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.
Database may include but is not limited to:
relational databases
object-relational databases
proprietary databases
commercial off the shelf (COTS) database packages such as Oracle, PostgreSQL, Sybase, Microsoft SQL server, Microsoft Access, Ingres, DB2, DB4, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Business requirements may include:
customer
supplier
payroll
inventory
tax requirements
Networkserver may include but is not limited to:
Novell NetWare 5 or above or any operating system that has multi-user ability
Linux
Mac OS
Windows 2000 or above
System may include but is not limited to:
hardware and software components that run a computer
Organisationalguidelines may include but are 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.
User may include:
a person within a department
a department within the organisation
a third party

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 the ability to consistently manage and administer a database.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
A live database, preferably on a LAN on which there is a server that offers log-in functionality
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Databases offer shared collections of logically related data, designed to meet the information needs of multiple users. These stores of data describe entities and the relationships between the entities and are generally supported by a database management system which is the software mechanism for managing the data.

Databases are in place for most organisations and provide the fundamental underpinnings for online facilities required for data provision and data retrieval. The effective management and administration of databases are of critical importance to businesses which rely on accurate and up to date information availability.

Applications involve responsibility for database administration.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

Assessment must ensure:
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.

Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.
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, for example:
ICAB4060B Identify physical database requirements
ICAB4061B Monitor physical database implementation
ICAS4108B Complete database back-up and recovery
ICAS4113C Identify and resolve common database performance problems
ICAS4114B Implement maintenance procedures

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate skills in administering a database
Monitor data and provide solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skills and knowledge related to database problems
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take limited responsibility for the administration of a database

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:
Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services