Application
This unit describes the skills required to provide extension activities at an experienced level where independent judgment is used to determine the means of achieving specified objectives within generally directed programs. It includes identifying extension objectives and methodologies, preparing for extension work, promoting change through information and advice, and monitoring and evaluating the adoption of change.
This unit applies to those working to promote innovation and change through extension.
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 independently, while performing complex 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. Identify extension objectives and methodologies | 1.1 Identify required extension outcomes. 1.2 Identify extension objectives to meet organisational outcomes and client needs. 1.3 Identify client target groups and analyse research information to determine how it may best be used to facilitate change in the target groups. 1.4 Determine dissemination methodology, techniques and strategies in accordance with type of research information and client needs and/or preferences. 1.5 Identify and handle issues relating to intellectual property. |
2. Prepare for extension work | 2.1 Develop industry knowledge to facilitate client decision making and the implementation of improved practices. 2.2 Identify and apply risk management strategies. 2.3 Obtain and manage resources, and develop extension materials and activities. |
3. Promote change through information and advice | 3.1 Provide information and advice in a form and medium that clients can apply. 3.2 Maintain presentation standards and provide information and advice. 3.3 Assist clients to implement change and handle resistance to change. 3.4 Use feedback from clients to identify problems and new issues and provide further information and/or advice. |
4. Monitor and evaluate adoption of change | 4.1 Monitor the implementation of change and manage contingencies. 4.2 Evaluate and report outcomes against extension objectives and project outputs, and modify extension processes to address identified problems in response to client feedback. 4.3 Implement and monitor changes to extension programs to ensure continuous improvement. 4.4 Identify outcomes with implications for organisational policy and make contributions to policy development. |
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.
determining dissemination strategies
obtaining and managing extension resources
identifying the implications for organisational policy development of changes to extension programs
using facilitation and presentation strategies
using communication styles to suit different audiences and purposes
using problem solving to overcome resistance and develop professional relationships of trust
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
applying work health and safety and environmental requirements related to working in a scientific/technological research environment
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.
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 knowledge relating to area of expertise
work health and safety, environmental protection and other public sector legislation, public sector standards and organisational code of practice as they relate to work in a scientific research and/or 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