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.
Unit scope
Work involves activities associated with researching and evaluating new or alternate products, materials and related processes as a contribution to business planning
Significant research and analytical capabilities and judgement is required for this strategic function
Unit context
OHS requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, authorised handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements
Workplace environment
The competency can refer to enterprise and/or client initiated concepts, ideas or needs
Activities may relate to all the sector criteria normally required to evaluate products, materials and processes
The competency is applied without guidance in line with a broad plan, budget or existing strategy
Information and procedures
Current and proposed product specifications
Design briefs
Marketing strategies
Organisation work procedures
Customer requirements
Legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
National and international sector publications related to products and materials innovations and change
National and international materials/resource forecast documents
National and international trade fairs, expositions and symposiums
Quality and Australian standards and procedures

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.

Critical aspects of evidence
Apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations
Communicate effectively with customers, support agencies and colleagues
Individually or as part of a management team, research and evaluate a significant product, its materials and processes, and:
research/forecast trends
define manufacturing capabilities/implications
identify the options in terms of the product and materials and the feasibility of production processes
evaluate options and provide balanced support for recommendations
provide formal recommendations for preferred business options

Resource implications
Access to real or appropriately simulated product, materials and process research and evaluation situations.
This includes real or simulated work areas, materials, equipment, and information on work specifications and production processes, relevant safety procedures and regulations, quality standards, enterprise procedures and customer requirements.

Method of assessment
Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.
Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and/or samples of work and questioning on underpinning knowledge.
Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment
Assessment may occur on the job or in a simulated workplace facility with relevant equipment, simulated work instructions and deadlines.