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.

financial systems
customer service functions
payroll

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

solution developers and business clients working together
individual business analysts
a number of third-party solution developers working together
a number of different businesses working in partnership

commercial
in-house
packaged or customised software

technical requirements
user problem statement
current system functionality

time
budget
resource
hardware
software
policy
legal constraints

databases
applications
servers
operating systems
gateways
application service provider
ISP

supervisor
teacher
authorised business representative
client

Weather (storms, earthquake)
Security
Information technology failure (hardware, software)
Accident
Espionage
Sabotage (hackers)
Telecommunications network failure
Denial of service
Virus attack
Supplementary questioning of the client may be used during the assessment phase, where necessary, to ensure that all issues relating to threats to the system are considered and appropriate choices made given the need to prevent, limit, recover, respond and recover from disasters

hot standby site
warm standby site
cold standby site
mobile van
supplier
bureau
contacts through user group
third parties

identify weaknesses and provide for the implementation of a disaster prevention program
minimise disruption to business operations
provide a coordinated approach to the disaster recovery process

estimate of time before system is operational
estimate of business impact
authorisations to cut-over
actual system down time
refresher of cut-over plan

Includes legislation, organisational security policies, customs, expertise and knowledge that are, or may be, relevant. The security environment also includes the threats to security that are, or are held to be, present in the environment

May include legislation (e.g. Privacy Act), industry-imposed controls and standards. In certain organisations (e.g. health and banking), there may be strict laws regarding confidentiality and reporting of data

Back-up
Storage and recovery of data
Access to internal network
Passwords/logons
Encryption
Firewalls
Hacking
Confidentiality
Integrity
Availability

ISO/IEC/AS standards
organisational standards
project standards (for further information refer to the Standards Australia website at: www.standards.com.au )

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 the ability to specify contingencies that minimise down time for business-critical functions.
Assessment must confirm the ability to clearly specify directions on how to handle serious down time.
Assessment must confirm the ability to coordinate, plan and articulate flexible logistics requirements.

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

A vulnerability assessment and general definition of requirements
Business impact analysis
Acceptance test plan
Information technology security assurance specifications

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit of competency could include review of the disaster recovery/contingency plan developed by the learner to ensure the following is covered:

Defined recovery requirements from the perspective of business functions
The impact of an extended loss on operations and key business functions
The contingency plan is understandable, easy to use and easy to maintain
Contingency planning considerations may be integrated into ongoing business planning and system development processes
The disaster recovery plan is not a one-off activity, but rather an ongoing process

The plan should cover:

Physical security
System failure, accident, sabotage (hackers)
Denial of service
Virus attack
Telecommunications failure
Disaster recover plans are critical for organisations that rely on IT for business operations.
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.

Assessment must ensure:

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.

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 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.

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 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 industry products and services