ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine resource requirements

1.1. Determine resource requirements in accordance with business and operational plans, and organisational requirements

1.2. Provide opportunities to individuals and workgroups to contribute to the identification of resource requirements

1.3. Ensure resource expenditure is realistic and makes efficient use of available budget resources

1.4. Present recommendations on resource requirements in the required format, style and structure using relevant business equipment and technology

2. Acquire and allocate resources

2.1. Acquire physical resources and services in accordance with organisational requirements

2.2. Check resources to ensure quality and quantity, in line with service agreements

2.3. Allocate resources promptly to enable achievement of workgroup objectives

2.4. Ensure consultation with individuals and teams on allocation of resources is participative and is conducted using appropriate interpersonal skills

3. Monitor and report on resource usage

3.1. Measure effectiveness of resource planning, and assess against actual costs, identified shortfalls and surpluses

3.2. Develop and implement methods of monitoring resource use to enable timely and accurate reporting against business and operational plans

3.3. Identify improvements in resource planning through consultation and feedback, and implement in accordance with organisational requirements

3.4. Maintain records concerning equipment and resource purchases, in accordance with organisational requirements

Required skills

communication skills to request advice, to receive feedback and to work with a team

literacy skills to draft complex reports and to display logical information on resource usage

numeracy skills to interpret, compare and calculate resource usage costs

planning skills to schedule and track resource use and availability.

Required knowledge

common equipment faults

functions of a range of business equipment

key provisions of relevant legislation from all forms of government that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:

anti-discrimination legislation

ethical principles

codes of practice

privacy laws

environmental issues

occupational health and safety (OHS)

organisational policies, plans and procedures

record management processes and techniques related to maintenance schedules.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

monitoring resource usage to determine resource needs

maintaining records of resource requirements

calculating costs and expenditures in relation to use and maintenance of business resources

knowledge of relevant legislation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to an actual workplace or simulated environment

access to office equipment and resources

examples of records relating to business resources.

Method of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate

review of recommendations on resource requirements

review of records concerning equipment and resource purchases

analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios

demonstration of techniques

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of functions of a range of business equipment.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

other general administration units.

Resource requirements may include:

human resources

location/premises

OHS resources

plant/machinery

raw materials

refurbishment

staff amenities

stock and supplies

storage space

technological equipment/software

training materials

Organisational requirements may include:

access and equity principles and practices

business and performance plans

defined resource parameters

ethical standards

goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes

legal and organisational policies, guidelines and requirements

management and accountability channels

manufacturers' and operational specifications

OHS policies, procedures and programs

environmental sustainability business practices and standards

quality and continuous improvement processes and standards

quality assurance and/or procedures manuals

reporting requirements

security and confidentiality requirements

Business equipment and technology may include:

answering machine

binder

computer

fax machine

photocopier

printer

shredder

telephone

Appropriate interpersonal skills may include:

clarity of language

consultation methods, techniques and protocols

seeking feedback from group members to confirm understanding

summarising and paraphrasing

using appropriate body language

Feedback sources may include:

customer/client response data

employee data

equipment meter readings

financial forecasts

sales orders

suppliers' invoices

Records may include:

computerised or manual

financial statements

invoices

maintenance schedules

order forms

petty cash forms

purchase orders

stock list and inventory control