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 but are not limited to technical requirements, user problem statement and current system functionality

May be in reference to the business, system, application, network or people in the organisation

May include but is not limited to large and small LANs, WANs, the internet, the use of the PSTN for dial-up modems only, VPNs, private lines, data and voice

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 are not limited to keyboard, mouse, printer, scanner, monitor and internet connections

May include but are not limited to hardware and software components that run a computer

May include a supervisor, teacher, authorised business representative or client

May follow ISO/IEC/AS standards, audit trails, naming standards, version control, project management templates and report writing, maintaining equipment inventory, and client training and satisfaction reports

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 sufficient knowledge of communication hardware, protocols and legacy systems.
Assessment must confirm the ability to design viable network solutions and to assess network performance.

Knowledge and skills

Knowledge includes:

Detailed knowledge of current industry-accepted network protocols (e.g. when designing a network)
Broad knowledge of current industry-accepted network hardware and software products, including broad knowledge of general features and capabilities and detailed knowledge in some areas (e.g. when evaluating network traffic)
Broad knowledge of current industry security products, devices and procedures, including broad knowledge of general features and capabilities and detailed knowledge in some areas (e.g. when finalising network design)
Broad knowledge of three or more current industry network development and design methodologies (e.g. when designing a network)
Detailed knowledge of the operating systems (e.g. when evaluating network traffic)
Broad knowledge of the client business domain (e.g. when designing a network)
Detailed knowledge of remote user issues (e.g. when establishing the siting and types of terminals and processors, required protocols and network architecture based on technical specifications and user requirements, and for predicting line traffic and the impact on input/output devices and processors from current and future demand requirements)

Skills include:

Project planning skills in relation to scope, time, cost, quality, communications and risk management (e.g. when reviewing client user requirements and network requirements, and for documenting network design and presenting it to senior managers, client users and sponsors for approval)
Research skills for specifying, analysing and evaluating broad features of current security issues and best practice in security devices, products and procedures (e.g. when obtaining latest technical specifications and pricing by contacting possible vendors, and for specifying the likely performance profile (best/worst) and for reviewing its effect on other systems)
Financial modelling skills for specifying, analysing and evaluating a range of different solutions (e.g. when documenting network design and presenting it to senior managers, client users and sponsor for approval)
Plain English literacy and communication skills in relation to analysis, evaluation and presentation of information (e.g. when documenting network design and presenting it to senior managers, client users and sponsor for approval)
Problem solving skills for a defined range of unpredictable problems (e.g. when predicting line traffic and the impact on input/output devices and processors from current and future demand requirements)
Group facilitation and presentation skills in relation to transferring and collecting information and gaining consensus on concepts (e.g. when documenting network design and presenting it to senior managers, client users and sponsor for approval)

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:

ICAA5044B Develop system infrastructure design plan
ICAI5098B Install and manage complex networks
ICAS5123B Manage network security
ICAS5122B Troubleshoot and resolve network problems
ICAA5056B Prepare disaster recovery and contingency plans

Resources

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

Client requirements
Technical specifications
Expected traffic volume
Vendors and vendor offerings/pricing
Information on a range of IT business solutions
Future organisational business processes
Budget for the scenarios

Role context
An individual who has this competency should display self-directed application of knowledge and skills, with substantial depth in network design and operations where judgement is required in planning and selecting appropriate equipment, services and techniques for self and others.
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.
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.

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 industy products and services