ICAB4225B

Automate processes

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Apply basic language syntax and layout

1.1. Demonstrate understanding and application of basic language syntax rules and best practices

1.2. Select and use language data types, operators and expressions to create clear and concise code

1.3. Use the appropriate language syntax for sequence, selection and iteration constructs

1.4. Use a modular programming approach within member/function logic

1.5. Apply arrays, including arrays of objects to introductory programming tasks

1.6. Use standardarray processing algorithms

1.7. Use the facilities of the language to read and write data from/to text files and record outcomes

2. Apply basic object-oriented principles in the target language

2.1. Implement a class that contains primitive member/instance variables

2.2. Implement a class that contains multiple options for object construction

2.3. Implement a class that uses user-defined aggregation (object instance/member variables)

2.4. Use the facilities provided in the language to implement inheritance to at least two levels of depth

2.5. Use polymorphism at a simple level through inheritance to enable easy extension of code

3. Debug code

3.1. Use an integrated development environment, in particular the language debugging facilities, to debug code

3.2. Interpret compiler/interpreter messages to resolve syntax errors and use debugging techniques to resolve logic errors

4. Document activities

4.1. Follow organisational guidelines for developing maintainable code and adhere to the provided codingstandards when documenting activities

4.2. Apply internal documentation to all code created and utilise documentation tools available in the target language when documenting activities

5. Test code

5.1. Create and conduct simple tests to confirm code meets design specification

5.2. Document the tests performed and results achieved

6. Create an application

6.1. Develop a solution when provided with a basic object-oriented design document

6.2. Reference appropriate documentation for the language

Required skills

Reading and interpreting program specifications

Translating requirements from problem space to machine space

Integrated development environment usage

Programming techniques

Internal (code) documentation techniques

Debugging techniques

Testing techniques

Documentation techniques

Required knowledge

Object-oriented programming concepts

Object-oriented programming language

Small size application development

Using a GUI to interact with operator

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:

Assessment must confirm that application programs are designed and built from a provided problem scenario and program specification.

Code documentation must be generated. Testing must be used to confirm that created application meets original specification and solves original problem.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Software development environment

Technical requirements

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Programming in object-oriented languages is a software development methodology that offers the programmer standard reusable software modules (components), rather than requiring the developer to write custom programming code each time.

Using standard components reduces development time (because the writing and testing of those components has already been done by other programmers), and ensures a standard look and feel for programs using the same components. Object-oriented languages are an important feature of software development processes world-wide.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover a broad range of varied activities or application in a wider variety of contexts most of which are complex and non-routine. Leadership and guidance would be involved when organising activities of self and others as well as contributing to technical solutions of a non-routine or contingency nature.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a broad range of skilled applications including the requirement to evaluate and analyse current practices, develop new criteria and procedures for performing current practices and provision of some leadership and guidance to others in the application and planning of the skills would be characteristic.

Applications may involve responsibility for, and limited organisation of, others.

The stages of the development methodology should be followed within the scope of a project or scenario, and the relevant supporting documentation produced.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICAB4224B Apply mathematical techniques for software development

ICAA4058B Apply skills in object-oriented design

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of a broad knowledge base incorporating some theoretical concepts

Apply solutions to a defined range of unpredictable problems

Identify and apply skill and knowledge areas to a wide variety of contexts, with depth in some areas

Identify, analyse and evaluate information from a variety of sources

Take responsibility for own outputs in relation to specified quality standards

Take limited responsibility for the quantity and quality of the output of others

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Understand a range of development object-oriented methodologies and their application

Demonstrate theoretical knowledge of object-oriented language development

Apply a methodology to a project or scenario

Produce documentation required by the chosen methodology

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.

Integrateddevelopmentenvironment may include but is not limited to:

Visual C++

Visual Studio suite

Eclipse

J-Edit

Code Warrior

JBuilder

Codingstandards may include:

Java coding standard

GNU coding standard

Language may include but is not limited to:

Java

C++

Small Talk

VB.net

C#.net

Design specification may include but is not limited to:

technical requirements

user problem statement

current system functionality

Standardarrayprocessingalgorithms may include but is not limited to:

search

insertion and deletion algorithms

Object-oriented design document may include:

use-cases

class diagrams

supplementary specifications

Unit sector

Build

This unit contains employability skills.