This unit applies to those whose job role covers the functions associated with monitoring and reviewing the business performance of a rural enterprise.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Evaluate commercial performance

1.1. Data relating to enterprise performance is gathered and analysed to identify historical and current performance.

1.2. Operational structures are reviewed and analysed to determine the suitability of organisational processes to enterprise objectives.

1.3. Enterprise strengths and weaknesses are evaluated against market conditions to determine current and future capacities.

1.4. Enterprise objectives are evaluated to identify variations and scope for future development.

2. Allocate and co-ordinate business resources

2.1. Roles and responsibilities of personnel are identified and communicated.

2.2. Resource requirements for enterprise are identified and costed using standard financial analysis techniques.

2.3. Costs of ensuring sustainability of enterprise operations are calculated and factored into business planning for the enterprise.

3. Identify performance requirements

3.1. Performance indicators are developed and are realistic within available timeframes and resources.

3.2. Factors inhibiting performance against objectives are identified and minimised.

3.3. Market conditions are monitored and assessed based on relevant data and assumptions that are transferable and justifiable.

3.4. Strategies and programs to promote the sustainability of operations are prepared and incorporated into enterprise procedures.

4. Review business performance

4.1. Enterprise operations are regularly reviewed to identify opportunities for improvements in performance.

4.2. Impact of natural conditions on enterprise are monitored and anticipated to assess sustainability of resource use.

4.3. Costs and estimates are compared with resource allocation.

4.4. Operational plans are reviewed to determine schedule of activities.

Required skills

analyse market requirements

match the enterprise to resources

set enterprise objectives and make financial and economic determinations

monitor and manage resources (human, physical, environmental)

evaluate land capability and natural resources(where applicable to the enterprise)

research, analyse and evaluate enterprise information and requirements

use literacy skills to fulfil job roles as required by the organisation. The level of skill may range from reading and understanding documentation to completion of written reports

use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification, negotiating solutions and responding to a range of views

use numeracy skills to estimate, calculate and record complex workplace measures

use interpersonal skills to work with others and relate to people from a range of cultural, social and religious backgrounds and with a range of physical and mental abilities.

Required knowledge

rates of return for products and/or services

financial analysis techniques

structure and operation of small businesses relevant State/Territory Occupational Health and Safety (OHS)

legislative requirements

environmental conditions, positive environmental practices and negative impact minimisation measures

human resource requirements for the enterprise

transport requirements for the enterprise

enterprise/property improvement requirements.

market performance in commodities

statutory marketing requirements

regulations related to exports of Australian agricultural products

animal husbandry.

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to workplace operations and satisfy holistically all of the requirements of the performance criteria and required skills and knowledge and include achievement of the following:

gather and analyse data relating to enterprise performance

review operational structures to determine effectiveness

identify available resources to assess capacity

develop realistic performance indicators

review enterprise operations against performance indicators

plan to improve business performance by addressing results of review.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Competency requires the application of work practices under work conditions. Selection and use of resources for some worksites may differ due to the regional or enterprise circumstances.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole.

Data that may be gathered for analysis may include::

sales figures

expected revenues

expenditures

attributable costs

market share figures

trends in consumer purchases

borrowing costs

transport costs

delivery times.

The operational structures that may be included for review and analysis include:

management processes

reporting arrangements

decision-making authorities

financial accounting procedures

promotional activities

operational resources.

Factors in market conditions that may be considered include:

product and service demand

availability of funds

cost of financing

supplier costs

delivery constraints

availability of substitutes

competitors.

Standard financial analysis techniques may include:

cost benefit analysis

'what if?' analyses

time series and trend

expenditure and revenue ratios

break-even analysis

accounting standards

cash flow schedules.

The indicators of business performance may include:

sales targets

revenue estimates

waste reduction

erosion replacement and reversal

environmental sustainability

variable cost ratios

investment returns

diversification.

Unit sector

Business

This unit contains employability skills.