Elements and Performance Criteria

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.
External operating environment includes characteristics of the marketplace which exert an influence on people's individual decisions whether to invest in a building may be abstract or direct factors, such as:
interest rate movements
perceptions about the investment value of the completed property
perceptions about the resale value of the property
perceptions about the value of the currency and possible movements
speculative ambitions.
Economic factors include:
availability of finance
current interest rates
level of economic activity.
Social factors include:
business confidence
job security or insecurity
level of socioeconomic activity
migration.
Personal perceptions of potential clients include:
perceptions about the investment value of the completed property
perceptions about the resale value of the property
perceptions about the value of the currency and possible movements
perceptions of potential interest rate movements
speculative ambitions.
Capacity to meet requirements of the client may be influenced by:
availability of labour and materials
current financial situation
current order levels
projects already committed.
Competition includes effects of investments in:
antiques
art
rental properties
share market.
Other markets include:
apartments
duplexes and triplexes
existing real estate properties
high rise apartments
high rise construction
holiday homes and resorts
mobile homes
retirement villages
terrace housing.

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
This unit of competency could be assessed by the preparation and submission of a current market analysis for the local region, outlining the external operating environment, competition and local opportunities.
This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:
demonstrate understanding of external operating environment, economic and social factors and associated issues, such as land availability, which relate to housing sales
understand internal factors which can affect construction planning
sell benefits of housing construction to clients as a form of investment
understand importance of adhering to organisational ethics and probity standards
provide detailed information to clients effectively and efficiently.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.
Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.
Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.
Resource implications for assessment include:
documentation that should normally be available in either a building or construction office
relevant codes, standards and government regulations
office equipment, including calculators, photocopiers and telephone systems
a technical reference library with current publications on measurement, design, building construction and manufacturer's product literature
a suitable work area appropriate to the construction process.
Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.
Method of assessment
Assessment methods must:
satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package
include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application
reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles
confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.
Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:
competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace
where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge
all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.
Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.
Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.