This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level required for this unit

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit

critical thinking skills to facilitate rational and logical analysis of all research information collected

highlevel communication skills to facilitate the analysis and interpretation of complex research data and to communicate research findings in plain English to colleagues and external agencies

highlevel literacy skills to read complex tourism research documents that relate to such things as tourism trends market statistics information on market preferences and product performance

numeracy skills to interpret and analyse complex tourism data

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit

typical research methodologies used in a tourism industry context

types of technology used in the conduct of research projects

role of research within the tourism industry and major research bodies

common sources of tourism research data

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 TrainingPackage

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential

ability to research interpret and apply results for a specific tourism purpose

knowledge of research techniques and methodologies

project or work activities conducted over a commercially realistic period of time so that the research and analysis aspects of this unit can be assessed

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure

access to a fully equipped office environment using appropriate computers communication technology information programs and publications to facilitate the processes involved in conducting research of tourism data

access to current tourism industry data and information sources

access to an operation to allow the candidate to fully research interpret and apply data results to an operational activity or to comprehensive and sufficient information about that tourism operation

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

research project and report for a tourism industry organisation

case study of a given tourism scenario and review of research and resultant report

case studies to assess the candidates ability to apply research and differing methodologies to different tourism industry activities

written and oral questioning or interview to test knowledge of research methodologies and tourism data sources

review of portfolios of evidence and thirdparty workplace reports of onthejob performance by the candidate

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector workplace and job role is recommended for example

SITXCCSA Manage quality customer service

SITXCCS003A Manage quality customer service

SITXMGTA Develop and implement a business plan

SITXMGT004A Develop and implement a business plan

SITXMPRA Coordinate marketing activities

SITXMPR004A Coordinate marketing activities

SITXMPRA Develop and manage marketing strategies

SITXMPR005A Develop and manage marketing strategies.

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

Research may relate to a range of data, including:

Research methods may include:

Information sources may include: