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

PSPGOV504B Mapping and Delivery Guide
Undertake research and analysis

Version 1.0
Issue Date: March 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPGOV504B - Undertake research and analysis
Description This unit covers research and analysis to develop advice and recommendations. It includes identifying and undertaking research, analysing information and applying the results of analysis, maintaining information systems, and compiling reports from information.In practice, undertaking research and analysis may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, providing client service, developing policy, preparing for community engagement, initiating projects, developing procedures for service delivery, undertaking scientific research, detecting fraud, identifying contaminated sites, assessing security risks, undertaking court listing activities, determining liability, etc.This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government and Management Competency Fields that deal with information/knowledge management. Related units are:PSPGOV206B Handle workplace information PSPGOV307B Organise workplace informationPSPGOV406B Gather and analyse informationPSPMNGT614A Facilitate knowledge managementThis unit replaces and is equivalent to PSPGOV504A Coordinate research and analysis
Employability Skills This unit contains employability skills.
Learning Outcomes and Application Not applicable.
Duration and Setting X weeks, nominally xx hours, delivered in a classroom/online/blended learning setting.
Prerequisites/co-requisites Not applicable.
Competency Field Working in Government.
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: Identify and undertake research
  • Information needs are defined based on work objectives and client and organisation requirements.
  • Potential sources of information and the format in which they are presented are evaluated and selected in line with the purpose and audience for the research.
  • Strategies are developed to acquire required information in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.
  • Information is researched in a timely and thorough way and within resource allocation.
  • Quantity, quality and relevance of initial search results are assessed and gaps filled using the same or adjusted research strategies.
  • The methods and outcomes of research, and the criteria used to make information decisions and choices are clearly communicated.
       
Element: Analyse information and apply the results of analysis
  • Information from various sources is examined, compared and evaluated for content, structure and logic.
  • Analytical techniques and processes are selected in line with defined objectives.
  • Information is collated, consolidated and analysed and outcomes are advised to senior staff in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.
  • Facts, issues, patterns, interrelationships and trends are identified through analysis in accordance with research aims.
  • Agreed project timelines are met, and the defined standards of the organisation are met for all work.
       
Element: Maintain information systems
  • Information systems are maintained, validated and reconciled so that data and system integrity are assured.
  • A range of standard and complex information systems and applications is maintained in accordance with organisation standards.
  • Information systems are reviewed and updated as necessary.
       
Element: Compile reports from information systems
  • The findings from analysing information are used to meet client/organisational needs and organisation standards.
  • Content of reports is determined and organised in a manner that supports the purposes and format of the organisation and audience.
  • Reporting of results is sequenced logically, is concise and clear, and includes predictions, assumptions and constraints where relevant.
       


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 specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV507A Undertake negotiations

PSPGOV512A Use complex workplace communication strategies

PSPGOV513A Refine complex workplace documents

PSPGOV520A Scope statistical data collection

PSPGOV521A Collect statistical data

PSPGOV522A Process statistical data

PSPGOV523A Interrogate and analyse statistical data

PSPGOV524A Interpret data and related statistics

PSPSCI503A Develop and undertake scientific/technological research

PSPFRAU502B Anticipate and detect possible fraud activity

PSPLAND506A Identify and manage contaminated sites

PSPSEC501A Assess security risks

PSPCRT505A Undertake senior court listing activities

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

research and analysis undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to research and analysis

access to electronic and other information sources relevant to the workplace

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when undertaking research and analysis.

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when undertaking research and analysis, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

research and analysis undertaken in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


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.

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of information management

accessing and using information ethically and legally

using manual and computerised techniques for information management

applying computer technology to data storage, security, retrieval and presentation

undertaking statistical analysis

using critical analysis techniques

communicating with colleagues and supervisors

presenting information in a range of ways such as report format, numerically, in tables, with graphs, spatially

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying problem solving and referring problems as required

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to information handling in the public sector, such as confidentiality, privacy, security, freedom of information

data collection and management procedures

organisational information handling and storage procedures

cultural aspects of information and meaning

sources of public sector work-related information

economic, legal and social issues surrounding the use of information

public sector standards

standard reporting procedures

electronic and manual filing systems

databases and data storage systems

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of information management

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Sources of information may include:

organisation materials

client information

market trends

registries and file records

library materials

financial records

statistical information

personnel/human resource records

asset records

legislation

policies

Information format may include:

multimedia

database

web site

dataset

audio/visual

word processed documents

books

gazettes and other publications

reports

pivot tables

Strategies may include:

research plan

search strategy tailored to the information retrieval system selected:

using key concepts and terms

using classification schemes

using search engines

using analysis systems

using data warehouse systems

using internal organisers such as indexes in books

Legislation, policy and procedures may include:

Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, standards and guidelines especially relating to privacy, confidentiality, freedom of information, security, fraud control, copyright, intellectual property

government policy

public sector code of ethics

national standards

Australian standards such as records management, knowledge management, risk management

the organisation's policies and practices

organisational code of conduct

Internet etiquette (netiquette)

Evaluation of content may include:

reliability

validity

accuracy

authority

currency

point of view

bias

prejudice

deception

manipulation

supporting arguments

contradictions

different viewpoints

the cultural, physical or other context in which the information was created

the impact of context on interpretation of the information

comparison of new knowledge with prior knowledge

whether information contradicts or verifies information from other sources

Analysis may include:

application of statistical methods

mathematical calculations

critical analysis

problem solving

forecasting

Information systems may contain:

computers and networks

communication channels

records management guidelines

data

procedures

protocols

legislation, guidelines and awards

organisation, legal and policy materials

client information

market trends

registries and file records

library systems

financial records

basic statistical information

personnel records

Client/organisational needs may include:

provision of advice

input into policy development

solutions/options for action

forecasting

determining future outcomes

identifying strategies derived from analysis of information

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
Information needs are defined based on work objectives and client and organisation requirements. 
Potential sources of information and the format in which they are presented are evaluated and selected in line with the purpose and audience for the research. 
Strategies are developed to acquire required information in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures. 
Information is researched in a timely and thorough way and within resource allocation. 
Quantity, quality and relevance of initial search results are assessed and gaps filled using the same or adjusted research strategies. 
The methods and outcomes of research, and the criteria used to make information decisions and choices are clearly communicated. 
Information from various sources is examined, compared and evaluated for content, structure and logic. 
Analytical techniques and processes are selected in line with defined objectives. 
Information is collated, consolidated and analysed and outcomes are advised to senior staff in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 
Facts, issues, patterns, interrelationships and trends are identified through analysis in accordance with research aims. 
Agreed project timelines are met, and the defined standards of the organisation are met for all work. 
Information systems are maintained, validated and reconciled so that data and system integrity are assured. 
A range of standard and complex information systems and applications is maintained in accordance with organisation standards. 
Information systems are reviewed and updated as necessary. 
The findings from analysing information are used to meet client/organisational needs and organisation standards. 
Content of reports is determined and organised in a manner that supports the purposes and format of the organisation and audience. 
Reporting of results is sequenced logically, is concise and clear, and includes predictions, assumptions and constraints where relevant. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPGOV504B - Undertake research and analysis
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

PSPGOV504B - Undertake research and analysis

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: