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 CO 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

selfmanagement 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 CO 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 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 onthejob 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

ICTSUSA Conduct and manage a life cycle assessment for sustainability

ICTSUS8238A Conduct and manage a life cycle assessment for sustainability.

Aboriginal people and other people from a nonEnglish 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

Applied research purpose may be contained in documents such as:

Target group may include:

Factors affecting reliability and validity may include:

Applied research strategy may cover:

Applied research methods and theories may cover:

Data collection techniques may include:

Appropriate sources of information may include:

Sustainable management principles may include:

Relevance of the research may be based on:

Legal requirements may include:

Research findings may include: