This work will be undertaken by individuals who are establishing or operating a micro business providing for self employment.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine information and communications technology requirements

1.1. Identify the full range of hardware and software requirements relevant to the anticipated start-up level of business and available space

1.2. Determine and decide on the type of internet connection needed to fulfil business requirements

1.3. Identify suitable suppliers of hardware and software and appropriate support services

1.4. Compare and analyse pricing and payment options to determine the most suitable information and communications technology goods and services for the business

2. Install hardware and software products

2.1. Determine suitable location for hardware, taking into account occupational health and safety (OHS) and environmental considerations

2.2. Follow set up instructions for hardware in accordance with manufacturers' specifications

2.3. Follow instructions on installation for all software applications and upgrades

2.4. Install and test the connection device in accordance with vendor instructions

3. Trouble shoot/resolve common malfunctions

3.1. Define the problem to be resolved

3.2. Identify support services for common malfunctions

3.3. Follow instructions for resolving common malfunctions

3.4. Test device to ensure the malfunction is resolved

Required skills

communication skills to clearly and succinctly identify the problem with the technology and to negotiate with support service personnel and vendors

literacy skills to locate and understand key information in warranty and support services documents and to compare varying plans for internet service provision

numeracy skills to compare prices for similar technology

problem-solving skills to follow and act on verbal, written and/or diagrammatic instructions in relation to installing hardware/software and resolving routine malfunctions

technology skills to operate a personal computer.

Required knowledge

basic computer vocabulary required to identify the problem areas for support

characteristics and compatibility of hardware and software

OHS procedures for electrical equipment

current, relevant software packages for work requirements

technology security requirements.

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

Evidence of the following is essential:

following oral and written/diagrammatic instructions to install hardware and software

identifying and selecting appropriate hardware/software

identifying and resolving common malfunctions

knowledge of technology security requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

access to relevant documentation

candidate's individual circumstances and work in the context of establishing or running a micro business, are the basis for assessment.

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:

demonstration of practical skills such as connecting hardware following diagrammatic/written instructions

portfolio of evidence including analysis of information and communications technology systems, their costs and proposed selected system

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of resolving malfunctions of commonly used technology

review of location determined for hardware.

Guidance information for assessment

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

BSBITU101A Operate a personal computer

BSBSMB306A Plan a home-based business.

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Hardware and software requirements may include:

computers (desktop, notebook), monitor, keyboard

current relevant software applications (for example MS Word, MS Excel)

data protection including backing up files

facsimile machine

photocopier

photographic equipment (to photograph goods for selling on the internet)

security requirements such as anti-virus software, password, pin

telephone, mobile

Internet connection may include:

broadband, wireless, dial-up, cable, satellite (depending on availability in the area)

configuration of email address (for example web address versus free address)

internet service provider

Support services may include:

informal networks and mentors

manuals, books, journals

manufacturers' specifications

online help

professional support service personnel

training programs, tutorials

vendor help desk for software and hardware; internet service provider help desk support

Occupational health and safety and environmental considerations may include:

disposal of redundant hardware and consumables

ergonomics

lighting

placement of extension chords

placement of hardware in terms of potential fire hazard and location of appropriate fire extinguisher

ventilation

Manufacturers' specifications may include:

diagrammatic instructions

written instructions

Connection device may include:

asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL)

cable modem

modem

Common malfunctions may include:

cannot access the internet/email

computer screen freezes

printer paper jam

Unit sector

Management and Leadership - Small and Micro Business

This unit contains employability skills.