ICAICT510A
Determine appropriate IT strategies and solutions

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to determine the best IT solution during the initial planning phase. It involves defining the basic goals of the solution and providing the basis for a high-level project work plan.

Application

This unit applies to IT personnel who participate in the development of strategic initiatives. They may participate in teams, including teams concerned with planning and evaluation functions. Group or team coordination may also be involved.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Evaluate IT needs of the organisation

1.1 Conduct an analysis process that determines the organisation's current needs and projected IT requirements

1.2 Review organisational environment and relevant industry changes and trends

1.3 Determine IT goals, objectives and future requirements

1.4 Prepare information for appropriate person to determine scope with top-level management

2. Contribute to the development of the project goals and objectives

2.1 Determine project scope according to agreed brief

2.2 Align the project goals with the IT goals of the organisation

2.3 Determine the impact that system or changes will have on the organisation

2.4 Document project, goals and impact of changes according to requirements

3. Determine best IT systems solution

3.1 Evaluate a range of IT systems solutions according to project goals

3.2 Define the high-level hardware, software and communications environment necessary for the proposed systems solution

3.3 Develop a feasibility study and a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed solution

3.4 Ensure that the proposed solution aligns with the organisation's strategic plan

3.5 Forward feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis document to appropriate person for approval and sign-off

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to interpret, analyse and evaluate current needs and project IT requirements of the organisation

communication skills to negotiate with other team members during the planning process

literacy skills to write reports according to organisational requirements

numeracy skills to develop a cost-benefit analysis

project planning skills to set benchmarks and identify scope to contribute to a high-level project work plan

research skills to:

analyse and evaluate broad features of a particular business domain

identify best practice in system development

identify business continuity impact

identify business objectives and future requirements

technical skills to:

evaluate a range of IT systems solutions

define hardware and software for systems solution

identify the best IT systems solution and define the basic goals of the system.

Required knowledge

broad knowledge of two or more current industry systems development methodologies

components of the business planning process relevant to the development of IT business solutions

current business practices to:

prepare reports and facilitate group interview processes

identify and recommend IT solutions following quality assurance practices

current industry-accepted hardware and software products, with broad knowledge of general features and capabilities of technology

feasibility and cost-benefit analysis and identifying information sources for a cost-benefit analysis

role and degree of stakeholder involvement in the development of the IT strategy

specific client business requirements in relation to proposed IT solutions.

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 organisation’s current needs and projected IT requirements

determine the impact of system changes on the organisation

evaluate and recommend IT strategies and systems solutions to meet business objectives

develop a feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of proposed solution.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

site where IT strategies and solutions may be developed

detailed information relating to current needs and project requirements of the business

outcomes of the business-analysis process

client expectations brief

business risks and objectives

range of IT business solutions.

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:

verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of IT systems solutions

direct observation of candidate conducting feedback sessions

review of:

documentation prepared by candidate outlining the best IT systems solutions for the organisation

feasibility study and cost-benefit analysis of proposed solution developed by candidate.

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.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

supervisor.

Hardware may include:

modems or other connectivity device, including digital subscriber line (DSL) modems

networks

personal computers

remote sites

servers

workstations.

Software may include:

commercial

customised software

in-house

packaged.

Feasibility may include:

economic

operational

schedule

technical.


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.