ICAICT419A
Work effectively in the digital media industry

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to work effectively as an individual or in a team environment in the digital media industries.

Application

This unit applies to persons who use digital media technologies to work in the industry as digital media designers, developers, programmers, contractors or digital media authoring specialists.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Communicate effectively with others

1.1 Research and analyse information sources and data related to the digital media industry

1.2 Engage with key players in the organisation using a range of communication tools and media

1.3 Plan and develop a communication strategy for an enterprise or workplace and clients

1.4 Prepare reports in a variety of formats and media

2. Perform own work effectively

2.1 Develop a work plan and schedule

2.2 Respond to requests and resolve client queries and issues as they arise

2.3 Apply legislative and regulatory requirements

2.4 Apply industry codes of practice and guidelines

3. Review own communication and work effectiveness and make improvements

3.1 Seek and respond positively to comments and feedback from peers and clients using evaluation techniques

3.2 Review own communication strategies and practices and make continuous improvements

3.3 Review own work plan and schedule against milestones or key performance indicators (KPIs) and make improvements

3.4 Undertake training and professional development activities

3.5 Participate in discussions and forums and generate ideas for improvement

Required Skills

Required skills

communication skills to:

clarify the needs of clients

relate to people from diverse backgrounds

request advice, receive feedback and work with a team

work as a member of a digital media team, both independently on assignment and under direction

write reports

initiative and enterprise in generating ideas for improving communication and work

literacy skills to interrogate and interpret:

broad research material and technical manuals

organisational policies and governance documentation

technical information, such as maintenance requirements for equipment

planning and organisational skills to plan and schedule personnel and work priorities

problem-solving skills to distinguish between issues that can be resolved by delegation or referral to a supervisor

self-management skills to:

balance the need for personal efficiency with the needs of others and work requirements

maintain own industry knowledge and competence

make decisions at own level of responsibility

modify work plan and prioritise work tasks

organise own time to meet milestones

work within deadlines

technical skills to use IT equipment, operating systems and interactive digital media software.

Required knowledge

current industry-accepted hardware and software digital media products, with sound knowledge of their features and capabilities

OHS standards as they apply to working in the digital media industries

operational environment, including customer base, company products and services

organisational:

code of conduct and values that are consistent with the organisational mission

policy and procedures

systems, management structure and governance arrangements

principles of equal employment opportunity (EEO) and anti-discrimination

role and positioning of digital media within the overall business objectives of the organisation

sound grasp of:

digital media terminology

roles and responsibilities of personnel in the relevant sector of the digital media industries

vendor product directions.

Evidence Required

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 ability to:

analyse information and communicate effectively using a range of media and formats

perform according to work plan and organisational requirements and values

apply requirements of legislation and regulations

review and implement improvements to own work and communication.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

range of current industry information

appropriate IT equipment and technology to research and analyse industry information

appropriate learning and assessment support when required

modified equipment for people with special needs.

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

observation of the candidate participating in workplace meetings

evaluation of written reports or verbal questioning to test knowledge as listed in the required skills and knowledge section of this unit

evaluation of case studies to assess ability to apply knowledge to different industry contexts and situations.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

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

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.


Range Statement

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.

Information sources and data may include:

electronic and print media, such as news, reviews, articles and technical publications

employee and industry association representatives

events, such as industry functions, conferences, trade fairs, community activities, expositions, exhibitions, festivals and social events

government bodies and associated publications

induction kits

instruction or product manuals

internet and intranet

libraries

peak copyright organisations

personal observations and experience

policy and procedures manuals

reference books, industry information sheets, magazines and journals discussions with current industry practitioners, colleagues and community groups

retail and wholesale suppliers of products and services

training programs, seminars, conferences, symposiums, workshops and other professional development opportunities

unions and union publications (newsletters, magazines, bulletins and letters) and other sources of industrial relations information.

Key players may include:

digital media organisations

employer organisations

government departments

IT professional bodies

unions

vendors of digital media products and services.

Communication tools and media may include:

email

fax

mobile devices

phone

web.

Communication strategy may include:

distribution lists

frequency and mode of communication

key messages

key stakeholders

purpose

ways of communication.

Reports may include various formats and styles:

briefing notes

electronic mail

fax

general correspondence

handwritten and printed materials

internal memos

telephone messages.

Work plan and schedule may include:

activities plan or schedule

diary

log book

electronic or paper-based project plan

tasks list.

Client queries and issues may include:

disputes needing resolution

points of clarification

requests for information.

Legislative and regulatory requirements may include current, legislation, regulations, codes of practice (federal and state) and policy relating to:

anti-discrimination and equal employment opportunity

business compliance

copyright

environmental issues

insurance

OHS

plagiarism

privacy and confidentiality

quality assurance

taxation

workplace and industrial relations.

Codes of practice and guidelines may include:

Australian content standards

industry guidelines relating to the digital media.

Peers and clients may include:

contractors

employees

external organisations and agencies

individuals

internal departments

supervisors

technical staff

work colleagues.

Improvements may include:

acknowledging feedback and comments

coaching, mentoring and supervising informal conversation with peers, supervisor and clients

personal study

self-evaluation

use of formal evaluation tools, such as discussion, survey or interview to determine effectiveness or satisfaction.

Milestones or key performance indicatorsmay include:

performance appraisal with line supervisor

review of key performance indicators against key project milestones

review of performance against specified times for completion of key activities or tasks.

Training and professional development may include:

attendance at forums and workshops (online or face to face)

coaching and mentoring

completion of internal and external training programs

personal study, such as journals, and technical, policy and procedures manuals.

Discussions and forums may include:

online discussion forums

performance appraisal processes

planning days

project briefing and debriefing sessions

seminars and workshops

staff meetings.


Sectors

General ICT


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement but users should confirm requirements with the relevant federal, state or territory authority.