What evidence is required to demonstrate competence for this standard as a whole

Competence in recommending plants requires evidence that a person is able to accurately identify the specific situation for which plants are required identify and select plants that will meet identified needs and use confident and advanced communication skills to recommend the plants in a manner that is readily understood by the client The skills and knowledge required to recommend plants must be transferable to a different work environment For example this could include different clients and requirements regions plant types and reasons for planting

What specific knowledge is needed to achieve the performance criteria

Knowledge and understanding are essential to apply this standard in the workplace to transfer the skills to other contexts and to deal with unplanned events The knowledge requirements for this competency standard are listed below

Principles and practices for the establishment and maintenance of plants recommended by the enterprise

Nomenclature to plant family genus species and cultivar for the range of plants recommended by the enterprise

Botanical features of plant species andor cultivars relevant to the industry and region

Practical understanding of the physiology of the range of plants supplied and recommended by the enterprise and their comparative growth and performance characteristics in response to different cultural and environmental factors

Soil characteristics particularly in relation to the geographical and climatic region from which clients generally originate

Responsibilities and liabilities in respect to the provision of recommendations and customer service under current Trade Practice laws

Enterprise customer service policy and procedures

Problemsolving techniques

Innovation and recent practices in plant selection use and performance relevant to the region

Customer service and communication skills

What specific skills are needed to achieve the performance criteria

To achieve the performance criteria appropriate literacy and numeracy levels as well as some complementary skills are required These include the ability to

Communicate and negotiate orally and in writing with the client staff managers suppliers and consultants

Conduct literature and industry research and collate and analyse findings on plant species and cultivars their characteristics and requirements

Record all relevant information according to enterprise and industry standards

Comply with legislative requirements

Explain to the client OHS requirements or basic safety precautions relevant to the establishment and ongoing maintenance of plants

Comply with OHS requirements of the workplace

Calculate plant costs supply volumes and rates of planting

What processes should be applied to this competency standard

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 in brackets indicates the level to which the key competency needs to be demonstrated where not required perform the process perform and administer the process and perform administer and design the process

How can communication of ideas and information be applied

Information about recommendations should be communicated with the client and manager orally and in writing There is likely to be negotiation with the client to achieve outcomes that satisfy client preferences and requirements and enterprise policy

How can information be collected analysed and organised

Information about plants will need to be researched Information addressing the specific preferences and requirements of the client should be interpreted and applied in the light of research to structured recommendations

How are activities planned and organised

Customer service identification of preferences and requirements information research and recommendations should proceed in an orderly and efficient manner Timely and appropriate information needs to be available for decisionmaking The recommendation should meet client needs and offer alternatives where necessary

How can team work be applied

Recommending plants to clients may require coordination and consultation with team members to deliver effective and accurate recommendations to the clients satisfaction

How can the use of mathematical ideas and techniques be applied

Mathematical application will be required to calculate area quantities plant unit costs and recommended planting rates

How can problemsolving skills be applied

Problemsolving techniques will be required to satisfy the clients preferences and requirements Inadequate knowledge in an area of client query and unavailability of plants within the specific enterprise to meet client needs will also require problemsolving techniques

How can the use of technology be applied

Technology will be required to record store and communicate ideas and information It will also be used to research collate and analyse relevant information to produce recommendations

Are there other competency standards that could be assessed with this one

This competency standard could be assessed on its own or in combination with other competencies relevant to the job function

There is essential information about assessing this competency standard for consistent performance and where and how it may be assessed in the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package All users of these competency standards must have access to both the Assessment Guidelines and the relevant Sector Booklet

What type of client may be relevant to this standard?

What cultural factors may influence the recommendation of plants?

On what principles should the best choice be based?

What environmental factors may influence the recommendation of plants?

What elements of botanical names may be included when recommending plants?

What common names may be used when recommending plants?

What plants may be available for recommendation to clients?

What growth and performance characteristics may be considered when recommending plants?

What researched and experiential awareness may be relevant to this standard?

What cultural and maintenance requirements may be considered when recommending plants?

What purchase options and availability may be relevant when recommending plants?