ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Identify and research organisation's needs

1.1. Access, interpret and apply compliance documentation relevant to the work activity

1.2. Analyse organisation goals, objectives and strategies to gain direction as to the type of research to be undertaken

1.3. Investigate and analyse environments to develop options, strategies and anticipated outcomes

1.4. Prepare research brief that clearly states the objectives and outcomes, and the requirements for presentation of information

1.5. Develop and implement strategies that translate the objectives into the planning process

2. Carry out environmental investigation

2.1. Establish information requirements and identify and access sources

2.2. Establish strategies and systems to support analysis of the environment

2.3. Scan the environment to identify and assess the factors that impact on site development

2.4. Identify and explore market opportunities to assist the organisation to forecast trends and options

2.5. Determine quantity and quality of resources

2.6. Identify and analyse threats and opportunities and use them to optimise project outcomes

2.7. Undertake titles search

2.8. Document legislative and organisational requirements

3. Assess feasibility

3.1. Estimate resource requirements and utilisation to reflect customer requirements, the organisation's business plans and the cost to the organisation of providing the products and services

3.2. Review and update information to ensure appropriate data is gathered to assess project viability

3.3. Seek preliminary opinion from legislative and regulative bodies

4. Prepare report and present findings/ recommendations

4.1. Prepare preliminary reports for management briefings

4.2. Document recommendations for future action and agreement gained by stakeholders

Required skills

Specific skills are required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes the ability to carry out the following as required to conduct feasibility studies:

apply legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures for conducting feasibility studies

monitor and maintain quarry plant and equipment

manage people and processes

prepare feasibility proposals

develop business plans

prepare operating budgets and forecast trends

analyse and review production costs versus equipment/plant operating costs

interpret survey data

interpret geological data

manage projects and tasks

evaluate new and used equipment using appropriate techniques

control operating costs

gain statutory/legal approvals

prepare tender specifications

negotiate and finalise contracts

implement change

access and use appropriate technologies

prepare and present management reports

negotiate with internal/external customers, community and statutory/legal authorities

resolve conflict

Required knowledge

Specific knowledge is required to achieve the Performance Criteria of this unit, particularly for its application in the various circumstances in which this unit may be used. This includes knowledge of the following as required to conduct a feasibility study:

worksite operations

site products and services

site plant and equipment

team management

quality assurance principles

statutory/legal control

organisational objectives

resource quantification

financial models

fundamentals of law and contract law

human resource policies and practices

industrial awards/enterprise agreements

business planning

risk management principles, strategies and applications

customer/client relations

organisational change and development

environmental management

occupational health and safety

computer applications

negotiation techniques

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

The evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit must be relevant to worksite operations and satisfy all of the requirements of the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge and the range statement of this unit and include evidence of the following:

knowledge of the requirements, procedures and instructions for conducting a feasibility study

implementation of procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient conduct of a feasibility study

the identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

the identification of viable options and the selection of methods to conduct a feasibility study that best meet the required outcomes

working with others to undertake and complete the feasibility study

consistent successful conduct of a feasibility study

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit must be assessed in the context of the work environment. Where personal safety or environmental damage are limiting factors, assessment may occur in a simulated environment provided it is realistic and sufficiently rigorous to cover all aspects of workplace performance, including task skills, task management skills, contingency management skills and job role environment skills.

Assessment of this competency requires typical resources normally used in a resources and infrastructure sector environment. Selection and use of resources for particular worksites may differ due to the site circumstances.

The assessment environment should not disadvantage the participant. For example, language, literacy and numeracy demands of assessment should not be greater than those required on the job.

Customisation of assessment and delivery environment should sensitively accommodate cultural diversity.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non English speaking background may have second language issues.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required.

Method of assessment

This unit may be assessed in a holistic way with other units of competency. The assessment strategy for this unit must verify required knowledge and skill and practical application using more than one of the following assessment methods:

written and/or oral assessment of the candidate's required knowledge to apply in undertaking of the feasibility study

observed, documented and/or first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

implementation of appropriate requirements, procedures and techniques for the safe, effective and efficient achievement of required outcomes

identification of the relevant information and scope of the work required to meet the required outcomes

identification of viable options and the selection of methods of conducting a feasibility study that best meet the required outcomes

consistent achievement of required outcomes

first hand testimonial evidence of the candidate's:

working with others to undertake and complete the feasibility study

provision of clear and timely required support and advice on the conduct of the feasibility study

Guidance information for assessment

Consult the SkillsDMC User Guide for further information on assessment including access and equity issues.

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.

Compliance documentation may include:

legislative, organisation and site requirements and procedures

manufacturer's guidelines and specifications

Australian standards

risk management

statutory compliance

development approval, mining licences (or equivalent), which may include:

occupational health and safety

environmental

quality

purchasing

contract management

Employment and workplace relations legislation

Equal Employment Opportunity and Disability Discrimination legislation

Resources may include:

people

buildings/facilities

finance

equipment

environment

technology

information

time