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.

May include software or electronics equipment (e.g. volt-meter, oscilloscope, data analyser).

May include but is not limited to relational databases, object-relational databases, proprietary databases, commercial off the shelf (COTS)database packages.

May include but is not limited to:
Operating system: Novell NetWare 5 or above or any operating system that has multi-user ability, Linux, Mac OS, Windows 2000 or above
Database software: Oracle, Sybase, Microsoft SQL server, Ingres, DB2, Informix, mSQL, MySQL, SQL server
Configuration: small memory model, large memory model, requests per second

May include but is not limited to improvements to response time, simultaneous access, compacting database files and repairing the database.

May include proprietary extensions: AS/NZS 3968.0:1994 Information technology - database languages - SQL - definition of data structures and basic operations

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
Assessment must confirm the ability to correctly identify and solve common database problems to improve database performance.

Knowledge and skills
Broad knowledge of SQL
Detailed knowledge of database administration
Detailed knowledge of tuning methodologies
General knowledge of the principles of database design
Detailed knowledge of diagnostic tools
Analysis capability in relation to normal routine and non-routine work processes
Project planning skills in relation to set benchmarks and identified scope
Report writing skills for business, requiring depth in some areas, analysis and evaluation of information in a defined range of areas
Problem solving skills in non-routine work processes

Assessment guidance
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 to 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.

In the case of this unit, it could be assessed in a holistic manner with:

ICAB4060B Identify physical database requirements
ICAB4061B Monitor physical database implementation
ICAB4136B Use structured query language to create database structures and manipulate
ICAS4108B Complete database back-up and recovery
ICAS4125B Monitor and administer a database

Resources

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

Diagnostic tools
Database operating on a network

Role context
Resolving database issues can be complex and take considerable time. The core role in this competency is to take part in common database performance problem solving.
All database applications can be performance enhanced with special care and code optimisations.
This unit should be flexible enough to allow for the creation of specialised database programs that are poor in performance so that problem solving processes can be applied.
There are many open source database offerings that may provide a suitable code base from which to work.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Determine performance benchmarks from a database code structure
Apply solutions to improve database performance
Interpret available information and request clarification where needed
Take responsibility for outputs in work and learning situations
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.
Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.
Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts
Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems
Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas
Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources
Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards
Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services