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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Online information systems will vary depending upon the organisation and industry sector but could include:
internet
intranet
extranet
organisation-designed systems
state and federal government tourism authority information systems
international government tourism authority information systems
computerised reservations systems.


Information may relate to a range of subjects, including:
costs
rates
commissions payable
general destination information
general product information
transportation
accommodation
attractions
events and festivals
schedules for any tourism product or service
booking requirements.


Features of the system which can be manipulated may include:
different internet search engines
search function of a database.

EVIDENCE GUIDE
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
ability to source and retrieve multiple types of information from an automated system, ideally as a component of integrated work activity and in response to multiple customer requests covering a range of tourism products and services
ability to manipulate the functions of the system to efficiently access the information
completion of activities to access and retrieve a range of information within typical workplace time constraints.


Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure:
access to a fully equipped industry-realistic office environment using appropriate computers and information systems currently used in the tourism industry to store tourism related information (the internet could be one of these) or demonstration within the applicable information provision environment for the sector, such as a conference venue for the Events sector.


Methods of assessment
A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:
evaluation of integrated activities completed by the candidate, which may include sourcing information on destinations, selling products, providing quotations and issuing documents
review of information samples sourced by the candidate to meet particular customer needs
direct observation of the candidate using the system in response to specific requests
written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of the role of information systems within the tourism industry, system features and copyright requirements
review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
BSBCMN205A Use business technology
SITTTSL002A Access and interpret product information
SITTTSL003A Source and provide international destination information and advice
SITTTSL004A Source and provide Australian destination information and advice.


Assessing employability skills
Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.
Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.