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.

commercial software applications
organisation-specific software; word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic, communication packages and presentation functionalities

CASE tool
code generators

a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party

supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client

technical requirements
user problem statement
current system functionality
project plan
software requirements
metrics

CASE tools
iterative life cycles
prototyping
workshops
SWAT teams
timebox development methodology; and reuse of applications, templates and code

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 sufficient knowledge of the fundamentals and features of RAD. Assessment must confirm the ability to build using RAD within the required timeframe and to technical and client specifications. High-quality code should be produced.
Supplementary questioning may be used during the assessment, where necessary, to ensure that all issues relating to quality issues were considered and appropriate choices made, given the chosen RAD technique.

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

CASE tools
Prototyping software
Detailed user requirements
CASE repository to facilitate the reuse of templates and components
Code generator
Requirements document, including model and scope

Context of and specific resources for assessment
RAD building for a software project should be carefully managed to deliver maximum benefit for cost and quality. Selection of the most appropriate RAD tool will take into consideration the targeted platform or multi-platform options. 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:

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.

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.

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 industry products and services