This unit covers the process of planning, implementing and reviewing a quality assurance program for an agricultural or horticultural enterprise.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise

1.1. Future market requirements for quality assured products are assessed.

1.2. Premiums for quality assurance products are determined.

1.3. Strategic benefits of a quality assurance program are assessed.

2. Plan the quality assurance program and develop implementation strategies

2.1. Product quality standards are defined.

2.2. Current status of products and operations is audited.

2.3. Industry quality assurance programs are evaluated and costed.

2.4. Required processes and practices are documented in the quality assurance program manual and an implementation plan is prepared.

3. Implement the quality assurance program

3.1. Instructions are documented defining task and process requirements.

3.2. Contractor and staff training is established and implemented.

3.3. Communication takes account of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

3.4. Changes to processes and practices are introduced.

3.5. Processes to monitor and verify product quality are established.

3.6. Recording systems are introduced.

3.7. Operating instructions are validated under conditions to verify their suitability.

3.8. Problems and issues are analysed and resolved appropriately, promptly and decisively.

4. Review the quality assurance program

4.1. Reporting formats are established.

4.2. Mechanisms for gaining feedback information are implemented.

4.3. Preparation is made for quality assurance audits.

Required skills

determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise

plan the quality assurance program and develop implementation strategies

implement the quality assurance program

review the quality assurance program

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

market projections and customer requirements

cost/benefit of quality assurance implementation

system analysis, HAACCP or related processes

enterprise culture and values

leadership and administrative skills

human resources induction practices

human resources performance monitoring practices.

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:

define product quality standards based on the needs of the customer

determine quality assurance objectives for the enterprise

develop and implement procedures for quality assurance

maintain required records to support quality assurance

review the quality assurance program.

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.

Quality assurance may include:

regulation of the quality of raw materials

assemblies

products and components

services related to production

management, production and inspection processes.

Quality assurance programs may include:

programs with planned and systematic production processes that provide confidence in a product' or service's suitability for its intended purpose.

Market requirements may include:

trends and directions from regional, domestic and overseas markets.

Industry quality assurance programs may include:

programs developed by industry organisations and marketing authorities, processors, wholesalers/retailers and other stakeholders including Cattlecare, Flockcare, Freshcare, Graincare and Proven Perfect.

Unit sector

Work

This unit contains employability skills.