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.

workstations
personal computers
modems and other connectivity devices
printers
hard drives
DSL modems
monitors
switches
hubs
personal digital assistant (PDA)
other peripheral devices

May include but are not limited to commercial software applications; organisation-specific software; word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphic, communication packages and presentation functionalities.
May include presentation applications contained in: Microsoft Office, Lotus Suite, Claris Works, Star Office or other similar applications.

Hardware
PCs
networks
storage
communications equipment

surveys
questionnaires
interviews
meetings

user-based software for new business processes
customer relationship management
integrated services (e.g. banking and financial services)

documents
test pages
web pages
appliances software and technical connections guidance and other outputs supplied by vendors and manufacturers

May include correct posture, lighting, type of desk, type of monitor, style of chair, typing position, repetitive strain injury prevention, ventilation, light position, correct lifting method, and length of time in front of computer.
May also include physical safety considerations such as general electrical safety and cabling, power supply and leads as they apply to computer and peripheral installations.

recycling
safe disposal of packaging (e.g. cardboard, polystyrene, paper, plastic)
correct disposal of redundant hardware (e.g. motherboards, hard drives, circuit boards) by an authorised body

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:

Competency must confirm the ability to transfer the application of existing skills and knowledge to new technology.

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

Workplace or simulated workplace
Documented organisational requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment
The rationale behind this unit emphasises the importance of constantly reviewing work processes, skills and techniques in order to ensure that the quality of the entire business process is maintained at the highest level possible through the appropriate application of new technology. To this end, the person is typically engaged in on-going review and research in order to discover and apply new technology or techniques to improve aspects of the organisation's activities.
The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specified problems. This would be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a defined range of skilled operations, usually within a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures, where some discretion and judgement is required in the section of equipment, services or contingency measures and within known time constraints would be characteristic.
Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be involved.

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.

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge
Apply a range of well-developed skills
Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems
Perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required
Interpret available information, using discretion and judgement
Take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
Take limited responsibility for the output of others
Maintain knowledge of industry products and services