Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range of Variables statement provides details of the scope of the Elements and Performance Criteria to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces, including practices, knowledge and requirements. The Range of Variables also provides a focus for assessment and relates to the unit as a whole. The variables listed should be considered indicative rather than exhaustive and should be used as applicable to the job role or function.

General Contexts may include but are not limited to
Type of products and services provided
Business policy and procedures with regard to the acquisition and sale of products and services
Size, type and location of business
Business merchandise range
Strategic measurement and evaluation systems and processes
Characteristics of the specific product(s) or service(s)
Management structure and communication relationships
Business service range
Customers including other businesses or end consumers serviced through business customers or directly
Varying levels of staff training
Worksite specific context, variations and environments

Workplace Contexts may include but are not limited to
Workplace-specific guidelines, policies and practices
Conditions of service, legislation and industrial agreements
Consultative processes may involve
Staff members
Teams
Management
Union representatives
Industrial relations, Occupational Health & Safety specialists
Other professional or technical staff
Relevant personnel may vary with context, level of employment, ascribed duties, nature of enquiry or response required.

Applicable State/ Territory/ Commonwealth regulations and legislation may include but are not limited to
Occupational Health and Safety
Workplace relations
Workers compensation
Industry codes of practice
License, patent or copyright arrangements
Environmental protection legislation
Equal Employment Opportunity and anti-discrimination law
Emergency procedures
Transport, storage and handling of goods
Goods and Services Tax
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission provisions
Trade Practices Act

Sources of information may include but are not limited to
Legislation and regulations
Work procedures and internal manuals
Company operating procedures and instructions
Manufacturer's specifications
Supplier and/ or customer instructions
Manifests
Codes of practice
Quality assurance systems, procedures and policies
Awards, workplace agreements, and other industrial arrangements
Oral/ verbal communication including face to face, telephone, Internet, radio, and such like
Written instructions and communication such as data exchange, letters, e-mails
Non-verbal communication
Feedback
Safety instructions and workplace signage
Direct or indirect
Electronic or hard copy
Policy and protocols

Work site environment factors may include but are not limited to
Forecast and competitor activity information collection may be by
Data base or Internet searches
Modelling
Telephone
Facsimile
Mail
Verbal meetings

Market assessment may include
Structure of and 'players' in the market
Market capability
Market maturity
Market strength
Factors/ conditions which may affect supply
Potential impact of intended contracting activity

Business outcomes may include
Key performance indicators
Strategic objectives
Price
Market and sales indicators
Brand value
Quality standards and criteria
Performance benchmarks
Milestones

Market research information may be obtained by use of
Electronic (eg. data base, Intranet, Virtual Private Network, Ultranet, Internet search)
Written (eg. newspapers, annual reports, Australian Bureau of Statistics reports)
Visual Electronic Data Interchange (eg. videos, television news)

Markets may include
Local
National
Regional
International

Records may include
Purchase requests and orders
Tender submissions and proposals
Invoices and payment requests
Statements and petty cash vouchers
Offer and contract documents
Evaluation process documentation
Records of authorised officers' decisions
Corporate credit (Electronic Data Interchange) transaction statements
Records of supplier performance
Financial statements
Asset registers
Records of conversation

The following components of the Evidence Guide relate directly to the Performance Criteria and the Range of Variables for the unit of competency and will inform and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program. This Evidence Guide must be read in conjunction with the Assessment Guidelines for the National Wholesale Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence
Assessment requires evidence of the following be collected:
Prepare accurate and timely forecasts over time, across a range of products and services and/ or markets
Complete qualitative and quantitative analysis of data
Apply accurate measures to determine forecast recommendations
Review forecast information and reports in an accurate and timely manner
Complete comparative analysis of data and forecasts

Interdependent assessment of units
This unit may be assessed in conjunction with other units that form part of a job role or function.

Underpinning knowledge and skills
Display of knowledge and skills in terms of job role or function:
Factors which may impact future operations
Sources of information (current, standard, new and emerging)
Trend patters
Research forecasting and reviewing (Australian Bureau of Statistics, competitor, markets, products and sales)
Techniques used to analyse, assess, and reviewing forecasts
Collection and organisation of research information
Integrating research outputs across tasks
Numeracy and mathematical concepts related to completion of research and forecasting techniques used

Display skills in terms of job role or function, including the ability to:
Research and assess information
Determine way to improve data collection used in the forecasting process
Determine trend patterns
Determine areas of improvement for the business
Recommend action based on forecasts
Source records in timely and accurate manner

Resource Implications
Access to required assessment evidence, time spent with assessee in assessment, competency outcomes and appropriate assessment facilities.

Consistency in performance
The assessment method should be conducted over time to cover all elements and performance criteria, across a range of variables.
Work practices should be completed in accordance with safe operating procedures to minimise the risk of injury to self or others or damage to goods, equipment or products.

Context for assessment
Assessment may occur on the job, or off-the-job.