Unit of Competency Mapping – Information for Teachers/Assessors – Information for Learners

ICAICT501A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Research and review hardware technology options for organisations

Version 1.0
Issue Date: April 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency ICAICT501A - Research and review hardware technology options for organisations
Description This unit describes the performance outcomes skills and knowledge to apply research skills when reviewing hardware solutions, as part of an analysis of emerging technology.
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application This unit applies to senior staff in a variety of information and communications technology (ICT) roles who are required to select new technology for their organisation and review the efficacy of existing technologies.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field
Development and validation strategy and guide for assessors and learners Student Learning Resources Handouts
Activities 		Slides
PPT 		Assessment 1 Assessment 2 Assessment 3 Assessment 4
Elements of Competency Performance Criteria              
Element: Determine organisational needs
  • Establish organisational needs and selection criteria for new technology
  • Review strategic goals and determine future requirements
  • Assess physical infrastructure and financial parameters against strategic goals
       
Element: Research vendors, suppliers and IT industry specialists
  • Determine suitable suppliers and vendors
  • Source information from suppliers and vendors
  • Assess vendor information against industry standards
  • Review emerging standards and applications for compatibility with supplier and vendor information
       
Element: Evaluate and report on hardware technology options
  • Review and test hardware to identify suitability for organisational requirements
  • Identify possible project risks associated with identified hardware
  • Document findings in a report and present to appropriate person
       


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.

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

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

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements

access and convey conceptual information regarding emerging technology in relation to organisational needs

evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes

recommend technology options.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to site with:

network or computer layout documentation and premises plans

network components

equipment specifications

organisational guidelines

business plan or model

journals of industry and professional associations

relevant standards.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

review of reports completed by the candidate recommending technology change

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s ability to apply technical knowledge in the preliminary analysis of emerging technology according to organisational requirements or practices.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Submission Requirements

List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assignment, 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.

Required skills

communication skills to:

convey complex and abstract concepts and information

liaise with customers, vendors and suppliers

participate in teams and contribute to solutions and goals

present information, such as the results of testing new technology and proposals to move in new directions

literacy skills to:

interpret industry standards

interpret technical information from vendors and suppliers

numeracy skills to calculate cost and consider financial information

planning and organisational skills to:

estimate scope, time, cost and quality

plan communications and risk management

investigate new technology for new roles in the workplace

problem-solving skills to develop new approaches with new technology

research skills to:

analyse and evaluate information

develop reports and summary findings

gain and maintain relevant and current technical product knowledge

technical skills to:

assess technical information against industry standards

review and test hardware.

Required knowledge

business planning process relevant to the development of data and voice integration and remote access business solutions

client business needs that can be satisfied by the provision of IT products and services

current business practices in preparing reports

current industry and technology information sources

current industry-accepted hardware, cabling and software products, including broad knowledge of general features and capabilities, with particular reference to emerging trends and product design

equipment performance benchmarking

industry networks, key individuals and organisations within the IT industry

information-gathering techniques

quality assurance practices, to promote reliable investigation processes

vendor product directions:

access and security products

next generation networks

self-configuring asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or cable modem-router-switch for the small office home office (SOHO) market

wireless standards.

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.

Industry standards may include:

review of software and hardware currently used in the industry, which can be obtained from:

conferences

industry publications and websites

professional groups:

ICT groups

Sector-specific.

Hardware may include:

cabling infrastructure

internet access

modems and other connectivity devices

networks

personal computers

remote sites

servers

wireless networks

workstations.

Project risks may include:

variations in locating and obtaining hardware influenced by changes in:

scope

time

cost

quality.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

supervisor.

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
Establish organisational needs and selection criteria for new technology 
Review strategic goals and determine future requirements 
Assess physical infrastructure and financial parameters against strategic goals 
Determine suitable suppliers and vendors 
Source information from suppliers and vendors 
Assess vendor information against industry standards 
Review emerging standards and applications for compatibility with supplier and vendor information 
Review and test hardware to identify suitability for organisational requirements 
Identify possible project risks associated with identified hardware 
Document findings in a report and present to appropriate person 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

ICAICT501A - Research and review hardware technology options for organisations
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

ICAICT501A - Research and review hardware technology options for organisations

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: