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.
System
Databases,
applications,
servers,
cabling,
wireless,
operating systems,
gateways,
ASP
ISP
Acceptance criteria may include:
timeframe,
cost implications,
technical and logistical considerations
Business requirements may be in reference to:
business,
system,
application,
network
people in the organisation
Hardware may include but is not limited to:
workstations,
personal computers,
modems and other connectivity devices,
networks,
communication connections,
remote sites
servers
Network may include but is not limited to:
large and small LANs,
WANs,
the internet,
PSTN for dial-up modems,
DSL lines,
private lines,
VPNs,
data and voice,
policing and shaping
Software may include but is not limited to:
commercial,
in-house,
packaged
customised software
Standards may include:
ISO/IEC/IEEE/IETF/ITUAS standards,
organisational standards,
project standards
Project may include:
a total organisational change,
a systems-only change,
a business improvement process,
data and voice integration
an e-business solution involving the total organisation or part of the organisation
Architecture 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
Requirements may be in reference to:
business,
system,
application,
network
people in the organisation
Solution may include but is not limited to:
new hardware,
hardware upgrades,
new software,
software upgrades,
user training
implementing a new system
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments,
external organisations,
customers,
individual people
employees
Applications may include but is not limited to:
commercial software applications;
organisation-specific software;
word processing,
spreadsheet,
database,
graphic and communication packages
may include presentation applications contained in: Microsoft Office, Lotus Suite, Claris Works and Star Office
Specifications may include but is not limited to:
technical requirements,
user problem statement,
current system functionality
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/IEEE/IETF/ITU/AS standards,
audit trails,
naming standards,
version control,
project management and report writing conventions,
maintaining equipment inventory,
client training and satisfaction reports
Appropriate person may include:
a supervisor,
teacher,
authorised business representative
client
Organisational requirements may be in reference to:
business,
system,
application,
network,
cabling
others specified by the organisation

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 sufficient knowledge of communications technology, hardware, software and data modelling. Assessment must confirm the ability to translate business processes into technical processes
Assessment must confirm the ability to plan and develop a model for a physical system from the requirements

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will need access to:
Client requirements
The project deliverables
The acceptance criteria
Current IT blueprint
Information on a range of IT business solutions and vendor offerings
Future organisational business process requirements
Technical specifications
Context of and specific resources for assessment
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.

Assessment must ensure:
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. In the case of this unit, it could be assessed in a holistic manner with:
ICAA5054C Validate quality and completeness of system design specifications
ICAA5056B Prepare disaster recovery and contingency plans
ICAT5083B Develop and conduct client acceptance test
ICAI5100C Build an internet infrastructure
ICAA5045C Produce network architecture design

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