This unit applies to individuals who are responsible for the development and implementation of workplace plans across a broad range of areas. It has a strong focus on both the planning and implementation of workplace initiatives.

Those with managerial responsibility undertake this role.

Nil

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1

Define planning needs.

1.1

Assess operational planning needs based on monitoring of workplace needs and identification of opportunities for improvement and innovation.

1.2

Define scope and objectives of the required initiative based on organisation goals, and staff and customer feedback.

1.3

Identify and analyse internal and external factors that may impact on the development of the operational plan.

2

Develop operational plan.

2.1

Develop operational plan clearly identifying all priorities, responsibilities and timelines.

2.2

Integrate appropriate and financially-sound resource strategies.

2.3

Develop administrative framework and systems capable of supporting the planned initiative.

2.4

Consult appropriate colleagues during the development of the plan.

2.5

Develop evaluation systems in consultation with appropriate colleagues.

2.6

Initiate an internal and external communications strategy to keep all stakeholders informed.

3

Administer and monitor operational plans.

3.1

Implement and monitor identified actions according to agreed priorities.

3.2

Provide support and assistance to colleagues involved in implementing the plan.

3.3

Provide progress and other reports according to organisation requirements.

3.4

Make assessment of the need for additional resource requirements and take appropriate action according to organisation policy.

4

Conduct ongoing evaluation.

4.1

Use agreed evaluation methods to assess effectiveness in the workplace.

4.2

Involve appropriate colleagues in the evaluation.

4.3

Identify problems and make adjustments accordingly.

4.4

Incorporate the results of evaluation into ongoing planning and operational management.

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:

research skills to source and analyse a broad range of information on varying issues from multiple sources

problem-solving and contingency management skills to address a broad range of operational issues at a management level

planning and organisational skills to implement and monitor the operational plan

literacy skills to interpret and develop documents dealing with complex issues and ideas

communication skills to consult colleagues through clear and direct communication

numeracy skills to develop and monitor financial aspects of the operational plan.

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

key planning concepts and techniques, including the structure of plans and steps in the planning process

current internal and external environments that impact on planning within the organisation or industry sector

typical issues that arise in the implementation of plans, and strategies to address these

legal issues appropriate to the industry sector that affect organisation operations.

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:

ability to develop an operational plan for a specific workplace context that identifies current and relevant industry and organisation issues and includes clear action plans and evaluation mechanisms

management skills demonstrated through effective implementation of the plan, including the ability to respond to changing circumstances encountered in the implementation phase

knowledge and understanding of current legal issues and industry issues affecting general operations within the sector

project or work activities conducted over an operationally realistic period of time so that the planning, evaluation and monitoring aspects of this unit can be assessed.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

involvement of multiple stakeholders to ensure consultation processes are included.

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:

evaluation of a plan prepared by the candidate as well as an evaluation of the implementation and evaluation phase to assess ongoing monitoring

evaluation of reports prepared by the candidate detailing the plan, how the planning process was undertaken, the ways in which implementation and evaluation of the plan were carried out and the lessons learned to inform future project planning

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

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 with other relevant units that make up the skill set or qualification and in the context of the job role.

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.

Operational planning needs may relate to any plan required to support day-to-day workplace operations, such as:

introduction of a new product

staff reorganisation

impacts of marketing initiatives or campaigns

office relocation or refurbishment

upgrading of facilities

changes in work practices or procedures

business expansion or contraction

introduction of new systems.

Internal and externalfactors to be analysed may include:

capabilities and resources, including:

human resources

financial resources

equipment capacity

staff skill levels

hours of operation

communication capabilities

location and position

trends and developments in the marketplace, including:

economic

ecological and environmental

government activities

social and cultural

demographic

technological

industrial

comparative market information, including:

best practice information

benchmarking

competitor information

legal and ethical constraints, including:

legislation

regulation

codes of practice

cultural expectations and influences

social responsibilities, such as protection of children and environmental issues.

Resource strategies may relate to:

human

financial

physical.

Administrative framework and systems may include:

dedicating staff to the planned initiative

establishing communication protocols

developing supporting documentation or resources

regular meetings about the initiative.

Appropriate colleagues may include:

team members

suppliers

other management

staff in other departments

staff in external organisations.

Evaluation systems may be qualitative or quantitative and may relate to:

sales figures and targets

occupancy levels

customer or staff feedback

productivity gains.

Support and assistance may include:

informal coaching and feedback

making additional resources available

formal training opportunities

representing colleagues in the wider environment

ensuring effective internal and external communication.

Sector

Cross-Sector

Management and Leadership

The required outcomes described in this unit of competency 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.