PSPSCI003
Support innovation and change through extension


Application

This unit describes the skills required to perform extension activities. It includes confirming extension objectives and methodologies, preparing for extension activities, providing information to clients to support change and monitoring and evaluating extension outcomes.

This unit applies to those working to support innovation and change.

The skills and knowledge described in this unit must be applied within the legislative, regulatory and policy environment in which they are carried out. Organisational policies and procedures must be consulted and adhered to.

Those undertaking this unit would work under supervision, while performing routine tasks in a range of familiar contexts.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the range of conditions section.

1. Confirm extension objectives and methodologies

1.1 Clarify and confirm extension objectives with other staff members.

1.2 Identify client target groups and select extension methodology in accordance with objectives, information to be disseminated and client needs and/or preferences.

1.3 Identify and handle issues relating to intellectual property.

2. Prepare for extension activities

2.1 Access industry knowledge to assist in client decision making and to support the implementation of improved practices.

2.2 Confirm and apply risk management strategies in consultation with other staff members.

2.3 Confirm resources, prepare materials and organise extension activities in accordance with project responsibilities.

3. Provide information to support change

3.1 Provide information and advice to clients.

3.2 Maintain presentation standards ensuring information is tailored to client needs in terms of concepts, language and format.

3.3 Assist clients in planning the introduction of change and respond to client resistance.

3.4 Obtain feedback from clients, clarify issues and provide further information.

4. Monitor and evaluate extension outcomes

4.1 Monitor change processes and handle contingencies.

4.2 Monitor and evaluate outcomes against extension objectives, and revise processes and materials to address identified problems.

4.3 Create and implement modifications for continuous improvement.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the candidate must demonstrate evidence of performance of the following on at least one occasion.

using facilitation and presentation strategies and/or methods

using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes

reading and interpreting scientific research information, and designing materials using different media for different audiences

applying information management in the context of extension activities

using technology for materials preparation and monitoring outcomes


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence must satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria. If not otherwise specified the depth of knowledge demonstrated must be appropriate to the job context of the candidate.

work health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to the workplace

basic extension methodology

principles of change management

participatory processes in the context of extension activities

group dynamics and group processes

community development principles

research principles and methodology

evaluation processes relating to extension outcomes

the scientific and/or technological area

specialist area of expertise

public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research/technological environment


Assessment Conditions

This unit contains no specific industry-mandated assessment conditions. Guidance on suggested and recommended conditions and methods can be found in the Implementation Guide.

Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills are embedded within the elements and performance criteria of this unit.


Competency Field

Government Science and Technology