Elements and Performance Criteria

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.

databases
applications
servers
operating systems
gateways
application service provider
ISP

supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client

severs
networks
databases
software integration and more

internal departments
external organisations
individual people
internal employees

parties and their responsibilities
project scope
project objectives
schedule
project budget

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 comprehensively test the system's ability to cope with expected high levels of data volume while meeting the predetermined performance standards.
Assessment must confirm the ability to identify problems and identify fault resolution strategies that may occur during stress testing.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Business requirements
Project documentation, including templates, standards, specifications, client user and technical manuals
Business rules and expected loads
Base tools
Technical components of system, including software, hardware, network
Staffing resources, including development, operations, client user representatives (in a simulation, the trainer/assessor may take on some of these roles)
System/application suitable for testing

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The person will need to ensure that:

System operates in the manner expected under expected conditions
Supporting material such as procedures and forms is accurate and suitable for the purpose intended
Stated conditions reflect the upper limits expected by client
There are no unacceptable reductions in service
Individual elements and the overall system provide the desired result or functionality
Documentation is available and accurate
Stress load testing usually occurs during the implementation phase, but planning and preparation should begin in the design phase, and run concurrently (design/code/implementation).
The breadth, depth and complexity covering planning and initiation of alternative approaches to skills or knowledge applications across a broad range of technical and/or management requirements, evaluation and coordination would be characteristic.

Assessment must ensure:

The demonstration of competency may also require self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in some areas where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
Applications involve participation in development of strategic initiatives as well as personal responsibility and autonomy in performing complex technical operations or organising others. It may include participation in teams including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.

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.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating theoretical concepts, with substantial depth in some areas
Analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements
Transfer and apply theoretical concepts and/or technical or creative skills to a range of situations
Evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to broad quantity and quality parameters
Take some responsibility for the achievement of group outcomes
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services