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.

business
system
platform
application
database
network
people in the organisation

commercial software applications
organisation-specific software
packaged software
in-house
customised software

workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
networks
DSL modems
remote sites
servers

Motherboards
CMOS battery
central processing unit (CPU)
CD and DVD drives
interface cards
drives
fax/modem cards
RAM upgrades
CPU upgrades

technical requirements
user problem statement
current system functionality

internal departments
external organisations
individual people
internal employees

Linux 6.0 or above
Windows 98 or above
Apple OS 8 or above
Note: The use of operating system in this unit is in the context of the pre-existing system and may therefore not be current industry version. Preference is for Linux 7.0 or above, Windows 2000 or above, Apple OS X or above

Hardware, such as internal expansion devices and external peripheral devices
PCs, networks, printers
Software, such as applications, utilities, operating systems
Facility management
Integration and/or implementation services

purchase
lease
rental
new or refurbished
outsourced
Different acquisition methods can be found in IT strategy papers, or through discussions with IT director, finance director, suppliers

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 the ability to identify correct system components and to follow procurement procedures to purchase those components. The acquisition approach should be consistent with technical and business requirements.
Evidence may include formal request for tender documentation, evaluation/performance criteria, and comparison checklists.

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

Current business and IT strategic plans
Data models
Functional process descriptions
User requirements
Architectures
Service levels

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:

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.
Supplementary questioning may be used during the summative assessment phase, where necessary, to ensure that all issues relating to different acquisition methods have been considered and appropriate choices made given organisational policy.
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:

ICAI5086B Scope implementation requirements
ICAI5088B Evaluate and negotiate vendor offerings
ICAI5089B Implement and hand over system components
ICAI5090B Conduct pre installation audit for software installation

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