particularly in developing new approaches with new technology (this includes problem solving skills for resolving unpredictable problems, with reference to the new technology)
Basic planning skills in relation to scope, time, cost, quality, communications and risk management
Participating in the development of reports and summary findings
Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information, such as when presenting the results of testing new technology and proposing new potential directions as a result of this
Teamwork skills, involving the contribution to solutions and goals of a non-routine or developmental process, such as investigating new technology for new roles in the workplace
Group facilitation and presentation skills in relation to transferring and collecting information and gaining consensus on concepts and new proposals
Communication skills to convey complex and abstract concepts and information

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.

In the case of this unit, it could be assessed in a holistic manner with:

ICAA5044B Develop system infrastructure design plan

Resources

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

Internet
Journals of industry/professional associations

Role context
The ICT industry is constantly changing with technologies being developed and introduced with increasing rapidity. It is essential that ICT professionals constantly review emerging trends and technologies in the context of current processes and designs, with an eye to improving or synthesising better ways of completing tasks. Businesses are reliant on ICT expertise to apply world-class standards which will underpin the achievement of organisational goals.
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