The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

This unit of competency could be assessed by effective development, planning and implementation of an appropriate building or construction planning process.

This unit of competency can be assessed in the workplace or a close simulation of the workplace environment, provided that simulated or project-based assessment techniques fully replicate construction workplace conditions, materials, activities, responsibilities and procedures.

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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to provide evidence of the ability to:

develop a strategic focus on the mechanisms implemented to enable the construction planning process

interpret organisational information and reporting requirements, which results in the establishment of mechanisms that demonstrate those needs are being met

implement and maintain mechanisms and systems which enable demonstrable improvements to occur within the organisational construction planning process

delegate effectively and oversee tasks

communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with owners, senior management and employees.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This competency is to be assessed using standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints.

Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge will usually be conducted in an off-site context.

Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian standards' requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

documentation that should normally be available in a building or construction office to comply with legislation and the organisation policies

relevant codes, standards and regulations

office equipment, including calculators, photocopiers and telephone systems

computers with appropriate software to view 2-D CAD drawings, run costing programs, record and print copies

a technical reference library with current publications on measurement, design, building construction to support underpinning knowledge and manufacturers' product literature

copies of appropriate awards and workplace agreements

a suitable work area appropriate to the planning process.

Reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities must be made to assessment processes where required. This could include access to modified equipment and other physical resources, and the provision of appropriate assessment support.

Method of assessment

Assessment methods must:

satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the Construction, Plumbing and Services Training Package

include direct observation of tasks in real or simulated work conditions, with questioning to confirm the ability to consistently identify and correctly interpret the essential underpinning knowledge required for practical application

reinforce the integration of employability skills with workplace tasks and job roles

confirm that competency is verified and able to be transferred to other circumstances and environments.

Validity and sufficiency of evidence requires that:

competency will need to be demonstrated over a period of time reflecting the scope of the role and the practical requirements of the workplace

where the assessment is part of a structured learning experience the evidence collected must relate to a number of performances assessed at different points in time and separated by further learning and practice, with a decision on competency only taken at the point when the assessor has complete confidence in the person's demonstrated ability and applied knowledge

all assessment that is part of a structured learning experience must include a combination of direct, indirect and supplementary evidence.

Assessment processes and techniques should as far as is practical take into account the language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate in relation to the competency being assessed.

Supplementary evidence of competency may be obtained from relevant authenticated documentation from third parties, such as existing supervisors, team leaders or specialist training staff.

Required skills

Required skills for this unit are:

apply numeracy skills to workplace requirements

communication skills to:

appoint staff

enable clear and direct communication, using questioning to identify and confirm requirements, share information, listen and understand

facilitate and obtain senior management endorsement

read and interpret:

codes and standards

legislation

other relevant documentation

seek feedback

use and interpret non-verbal communication

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

written skills to complete relevant documentation

conceptualising and envisaging unique solutions to complex problems and situations

delegating tasks within specific functional guidelines

directing the activities of personnel involved in the construction planning process

facilitating the implementation of new and modified systems

interpreting strategic and often ambiguous information and reaching logical and practical decisions

monitoring and overseeing the performance of systems and individuals involved in the process

technological skills to facilitate use of the organisation's software and office equipment.

Required knowledge

Required knowledge for this unit is:

financial and business principles as they apply to the building and construction industry

human resource and industrial relations practices within the building and construction industry

organisational strategic and operational activities and mechanisms through which they are addressed

relevant state or territory building and construction codes, standards and regulations

socioeconomic and political factors which impact on the building and construction industry

type, breadth and scope of building and construction industry contracts.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Strategic factors impacting on the planning process include:

clients and client needs

location of projects

logistics and location of personnel

market focus and structure of the organisation

organisation information needs and timelines

relevant legislative requirements, codes and standards

strategic organisational objectives

type of work being undertaken.

Legislative, code and standard requirements include:

application of the Building Code of Australia (BCA) related to the size and complexity of the project and the class of building being constructed

council and other relevant planning approval processes

OHS and other workplace standards

relevant state or territory licensing arrangements.

Criteria for personnel and processes include:

appropriate experience and qualifications of participants

correct and timely selection of key project supervisors and administrators

effective lines and methods of communication

suitability and timing of communication

suitability of documentation and reporting methods

suitability of work habits and timeliness of personnel.

Planning quality control process includes:

documentation and graphical representation of data

establishment of performance benchmarks

evaluation and review methods and practices

feedback loops and information extraction

personnel and system information gathering and insert points

project review meetings and project progress reporting.

Recording and evaluation include:

key point data availability and crisis flagging

maintenance and redevelopment of information recording systems

manual and electronic data recording processes

performance data entry and responsibility

programmed and crisis evaluation strategies.