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

A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to research and analyse engineering information. Competency in this unit cannot be claimed until all prerequisites have been satisfied.

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

Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently perform all elements of the unit as specified by the criteria, including required knowledge, and be capable of applying the competency in new and different situations and contexts.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is the candidate is not in productive work, then an appropriate simulation must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competencies covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. The assessment environment should not disadvantage the candidate.

This unit could be assessed in conjunction with any other units addressing the safety, quality, communication, materials handling, recording and reporting associated with researching and analysing engineering information or other units requiring the exercise of the skills and knowledge covered by this unit.

Method of assessment

Assessors should gather a range of evidence that is valid, sufficient, current and authentic. Evidence can be gathered through a variety of ways including direct observation, supervisor's reports, project work, samples and questioning. Questioning techniques should not require language, literacy and numeracy skills beyond those required in this unit of competency. The candidate must have access to all tools, equipment, materials and documentation required. The candidate must be permitted to refer to any relevant workplace procedures, product and manufacturing specifications, codes, standards, manuals and reference materials.

Guidance information for assessment

Required skills

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

reading, interpreting and following information on written job instructions, specifications, standard operating procedures, charts, lists, drawings and other applicable reference documents

questioning

applying research techniques

checking and clarifying information

note-taking

analysing information and data

sorting and identifying relevant information/data

establishing findings and conclusions based on analysis

summarising and organising information and technical data

preparing materials for dissemination to others

planning and sequencing operations

Required knowledge

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge of:

basic principles and methods of research and analysis

effective communication principles with respect to research, analysis and organisation of technical data

sources of research data/information

use of internal/external databases

relevant personnel for consultation

relevant information/data

effect of variations in the information/data on the conclusions reached

safe work practices and procedures

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.

Research requirements

Purpose, expected outcomes, scope and nature, timeframe, required resources

Sources of research data/information

Surveys

Interview

Observation

Test results

Data records

Reference books and journals

Technical manuals

Job histories

Internal/external databases

Research techniques

Surveying/scanning

Skimming

Questioning

Note-taking

Summarising

Relationship diagrams

Tabling

Communication principles

Avoidance of ambiguity, redundancy, verbosity, circumlocution etc.

Use of headings

Logical ordering

Summarising

Layout

Customising material to audience

Use of graphics and tables