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

PSPMNGT612A Mapping and Delivery Guide
Review and improve business performance

Version 1.0
Issue Date: May 2024


Qualification -
Unit of Competency PSPMNGT612A - Review and improve business performance
Description This unit covers review and improvement of business performance using a range of methods. It includes undertaking management audits, reviewing governance arrangements and benchmarking organisational performance.In practice, reviewing and improving business performance may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government systems, managing change, managing diversity. No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication
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 Management.
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: Undertake management audit
  • Scope and objectives of the management audit are determined in consultation with key stakeholders.
  • Methodology, instruments, and baseline data (to be used for comparison) are determined.
  • Expert advice and assistance are arranged as required.
  • Management data is gathered, collated and circulated to stakeholders for comment in accordance with determined scope and methodology.
  • Results are analysed, strengths identified and recommendations formulated to improve management performance.
  • A management audit report is prepared and presented in accordance with organisational requirements.
       
Element: Review governance arrangements
  • Legislation, policies, standards and guidelines impacting on public sector governance are identified and key requirements are extracted.
  • The organisation's governance framework is analysed to identify parameters and compare them to legislative and organisational requirements.
  • Data is analysed to evaluate the organisation's deployment of its governance framework.
  • Analysis is conducted of previous reviews, audits or self-assessments to see how the organisation has measured and analysed the effectiveness of the governance framework and how/whether the organisation has learnt from the experience.
  • The effectiveness and compliance of the governance framework is determined, shortcomings are identified and recommendations formulated to incorporate learning from previous reviews and improve processes and practices where required.
  • Recommendations are discussed with management and staff, feedback is incorporated and a report is prepared and presented in accordance with organisational requirements.
       
Element: Benchmark organisational performance
  • A benchmarking model is designed in accordance with the organisation's core business, functions and desired objectives/outcomes.
  • Research is conducted to establish benchmarks for the measurement of organisational performance in key result areas determined by the organisation.
  • A process is established and managed to conduct the benchmarking exercise.
  • Networking and consultation are undertaken with staff in the areas to be benchmarked, to gather information and provide support to ensure outcomes are valid, reliable and useful for improving performance.
  • Data is gathered and analysed against benchmarks, and results are discussed with staff and management and presented in accordance with organisational requirements.
  • Benchmarking report is written to meet audience needs and contains recommendations for improvement and an implementation model that meets organisational requirements.
       


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:

PSPETHC601B Maintain and enhance confidence in public service

PSPGOV601B Apply government systems

PSPGOV602B Establish and maintain strategic networks

PSPLEGN601B Manage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPMNGT602B Manage resources

PSPMNGT604B Manage change

PSPMNGT605B Manage diversity

PSPMNGT608B Manage risk

PSPMNGT609B Formulate business strategies

PSPMNGT610A Manage public sector financial resources

PSPMNGT611A Manage evaluations

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 the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)

evaluation and improvement of business performance 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 public sector governance, benchmarking, and management audit

benchmarking and audit tools and techniques

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when evaluating and improving business performance

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 evaluating and improving business performance, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

evaluation and improvement of business performance 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

presentations

projects

questioning

scenarios

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 legislation, regulations and policies relating to governance, benchmarking and management audit

planning and project management of reviews

collecting, recording and collating information

scheduling meetings/sessions

undertaking research and analysis

using records management systems

interpreting organisational information

using communication/consultation with a range of diverse stakeholders

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

writing recommendations/reports using formality of expression

using numeracy for data analysis

applying public sector procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment and sustainability

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to public sector governance benchmarking and management audit

principles of management audit, benchmarking, compliance assessment, self-assessment and governance arrangements

organisational structure and lines of management authority

statutory and reporting requirements

public sector standards including ethics and security relating to organisational information

project management

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment and sustainability

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.

Scope may include:

management behaviours and practices

staffing

staff training

practices

procedures

processes

policies

guidelines

work instructions

complaints mechanisms

planning

financial management

financial controls

management systems and processes

administrative policy and procedures

environmental policy and procedures

resource usage

written routines for quality and how they are followed

roles and responsibilities

lines of accountability

business practices

service delivery

occupational health and safety

security

diversity

risk management

work flows

critical incidents

Management audit is:

an activity designed to gauge whether an organisation is operating as effectively, efficiently and economically as possible

an extensive examination of an organisation's corporate structure, administrative policies, processes and procedures, as well as its staffing patterns and financial practices. It is broader in scope than a financial audit

