ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Create documents

1.1. Open word processing application and create/open document and add data according to informationrequirements

1.2. Use document templates as required

1.3. Use simple formatting tools when creating the document

1.4. Save document to correct directory

2. Customise basic settings to meet page layout conventions

2.1. Adjust page layout to meet information requirements

2.2. Open and view different toolbars

2.3. Change fontformat to suit the purpose of the document

2.4. Change alignment and line spacing according to document informationrequirements

2.5. Modify margins to suit the purpose of the document

2.6. Open and switch between several documents

3. Format document

3.1. Use formattingfeatures and styles as required

3.2. Highlight and copy text from another area in the document or from another active document

3.3. Insert headers and footers to incorporate all necessary data

3.4. Save document in another file format

3.5. Save and close document to disk

4. Create tables

4.1. Insert a standard table into a document

4.2. Change cells to meet information requirements

4.3. Insert and delete columns and rows as necessary

4.4. Use formatting tools according to style requirements

5. Add images

5.1. Insert appropriate images in a document and customise as necessary

5.2. Position and resize images to meet the document formatting needs

6. Use mail merge

6.1. Create simple mailing list in layout suitable for merging

6.2. Create or select another document for merging

6.3. Mail merge list with other document

7. Print documents

7.1. Preview document in print preview mode

7.2. Select basic print settings

7.3. Print document or part of the document from printer

Required skills

Low-level decision making in relation to a limited range of routine areas

Problem solving skills in known areas during normal routine

Reading and writing at a level where basic workplace documents are understood

Clear and precise communication

Interpretation of user manuals and help functions

Required knowledge

Organisational benchmarks for minimum typing skills, including speed and accuracy

Creating and opening documents

Formatting documents

Inserting tables and images

Saving, printing and closing documents

Mail merge function

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 following is essential:

Assessment must ensure the ability to create open and retrieve documents, customise basic settings, format documents, create tables, add objects and images, and save and print documents.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Personal computer

Printer

Mouse and keyboard

Monitor

Basic software

Documents detailing organisational style guide/policy

Documents or information containing data suitable for use with word processing packages

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Operating a word processing application is a core function for almost all businesses and is an essential skill.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform a defined range of activities many of which may be routine and predictable.

Assessment must ensure

Applications may include a variety of employment related skills including preparatory access and participation skills, broad-based induction skills and/or specific workplace skills. They may also include participation in a team or work group.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICAU1128B Operate a personal computer

ICAU1130B Operate a spreadsheet application

ICAU1131B Operate a database application

ICAU1132B Operate a presentation package

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge by recall in a narrow range of areas

Demonstrate basic practical skills, such as the use of relevant tools

Perform a sequence of routine tasks given clear direction

Receive and pass on messages and information

Demonstration of these competencies would involve:

Demonstrating basic word processing skills in a moderate range of areas

Applying a defined range of skills to basic processing operations

Applying known processing solutions to a limited range of predictable problems

Performing a range of basic processing tasks where operating options are varied

Assessing and recording information from varied sources

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

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.

Informationrequirements may include:

memos

letters

minutes

agendas

other business documents required by the organisation

Formatting tools

Menu commands within the application, such as: help, search and replace, spell check, undo, cut, copy, paste, borders, shading.

Toolbars can contain:

buttons

menus

a combination of both

Font format

Font format is the combination of typeface and other attributes, such as size, pitch and spacing of the font

Alignment may be:

left

centred

right

justified

Formattingfeatures may include:

italics

bold

underline

hyphenation

Fileformat may include but is not limited to:

html pages

pdf files

text files

doc files

sxw (star office) files

CSV files

Disk may include but are not limited to:

CDs

CD-RW (Compact Discs-Read Write)

DVD RW

zip disks

solid state hard drives

Images may include but is not limited to:

graphics

clipart

pictures

Print settings may include:

layout

paper size

number of copies

orientation

sides

Unit sector

Use

This unit contains employability skills.