LGAPLEM406B
Analyse the natural and built environment

This unit covers analysing research undertaken on current and future trends in the natural and built environment to provide a basis for the development of management options.

Application

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in councils of all sizes. Knowledge of the legislation and regulations within which councils must operate is essential. The unique nature of councils, as a tier of government directed by elected members and reflecting the needs of local communities, must be appropriately reflected.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Organise information

1.1 Internal and external sources of information are identified and accessed to produce required information.

1.2 Information is gathered and organised in a format suitable for analysis and interpretation.

1.3 Information is updated and stored in accordance with organisational requirements .

2 Analyse and interpret information

2.1 Objectives of research are clearly defined and consistent with organisational requirements.

2.2 Information is evaluated for relevance and validity to the requirements.

2.3 Information is analysed to identify key issues.

2.4 Assumptions used in analyses are clear, justified and consistent with research objectives.

2.5 Workable solutions to issues are developed on consideration of relevant information and options.

3 Present findings

3.1 Analysis and recommendations are derived from research and satisfy the desired outcomes.

3.2 The validity and reliability of the research findings are tested against the research plan and confirmed with key stakeholders.

3.3 Recommendations and issues are presented in an appropriate format,style and structure using suitable business technology.

3.4 Research findings are reported and distributed in accordance with organisational requirements.

3.5 Feedback on suitability and sufficiency of findings is obtained in accordance with organisational requirements.

Required Skills

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit

Required Skills

qualitative and quantitative research

preparation and presentation of statistics/data including charting, graph preparation, tables, maps, models and plans

written and verbal communication strategies for a multicultural/diverse environment

problem solving to deal with information that is contradictory, ambiguous, inconsistent or inadequate

analysis techniques

Required Knowledge

evaluation methodologies

relevant software applications

economic, social and environmental issues

information sources

understanding of council's business and structure

knowledge of council's record-keeping and filing systems

knowledge of procedures to analyse information to identify patterns and trends

understanding of qualitative and quantitative processes

knowledge of information management systems and methods

knowledge of principles of report writing and data presentation

understanding of research processes and strategies

Evidence Required

Overview of assessment requirements

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit will be able to perform the outcomes described in the Elements to the required performance level detailed in the Performance Criteria. The knowledge and skill requirements described in the Range Statement must also be demonstrated. For example, knowledge of the legislative framework and safe work practices that underpin the performance of the unit are also required to be demonstrated.

Critical aspects of evidence to be considered

The demonstrated ability to:

gather and organise information to enable analysis and interpretation

evaluate information for its relevance and validity

analyse information in order to identify key issues

present and distribute research findings in accordance with organisational requirements

Context of assessment

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken within the context of the local government framework. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria applicable to the workplace environment, within the scope of the Range Statement.

Method of assessment

The following assessment methods are suggested:

observation of the learner performing a range of workplace tasks over sufficient time to demonstrate handling of a range of contingencies

written and/or oral questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

completion of workplace documentation

third-party reports from experienced practitioners

completion of self-paced learning materials including personal reflection and feedback from trainer, coach or supervisor

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance

Evidence should be gathered over a period of time in a range of actual or simulated management environments.

Resource implications

Access to a workplace or simulated case study that provides the following resources:

relevant software applications

various data sources such as maps

resident views

user views

aerial photography

site inspections

other agencies such as meteorological agencies, water authorities and the Australian Bureau of Statistics


Range Statement

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below.

Internal and external sources of information may include:

census data

national magazines, books and reviews

international developments

academic studies

government and industry statistics

requirements of native title, legislation and guidelines

organisational, legal and policy materials

client information

media reports

registries and file records

library materials

financial records

computer files and computer databases

maps

resident views and user views

aerial photography and site inspections

other agencies such as meteorological agencies, water authorities and the Australian Bureau of Statistics

Organisational requirements for storage may include:

workplace communication procedures

file/records management procedures

specific purpose databases

library systems

Objectives of research may include:

hypothesis testing

situational diagnosis

identification of trends

process mapping

comparative analysis

Analysis of information may include:

basic statistical analysis

mathematical calculations

critical analysis

problem solving

matching

Presentation in an appropriate format, style and structure may include:

routine reports and submissions

briefing notes

proposals

project plans

articles and promotional materials

Feedback on suitability and sufficiency of findings may include:

client questionnaires

audit documentation and reports

council responses

quality assurance data

comments from management and colleagues


Sectors

Planning Units


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.