1

Analyse the availability of new technologies

1.1

Research is conducted to identify and analyse the range of new technologies that are available to the building design sector.

1.2

Applications of the new technologies and the potential benefits to the business are assessed.

1.3

Costs of acquiring and using new technologies are evaluated to inform purchase decision.

1.4

Decisions are made about the optimum software and hardware solutions to meet the immediate and medium-terms needs of the practice.

2

Introduce technology to the practice

2.1

Purchase, installation and commissioning of new technologies are planned and managed.

2.2

Staff training in the use of new technologies is organised and undertaken.

2.3

Potential benefits and uses of the technology are communicated to client.

2.4

Documentation to support efficient and effective usage is completed.

3

Manage the use of BIM

3.1

Benefits of using BIM to work collaboratively in the design, modelling, documentation and management of buildings during their life cycle are communicated to related professionals.

3.2

Protocols and the specification of input and output parameters are developed and communicated to related professionals.

3.3

Processes to monitor BIM usage are developed and put in place.

3.4

Processes to manage the creation, labelling, storage and sharing of files and materials are developed and put in place.

3.5

Resourcing and budgeting to manage the ongoing use of the system are identified and put in place.

Required skills

administration and management skills to:

manage documents

manage time, including planning and prioritising work

analytical and problem-solving skills to:

evaluate alternative software and hardware solutions

design protocols and procedures to support the introduction and use of new technology

budgeting and financial management skills

interpersonal skills to interact with clients and relevant professionals

language, literacy and numeracy skills to:

communicate at a project management level with clients, colleagues and contacts, including:

negotiating with related professionals

writing reports

interpret and apply complex information, including contracts, codes and standards, and system manuals and specifications

negotiation skills to conclude contracts

technical skills to:

analyse software and hardware functionality sufficient to make a purchase decision

apply protocols to manage the creation, storage, use and sharing of data

technology skills to use information technology and 3-D modelling software

Required knowledge

architectural styles and terminology

contractual requirements and implications for the business

design drawing and representation methods

design of work processes to support the effective operation of new technologies

digital file management procedures

financial management and budgeting processes

functions and operation of 3-D modelling software program

organisational resource requirements to undertake the introduction of new technologies

risk management processes

technical role and performance of new technologies, including BIM

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.

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

A person should demonstrate the ability to:

produce research to analyse the range and application of technologies in a building design practice

document the purchase and management of new technology within a business design practice.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment of this unit:

must be in the context of the work environment

may be conducted in an off-site context, provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills

must meet relevant compliance requirements.

Resource implications for assessment include:

access to:

suitable assessment venue and equipment

suitable simulated or real opportunities and resources to demonstrate competence

assessment instruments.

Method of assessment

Assessment for this unit must verify the practical application of the required skills and knowledge, using one or more of the following methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidates required knowledge for the unit

observed, documented and/or firsthand testimonial evidence of the candidates

implementation of appropriate procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of the required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of options that best meet the required outcomes

consistently achieving the required outcomes.

Guidance information for assessment

This unit could be assessed on its own or in combination with other units relevant to the job function.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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.

Range of new technologies while focussed on BIM may also include:

mass computer storage devices

plotters

printers

scanners

software applications.

BIM may be defined as:

applications that support 3-D and visualisation modelling

applications that capture information about the building fabric as a part of 3-D model.

Benefits of using BIM may include:

avoidance of ‘clashes’ in the design and building process

enhanced geographic information

enhanced identification of quantities and property of building components

enhanced sharing of information between related professionals

improved clarity regarding spatial relationships

improved construction planning and materials fabrication.

Related professionals may include:

access consultants

architects

builders

building certifiers

building developers

building surveyors

civil engineers

fire systems designers and engineers

hydraulic consultants

local government planning authority staff

mechanical services consultants and engineers

OHS consultants

plumber and plumbing consultants

quantity surveyors

services consultants

structural engineers.