This unit requires the team member to apply knowledge of project planning to develop visual merchandising project plans and manage projects that include the application of and control procedures, resource management and risk management and the application of team leadership and management strategies. It further requires the successful completion of projects according to client requirements and project plans. Frontline visual merchandiser supervisors and managers are responsible for this role.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Establish the scope and nature of the project.

1.1

Develop project scope, objectives and budget in consultation with client.

1.2

Develop a resource strategy for the project according to the given budget and timelines.

1.3

Communicate project scope and objectives to the project team.

1.4

Negotiate and clearly communicate project responsibilities to all stakeholders.

1.5

Plan internal and external communication strategies in conjunction with appropriate colleagues.

1.6

Agree evaluation methods suitable to the project within the team.

1.7

Develop an overall project management plan, including key project milestones, and communicate to team members.

1.8

Identify work requirements according to the project brief and project management plan.

2

Organise equipment, supplies and materials.

2.1

Estimate equipment and material requirements and make available according to the project design objectives and budget.

2.2

Contact external suppliers as required to supply relevant materials or services.

3

Administer and monitor the project.

3.1

Implement project strategies and administered and monitor in conjunction with project team.

3.2

Implement and monitor financial control systems according to the project budget.

3.3

Provide support and assistance to team members as appropriate.

3.4

Use sound interpersonal and communication styles to build trust and respect within the project team.

3.5

Assess and review progress against project objectives and milestones in consultation with project team members.

3.6

Assess additional resource requirements and take action accordingly and within project budget constraints.

3.7

Provide regular reports on project progress to all appropriate colleagues and clients.

4

Evaluate the project.

4.1

Use agreed evaluation methods to assess the project at specified stages.

4.2

Ensure evaluation takes account of agreed project objectives and priorities and involves appropriate stakeholders.

4.3

Modify the management plan during the project, and to inform future project management.

4.4

Share information from project evaluation with appropriate colleagues and incorporate into future project planning.

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

The following skills must be assessed as part of this unit:

interpersonal communication skills to:

establish the scope and nature of the project

contact suppliers and administer, monitor and evaluate the project through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

share information

give instructions

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

planning

presentation

organising

monitoring

coordinating

project management

numerical calculations, including time, measurements and quantities

the application of relevant computer software applications

ability to read and interpret client briefs, plans, designs and specifications

facilitating safe and efficient work practices.

The following knowledge must be assessed as part of this unit:

in-depth knowledge of the nature of the project being managed, including internal and external issues to be considered

suppliers of visual merchandising equipment and materials

project evaluation methodologies

project management processes, the project life cycle and the relationship between project stages

client management

human resources management

resource allocation

safe work practices.

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

the development of management plans

the application of and control procedures, resource management and risk management

the application of team leadership and management strategies

the application of project evaluation strategies

successful completion of projects according to client requirements and project plans.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a real or simulated work environment

relevant documentation, such as:

project briefs

project management plans

information on:

products and services

suppliers

new technology.

Methods of assessment

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

observation of performance in the workplace

a real or simulated project case study

a portfolio, including a project management plan, evaluation and photographs of a completed visual merchandising project managed by the candidate

third-party reports from a supervisor

client feedback

answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge

review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

Assessing employability skills

Employability skills are integral to effective performance in the workplace and are broadly consistent across industry sectors. How these skills are applied varies between occupations and qualifications due to the different work functions and contexts.

Employability skills embedded in this unit should be assessed holistically in the context of the job role and with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.

Projects may include:

major retail promotions

window displays

exhibitions

general events.

Clients may be:

internal staff

external to the organisation.

Resource strategy may include:

budget

sponsorship

human resources

materials and equipment

technology.

Project team may include:

staff members

teams

management

other professional or technical staff.

Project management plan may include:

objectives and outcomes

personnel

budget

stages

timeframes

key milestones relating to stages, outcomes or reporting requirements

internal and external communication processes and channels

sponsors

risk management and contingency plans

quality assurance

consultation strategies

reporting requirements

attachments, such as design plans and elevations and concept visuals.

Evaluation methods may include:

project team consultation

customer feedback

client evaluation.

Sector

Retail

Merchandising

The required outcomes described in this unit contain applicable facets of employability skills. The Employability Skills Summary of the qualification in which this unit is packaged will assist in identifying employability skills requirements.