SIRXSRM808 - Plan and manage complex retail projects
Assessor Resource
SIRXSRM808 Plan and manage complex retail projects
Assessment tool
Version 1.0 Issue Date: May 2024
This unit of competency supports the needs of senior managers and business owners with significant responsibility for implementing and managing a major and complex project within a retail organisation.
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to identify, plan, control and finalise complex projects within a retail environment.
The unit covers the management of projects of significant scope and duration, for example, the development and implementation of major new infrastructure, brands or services.
The unit requires the demonstration of project management skills and knowledge with the application of specific retailing understanding.
You may want to include more information here about the target group and the purpose of the assessments (eg formative, summative, recognition)
Prerequisites
Nil
Employability Skills
This unit contains employability skills.
Evidence Required
List the assessment methods to be used and the context and resources required for assessment. Copy and paste the relevant sections from the evidence guide below and then re-write these in plain English.
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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit
Evidence of the following is essential:
applies:
project management skills required for the successful implementation of a complex retail project
planning and management skills to design, resource and schedule a complex retail project
risk-management principles and processes
implements and finalises a project, reflecting the ability to respond to changing and emerging requirements and contingencies.
Context of and specific resources for assessment
Assessment must ensure access to:
a retail work environment
a current range of text and online information sources on:
industry and market intelligence
relevant best practice and trends
industry consultants and external professionals
a project team
project management tools
business owners or senior management.
Method 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
a role play
answers to questions about specific skills and knowledge
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.
Submission Requirements
List each assessment task's title, type (eg project, observation/demonstration, essay, assingnment, checklist) and due date here
Assessment task 1: [title] Due date:
(add new lines for each of the assessment tasks)
Assessment Tasks
Copy and paste from the following data to produce each assessment task. Write these in plain English and spell out how, when and where the task is to be carried out, under what conditions, and what resources are needed. Include guidelines about how well the candidate has to perform a task for it to be judged satisfactory.
Required skills
communication and interpersonal skills to:
consult stakeholders
negotiate resources required for project implementation
literacy and numeracy skills to:
prepare complex business analyses and reports
research best practice in the retail industry
to set budgets and manage financials
planning and organising skills to:
conduct risk-management planning
manage staff
plan and manage complex projects
problem-solving and analytical skills to:
analyse retail industry market intelligence
evaluate business opportunities for new projects
exercise judgement and decision making in selecting projects and implementation strategies
technology skills to use computer software functions, including project management software
Required knowledge
budgets and financial planning and monitoring
concepts of risk management planning and processes
current and emerging trends in the retail industry
tools and models of project management
reporting mechanisms
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 individual, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.
Projectto be undertaken can be wide-ranging in nature, of relevance to the organisation, and may include:
adding a new retail location
changing manufacturer or supplier
establishing new business
introducing major new technology to support business operations
relocating retail premises
re-orientating retail focus, customer base and goods or services.
Best practices and trendsmay include:
emerging or changed use of technologies, including:
e-retailing
radio frequency identification devices (RFIDs)
self-service checkout
social networking media as a marketing and sales channel
company structures, including trends towards:
changed ownerships
merged or diversified organisations
multi-service organisations
new or changing levels and ranges of services and products, including:
blurring of product categories (e.g. bookshops with cafes)
brand extension
customisation of products and services
generationally targeted products (e.g. for the over 50s)
polarisation of cost of goods (focus on high end and discount).
Industry intelligencemay include:
data available from industry associations
information gained through industry networks
market research, including mystery shopping
published reports on industry composition
search of publicly available annual reports for listed companies
search of publicly available business records.
Specifications and terms of reference may include:
definition of the project aims
description of the outcomes to be achieved using, wherever possible, the nomination of clear metrics
description of all stakeholders
description of project parameters, including:
scope of operations
flexibilities involved
identification of the budget
specification of the timescale
specification of the communication strategy to be used.
Physical resourcesmay include:
computer facilities
delivery vehicles
fittings and fixtures
office premises
retail premises
warehouses.
Subcontractors, consultants and external professionals may include:
accountants
lawyers
marketing experts
real estate consultants
retail specialist advisers
store fit-out experts.
Risk management control plansare developed using a structured process that may include:
identifying hazards
analysing consequences, such as potential injury, property damage, etc.
assessing risk, including probability, frequency and severity of injury or loss
determining appropriate action, including methods of removing or reducing risk
implementing controls, including:
redesign
removal
new methods
audit
evaluating control measures
recording risk-management measures
setting regular risk-management review dates.
Project management tools typically will be computer-based and may:
be in-house or proprietary software
incorporate the use of Gantt or PERT charts
incorporate scheduling and reporting templates
use critical path analysis.
Copy and paste from the following performance criteria to create an observation checklist for each task. When you have finished writing your assessment tool every one of these must have been addressed, preferably several times in a variety of contexts. To ensure this occurs download the assessment matrix for the unit; enter each assessment task as a column header and place check marks against each performance criteria that task addresses.
Observation Checklist
Tasks to be observed according to workplace/college/TAFE policy and procedures, relevant legislation and Codes of Practice
Yes
No
Comments/feedback
Consult with staff, business owners and industry experts to evaluate business opportunities that may identify potential new projects.
Review and analyse the organisation’s strategic and business plans to ensure congruence with the potential project.
Research best practices and trends within the service industry.
Collect and analyse demographic and trend data to provide profiling information about the organisation’s customer base.
Collect and analyse industry intelligence into the strengths and weaknesses of competitors.
Analyse the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) of the organisation and its environment.
Develop a proposal for the project and negotiate authorisation as required in line with standard organisational policies and procedures.
Define and document project specifications and terms of reference.
Develop a detailed project budget that will enable management of all aspects of the project during implementation.
Develop and document timelines, schedules and critical path for the project, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages.
Identify and secure the people with the required skills to contribute to the completion of the project within the required timeframe.
Identify, cost and negotiate access to the physical resources required for completion of the project.
Identify, cost and negotiate access to subcontractors, consultants and external professionals required for completion of the project.
Conduct and document a risk management analysis leading to the development of risk management control plans.
Finalise and gain sign-off where required of project plan in line with standard organisational policies and processes.
Brief project team members regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and the outcomes to be achieved.
Establish two-way communication processes to coordinate work, gather data to monitor project performance, and inform team members of progress.
Establish and communicate clear reporting processes for those involved in the project’s implementation.
Monitor project progress according to project plan requirements, using appropriate project management tools and methodologies.
Support and manage team members to achieve their required targets and key performance indicators, as identified in the project plan.
Make amendments, changes and additions to the project plan in light of changing circumstances to ensure project aims and outcomes are met.
Monitor, review and adjust resourcing to support the project to reflect changing circumstances.
Report overall project progress to senior managers or business owners as required and in line with the project plan.
Document project outcomes and report to senior management or business owners as required, following standard organisational policies and processes.
Provide effective and documented handover instructions and advice to staff responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of project products or services in line with organisational procedures.
Debrief project team members and relevant stakeholders about the conduct and outcomes of the project.
Prepare a final report analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project plan and the conduct of the project.
Forms
Assessment Cover Sheet
SIRXSRM808 - Plan and manage complex retail projects
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Assessment Record Sheet
SIRXSRM808 - Plan and manage complex retail projects
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