Elements and Performance Criteria

Systems is used to mean any/all of the equipment, process, procedures and work practices that are used to produce the product.
A term often used in this context is:
Kaizen - the philosophy of continual improvement, that every process can and should be continually evaluated and improved in terms of time required, resources used, resultant quality, and other aspects relevant to the process.

Procedures include all work instructions, standard operating procedures, formulas/recipes, batch sheets, temporary instructions and similar instructions provided for the smooth running of the plant. They may be written, verbal, computer based or in some other form.
For the purposes of this Training Package, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (e.g. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Responsible Care) and government regulations.

Improvement procedures in some enterprises are also known by baka-yoke which is a manufacturing technique of preventing mistakes by designing the manufacturing process, equipment and tools so that an operation literally cannot be performed incorrectly. An attempt to perform incorrectly, as well as being prevented, is usually met with a warning signal of some sort. The term poka-yoke is sometimes referred to as a system where only a warning is provided.
Improvements may be sustained by use of technology so that it is impossible to do the job any other way. However, improvements may also be sustained by changes to process or procedures or other changes to the manufacturing system which, if followed, will sustain the change and this unit may be applied to all these situations.

Measuring performance is not used literally and may mean the personal taking of measurements, or it may mean arranging for measurements to be taken/made by appropriate personnel. The interpretation of the measurements however is to be undertaken personally.

Overview of assessment requirements
The person will be able to point to improvements which have been made where they have been active in designing and implementing systems for sustaining the improvement.

What critical aspects of evidence are required to demonstrate competency in this unit?
Evidence of having sustained improvements in the workplace and of reviewing these improvements for their real impact.

In what context should assessment occur?
Assessment will need to occur in a workplace where improvements are occurring, or where specific improvement projects are undertaken for the purpose of providing evidence of competence (among other aims).
The unit may also be assessed on a project basis in a simulated environment.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit may be assessed concurrently with appropriate units on continuous improvement.
This unit relates to a team leader ensuring that their team sustains improvements.

What method of assessment should apply?
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the elements, performance criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?
Evidence should be available from multiple small changes, or from a large change which has had multiple facets implemented over a period of some months.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to a workplace implementing competitive manufacturing strategies, or where improvement projects can be conducted and relevant records is required. No other specific resources are required.