Application
This unit applies to leaders or managers using applied research methodologies to address an industry or sectorial issue. The focus of this unit is on using research strategies to better understand industry opportunities and threats in order to gain improved industry performance. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1. Define topic | 1.1. Research issue is identified and scoped. 1.2. Research questions are developed and refined. 1.3. Research methodologies are identified. 1.4. Hypotheses are developed. |
2. Undertake literature review | 2.1. Suitable sources of literature are identified. 2.2. Literature outcomes are analysed and presented. 2.3. Research questions and strategy are refined in light of literature review findings. |
3. Undertake research | 3.1. Research instruments are developed and validated. 3.2. Ethical and confidentiality requirements are identified and addressed. 3.3. Environmental sustainability issues associated with the research are identified. 3.4. Research is undertaken. 3.5. Findings are recorded. |
4. Present findings | 4.1. Research outcomes are analysed. 4.2. Research methodology is reviewed and analysed. 4.3. Recommendations are developed. 4.4. Research report is prepared and presented. 4.5. Report is presented for peer review. |
Required Skills
This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit. |
Required skills |
Ability to: use analysis and interpretation skills to: critically review other research strategies, analyses and findings apply research findings to a current issue select relevant information and documentation use communication and negotiation skills to: present and explain research ideas gain commitment to participate in research activity present findings use develop and conduct research activity undertake risk assessment and resolve blockages |
Required knowledge |
Knowledge of: relevant legislation and regulatory requirements impacting on research activity research strategies and techniques data collection methods risk assessment and monitoring strategies, including environmental risk analysis strategies to evaluate and analyse effectiveness of research approach environmental sustainability principles |
Evidence Required
The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package. | |
Overview of assessment | |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit | Evidence of the following is essential: comprehensive literature review formulate a research proposal or plan which includes: specific research questions or hypotheses valid population or sample size description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context within which the research will be carried out full description of the data collection methods analysis of the limitations to research design design appropriate tools and techniques research report with analysis of data, and valid and reliable findings utility and relevance of the research results. |
Context of and specific resources for assessment | Assessment must ensure: research activity relates to an actual workplace or industry context and topic competence is demonstrated using a range of tools and techniques appropriate to the given situations and research topic. |
Method of assessment | A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: completed literature review projects or assessment activities relating to conducting research observation of contextual application of skills peer reviewed research report. |
Guidance information for assessment | Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example, with other units in the qualification in which this unit is packaged. |
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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included. | |
Research issue must have an industry or sectoral focus and may include: | new product or process development change management technique or strategy marketing initiative review of current processes and practices potential industry application and impact of new technology or processes. |
Research methodologies may include: | qualitative or quantitative research strategies pre-existing research instruments naturalistic methodologies action research. |
Hypotheses may include: | an existing belief that requires confirmation through research statement of anticipated outcome. |
Suitable sources of literature may include: | available electronic databases interest research library research industry associations industry publications conference proceedings experts workplace documentation. |
Ethical requirements may include: | consultation with an ethics committee cultural practices and considerations impact on the individual impact on a community animal welfare environmental practices. |
Environmental sustainability issues may include: | waste minimisation use and reuse of resources environmental risk analysis impact of outcomes of research (e.g. on waste reduction, increases in energy and resource efficiencies, and recycling). |
Record findings may include: | using electronic databases recording and transcribing interviews coding responses and findings. |
Sectors
Unit sector |
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills. |
Licensing Information
Not Applicable