Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:
Legislation, codes and national standards relevant to the workplace may include:
award and enterprise agreements and relevant industrial instruments
relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
Organisational policy and procedures may include:
log-on procedures
password protection
storage / location of data
standard formats
author's instructions
use of templates
Ergonomic requirements may include:
workstation height and layout
chair height, seat and back adjustment
footrest
screen position
keyboard and mouse position
document holder
posture
avoiding radiation from computer screens
lighting
noise minimisation
Work organisation may include:
mix of repetitive and other activities
rest periods
exercise breaks
Conservation techniques may include:
double-sided paper use
re-used paper for rough drafts (observing confidentiality requirements)
recycling used and shredded paper
utilising power-save options for equipment
Routine software functions may include:
formatting text
formatting cells
adding/deleting columns/rows
sizing columns/rows
headers/footers
Simple formulae may include:
maximum
minimum
average
sum
subtraction
multiplication
division
combinations of above
Formatting may include:
enhancements to text
enhancements to format - borders, patterns and colours
alignment on page
headers/footers
use of absolute and relative cell addresses
efficiency of formulae
use of cell addresses in formulae
Data may include:
numbers
text
Checking may include:
proofreading
accuracy of data
spelling, electronically and manually
accuracy of formulae with calculator
ensuring instructions with regard to content and format have been followed
Designated timelines may include:
timeline agreed with supervisor/person requiring spreadsheet
timeline agreed with internal/external client
organisation timeline eg financial requirements
Printing may include:
with values
with formulae
to fit specific number of pages
to fit on one page
Storage of data may include:
storage in electronic folders / sub-folders
storage on hard/floppy disk drives, CD ROM, tape backup
organisation policy for backing up files
organisation policy for filing hard copies of spreadsheets
filing locations
security
authorised access
Chart types may include:
column
stacked, 3-D column
bar
stacked / multiple bar
line
pie and 3-D pie
exploded pie
scatter / bubble
area
Chart features may include:
data labels
axis title
chart title
legend
gridlines
axes
data tables
colours
patterns
lines
fills
borders
The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:
Legislation, codes and national standards relevant to the workplace may include:
award and enterprise agreements and relevant industrial instruments
relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
relevant industry codes of practice
Organisational policy and procedures may include:
log-on procedures
password protection
storage / location of data
standard formats
author's instructions
use of templates
Ergonomic requirements may include:
workstation height and layout
chair height, seat and back adjustment
footrest
screen position
keyboard and mouse position
document holder
posture
avoiding radiation from computer screens
lighting
noise minimisation
Work organisation may include:
mix of repetitive and other activities
rest periods
exercise breaks
Conservation techniques may include:
double-sided paper use
re-used paper for rough drafts (observing confidentiality requirements)
recycling used and shredded paper
utilising power-save options for equipment
Routine software functions may include:
formatting text
formatting cells
adding/deleting columns/rows
sizing columns/rows
headers/footers
Simple formulae may include:
maximum
minimum
average
sum
subtraction
multiplication
division
combinations of above
Formatting may include:
enhancements to text
enhancements to format - borders, patterns and colours
alignment on page
headers/footers
use of absolute and relative cell addresses
efficiency of formulae
use of cell addresses in formulae
Data may include:
numbers
text
Checking may include:
proofreading
accuracy of data
spelling, electronically and manually
accuracy of formulae with calculator
ensuring instructions with regard to content and format have been followed
Designated timelines may include:
timeline agreed with supervisor/person requiring spreadsheet
timeline agreed with internal/external client
organisation timeline eg financial requirements
Printing may include:
with values
with formulae
to fit specific number of pages
to fit on one page
Storage of data may include:
storage in electronic folders / sub-folders
storage on hard/floppy disk drives, CD ROM, tape backup
organisation policy for backing up files
organisation policy for filing hard copies of spreadsheets
filing locations
security
authorised access
Chart types may include:
column
stacked, 3-D column
bar
stacked / multiple bar
line
pie and 3-D pie
exploded pie
scatter / bubble
area
Chart features may include:
data labels
axis title
chart title
legend
gridlines
axes
data tables
colours
patterns
lines
fills
borders

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria
Design appropriate to type and use of spreadsheet
Use of cell-based formulae
Underpinning Knowledge*
* At this level the learner must demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas.
The relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
Knowledge of the purpose and ranges of uses of spreadsheet's functions
Organisational requirements for ergonomic standards, work periods and breaks, and conservations techniques
Organisational guidelines on spreadsheet manipulation and processing
Format of workplace documents
Underpinning Skills
Computer literacy
Keyboarding skills
Literacy skills in relation to spelling correctly
Numeracy skills in relation to creating and using spreadsheet formulae
Communication skills to interpret instructions
Ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Resource Implications
The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace
These may include:
workplace reference materials such as style guides
computer equipment with spreadsheet software
English dictionary
Consistency of Performance
In order to achieve consistency of performance, evidence should be collected over a set period of time which is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations:
Eg dealing with different office requirements, different types of data, different types of spreadsheets and over a period of time to ensure that situational variables are consistently achieved
Context/s of Assessment
Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including paying particular attention to the critical aspects and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide, and within the scope as defined by the Range Statement
Assessment must take account of the endorsed assessment guidelines in the Business Services Training Package
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment
Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies and the Business Services Common Competencies for the particular AQF Level. Refer to the Key Competency Levels at the end of this unit
Key Competency Levels
Collecting, analysing and organising information (Level 1) - to determine the most appropriate spreadsheet format
Communicating ideas and information (Level 1) - through the production of an effective spreadsheet
Planning and organising activities (Level 1) - to determine formulae and input data
Working with teams and others (Level 1) - to determine spreadsheet and printing requirements
Using mathematical ideas and techniques (Level 2) - while using formulae in the spreadsheet
Solving problems (Level 2) - using manuals and on-line help
Using technology (Level 2) - to create and use spreadsheets
Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies
The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
Integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria
Design appropriate to type and use of spreadsheet
Use of cell-based formulae
Underpinning Knowledge*
* At this level the learner must demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas.
The relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
Knowledge of the purpose and ranges of uses of spreadsheet's functions
Organisational requirements for ergonomic standards, work periods and breaks, and conservations techniques
Organisational guidelines on spreadsheet manipulation and processing
Format of workplace documents
Underpinning Skills
Computer literacy
Keyboarding skills
Literacy skills in relation to spelling correctly
Numeracy skills in relation to creating and using spreadsheet formulae
Communication skills to interpret instructions
Ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Resource Implications
The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace
These may include:
workplace reference materials such as style guides
computer equipment with spreadsheet software
English dictionary
Consistency of Performance
In order to achieve consistency of performance, evidence should be collected over a set period of time which is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations:
Eg dealing with different office requirements, different types of data, different types of spreadsheets and over a period of time to ensure that situational variables are consistently achieved
Context/s of Assessment
Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including paying particular attention to the critical aspects and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide, and within the scope as defined by the Range Statement
Assessment must take account of the endorsed assessment guidelines in the Business Services Training Package
Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment
Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies and the Business Services Common Competencies for the particular AQF Level. Refer to the Key Competency Levels at the end of this unit
Key Competency Levels
Collecting, analysing and organising information (Level 1) - to determine the most appropriate spreadsheet format
Communicating ideas and information (Level 1) - through the production of an effective spreadsheet
Planning and organising activities (Level 1) - to determine formulae and input data
Working with teams and others (Level 1) - to determine spreadsheet and printing requirements
Using mathematical ideas and techniques (Level 2) - while using formulae in the spreadsheet
Solving problems (Level 2) - using manuals and on-line help
Using technology (Level 2) - to create and use spreadsheets
Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies