ICASAS405A - Identify and evaluate IT industry vendor technologies

ICASAS405A
Identify and evaluate IT industry vendor technologies

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to research, evaluate and recommend an industry vendor to supply IT components and to negotiate with the vendor for supply of identified components.This unit of competency provides for several approaches, with an emphasis on researching and analysing alternative options in dealing with vendors when acquiring IT components. It covers testing, comparisons and evaluations based on the abovementioned elements, as well as consideration of such other factors as after-sales service and reliability.

Application

This unit applies to individuals in the support area who are required to select the most appropriate vendors for the organisation.

Prerequisites

Not applicable.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1. Select method to be used for identifying suitable vendor

1.1 Evaluate organisational purchasing policy as a means of identifying vendors and document outcomes

1.2 Consider and undertake other means of identifying suitable vendors and document outcomes

1.3 Recommend preferred method of vendor selection to client

1.4 Plan and document selection process

2. Review vendor offerings

2.1 Notify vendors of organisation's requirements

2.2 Undertake evaluation process by comparing offers against organisational requirements

2.3 Organise vendor demonstrations and performance benchmark tests

2.4 Select vendor based on specific technical criteria, servicing, warranty and after-sales service

3. Prepare contracts and delivery requirements

3.1 Prepare contracts for review by appropriate person

3.2 Identify and document delivery arrangements with suppliers

3.3 Clarify installation responsibilities with suppliers

3.4 Review warranty and support requirements with suppliers and service level agreement

3.5 Confirm details with client

Required Skills

Required skills

analytical skills to compare offers against organisational requirements

communication skills to:

liaise with clients and vendors on technical and operational matters

transfer and collect information and gain consensus on concepts

literacy skills to:

evaluate technical documents

prepare contracts and service agreements

prepare technical documents

numeracy skills to:

compare prices between vendors

evaluate organisational purchasing policy

planning and organisational skills to:

plan and document selection process

organise vendor demonstrations

provide warranty and after sales service.

Required knowledge

benchmarking methodologies

change-management systems

contracts in relation to supply and support

current industry-accepted hardware and software products

financial management and leasing arrangements

information-gathering techniques

quality assurance practices in relation to evaluating and recommending IT vendors

risk management in relation to evaluating and recommending IT vendors

client business domain

vendor product trends.

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: identify an appropriate vendor to supply components according to organisational requirements demonstrate consistency in the acquisition of technical and business requirements.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must ensure access to: current business and IT strategic plans service levels user requirements 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: verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge of: organisational purchasing policy tenders service level agreements review of candidate’s documented selection process direct observation of candidate obtaining requirements from user.
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.

Method of vendor selection may include:

by tender or invitation

registration of interest

request for information (RFI)

request for proposal (RFP).

Client may include:

external organisations

individuals

internal departments

internal employees.

Appropriate person may include:

authorised business representative

client

supervisor.

Sectors

Systems administration and support

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.