Elements and Performance Criteria

Range description
Process improvement is typically investigated and developed in consultation with others
Data analysis typically involves use of computer programs but may also be carried out manually
Problem solving tools can include but are not limited to fishbone diagrams/cause and effect diagrams, workflow analysis, Pareto diagrams, SWOT analysis

Ability to:
Identify nature and scope of improvement opportunity
Consult others to confirm improvement opportunity definition
Determine data collection requirements and appropriate collection methods
Identify resources requirements to support investigation. This may include negotiating access to resources as required. It may also involve identifying expertise or improvement team members
Collect data. This may include collecting samples and taking measurements, or data collection may be automated
Determine and apply appropriate data analysis techniques
Draw conclusions based on the data collected and analysed
Communicate findings in forms appropriate to the nature of the issue and the audience
Receive and take account of feedback
Participate in related trials and/or changes to work practices arising from improvement proposals
Monitor and document results of trials/implementation and participate in modifying change to support ongoing improvement

Knowledge of:
Objectives to be addressed by improvement proposals. This may include quality, OHS, environmental management, cost, efficiency and job satisfaction. It also includes an understanding of the context in which improvement occurs including capital expenditure and labour budgets, equipment capacity and production targets
Workplace approach to structuring improvement processes
Resources available to the workplace to support improvement processes. This includes both internal and external resources
Data collection and analysis techniques appropriate to the nature of the improvement opportunity and the workplace
Communication techniques to support data collection, consultation and team work required to participate in improvement processes
Documentation management systems to support changes in work practices to reflect improvement processes

Relationship with other standards
Pre-requisite units
There are no pre-requisite units for this competency standard.
Co-assessment of related units

This unit should be assessed together with other units of competence relevant to the work role. These may include:

FDFCORWCM2A Present and apply workplace information
FDFOPTSPC2A Apply principles of statistical process control
FDFOPTTG2A Participate in work teams and groups
PMBQUAL390A Solve problems using 'quality tools'

Resources required for assessment

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

Information storage and retrieval systems
Relevant technical information and personnel resources
Opportunities to interact with others using typical workplace communication processes
Relevant workplace documentation

Assessment requirements
For information on how to assess this competency standard and who can assess, refer to the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.