Unit of competency Outline
Date retreived
22/07/2026 7:47 AM AWST
22/07/2026 7:47 AM AWST
Whilst all efforts are made to provide accurate and timely information from the relevant source/documentation, please be aware that the information supplied may not be the most current version. The accuracy of the detail has not been confirmed by the Department and therefore should not be relied upon without first confirming the contents.
Optimise system performance
Optimise system performance
Unit of competency
National Code
ICAS4112B
ICAS4112B
State Code
D0200
D0200
TGA Status
Replaced
Replaced
DTWD Status
Replaced
Replaced
State Implementation and Classification
Approved Date
02/11/2007
Field of Education
029999 - Information Technology, N.e.c.
Original Release Date
02/11/2007
Nominal Hours
30
Description
This unit defines the competency required to identify areas of poor system performance and take steps to improve and monitor performance.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAI4030B Install software to networked computersICAI4097C Install and configure a networkICAS4107B Rectify system faults on a live systemICAS4113C Identify and resolve common database performance problemsICAS4116B Undertake capacity planningICAS4127B Support system softwareNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Notes
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Identify areas of poor performance
- 1.1. Collect system performance data, during various usage conditions and times, utilising available technical tools
- 1.2. Evaluate the collected system performance data in relation to organisational benchmarks and client feedback, to ascertain areas of poor performance
2. Investigate methods to improve system performance
- 2.1. Identify options to improveperformance through discussing the system performance findings with appropriate person and accessing technical resources
- 2.2. Create a report including cost analysis for appropriate person, detailing alternative courses of action based on the identified options and designed to measurably improveperformance
- 2.3. Present the report to appropriate person for decision as to the preferred course of action
3. Develop an implementation plan for system optimisation
- 3.1. Develop a plan for implementing the approved optimisation, with prioritised tasks and minimum disruption to clients
- 3.2. Factor into the implementation plan, project budget and staff availability
- 3.3. Submit the implementation plan to the appropriateperson for approval and revision, if necessary
4. Modify system to optimise performance
- 4.1. Install or configure system components in accordance with installation procedures and organisational guidelines, following the implementation plan
- 4.2. Measure and record the change in performance resulting from the system modification, in order to assess that the required level of optimisation has been achieved
- 4.3. Update appropriate documents according to organisational guidelines, to reflect the system optimisation
5. Monitor ongoing system performance
- 5.1. Implement and maintain a performance register
- 5.2. Review and assess benchmarks and performance regularly with the work team, to enable timely optimisation and updates
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.
System performance including network capacity and throughput can be affected by:
imbalances in disk utilisation and available space
memory availability and utilisation
processor utilisation
disk speed
allocation of files across disk space
number of concurrent users
work load
physical limitations of system
poor design in a program/s
queue depth
seek time
i/o channel availability
Tools may include:
software
electronics equipment (e.g. volt-meter, oscilloscope, data analyser)
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
individual people
employees
Appropriateperson may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Components may include:
motherboards
CMOS battery
central processing unit (CPU)
CD and DVD drives
interface cards
drives
fax/modem cards
RAM upgrades
CPU upgrades
Organisationalguidelines may include but are not limited to:
personal use of emails and internet access
content of emails
downloading information and accessing particular websites
opening mail with attachments
virus risk
dispute resolution
document procedures and templates
communication methods
financial control mechanisms
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates
report writing principles
Improve performance may include:
Load balancing between servers or other network devices (e.g. using switches or routers)
Tuning the disk sub-system
Reducing total load by tuning the operating system
Tuning applications to reduce the load they impose
Using various systems tools to adjust system parameters, including hardware or software upgrade
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.
System performance including network capacity and throughput can be affected by:
imbalances in disk utilisation and available space
memory availability and utilisation
processor utilisation
disk speed
allocation of files across disk space
number of concurrent users
work load
physical limitations of system
poor design in a program/s
queue depth
seek time
i/o channel availability
Tools may include:
software
electronics equipment (e.g. volt-meter, oscilloscope, data analyser)
Client may include but is not limited to:
internal departments
external organisations
individual people
employees
Appropriateperson may include:
supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client
Components may include:
motherboards
CMOS battery
central processing unit (CPU)
CD and DVD drives
interface cards
drives
fax/modem cards
RAM upgrades
CPU upgrades
Organisationalguidelines may include but are not limited to:
personal use of emails and internet access
content of emails
downloading information and accessing particular websites
opening mail with attachments
virus risk
dispute resolution
document procedures and templates
communication methods
financial control mechanisms
Documentation may follow:
ISO/IEC/AS standards
audit trails
naming standards
version control
project management templates
report writing principles
Improve performance may include:
Load balancing between servers or other network devices (e.g. using switches or routers)
Tuning the disk sub-system
Reducing total load by tuning the operating system
Tuning applications to reduce the load they impose
Using various systems tools to adjust system parameters, including hardware or software upgrade
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:
Assessment must confirm sufficient knowledge of the indicators of inadequate performance.
Assessment must confirm the ability to keep the system balanced and performing well.
Assessment must confirm the ability to analyse system performance.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
System components and software for performance tuning
Technical manuals and resources
Fault logs
Diagnostic tools
Context of and specific resources for assessment
As systems grow, they can become fragmented and congested with incompatible software and unused programs, which can lead to wasted CPU cycles and unnecessary overuse of RAM.
The role of optimising system performance can avoid spending money on unnecessary hardware and software when all that is required is careful management of current resources.
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.
Assessment must ensure:
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.
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, for example:
ICAI4030B Install software to networked computers
ICAI4097C Install and configure a network
ICAS4107B Rectify system faults on a live system
ICAS4113C Identify and resolve common database performance problems
ICAS4116B Undertake capacity planning
ICAS4127B Support system software
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
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 sufficient knowledge of the indicators of inadequate performance.
Assessment must confirm the ability to keep the system balanced and performing well.
Assessment must confirm the ability to analyse system performance.
To demonstrate competency in this unit the learner will require access to:
System components and software for performance tuning
Technical manuals and resources
Fault logs
Diagnostic tools
Context of and specific resources for assessment
As systems grow, they can become fragmented and congested with incompatible software and unused programs, which can lead to wasted CPU cycles and unnecessary overuse of RAM.
The role of optimising system performance can avoid spending money on unnecessary hardware and software when all that is required is careful management of current resources.
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.
Assessment must ensure:
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.
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, for example:
ICAI4030B Install software to networked computers
ICAI4097C Install and configure a network
ICAS4107B Rectify system faults on a live system
ICAS4113C Identify and resolve common database performance problems
ICAS4116B Undertake capacity planning
ICAS4127B Support system software
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
Replaces
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C8801 | ICAS4112A | Optimise system performance | Unit of competency |
Replaced By
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| D8077 | ICASAS415A | Optimise IT system performance | Unit of competency |
| State Code | National Code | Title | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| C862 | ICA40405 | Certificate IV in Information Technology (Networking) | Qualification |