SIRXQUA001A
Develop innovative ideas at work

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to systematically generate and develop innovative ideas in the workplace.

Application

This unit applies to team members who are encouraged develop innovative ideas in the workplace. It requires the skills to interpret or observe a need and develop a detailed idea. It involves the creative generation and discussion of a number of ideas or solutions, accepting positive and negative feedback, and testing ideas in order to establish and present a workable outcome that meets the needs of the end user.


Prerequisites

Nil


Elements and Performance Criteria

Element

Performance Criteria

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

1. Interpret the need for innovation.

1.1.Observe the need for innovation within workplace context.

1.2.Challenge assumptions about products and processes to identify opportunities for innovation.

1.3.Project possible future contexts and environments for the innovation.

1.4.Define end user requirements.

1.5.Identify resources and constraints.

1.6.Research factors and ethical considerations that may impact on the idea.

1.7.Access relevant organisational knowledge.

2. Generate ideas.

2.1.Conceptualise ideas using a range of creative thinking techniques.

2.2.Apply relevant knowledge to explore a range of approaches.

2.3.Seek stimulation from alternative sources.

2.4.Test ideas against brief and other factors.

2.5.Select preferred option.

3. Collaborate with others.

3.1.Develop ideas in conjunction with relevant people.

3.2.Seek and accept feedback from relevant people in an appropriate fashion.

3.3.Modify ideas according to feedback.

3.4.Maintain and utilise a network of peers to discuss ideas.

4. Analyse and reflect on ideas.

4.1.Analyse ideas from different perspectives.

4.2.Use appropriate strategies to capture reflections.

4.3.Examine ideas to ensure they meet context requirements, best practice and future needs.

4.4.Allow time for the development and analysis of ideas.

5. Represent ideas.

5.1.Select an appropriate communication technique for the target audience.

5.2.Develop the presentation of the idea with the audience in mind.

5.3.Present the idea to educate and inform the client.

5.4.Modify the idea according to client feedback.

6. Evaluate ideas.

6.1.Review ideas using appropriate evaluation methods to ensure they meet required needs.

6.2.Modify ideas as required.

Required Skills

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

Required skills

interpersonal skills to:

collaborate with others and represent ideas through clear and direct communication

ask questions to identify and confirm requirements

use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences

use and interpret non-verbal communication

work within teams

analytical and lateral thinking skills to examine self and external factors

Required knowledge

relevant technical knowledge

broad industry and market knowledge

organisational culture

social, environmental and work culture impacts

principles of innovation

Evidence Required

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:

interprets the need for innovation in the workplace

identifies resources and constraints and researches affecting factors when generating innovative ideas

generates ideas using creative thinking techniques

tests ideas against brief and other relevant factors

presents and discusses ideas with relevant people

seeks feedback and modifies ideas accordingly

analyses and reflects on ideas to ensure they meet end user requirements

presents ideas using appropriate communication methods

reviews and modifies idea using appropriate evaluation methods.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to:

a real or simulated work environment

relevant documentation, such as store policy and procedures manuals

a range of communication equipment.

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

third-party reports from a supervisor

a detailed case study

written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding

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

Guidance information for assessment

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


Range Statement

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.

Innovation may include:

generating new ideas or solutions

developing new uses for old ideas and making them useful or a means of improvement.

End user requirements may refer to:

who will be using the end product

why the product or process is needed

how will it be used

advantages will it provide

where it will be used.

Resources and constraints may include:

time required

costs

equipment

human resources

work culture

management practice

technology needed.

Factors and ethical considerations may include:

aesthetic requirements

functionality

information available

WHS

environmental considerations.

Organisational knowledge may include:

technical knowledge

information gained from books and audiovisual resources

knowledge from different work areas

informatin from work colleagues

work processes

product

materials

systems

tools

working conditions.

Feedback may be:

formal or informal

verbal

in writing

in groups

individual.

Creative thinking techniques may include:

brainstorming

visualising

making associations

building on associations

telling stories

creative writing

lateral thinking games

mind mapping, drawings

six thinking hats

using prompts.

Stimulation from alternative sources may include:

reading books and industry journals

talking with colleagues and friends

visiting art galleries and museums

going to industry workshops

networks.

Relevant people may include:

colleagues

team members

supervisors

managers

the client.

Maintaining a network of peers may include:

participating in forums

participating in industry training

attending workshops

becoming a member of a network.

Capture of reflections may include:

mind mapping

assessing alternatives

drawing comparisons

imagining possible outcomes

imagining best and worst case scenarios.

Communication techniques may include:

writing a proposal

building a model

showing a film

presenting a talk

preparing a report

drawing a diagram.

The audience may include:

external contacts

internal contacts, such as management and other team members

groups or individuals

people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.

Presentation of ideas may include:

helping the client visualise and understand the idea

actively listening

asking questions

accepting others opinions

explaining the proposal

clarifying details.

Formalreview of the idea may involve:

checking that the idea can be implemented

that it meets the client and end user needs

best practice

financial requirements

resource requirements.

Evaluation methods may include:

developing checklists

discussing the process with colleagues or supervisors

writing a report of the outcomes.


Sectors

Cross-Sector


Competency Field

Quality and Innovation


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.