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.