Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables defines the different contexts, work environments and parameters governing the performance of this unit of competency. The variables chosen in training and assessment will need to reflect local industry and regional contexts.

What projects may be included in this unit?
Separate project activity funded under program for specific purposes, which may require separate accounts and accounting records - regular reporting may be required on project basis.

Which programs may be relevant to this unit?
Commonwealth Government community programs under the Natural Heritage Trust, Rural Industry Programs, Business Programs State Government community programs related to the environment.

How may relationships with coordinators and community group leaders be approached?
Approach is facilitative including obtaining progress reports and providing assistance to coordinators and community group leaders.

How might records be presented?
May be written, include submissions and reports for group, or electronic. May include formal and informal notes, minutes and reports.

Where might requests for change occur?
Project activities, project timelines, resources used, and project milestones in terms of outcomes.

Which agencies may be included?
Commonwealth, State or Territory department or statutory body managing a program.

What could be included as group activities and resources?
Decisions taken at meetings, volunteers available, group funds and fund raising, project activities, equipment; owned, loaned, on lease or hire, and awareness raising activities.

What strategies may be used to restore project plan?
Coordination of additional resources, change in leadership roles, combining with other group(s), searching for additional volunteers.

What could be included as program and agency requirements?
Program guidelines for reporting, project agreement requirements and agency requirements for reporting within its jurisdiction.

How might literacy be part of this unit?
Preparation of individual and consolidated reports, analysis of reported results including financial and numeric information, report editing and use of written and electronic reporting, and analysis methods.

What forms of communication may be relevant?
Facilitation with other coordinators and community group leaders, explanation of program and agency requirements, and coordination of reporting activities.

What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole?
Competence in monitoring projects in a program requires evidence that programs have been successfully monitored, and this is supported by relevant reports prepared according to best practice and enterprise requirements and guidelines. The skills and knowledge required to monitor projects in a program must be transferable to a range of work environments and contexts. For example, this could include different projects, community programs and reporting requirements.
What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria?

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace, to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events. The knowledge requirements for this unit are listed below:

Group and regional cultures including diverse groups of people.
Program and agency reporting requirements.
Reporting formats.
Project management.
Financial reporting.
Project management computer applications.

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria?

To achieve the performance criteria, some complementary skills are required. These skills include the ability to:

Review project milestones.
Check progress against milestones.
Summarise progress.
Assist groups maintain project timelines.

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one?
This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function.

Essential Assessment Information
For information about

What processes should be applied to this competency standard?
There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life, which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Through meetings, presentations and discussions with those involved in project management, implementation or funding provision. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Through research, consultation with stakeholders, site inspections, review of project reports, and formal and informal discussions with other parties. (3)

Planning and organising activities
In accordance with project agreements/requirements set out by funding bodies. (3)

Working with others and in teams
Through participation and co-operation with other project managers/coordinators and funding body agents. (3)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
In analysis of costs and budgets for projects being monitored. (2)

Solving problems
Through dealing with unforeseen problems and/or conflicts arising during project planning or implementation. (3)

Using technology
Through use of computers and communication systems. (2)