Stakeholders may include:

all those individuals and groups both inside and outside the organisation that have some direct interest in the organisation's behaviour, actions, products and services, including:

boards of management

clients

community organisations

contractors

employees at all levels of the organisation

government

Ministers

other public sector organisations

service providers

suppliers

the public

union and association representatives

volunteers

Methodology and instruments may include:

specialist management audit expertise

consultation

observation

analysis of written information from:

files and business systems

surveys

questionnaires

focus groups

compliance assessment

organisational self-assessment

business process reviews

client feedback

stakeholder input

Baseline data may be:

internal

external

historical data

annual reporting data

annual reports to Parliament

ministerial portfolio statements

human resource data, such as exit interview data, turnover, days off

from strategic and operational plans

organisational goals and outputs

benchmarks

qualitative/quantitative

legislative requirements

related to incident reports

results/action on previous management audits

public sector standards such as those for ethics, fraud control, security management, risk management

government priorities

whole-of-government outcome indicators

output performance measures

Improved performance may: be achieved through

modified business processes, procedures and practices

staff training and development

organisational design/development

staff working collaboratively to modify structures, practices and procedures

cultural change

incremental changes

cycle of continuous improvement

innovation

policy changes

Management audit report may include:

implementation methodology/plan

resource requirements

timeframes

performance indicators

critical success factors

Legislation, policies, standards, and guidelines may include:

public sector management acts

financial management acts

audit acts

public sector standards

fraud control standards

government security standards

risk management guidelines

Australian standards, such as accounting standards, audit standards, risk management standards, knowledge management standards, quality standards

ethics and accountability standards

environmental and sustainability standards

Governance framework may include:

structures, practices and management procedures to ensure that an entity adheres to legal and regulatory requirements and optimises organisation performance

a combination of legal and better practice organisational structure and management requirements aimed at facilitating accountability and improving performance

how an organisation is managed - its functional structures, culture, policies and strategies

regular/ongoing management audit to ensure organisation continues to meet governance requirements

integrated (with other agencies) governance arrangements in a shared services environment

Parameters may include:

organisational structure and culture

organisational practices and procedures

roles and responsibilities

management arrangements/hierarchy

approval processes

legal and regulatory controls

financial procedures - methods of tracing and recording expenditures and revenue

accountability systems and controls

transparency of processes

information systems and policies

procurement processes

risk management

security arrangements

human resource management processes

organisational performance

national business excellence frameworks

Deployment of governance framework may include:

staff knowledge of processes and requirements

implementation of governance processes and compliance with requirements

'walking the talk'

collaboration across units/departments/agencies

Benchmarking model may include:

a project team approach

comparison with similar organisation/function/processes

visit to and critique of a similar organisation

collaboration in 'critical friends' program

comparison with pre-determined standard

identifying and setting targets for improved performance

change management

resourcing commensurate with the size and perceived importance of the exercise

membership of benchmarking network or partnership

Research may include:

key stakeholders

current literature

industry research

internal, local, national or international search for benchmarks

ensuring benchmarks are valid (comparing apples with apples) and reliable

identifying confounding variables

Benchmarks may include:

internal standards/performance indicators

historical data - past performance

external standards

industry standards

best/leading practice standards

national standards

international standards

Key result areas may include:

service delivery

finance

people management

client service

administration

safety

security

fraud control

business processes

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
Scope and objectives of the management audit are determined in consultation with key stakeholders. 
Methodology, instruments, and baseline data (to be used for comparison) are determined. 
Expert advice and assistance are arranged as required. 
Management data is gathered, collated and circulated to stakeholders for comment in accordance with determined scope and methodology. 
Results are analysed, strengths identified and recommendations formulated to improve management performance. 
A management audit report is prepared and presented in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Legislation, policies, standards and guidelines impacting on public sector governance are identified and key requirements are extracted. 
The organisation's governance framework is analysed to identify parameters and compare them to legislative and organisational requirements. 
Data is analysed to evaluate the organisation's deployment of its governance framework. 
Analysis is conducted of previous reviews, audits or self-assessments to see how the organisation has measured and analysed the effectiveness of the governance framework and how/whether the organisation has learnt from the experience. 
The effectiveness and compliance of the governance framework is determined, shortcomings are identified and recommendations formulated to incorporate learning from previous reviews and improve processes and practices where required. 
Recommendations are discussed with management and staff, feedback is incorporated and a report is prepared and presented in accordance with organisational requirements. 
A benchmarking model is designed in accordance with the organisation's core business, functions and desired objectives/outcomes. 
Research is conducted to establish benchmarks for the measurement of organisational performance in key result areas determined by the organisation. 
A process is established and managed to conduct the benchmarking exercise. 
Networking and consultation are undertaken with staff in the areas to be benchmarked, to gather information and provide support to ensure outcomes are valid, reliable and useful for improving performance. 
Data is gathered and analysed against benchmarks, and results are discussed with staff and management and presented in accordance with organisational requirements. 
Benchmarking report is written to meet audience needs and contains recommendations for improvement and an implementation model that meets organisational requirements. 

Forms

Assessment Cover Sheet

PSPMNGT612A - Review and improve business performance
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Assessment Record Sheet

PSPMNGT612A - Review and improve business performance

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Assessment task 1: [title] Result: Competent Not yet competent

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Overall assessment result: Competent Not yet competent

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