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.
Own role may relate to:
current organisational practice in relation to new ideas
knowledge of ways to suggest new ideas
scope of individual discretion and freedom in relation to new ideas
who needs to be involved in the process
Opportunities for improvement may relate to:
changes in the physical work environment
different storage or maintenance procedures
different ways of communicating within the team
introduction of new technology
job role changes
new customer base
new work practices or services
staffing changes
work processes and procedures
Information which may be relevant to ideas may include:
examples of similar approaches in other contexts or organisations
media articles about similar ideas
notes about how the idea could improve efficiency or service levels
pricing information
People who could provide input may include those who might:
challenge and test the ideas
have supervisory or management responsibility
promote the ideas to others
provide technical knowledge
resource the ideas going forward
review any budgetary implications
work in the same area
Best way of approaching people may be influenced by:
degree of formality required
location of people (e.g. may not be on-site)
need for any supporting documentation
time pressures and priorities
Feedback could be gained in a range of ways and may include:
asking questions
talking to colleagues or supervisors
using brainstorming techniques
using 'what if' scenarios
Options and possible variations development may occur by:
considering resources needed
considering time required
taking on board ideas from other people
thinking through all aspects of the ideas
whole new concepts that come out of discussions
Routine changes may include:

adjustments to work practices with minimal impact on others or within a small team
changes that do not require management approvals
changes that have the support of management and for which authority is given for immediate action to be taken
Issues and practical processes may relate to:
any approvals required
cost of implementation
internal politics
need for a planned communication approach (internal or external)
personalities and philosophies of others in the workplace
relationship of the idea to organisation priorities

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:
generation of practical ideas in response to a specific workplace situation
effective and open interaction with others to discuss and develop ideas
knowledge and understanding of the role of individuals in contributing to workplace innovation.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
interaction with others to reflect the collaborative nature of the improvement/innovation process.
Method of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
direct observation of the candidate participating in brainstorming, discussions and other collaborative activities to develop ideas
evaluation of candidate's ability to generate ideas to address a range of practical operational situations
evaluation of feedback from other people involved in the collaborative process about the candidate's communication approaches and abilities
oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of the role of innovation, the role of individuals in the innovation process and the types of techniques that can be used.
Guidance information for assessment
Innovation does not occur in isolation. Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is highly recommended.