This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply the theory of constraints to a process which has a constraint.

This unit applies to individuals who, as part of their work, are able to apply the theory of constraints to improve the operability of a constrained process (a process with at least one constraint) where it occurs in their team or work area or as part of their responsibilities. This unit identifies and works within the imposed constraint. This process may be colloquially known as ‘drum-buffer-rope’ approach. The unit will normally be applied as part of an organisation’s improvement strategy and in conjunction with other competitive systems and practices units.

The person will typically be a technician, team leader or other person who works with others in the bringing of change to an organisation as part of a formal team or otherwise. The unit includes liaison and communication with others, as required.

No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include the ability, for at least one (1) constrained process, to:

identify capacity constrained resource (bottleneck) in own work area

manage capacity constrained resource (drum)

determine schedule based on capacity constrained resource.

Must provide evidence that demonstrates knowledge relevant to their job role sufficient to fulfil their job role independently, including:

theory of constraints

concepts of weakest link (often colloquially known as the drum)

duration (in production applications this is often known as material release buffer or inventory to protect the weakest link/constraint)

release timing of buffer (colloquially called ‘rope’)

processes, products, internal and external customers for own work area.

The unit should be assessed holistically and the judgement of competence shall be based on a holistic assessment of the evidence.

The collection of performance evidence:

should occur over a range of situations which include typical disruptions to normal, smooth operation of the workplace

will typically include a supervisor/third-party report focussing on consistent performance and problem recognition and solving. A supervisor/third-party report must be prepared by someone who has a direct, relevant, current relationship with the person being assessed and who is in a position to form a judgement on workplace performance relevant to the unit of competency

must include working within a constrained process in own workplace

will typically include the use of appropriate tools, equipment and safety gear requiring demonstration of preparation, operation, completion and responding to problems.

Assessment should occur in operational workplace situations.

Knowledge evidence may be collected concurrently with performance evidence (provided a record is kept) or through an independent process such as workbooks, written assessments or interviews (provided a record is kept).

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Conditions for assessment must include access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required, including relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications associated with this unit.

Foundation skills are integral to competent performance of the unit and should not be assessed separately.

Assessors must satisfy the assessor competency requirements that are in place at the time of the assessment as set by the VET regulator.

The assessor must demonstrate both technical competency and currency.

Technical competence can be demonstrated through:

relevant VET or other qualification/Statement of Attainment AND/OR

relevant workplace experience

Currency can be demonstrated through:

performing the competency being assessed as part of current employment OR

having consulted with an organisation providing relevant environmental monitoring, management or technology services about performing the competency being assessed within the last twelve months.

This section describes those required skills (language, literacy and numeracy) that are essential to performance.

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.

Not applicable

Competitive systems and practices