TLIK5006
Evaluate software requirements and hardware enhancements


Application

This unit involves the skills and knowledge required to evaluate software requirements and hardware enhancements in accordance with relevant regulations, standards and codes of practice and workplace procedures.

It includes analysing requirements for improved computer applications, evaluating relevant software, investigating appropriate hardware enhancements, implementing system improvements and measuring systemic improvement.

Work is under general guidance on progress and outcomes. It requires discretion and judgement for self and others in planning and using resources, services and processes to achieve required outcomes.

The unit generally applies to those with responsibility for resource coordination and allocation, and who lead individuals or teams.

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


Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENTS

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

Elements describe the essential outcomes.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element.

1

Analyse requirements for improved computer applications

1.1

Current aspects of business operations requiring improved computer technology are identified

1.2

Purpose and requirements of improved computer management systems are identified

1.3

Personnel are consulted for expert advice for potential matches of computer applications to required site operation improvements

2

Evaluate software

2.1

Potential software programs are evaluated to meet workplace requirements

2.2

Software applications are investigated for effectiveness to own operation including degree of flexibility, customisation and integration potential

2.3

Selected option is circulated to appropriate personnel for verification

2.4

Level of technical support is assessed

2.5

Software application selection is made

3

Investigate hardware enhancements

3.1

Hardware systems are evaluated for compatibility with selected software and workplace operations

3.2

Potential immediate and long-term risks/problems with hardware are identified and assessed

3.3

Recommendations are drafted and circulated for comment

3.4

Final recommendations on suitable hardware are made

4

Implement system improvement

4.1

Selected hardware and software enhancements are implemented

4.2

Training is provided to potential users of the technology

4.3

Implementation of hardware and software is monitored

5

Measure systemic improvement

5.1

Methods of measuring system performance are identified

5.2

Software and hardware performance is evaluated

5.3

System refinements or improvements are determined and implemented

5.4

System performance is documented and reported to appropriate personnel

Evidence of Performance

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria on at least one occasion and include:

applying relevant legislation and workplace procedures

communicating effectively with others when evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements

completing documentation related to evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements

interpreting and following operational instructions and prioritising work

measuring operational performance improvements resulting from changes to computer technology

modifying activities to cater for variations in workplace contexts and environment

monitoring work activities in terms of planned schedule

operating and adapting to differences in equipment in accordance with standard operating procedures

operating electronic communications equipment to required protocol

planning and organising activities

providing leadership and working collaboratively with others when evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements

reading and interpreting instructions, procedures, specifications, technical data and manuals relevant to evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements

selecting and applying appropriate software, technology, information systems and procedures

working systematically with required attention to detail without injury to self or others, or damage to goods or equipment.


Evidence of Knowledge

Evidence required to demonstrate competence in this unit must be relevant to and satisfy all of the requirements of the elements and performance criteria and include knowledge of:

application of relevant Australian standards

application of current competencies within functional activity

computer equipment and software applications, capacities and configurations

focus of operation of computing systems, software and hardware resources, management and workplace operating systems

problems that may occur when evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements and action that can be taken to resolve or report these problems

relevant regulations, codes of practice and legislative requirements for evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements

relevant workplace documentation procedures

resource availability including the competencies of individuals in the team or group

risks and hazards related to evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements, and ways of controlling the risks involved

workplace procedures for evaluating software requirements and hardware enhancements.


Assessment Conditions

As a minimum, assessors must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

As a minimum, assessment must satisfy applicable regulatory requirements, which include requirements in the Standards for Registered Training Organisations, current at the time of assessment.

Assessment must occur in workplace operational situations where it is appropriate to do so; where this is not appropriate, assessment must occur in simulated workplace operational situations that replicate workplace conditions.

Assessment processes and techniques must be appropriate to the language, literacy and numeracy requirements of the work being performed and the needs of the candidate.

Resources for assessment include:

a range of relevant exercises, case studies and/or other simulations

relevant and appropriate materials, tools, equipment and personal protective equipment currently used in industry

applicable documentation including workplace procedures, regulations, codes of practice and operation manuals.


Foundation Skills

Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.


Range Statement

Range is restricted to essential operating conditions and any other variables essential to the work environment.

Non-essential conditions can be found in the Companion Volume Implementation Guide.


Sectors

Not applicable.


Competency Field

K ‒ Technology