PSPGOV406B
Gather and analyse information

This unit covers collection and analysis of information to achieve work unit objectives and meet client needs. It includes identifying and collecting information, analysing and interpreting information, developing and applying workable solutions, presenting information and maintaining information.In practice, gathering and analysing information may overlap with other generalist or specialist public sector work activities such as acting ethically, complying with legislation, applying government processes, using resources, gathering evidence, carrying out projects, using financial processes, identifying and treating risks, monitoring for fraud, undertaking, court listings, conducting claim assessments, etc.This is one of 5 units of competency in the Working in Government and Management Competency Fields that deal with information/knowledge management. Related units are:PSPGOV206B Handle workplace information PSPGOV307B Organise workplace informationPSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysisPSPMNGT614A Facilitate knowledge managementNo licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication

Application

Not applicable.


Prerequisites

Not applicable.


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify and collect information

1.1 Nature, extent and purpose of required information is identified.

1.2 Internal and external sources are identified and accessed to produce required information in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

1.3 Information is collected, organised, recorded and reported in accordance with organisational procedures and defined guidelines.

1.4 Information collected is organised in a way which enables easy access and retrieval by other staff.

2. Analyse and interpret information

2.1 Information and its sources are critically evaluated for relevance and validity to business/client requirements.

2.2 Basic analysis of information is undertaken as required to identify key issues.

2.3 More detailed analysis of information is carried out as required using relevant techniques including mathematical calculations and methods for numerical/graphical information.

3. Develop and apply workable solutions

3.1 Workable solutions to business/client requirements are developed on consideration of analysed information.

3.2 Proposed solutions are communicated or implemented as required.

4. Present information

4.1 Information is reported in the required format, style, structure and timeframe.

4.2 Information is presented in required medium in accordance with organisational requirements using relevant technology.

5. Maintain information

5.1 A range of standard and complex information systems and operations is used in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

5.2 Information and records are maintained in accordance with organisational procedures to ensure data and system integrity.

5.3 Routine data and records are reconciled as required.

5.4 Inadequacies in system/s relating to information retrieval are identified and corrected or reported to relevant staff as required.

Required Skills

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of information management

accessing and using information ethically and legally

using manual and computerised techniques for information management

applying computer technology to data storage, security, retrieval and presentation

using basic statistical and numerical manipulation

using critical analysis techniques

communicating with colleagues and supervisors

presenting information in a range of ways such as report format, numerically, in tables, with graphs, spatially

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

using problem solving and referring problems as required

applying equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to information handling in the public sector, such as confidentiality, privacy, security, freedom of information

data collection and management procedures

organisational information handling and storage procedures

cultural aspects of information and meaning

sources of public sector work-related information

economic, legal, security and social issues surrounding the use of information

public sector standards

electronic and manual filing systems

databases and data storage systems

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of information management

Evidence Required

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPCRT407A Undertake court listings

PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service

PSPFIN401A Use public sector financial processes

PSPFRAU401B Monitor data for indicators of fraud

PSPGOV402B Deliver and monitor service to clients

PSPGOV403B Use resources to achieve work unit goals

PSPGOV404B Develop and implement work unit plans

PSPGOV405B Provide input to change processes

PSPGOV407B Provide a quotation

PSPGOV417A Identify and treat risks

PSPGOV422A Apply government processes

PSPIM401A Conduct initial claim assessments

PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector

PSPPM404A Carry out simple project activities

PSPREG411A Gather information through interviews

PSPREG412A Gather and manage evidence

PSPSEC405A Handle security classified information

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

information gathered and analysed in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to information research, presentation and management

access to electronic information/records management systems

Case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of situations likely to be encountered when gathering and analysing information

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when gathering and analysing information, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

information gathered and analysed in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments


Range Statement

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Information may include:

legislation, guidelines and awards

organisation, legal and policy materials

client information

market trends

media reports

registries and file records

library materials

financial records

basic statistical information

human resources/personnel records

asset records

meta-data

Sources of information may include:

those internal to the organisation such as:

intranet

databases/files

library collections

internal publications

annual reports

newsletters

other staff

those external to the organisation such as:

Internet

local, state, national and international libraries and archives

other organisations' publications

staff in external organisations

Legislation, policy and procedures may include:

Commonwealth and State/Territory legislation, standards and guidelines especially relating to privacy, confidentiality, freedom of information, security, fraud control, copyright, intellectual property

government policy

public sector code of ethics

national standards

Australian standards such as records management, knowledge management, risk management

the organisation's policies/practices/code of conduct

Analysis of information may include:

qualitative analysis

quantitative analysis

critical analysis

problem solving

matching

statistical analysis

mathematical calculations

forecasting

Presentation of information may include:

routine reports and submissions

briefing notes, Ministerials

proposals, project plans

articles and promotional material

tabular or graphical presentation

overhead transparencies

slideshow data presentation

face-to-face

telephone

Information systems may include:

file/records management systems

personnel/human resources systems

specific purpose databases

library systems

data warehouse systems

web sites

financial information systems

workplace communication systems


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

Working in Government.


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not applicable.