Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to research and evaluate existing and emerging technologies and hardware solutions to support organisational strategic goals.
It applies to individuals in senior roles who administer and manage information and communications technology (ICT) support in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) using a wide range of general ICT technologies.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
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 ICT 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 |
Evidence of Performance
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
document findings in a report.
Note: If a specific volume or frequency is not stated, then evidence must be provided at least once.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
describe and explain the business planning process relevant to researching technology
outline and explain client business needs that can be satisfied by the provision of information and communications technology (ICT) products and services
describe and outline current business practices in preparing reports
identify and outline current industry and technology information sources
outline general features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware, cabling and software products, and identify emerging trends and product design
discuss equipment performance benchmarking
identify industry networks, key individuals and organisations within the ICT industry
identify information gathering techniques
outline quality assurance practices to promote reliable investigation processes
identify 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.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the general ICT industry, and include access to:
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.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Learning | 2.1-2.4 | Investigates, evaluates and applies information from a range of complex and technical texts to expand own knowledge in order to identify hardware technology that will support strategic goals |
Reading | 1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.4, 3.1- | Identifies, interprets and evaluates technical online and hard copy documentation containing complex terminology and diagrams to identify hardware technology that will benefit the organisation |
Writing | 3.3 | Uses correct spelling and grammar, and specialised, cohesive language in a format and style appropriate to the specific audience to present an evaluation of hardware technology |
Oral Communication | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 3,1, 3.2 | Uses effective listening and questioning techniques, and clear, easy-to-understand language, and translates technical terminology into plain English when clarifying strategic goals and assessing project risks Uses large range of technical terminology when eliciting information about new and emerging hardware technologies |
Numeracy | 1.3, 3.2 | Interprets financial information and applies mathematical calculations relating to time constraints and budgetary information |
Navigate the world of work | 2.3, 2.4 | Considers the implications of organisational policies and procedures when planning and undertaking work |
Interact with others | 3.5 | Actively identifies the requirements of important communication exchanges, selecting appropriate channels, format, tone and content to suit purpose and audience |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.3, 2.1, 3.1, 3.2 | Applies formal processes when planning more complex tasks, producing plans with logically sequenced steps and reflecting some awareness of resource constraints Demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of principles, concepts, language and practices associated with the digital world and uses these to troubleshoot and understand the uses and potential of new technology |
Sectors
General ICT