Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to manage merchandise quality and compliance. It requires the ability to review quality and compliance standards, ensure products meet requirements and take action to address quality and compliance issues.
This unit applies to individuals working in merchandise management related roles in a diverse range of retail sectors and business contexts. They operate with independence and are responsible for making a range of operational business decisions that relate to retail merchandise management.
No occupational licensing, certification or specific legislative requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCECRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Establish organisational merchandise quality and compliance standards. | 1.1. Identify merchandise quality requirements based on organisational strategy and objectives. 1.2. Identify internal and external merchandise compliance requirements. 1.3. Document product quality and compliance standards, including tolerances. 1.4. Develop control systems and procedures that support the achievement of quality and compliance requirements. 1.5. Communicate systems and procedures to relevant internal and external stakeholders. |
2. Assess merchandise quality and compliance. | 2.1. Monitor adherence to quality and compliance standards during product production and trade. 2.2. Arrange routine product testing against quality and compliance standards as required. 2.3. Seek input from customers and stores regarding product quality and compliance. 2.4. Investigate causes of product faults and implement corrective action. 2.5. Communicate with relevant stakeholders as product issues and faults occur to minimise impact. |
3. Evaluate merchandise quality and compliance. | 3.1. Source product performance information as related to quality and compliance, including customer feedback. 3.2. Maintain records of product quality and compliance and quality issues according to organisational requirements. 3.3. Record action taken to prevent further compliance and quality issues. 3.4. Document quality and compliance reports and make recommendations for future improvements. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to complete tasks outlined in elements and performance criteria of this unit in the context of the job role, and:
develop quality and compliance standards for one product range that details:
quality requirements
compliance requirements:
internal
external
tolerances
develop control procedures for the above product range that details:
product monitoring and testing
corrective and preventative action
reporting
evaluate performance of one product range against quality and compliance standards and make recommendations for future improvements.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge required to complete the tasks outlined in the elements and performance criteria of this unit:
key aspects of legal and ethical requirements and considerations as they relate to product quality and compliance:
certification
packaging and labelling
Australian standards
safety
environmental
impact of product quality both positive and negative:
health and safety
brand reputation
customer loyalty
commercial
key aspects of quality and compliance standards:
product specifications
tolerances
sustainability requirements
compliance requirements
quality and compliance control procedures:
product monitoring:
audits
inspection
product testing:
functionality testing
quality testing
safety testing
benchmark testing
corrective action:
product recalls
product isolation
preventative action
reporting of variances
audits of compliance with quality control guidelines
techniques to manage the impact of quality and compliance issues
cost of non-compliance:
penalties
brand damage
role of internal and external stakeholders in product quality control and compliance
role of feedback in identifying quality and compliance issues:
returns
complaints
formats for quality and compliance reporting.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a retail environment. This can be:
an industry workplace
a simulated industry environment.
Assessment must ensure access to:
current documentation outlining aspects of legal and ethical issues that relate to product compliance and quality
templates for quality and compliance reporting.
Assessors must satisfy the Standards for Registered Training Organisations' requirements for assessors, and:
have worked in the retail industry for at least three years where they have applied the skills and knowledge within this unit of competency.
Foundation Skills
Foundation skills essential to performance in this unit, but not explicit in the performance criteria, are listed here, along with a brief context statement. | |
SKILLS | DESCRIPTION |
Reading skills to: | interpret complex information relating to specifications, compliance, quality requirements and organisational procedures. |
Technology skills to: | access, document and communicate information using digital technologies and systems. |
Sectors
Retail
Competency Field
Merchandise Management