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.
Standards may include:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
organisational standards
project standards (for further information refer to the Standards Australia website at: www.standards.com.au)
System may include but is not limited to:
databases
applications
servers
operating systems
gateways
application service provider
ISP
Software may include but is not limited to:
Commercial
in-house
packaged
customised software
Network may include but is not limited to:
large and small LANs
WANs
the internet
the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only
VPNs
private lines
data
voice
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates and report writing
maintaining equipment inventory
client training and satisfaction reports
Project may include:
a total organisational change
a systems-only change
a business improvement process
an e-business solution involving the total organisation or part of the organisation
Organisational guidelines may include but is not limited to:
personal use of emails and internet access
content of emails
downloading information and accessing particular websites
opening mail with attachments
virus risk
dispute resolution
document procedures and templates
communication methods
financial control mechanisms
Acceptance criteria may include:
timeframe
cost implications
technical and logistical considerations
Test and acceptance processes
May vary according to size and type and scope of the project
AS 4006-1992 Software test documentation may be relevant to this unit
ISO/IEC/AS standards are updated and changed on a regular basis; it is therefore important to check the Standards Australia website: (www.standards.com.au ) on a regular basis for new standards
Quality benchmarks relevant quality standards include:
AS 4043-1992 Software configuration management
AS 4042-1992 Software configuration management plans
AS 3925.1-1994 Software quality assurance - plans
AS/NZS 4258:1994 Software user documentation process
AS/NZS ISO/IEC 12207:1997 Information technology - software life cycle processes
AS/NZS 14102:1998 Information technology - guideline for evaluation and selection of computer-aided software engineering (CASE) tools

International and Australian Standards are updated and changed on a regular basis, it is therefore important to check the Standards Australia website (www.standards.com.au ) on a regular basis for new standards.

May vary according to the type of organisation, and the benchmarks will cover technical, cost savings, performance and quality. Some organisations may be quality-certified and have well-documented standards for addressing quality while others will not; in a simulated environment, best practice workplace examples will be used.

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 knowledge of quality processes, audit trials and version control.
Assessment must confirm the ability to develop reliable and valid configuration management procedures for technical and administrative procedures for use during the software life cycle, system or network reconfiguration or the upgrade process.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
Technical specifications
Organisational standards for documentation and version control
Project management process and hierarchy
CASE tools
Future organisational business processes
Test plan
Project budget and timeframe
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.

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

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