Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes required to research technical subject matter, and prepare and present a technical report of findings. It involves identifying and analysing research requirements, planning and conducting the research, evaluating findings, and developing and presenting the technical report.
It applies to those working in the automotive service and repair industry at a specialist technician or manager level.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Elements Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance Criteria Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold and italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section. |
1. Determine research requirements | 1.1 Problem requiring research is identified and clarified 1.2 Research purpose, objectives and limits, and timeframe are identified, clearly defined, and confirmed 1.3 Research outline is prepared and confirmed with key stakeholders |
2. Plan research | 2.1 Systematic methodology for information collection is developed 2.2 Appropriate sources of research information are identified, reviewed and assessed 2.3 Research design is developed according to research requirements 2.4 Resources that support research requirements are identified and sourced 2.5 Pilot study is conducted to identify variations or additions to proposed research plan |
3. Conduct research | 3.1 Research is carried out according to established purpose, process and objectives 3.2 Research data is collected, manipulated as required, and stored for future reference |
4. Analyse research information | 4.1 Research data is prepared for analysis 4.2 Data is analysed using appropriate methods according to workplace procedures 4.3 Conclusions, findings and recommendations are drawn from data analysis and documented according to workplace procedures |
5. Prepare and present research report | 5.1 Technical report, and as required associated presentation materials, are prepared according to report requirements and 5.2 Report is presented according to workplace procedures 5.3 Information management and report storage requirements are followed according to workplace procedures |
Evidence of Performance
Before competency can be determined, individuals must demonstrate they can perform the following according to the standards defined in this unit’s elements, performance criteria, range of conditions and foundation skills:
research and prepare two different technical reports, in which the work must involve:
accessing and interpreting relevant automotive technical information
developing a research outline
undertaking detailed research of the subject area
analysing data
developing conclusions, findings and recommendations
presenting reports to intended target audience.
Evidence of Knowledge
Individuals must be able to demonstrate knowledge of:
research methods, including:
qualitative, including:
participant observations
interviews
focus groups
quantitative, including:
questionnaires
laboratory experiments
procedures for undertaking research, including:
planning the research, including:
identifying the problem
defining purpose and limits of the research
developing a research outline
sourcing information
designing the research, including:
methodology
data gathering
data analysis
conducting pilot studies
conducting the research, including data gathering, including common testing procedures
data analysis, including calculating mean, mode, median and percentages
drawing conclusions from data analysis
preparing and presenting a technical report, including:
writing for a specific audience
using pictures and diagrams
using style guides
storing data and documents.
Assessment Conditions
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Competency is to be assessed in the workplace or a simulated environment that accurately reflects performance in a real workplace setting.
Assessment must include direct observation of tasks.
Where assessment of competency includes third-party evidence, individuals must provide evidence that links them to researching, preparing and presenting technical reports in the automotive workplace, e.g. technical reports and presentation notes.
Assessment must verify performance evidence through questioning on skills and knowledge to ensure correct interpretation and application.
The following resources must be made available:
situations requiring research activities and technical report writing
range of reference materials relevant to technical research activities
commercially realistic number of co-workers to which the technical report may be presented.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance and are not explicit in the performance criteria.
Skills | Description |
Learning skills to: | locate and analyse a range of technical information and documents relevant to work activities develop strategies to research and write technical reports. |
Reading skills to: | interpret technical information, instructions and requirements interpret graphical illustrations, technical information and terminology in manuals and textbooks. |
Writing skills to: | communicate ideas and information using relevant automotive terminology prepare and present textual and numerical information in technical reports. |
Oral communication skills to: | clarify and confirm report requirements, including target audience. |
Technology skills to: | use workplace technology to access technical documents, including computerised technology. |
Range Statement
This section specifies work environments and conditions that may affect performance. Essential operating conditions that may be present (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) are included. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below.
Research outline must include: | information entry, including hard and soft copy data storage and version control print output. |
Research | desk-based research experiments tests. |
Research design must include: | research methodology data gathering methods data analysis methods. |
Report requirements must satisfy: | purpose objectives timeframe planned process reporting, including findings and proposed actions or recommendations. |
Workplace standards must include: | agreed quality standards suitability for intended audience and purpose use of specialist or management summaries compliance with protocols, conventions and legal requirements relating to acknowledgements and intellectual property. |
Sectors
Foundation Skills
Competency Field
Common