Assessor Resource

ICTSAS415
Optimise ICT system performance

Assessment tool

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to identify, improve and monitor information and communications technology (ICT) system performance.

It applies to individuals who are experienced technical support personnel, such as help desk supervisors, ICT support technicians and user support specialists responsible for maintaining computer system performance.

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. Identify areas of poor performance

1.1 Collect system performance data during various usage conditions and times, using available technical tools

1.2 Evaluate the collected system performance data related to organisational benchmarks and client feedback to identify areas of poor performance

2. Investigate methods to improve system performance

2.1 Identify options to improve performance through discussing the system performance findings with appropriate person and accessing technical resources

2.2 Create a report for appropriate person, including cost analysis and identified options for alternative courses of action designed to measurably improve performance

2.3 Present report to appropriate person for decision as to preferred course of action

3. Develop an implementation plan for system optimisation

3.1 Develop a plan for implementing the approved optimisation, with prioritised tasks and minimum disruption to clients

3.2 Factor project budget and staff availability into the implementation plan

3.3 Submit the implementation plan to the appropriate person for approval and revision, if necessary

4. Modify system to optimise performance

4.1 Install or configure system components according to installation procedures and organisational guidelines, following the implementation plan

4.2 Measure and record the change in performance resulting from the system modification to assess that the required level of optimisation has been achieved

4.3 Update appropriate documentation according to organisational guidelines to reflect the system optimisation

5. Monitor ongoing system performance

5.1 Implement and maintain a performance register

5.2 Review and assess benchmarks and performance regularly with the work team to enable timely optimisation and updates

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse system performance and document a plan to improve performance

modify and tune the system to keep the system balanced and performing well.

Note: Evidence must be provided for at least TWO organisations or occasions.

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

analyse business scheduling requirements, including the role of stakeholders and the degree of stakeholder involvement

compare and contrast current industry standard hardware and software monitoring tools, and how to interpret information produced from monitoring

describe optimum system performance, change-control procedures and theoretical concepts

analyse one or more change management tools

discuss quality assurance practices with regard to proposed changes to information and communication technology (ICT) systems

analyse current system functionality and describe the key features and functions of the system under modification.

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 systems administration and support field of work, and include access to special purpose tools, equipment, materials and industry software packages including:

special purpose tools, equipment and materials

industry software packages, including:

system components and software for performance tuning

technical manuals and resources

fault logs

diagnostic tools.

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. Identify areas of poor performance

1.1 Collect system performance data during various usage conditions and times, using available technical tools

1.2 Evaluate the collected system performance data related to organisational benchmarks and client feedback to identify areas of poor performance

2. Investigate methods to improve system performance

2.1 Identify options to improve performance through discussing the system performance findings with appropriate person and accessing technical resources

2.2 Create a report for appropriate person, including cost analysis and identified options for alternative courses of action designed to measurably improve performance

2.3 Present report to appropriate person for decision as to preferred course of action

3. Develop an implementation plan for system optimisation

3.1 Develop a plan for implementing the approved optimisation, with prioritised tasks and minimum disruption to clients

3.2 Factor project budget and staff availability into the implementation plan

3.3 Submit the implementation plan to the appropriate person for approval and revision, if necessary

4. Modify system to optimise performance

4.1 Install or configure system components according to installation procedures and organisational guidelines, following the implementation plan

4.2 Measure and record the change in performance resulting from the system modification to assess that the required level of optimisation has been achieved

4.3 Update appropriate documentation according to organisational guidelines to reflect the system optimisation

5. Monitor ongoing system performance

5.1 Implement and maintain a performance register

5.2 Review and assess benchmarks and performance regularly with the work team to enable timely optimisation and updates

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse system performance and document a plan to improve performance

modify and tune the system to keep the system balanced and performing well.

Note: Evidence must be provided for at least TWO organisations or occasions.

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

analyse business scheduling requirements, including the role of stakeholders and the degree of stakeholder involvement

compare and contrast current industry standard hardware and software monitoring tools, and how to interpret information produced from monitoring

describe optimum system performance, change-control procedures and theoretical concepts

analyse one or more change management tools

discuss quality assurance practices with regard to proposed changes to information and communication technology (ICT) systems

analyse current system functionality and describe the key features and functions of the system under modification.

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 systems administration and support field of work, and include access to special purpose tools, equipment, materials and industry software packages including:

special purpose tools, equipment and materials

industry software packages, including:

system components and software for performance tuning

technical manuals and resources

fault logs

diagnostic tools.

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
Collect system performance data during various usage conditions and times, using available technical tools 
Evaluate the collected system performance data related to organisational benchmarks and client feedback to identify areas of poor performance 
Identify options to improve performance through discussing the system performance findings with appropriate person and accessing technical resources 
Create a report for appropriate person, including cost analysis and identified options for alternative courses of action designed to measurably improve performance 
Present report to appropriate person for decision as to preferred course of action 
Develop a plan for implementing the approved optimisation, with prioritised tasks and minimum disruption to clients 
Factor project budget and staff availability into the implementation plan 
Submit the implementation plan to the appropriate person for approval and revision, if necessary 
Install or configure system components according to installation procedures and organisational guidelines, following the implementation plan 
Measure and record the change in performance resulting from the system modification to assess that the required level of optimisation has been achieved 
Update appropriate documentation according to organisational guidelines to reflect the system optimisation 
Implement and maintain a performance register 
Review and assess benchmarks and performance regularly with the work team to enable timely optimisation and updates 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICTSAS415 - Optimise ICT system performance
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

ICTSAS415 - Optimise ICT system performance

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: