ICTNPL503
Apply service measures and demand forecasting to products and services planning


Application

This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to analyse customer bases and market demands, and use forecasting tools to predict customer demands for new products and services.

It applies to technical staff moving into planning and management positions with a high level of specialist technical skills and knowledge in telecommunications and IT networks using internet protocol (IP) systems for small projects, or parts of larger projects.

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. Analyse customer base

1.1 Establish reasons for forecasting in network planning, and factors that influence forecasting

1.2 Collate data from appropriate organisations involved in planning initiatives for planning delivery of products and services

1.3 Establish market segmentation to improve marketing effectiveness on new technology adoption

1.4 Analyse market segments of customers, based on geography and demographics, for a new service or product and predict adoption rates

2. Evaluate current utilisation

2.1 Evaluate current service usage of the network and determine current traffic load

2.2 Evaluate current network occupancy and determine any spare capacity

3. Predict future customer base

3.1 Evaluate expected customer growth and segment mix in a defined geographical area, and assess impact on network planning

3.2 Use a forecasting model and predict customer demand for new technology products and services

4. Use property market and development data to produce plans

4.1 Develop strategic plans on infrastructure planning using planning authority data for development and redevelopments

4.2 Produce a plan for future development projects using property market data

5. Predict future service requirements

5.1 Create a customer service plan to maintain valuable customer relationships and strengthen business

5.2 Measure customer service results using key factors that provide an indicator for customer service quality

5.3 Use forecasting tools to predict future service demand and requirements for emerging technology services of Next Generation Networks (NGN)

6. Produce network forecast and documentation

6.1 Produce geographically-based network growth forecasts utilising change in customer base, changes to property market and future service predications

6.2 Produce and present documentation

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of ability to:

interpret accurately the growth patterns and development options which satisfy customer and enterprise financial goals

predict future customer base and service requirements

produce comprehensive network growth forecasts, utilising changes to customer base, property market and future service predictions.

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:

explain different levels of reliability performance standards applicable to specific equipment deployment needs

identify and explain emerging technologies that affect this industry

identify factors that can affect forecasting demand

identify and apply forecasting models and forecasting tools

explain market segmentations

explain network designs and new products and services

explain next generation network (NGN) services

identify planning authorities

describe planning initiatives

describe the process to prepare and review customer bases

identify different service measures.


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 Telecommunications – Network Planning field of work and include access to:

data from organisations involved in planning initiatives

a range of software currently used in industry

relevant regulations

specifications that impact service measures and forecasting activities.

Assessors of this unit must satisfy the requirements for assessors in applicable vocational education and training legislation, frameworks and/or standards.


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, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 5.1, 5.2, 6.1

Analyses and evaluates complex written and visual text in specialised workplace documentation to determine key information and specific requirements

Evaluates complex text to determine legislative, regulatory and project requirements

Writing

1.2-1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 5.1, 6.1, 6.2

Develops complex material for a specific audience using clear and detailed language and visuals while employing expected forms and conventions

Prepares reports which incorporate evaluation of information and specialised and cohesive language

Oral Communication

1.1-1.4, 4.1, 5.1, 6.2

Clearly articulates requirements using language appropriate to audience and environment and participates in a verbal exchange of ideas and solutions

Numeracy

1.2, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 3.2, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3

Interprets numerical information and applies appropriate formula relating to time durations, budgetary information and different data

Analyses numerical information to measure present and predicted usage and calculates metric measurements, quantities/ratios and financial data using appropriate tools

Interact with others

5.1, 5.2

Selects, implements and seeks to improve protocols governing communications to clients and co-workers in a range of work contexts

Implements strategies for a diverse range of colleagues and clients to build rapport and foster strong relationships

Get the work done

1.1, 1.3, 1.4, 2.1, 2.2, 4.1, 5.1, 5.3, 6.1

Accepts responsibility for planning and sequencing complex tasks and workload, negotiating key aspects with others taking into account capabilities, efficiencies and effectiveness

Makes critical decisions quickly and intuitively in complex situations, taking into consideration a range of variables, including outcomes of previous decisions

Applies systematic and analytical decision-making processes for complex and non-routine situations

Investigates new and innovative ideas as a means to continuously improve, work practices and processes through consultation, formal and analytical thinking


Sectors

Telecommunications – Network Planning