Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to develop forecasts for demand for telecommunications services and includes assessing activities that may change service demand and capacity requirements.
It applies to individuals with a high level of specialist technical skills and knowledge in optical telecommunications and IT networks using internet protocol (IP) systems.
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. Gather forecast intelligence | 1.1. Access market intelligence for information on customer demand on the network and likely growth in network use 1.2 Obtain demand data to assess potential network traffic quantity and flow 1.3 Access information relating to new and emerging technologies, facilities and features, and their specific applications to evaluate market trends in new technology implementation 1.4 Obtain data from network analysis to determine the state of the existing network using customer complaint reports and network fault incidence rate |
2. Produce forecast service demand information | 2.1 Analyse and process all collated data and prepare to the format required for forecasting activity 2.2 Select and configure a suitable software forecasting tool to process collated data 2.3 Evaluate collated data to generate forecasts of service demand using information in reference to new developments 2.4 Compile forecast figures and report according to enterprise policy |
3. Review forecasts and update systems records | 3.1 Review forecasts according to enterprise policy 3.2 Ensure forecasts consider new developments in the area and technological changes where appropriate 3.3 Maintain updated systems records with information received from each installation amendment activity |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of ability to:
collect accurate data vital to development of traffic and service variation
generate relevant forecasts in relation to traffic and service variation using appropriate forecasting techniques
accurately review forecasts relevant to specific planning periods.
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:
identify and describe common telecommunications measurement quantities
identify network and transmission equipment and describe their capabilities
outline network topologies and common access and transmission hierarchies
explain the configuration and use of software forecasting tools
outline different forecasting techniques and sources of data to aid forecasting
describe sources of market intelligence
identify and describe new and emerging technologies
outline typical customer applications and usage levels.
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 current software
relevant regulations
specifications that impact 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 | 1.1-1.4, 2.1, 2.4, 3.1, 3.2 | Analyses and evaluates complex written and numerical text in specialised documentation to determine key information and specific requirements Evaluates complex text to determine legislative, regulatory and project requirements and their potential impact on the project |
Writing | 2.4, 3.3 | Develops complex material for a specific audience using clear, 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, 1.3 | Elicits views and opinions of others and obtains information by listening and questioning |
Numeracy | 1.4, 2.1-2.4, 3.3 | Interprets numerical information and applies appropriate mathematical formulas to calculate different future possibilities Analyses data to measure present and predicted usage and assess different scenarios |
Navigate the world of work | 2.4, 3.1 | Monitors and reviews organisation’s policies, procedures and adherence to legislative requirements to implement and manage change |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 2.1-2.3, 3.2 | Plans strategic priorities and outcomes within a flexible, efficient and effective context in a diverse environment exposed to competing demands Gathers and analyses data and seeks feedback to improve plans and processes Addresses complex problems involving multiple variables, using formal analytical, lateral thinking techniques experience and knowledge to focus in on the root cause Uses digital technologies to manage business operations and actively investigates new technologies for strategic and operational purposes |
Sectors
Telecommunications – Network Planning