Assessor Resource

ICTDBS404
Identify and resolve common database performance problems

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to diagnose database problems, as well as to configure and tune the database in order to maintain consistent performance.

It applies to individuals who are experienced technical support personnel, such as help-desk supervisors, database support technicians, information and communications technology (ICT) support technicians, and user-support specialists, who are responsible for maintaining the performance of a database.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)



Evidence Required

List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Diagnose problems

1.1 Determine an appropriate database performance diagnostic tool to use, based on organisational database requirements, and vendor recommendations

1.2 Run a diagnostic tool to identify the issues causing degradation of the database’s performance

1.3 Determine and record where the inappropriate use/s of database and temporary table spaces occur

1.4 Carry out appropriate fixes, based on diagnostic results

2. Configure the database

2.1 Adopt a distributed files architecture to minimise input and output (I/O) contention

2.2 Ensure that database backup procedures are appropriate for the method of data storage

2.3 Reconfigure rollback segments

2.4 Configure the database and test its performance

3. Tune the database

3.1 Track module performance according to its specifications

3.2 Monitor and tune the efficiency of structured query language (SQL), as required

3.3 Monitor and measure the performance of shared pool, blocks and buffers

3.4 Detect, identify and resolve any contentions that may arise in the real-time operation of the database

3.5 Reconfigure the database according to specifications

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly identify common database problems

select appropriate solutions to solve the problem

implement solutions to improve database performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline the principles of database design and structured query language (SQL)

describe the principles of database administration

describe diagnostic tools and database tuning methodologies.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the database field of work, and include access to:

special purpose materials

industry software packages

diagnostic tools

database operating on a network.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.


Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here

Assessment task 1: [title]      Due date:

(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)


Assessment Tasks

Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1. Diagnose problems

1.1 Determine an appropriate database performance diagnostic tool to use, based on organisational database requirements, and vendor recommendations

1.2 Run a diagnostic tool to identify the issues causing degradation of the database’s performance

1.3 Determine and record where the inappropriate use/s of database and temporary table spaces occur

1.4 Carry out appropriate fixes, based on diagnostic results

2. Configure the database

2.1 Adopt a distributed files architecture to minimise input and output (I/O) contention

2.2 Ensure that database backup procedures are appropriate for the method of data storage

2.3 Reconfigure rollback segments

2.4 Configure the database and test its performance

3. Tune the database

3.1 Track module performance according to its specifications

3.2 Monitor and tune the efficiency of structured query language (SQL), as required

3.3 Monitor and measure the performance of shared pool, blocks and buffers

3.4 Detect, identify and resolve any contentions that may arise in the real-time operation of the database

3.5 Reconfigure the database according to specifications

Evidence of the ability to:

correctly identify common database problems

select appropriate solutions to solve the problem

implement solutions to improve database performance.

Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.

To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:

outline the principles of database design and structured query language (SQL)

describe the principles of database administration

describe diagnostic tools and database tuning methodologies.

Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the database field of work, and include access to:

special purpose materials

industry software packages

diagnostic tools

database operating on a network.

Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.

Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.

Observation Checklist

Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice Yes No Comments/feedback
Determine an appropriate database performance diagnostic tool to use, based on organisational database requirements, and vendor recommendations 
Run a diagnostic tool to identify the issues causing degradation of the database’s performance 
Determine and record where the inappropriate use/s of database and temporary table spaces occur 
Carry out appropriate fixes, based on diagnostic results 
Adopt a distributed files architecture to minimise input and output (I/O) contention 
Ensure that database backup procedures are appropriate for the method of data storage 
Reconfigure rollback segments 
Configure the database and test its performance 
Track module performance according to its specifications 
Monitor and tune the efficiency of structured query language (SQL), as required 
Monitor and measure the performance of shared pool, blocks and buffers 
Detect, identify and resolve any contentions that may arise in the real-time operation of the database 
Reconfigure the database according to specifications 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTDBS404 - Identify and resolve common database performance problems
Assessment task 1: [title]

Student name:

Student ID:

I declare that the assessment tasks submitted for this unit are my own work.

Student signature:

Result: Competent Not yet competent

Feedback to student

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:


Assessment Record Sheet

ICTDBS404 - Identify and resolve common database performance problems

Student name:

Student ID:

Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

(add lines for each task)

Feedback to student:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

Assessor name:

Signature:

Date:

Student signature:

Date: