Application
This unit of competency describes the skills and knowledge required to gather and validate information in order to advise on planned permaculture projects. Researching and interpreting requirements for a permaculture project requires knowledge of permaculture principles and practices, research methodologies, consultation models, feasibility studies, information systems, report presentation, cultural analysis of information, cultural implications of research methods and legislative requirements.
All work is carried out to comply with workplace procedures.
This unit applies to individuals who analyse information and exercise judgement to complete a range of advanced skilled activities and demonstrate broad knowledge in an area of work with depth in areas of specialisation. They undertake functions with initiative and judgement and take personal responsibility and exercise autonomy in undertaking complex work. They have accountability for the work of others (teams) within broad parameters, analyse and synthesise information as well as analyse, design and communicate solutions to a range of complex problems.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Select appropriate research strategies | 1.1 Select and justify appropriate research methods for the requirements of the permaculture project and the available resources 1.2 Develop and justify a research question or hypothesis 1.3 Select a combination of research methods to promote the validity of the outcomes 1.4 Negotiate the selection of research strategies with key people |
2. Gather information | 2.1 Identify relevant information sources and review relevant and credible literature related to the research topic 2.2 Assess and analyse legislative requirements impacting on the project 2.3 Identify government departments and agencies with a potential interest in the permaculture project 2.4 Collect and catalogue information from a wide range of sources |
3. Consult with key people | 3.1 Identify and consult a representative range of people and groups with an interest in the issues relating to the permaculture project 3.2 Review information, check for accuracy and identify the need for further information and follow-up 3.3 Liaise with key people, where required 3.4 Undertake community consultations following agreed practices and protocols |
4. Organise and analyse information | 4.1 Organise data generated by the research 4.2 Check the results against other available research 4.3 Look for patterns, observations and explanations and interpret them against the context 4.4 Clearly explain the concepts being analysed to key people and continue with community consultations |
5. Report the findings of the research | 5.1 Report complete and accurate details of the research methodology, information and analysis 5.2 Provide opportunities for the validation of the research findings using a range of different processes 5.3 Report the research findings in an accessible and useable style and format 5.4 Make the research available to all key people and those who have an interest in the project |
Evidence of Performance
The candidate must be assessed on their ability to integrate and apply the performance requirements of this unit in a workplace setting. Performance must be demonstrated consistently over time and in a suitable range of contexts.
The candidate must provide evidence that they can:
select and justify appropriate research strategies
gather information
assess practical from impractical solutions
consult with key people with an interest in the issues relating to the permaculture project
organise and analyse information
report the findings of the research
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate knowledge of:
permaculture principles and practices and their role in sustainable development and design
climate change science and mitigation strategies
research methods, such as:
group and individual interviews
dialogue and storytelling
libraries – digital and conventional
electronic recordings
questionnaires
statistical sampling
observation
surveys
research methodologies, such as:
action research
needs studies
literature searches and correct referencing
case studies
consultation models
feasibility study methodologies
information systems (conventional and electronic)
report presentation
cultural analysis of information
cultural implications of research methods
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs. Assessors must also have a nationally accredited Diploma of Permaculture. Completion of a Permaculture Design Course (PDC) or non-accredited Permaculture Diploma is not sufficient at this level.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Range Statement
Sectors
Permaculture (PER)