Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provide the range of applications of this competency standard to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces. It provides details of practices, knowledge and requirements referred to in the elements and performance criteria. The variables chosen in training and assessment will depend on the work contexts.

The following variables may include but are not limited to

Workplace procedures may include:
those relating to staff meetings
training
performance management
project management
client relations
briefing processes

Physical environment may include:
work station arrangements
work space design and decor
relaxation areas
eating areas
external areas
location of work sections

Work activities may include:
the development of new products
processes
services
programs
tools
work practices

Working conditions may include:
flexible working hours
family friendly leave entitlements
time provided for ideas generation
study leave
social leave

Processes to encourage the application of innovation at work skills may include:
collecting data
future scanning
seeking feedback
networking
making suggestions
creative thinking
collaborating

Collaborative arrangements may include:
working in teams or partnerships
working with supplier organisations
working in different sections

Methods for reflection and review may include:
systematic collection of data
informal processes
building review into project schedules
staff meetings

Acknowledging ideas may include:
congratulating team
providing newsletter stories
using idea to help generate other ideas
acknowledgement from management

Information and learning opportunities may include:
formal training or education
informal learning
coaching and mentoring
job rotation
information seminars
on-line learning
conferences
policies and procedures
reports

The following components of the evidence guide relate directly to the performance criteria and the Range Statement for the unit of competency and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence

Competency in this unit requires evidence that the candidate:

Organises procedures to support innovation in the workplace.
Encourages collaborative work arrangements.
Implements management practices that support innovation.
Provides encouragement for innovation.
Rewards suggestions, improvements and innovation in the workplace through celebration and promotion by appropriate means.
Creates a physical environment which supports innovation.
Establishes strategies to promote innovative work practice.
Provides information and learning opportunities to foster innovation.

Underpinning Skills and Knowledge

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


Knowledge of:

Innovation at work skills
Basic management principles
The ways workplace climate can affect employees' attitudes and performance
Coaching and learning opportunities for employees and how they can be used to improve the skills in the use of innovative work practices
Factors that can motivate staff to apply innovative work practices
Ways of rewarding performance in the workplace

Skills in:

Interpersonal skills
Leadership skills
Encouraging and supporting employees' achievements
Accessing, interpreting and sharing information
Researching information
Discussing ideas and providing feedback

Assessment Process
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Integrated Competency Assessment
Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for each unit, or a cluster of units of competency.
The candidate will be required to
Apply knowledge and skills which underpin the process required to demonstrate competence, including appropriate key competencies.
Integrate knowledge and skills critical to demonstrating competence in this unit.
Unit WRRO10A can be assessed with other units that make up a particular job function.

Evidence Gathering Methods

Evidence should include products, processes and procedures from the workplace context. Evidence might include:

Observation of the person in the workplace
Third party reports from a supervisor
Answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge

Resources Required
A retail work environment
Relevant documentation, such as:
store policy and procedures manuals
A range of communication equipment

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 unit of competency. Following each question a number 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
The communication process is applied in the sharing of ideas and the collaborative development of ideas. (3)

Collecting analysing and organising information
This process is critical for this unit. It is evident in the information gathered to change layouts and procedures. (3)

Planning and organising activities
Planning would need to be applied in the provision of learning and coaching opportunities. (2)

Working with others and in teams
Managers, team leaders and employees are encouraged to work collaboratively in applying innovative work practices to organisational activities. (2)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Mathematical ideas would need to be applied in planning of organisational activities and budgeting of resources. (3)

Solving problems
Problem solving would be applied to overcoming inappropriate aspects of workplace culture, and resolving conflicts within the section/organisation being managed. (2)

Using technology
Technology might be used to obtain, analyse and share information on innovative work practices and organisations that are examples of good practice in their use (3)