Elements and Performance Criteria

The Range Statement provide the range of applications of this unit of competency to allow for differences within enterprises and workplaces. It provides details of practices, knowledge and requirements referred to in the elements and performance criteria. The variables chosen in training and assessment will depend on the work contexts.

The following variables may include but are not limited to

Innovation may include:
generating new ideas or solutions
developing new uses for old ideas and making them useful or a means of improvement

User requirements may refer to:
who will be using the end product
why the product/process is needed
how will it be used
advantages will it provide
where it will be used

Assumptions can be about any convention in the workplace and might include:
work process
product
materials
system
tools
working conditions

Resources and constraints include:
time required
costs
equipment
human resources
work culture
management practice
technology needed

Factors impacting on the idea might include:
aesthetic requirements
functionality
information available
occupational health and safety and environmental considerations

Creative thinking techniques might include:
brainstorming
visualising
making associations
building on associations
telling stories
creative writing
lateral thinking games
mind mapping, drawings
six thinking hats
using prompts

Relevant knowledge might include:
technical knowledge
information gained from books and videos
knowledge from different work areas
information from work colleagues

Stimulation from alternative sources might include:
reading books and industry journals
talking with colleagues and friends
visiting art galleries and museums
going to industry workshops
networks

Relevant people might include:
colleagues
team members
supervisors
managers
the client

Maintaining a network of peers may include:
participating in forums
participating in industry training
attending workshops
becoming a member of a network

Communication techniques refer to how you will present your ideas and may include:
writing a proposal
building a model
showing a film
presenting a talk
preparing a report
drawing a diagram

Educating the client might include:
helping the client visualise and understand the idea
actively listening
asking questions
accepting others opinions
explaining the proposal
clarifying details

Reviewing the idea might involve:
checking that the idea can be implemented
that it meets the client/end user needs
best practice
financial requirements

Evaluation methods might include:
developing checklists
discussing the process with colleagues or supervisors
writing a report of the outcomes

The following components of the evidence guide relate directly to the performance criteria and the Range Statement for the competency standard and provide guidance for assessment of the unit in the workplace and/or training program.
Critical Aspects of Evidence

Competency in this unit requires evidence that the candidate:

Accurately interprets the need for innovation.
Identifies resources and constraints and researches impacting factors.
Generates ideas using creative thinking techniques.
Tests ideas against brief and other relevant factors.
Presents and discusses ideas with relevant people.
Seeks feedback and modifies ideas accordingly.
Analyses and reflects on ideas to ensure they meet end user requirements.
Presents ideas using appropriate communication methods.
Reviews idea using appropriate evaluation methods.

Underpinning Skills and Knowledge

Knowledge and skills are essential to apply this unit in the workplace, to transfer to other contexts and deal with unplanned events. The requirements for this unit of competency are listed below:


Knowledge of:

Relevant technical knowledge
Broad industry/market knowledge
Organisational culture
Social, environmental and work culture impacts
Principles of innovation

Skills in:

Research skills
Active listening
Interpersonal skills
Networking
Lateral thinking
The ability to analyse self and external factors
Time management skills

Assessment Process
For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.
It can be gathered from assessment of the unit of competency alone, through an integrated assessment activity or through a combination of both.
Evidence should be gathered as part of the learning process.

Integrated Competency Assessment
Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for each unit, or a cluster of units of competency.

The candidate will be required to:

Apply knowledge and skills which underpin the process required to demonstrate competence, including appropriate key competencies.
Integrate knowledge and skills critical to demonstrating competence in this unit.
Unit WRRO8A can be assessed with other units that make up a particular job function.

Evidence Gathering Methods

Evidence should include products, processes and procedures from the workplace context. Evidence might include:

Observation of the person in the workplace
Third party reports from a supervisor
Answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge

Resources required
A retail environment
Relevant documentation, such as:
store policy and procedures manuals
A range of communication equipment

There are a number of processes that are learnt throughout work and life which are required in all jobs. They are fundamental processes and generally transferable to other work functions. Some of these are covered by the key competencies, although others may be added. The questions below highlight how these processes are applied in this competency standard. Following each question a number indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where 0 = not required, 1 = perform the process, 2 = perform and administer the process, and 3 = perform, administer and design the process.
Communicating ideas and information
Sharing ideas with others, presenting ideas to the client and obtaining feedback requires communication of ideas and information. (1)

Collecting analysing and organising information
Seeking or researching information from the client and other relevant sources requires information to be collected, analysed and organised. (1)

Planning and organising activities
Planning and organising steps to be undertaken to develop idea will be required. (1)

Working with others and in teams
Collaborating with others and sharing knowledge to develop the idea and present it requires team work. (1)

Using mathematical ideas and techniques
Generating basic graphs, designs and measurements to test out ideas will require the use of mathematical ideas and techniques. (1)

Solving problems
Identifying resources and materials needed will require problem solving skills. (1)

Using technology
Using computers and other relevant equipment will require the use of technology. (1)