Application
This unit applies to senior staff in a variety of information and communications technology (ICT) roles who are required to select new technology for their organisation and review the efficacy of existing technologies.
Prerequisites
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1. Determine organisational needs | 1.1 Establish organisational needs and selection criteria for new technology 1.2 Review strategic goals and determine future requirements 1.3 Assess physical infrastructure and financial parameters against strategic goals |
2. Research vendors, suppliers and IT industry specialists | 2.1 Determine suitable suppliers and vendors 2.2 Source information from suppliers and vendors 2.3 Assess vendor information against industry standards 2.4 Review emerging standards and applications for compatibility with supplier and vendor information |
3. Evaluate and report on hardware technology options | 3.1 Review and test hardware to identify suitability for organisational requirements 3.2 Identify possible project risks associated with identified hardware 3.3 Document findings in a report and present to appropriate person |
Required Skills
Required skills
communication skills to:
convey complex and abstract concepts and information
liaise with customers, vendors and suppliers
participate in teams and contribute to solutions and goals
present information, such as the results of testing new technology and proposals to move in new directions
literacy skills to:
interpret industry standards
interpret technical information from vendors and suppliers
numeracy skills to calculate cost and consider financial information
planning and organisational skills to:
estimate scope, time, cost and quality
plan communications and risk management
investigate new technology for new roles in the workplace
problem-solving skills to develop new approaches with new technology
research skills to:
analyse and evaluate information
develop reports and summary findings
gain and maintain relevant and current technical product knowledge
technical skills to:
assess technical information against industry standards
review and test hardware.
Required knowledge
business planning process relevant to the development of data and voice integration and remote access business solutions
client business needs that can be satisfied by the provision of IT products and services
current business practices in preparing reports
current industry and technology information sources
current industry-accepted hardware, cabling and software products, including broad knowledge of general features and capabilities, with particular reference to emerging trends and product design
equipment performance benchmarking
industry networks, key individuals and organisations within the IT industry
information-gathering techniques
quality assurance practices, to promote reliable investigation processes
vendor product directions:
access and security products
next generation networks
self-configuring asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) or cable modem-router-switch for the small office home office (SOHO) market
wireless standards.
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 and plan approaches to technical problems or management requirements access and convey conceptual information regarding emerging technology in relation to organisational needs evaluate information, using it to forecast for planning or research purposes recommend technology options. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure access to site with: network or computer layout documentation and premises plans network components equipment specifications organisational guidelines business plan or model journals of industry and professional associations relevant standards. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified 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: review of reports completed by the candidate recommending technology change verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s ability to apply technical knowledge in the preliminary analysis of emerging technology according to organisational requirements or practices. |
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.
Industry standards may include: | review of software and hardware currently used in the industry, which can be obtained from: conferences industry publications and websites professional groups: ICT groups Sector-specific. |
Hardware may include: | cabling infrastructure internet access modems and other connectivity devices networks personal computers remote sites servers wireless networks workstations. |
Project risks may include: | variations in locating and obtaining hardware influenced by changes in: scope time cost quality. |
Appropriate person may include: | authorised business representative client supervisor. |
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.