ICTICT510
Determine appropriate ICT strategies and solutions


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse the information and communications technology (ICT) goals, objectives and future requirements for an organisation and determine the best ICT systems solution.

It applies to individuals who administer and manage ICT support and participate in the development of strategic initiatives in small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

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. Evaluate ICT needs of the organisation

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

1.2 Review the organisational environment and relevant industry changes and trends

1.3 Determine ICT 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 project goals with the ICT goals of the organisation

2.3 Determine 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 ICT systems solution

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

3.2 Define 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

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

analyse the organisation’s current needs and projected information and communications technology (ICT) requirements

determine the impact of system changes on the organisation

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

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

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:

outline two or more current industry systems development methodologies

summarise the business planning process relevant to the development of an ICT business solution

outline current business practices for:

preparing business reports

facilitation of group interviews

identify and describe quality assurance practices for ICT solutions

discuss general features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware and software products

describe feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses in relation to ICT strategies and solutions

identify information sources for a cost-benefit analysis

summarise the role and degree of stakeholder involvement in development of the ICT strategy

describe specific client business requirements in relation to proposed ICT solutions.


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:

a site where ICT 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

a range of ICT business solutions.

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

Reading

1.1-1.3, 2.1-2.3, 3.1, 3.4

Identifies, interprets and evaluates a wide range of organisational documentation, financial and statistical data, and technical documentation containing complex terminology and diagrams

Writing

1.4, 2.4, 3.2, 3.3

Uses correct spelling, vocabulary, grammatical structures, ICT specific terminology and document structure relevant to the type of documentation being produced

Oral Communication

1.1-1.3, 2.1- 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.4

Elicits the views and opinions of others and obtains information by using effective listening and probing, open questioning techniques

Participates in a verbal exchange of ideas/solutions and uses detailed and clear language to clarify and present information according to requirements and audience

Numeracy

1.2-1.4, 2.1-2.4, 3.3

Interprets and analyses a range of statistical and financial data relating to products, equipment and integration costs

Uses a range of software tools to apply statistical and financial functions, and prepare a cost-benefit analysis

Navigate the world of work

3.4

With reference to the organisation’s strategic plan, understands how own role meshes with others and contributes to broader work goals

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, 2.1-2.3, 3.1-3.3

Uses a combination of formal and logical planning processes and an increasingly intuitive understanding of context to evaluate cost benefits and appropriate solutions

Takes responsibility for high-impact decisions in complex situations involving many variables and constraints

Considers the strategic and operational potential of digital trends to achieve work goals, enhance work processes, create opportunities and reduce risks


Sectors

General ICT