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

Overview of assessment

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

Evidence of the ability to:

lead the formulation of a research proposal or plan which includes:

specific research questions on sustainability

valid population or sample size

description of the geographical, cultural, social or institutional context within which the research will be carried out

full description of the data collection methods

analysis of the limitations to research design

lead the design of an applied research project using appropriate tools and techniques

design a research report with analysis of data, and valid and reliable findings

evaluate relevance of the research results

apply knowledge of applied research techniques.

Context of, and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

research activity that relates to an actual workplace or simulated context and topic

range of tools and techniques appropriate to the given situations and research topic.

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:

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

review of projects relating to conducting applied research conducted by the candidate

direct observation of the candidate applying research skills

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of applied research.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTSUS8238A Conduct and manage a life cycle assessment for sustainability.

Aboriginal people and other people from a non-English speaking background may have second language issues.

Access must be provided to appropriate learning and assessment support when required.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and appropriate to the oral communication skill level, and language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

In all cases where practical assessment is used it will be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Required skills

analytical skills to:

analyse and interpret structurally intricate information in the area being researched

evaluate effective technical solutions in sustainability implementation

communication and teamwork skills to:

consult with target groups using a range of communication techniques

develop written texts which deal with complex ideas and concepts

present research findings creatively to meet audience needs

literacy skills to:

document technical requirements and procedures

evaluate complex and formal documents such as policy and legislation

prepare written reports requiring precise formats and structures to suit target audience

numeracy skills to:

analyse and confirm research findings such as carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and carbon footprint

perform statistical analysis of trends and changes

initiative and enterprise skills to discover and source appropriate information, and to identify future implication of information and data collected

planning and organising skills to:

construct an applied research strategy

initiate and design research methodology

manage an applied research project

problem solving skills to:

analyse research

check the integrity of data collected

collect, organise, analyse and present data

conduct trend analyses

develop and examine the validity of the applied research strategy using a range of applied research techniques

evaluate a range of sustainable management principles

self-management and learning skills to:

conduct research to develop capabilities and learning related activities

manage own time and determine priorities

review and adhere to relevant ethics and codes of conduct

store data to maintain privacy and confidentiality of information

technical skills to:

select suitable technology and technical services

use a range of software tools to analyse technical data

use technology and web media to discover, access, collect and store data, information and research in a systematic manner

leadership skills to:

set research directions, make decisions and solve problems

manage, guide and influence research team members

communicate, motivate and facilitate research team interactions

Required knowledge

environmental and sustainability legislation, regulations and codes of practice applicable to industry and organisation

audit methodology on ICT energy, waste, product life cycles and CO2 emissions

principles, practices and available tools and techniques of sustainability management relevant to the telecommunications industry

communication processes and methods

data collection methods

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to handling or storing data, including privacy and freedom of information

presentation techniques

reporting methods

research ethics and codes of conduct

research tools and methods

selection of appropriate applied research techniques

leadership strategies relevant to a research environment

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, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Applied research purpose may be contained in documents such as:

agreements

research brief

research contracts

research guidelines

research statement.

Target group may include:

community

content and media provider

end users

equipment vendor

government authority

investors

regulator

society

statutory authority

sustainability auditors

telecommunications service provider

user groups.

Factors affecting reliability and validity may include:

access appropriate population

authenticity and reliability of data sources

capacity to generalise findings across the whole population

sample size

type or survey used to increase validity.

Applied research strategy may cover:

analysis of industry specific trends, statistics and issues

collection of data to assist informed decision making, planning or risk management

data and information relating to strategy, policy, practices, or work processes developed and implemented by an organisation

formation of solutions to complex problems

information and analysis needed to develop a campaign, strategic plan, industry or sector plan and strategy, or to bargain effectively with employers

information and analysis to conduct a strategic or community campaign or activity

relationship or relevance of a theory, principle or practice to an immediate practical problem, issue or to test a proposed solution.

Applied research methods and theories may cover:

methods such as:

action research

case study

experience and intuition

experiments

interviews

mathematical models and simulations

participant observation

surveys

statistical data analysis

statistical surveys

content, textual analysis, theories and techniques, which will vary upon consideration of:

application of statistical methods

causal factors and dependant or independent variables

critical analysis

experimental, quasi-experimental, non-experimental

mathematical calculations

problem solving

qualitative or quantitative research

sampling and sample size.

Data collection techniques may include:

collaboration with other experts or mentors

desk research

document research

field study

observation

physical items analysis

interviews

questionnaires

surveys.

Appropriate sources of information may include:

Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme (CPRS)

discussions with current industry practitioners and manufacturers

energy and climate change reports and policies

government departments

industry associations and organisations

industry standards

AS/NZ3598:2000 (or latest revision):

Level 1 consumption benchmark

Level 2 preliminary assessment

Level 3 economic analysis

BS EN 16001:2009 Energy Management Systems

ISO 14001:2004 Environment

industry journals

Kyoto protocol documentation

organisational policies, procedures and journals

personal observations and experience

professional organisations

research papers, technical publications and manuals

web data from research establishments and universities.

Sustainable management principles may include:

audit waste management procedures

improving efficiency of ICT network equipment:

reducing air conditioning requirements

shutting down of equipment during low demand and prolonged idle times

procurement strategies:

assessment of suppliers' environmental policies and procedures

lowering of energy consumption or environmental impact of replacement products or services

managing the environmental impacts of electrical and electronic equipment

use of energy consumption and environmental impact as criteria in the process of awarding contracts

supply chain:

driving ethical values through the supply chain

engaging supplier's involvement in emissions reporting and continual improvement

engaging suppliers who provide information on energy consumption and product life cycles

influencing suppliers to provide energy efficient products and services

total life cycle (TLC) analysis of product, processes and services.

Relevance of the research may be based on:

available time and resources

feasibility of implementing the recommendations

findings of previous and current research

original research parameters and brief

quality and credibility of the methodology

value of its usefulness

value of the information and data.

Legal requirements may include:

agreements with third parties that supply research or data

competency standards

contracts

copyright and privacy laws relating to physical materials and electronic technology

licensing

plagiarism

privacy

relevant commonwealth, state and territory legislation, policy, codes of practice and national standards

security of information.

Research findings may include:

circulating publications for comment and critique on the internet

contributing to strategic policy

drafting publications or reports

presentations at seminars and conferences

providing data, plans, specifications and reports resulting in changed work practice/s or design/s

providing internal reports verbally, in writing or via presentations

publishing papers and articles for expert review and audiences

publishing reports and articles for lay audiences.