Application
This unit describes the skills and knowledge required to plan and monitor an enterprise's operations from receipt of stock and materials, through to processing and manufacturing options, transport, distribution and storage and customer delivery. It also describes the skills and knowledge required to ensure operations are managed in a cost efficient and effective way.
This unit is applicable to operations managers, or production managers, with plant or department level responsibility for operations within a meat industry context. It provides all production personnel with an integrated approach to operations management.
At this level individuals exercise considerable autonomy, responsibility and accountability within enterprise structures and are required to make primary contributions to the values, goals and operations of the enterprise. They will typically have responsibility for establishing and reviewing systems for their site or department. They may work with the assistance of external experts to develop plans and strategies.
This unit must be delivered using Australian meat industry standards and regulations.
No occupational licensing, legislative or certification requirements are known to apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
Element | Performance criteria |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Assess operational requirements | 1.1 Analyse enterprise directions, goals and forecasts to establish the parameters of enterprise operations 1.2 Gather and analyse industry, market and enterprise information to determine short and medium term implications for enterprise operations 1.3 Prepare operational budgets and strategies to achieve forecasts and obtain resource requirements 1.4 Determine operational productivity and performance measures to meet enterprise goals |
2. Plan operations for optimum efficiency and effectiveness | 2.1 Review work organisation and performance patterns for safety, efficiency and maximisation of team contribution and satisfaction 2.2 Develop systems and technologies to facilitate cost efficient and effective operations and to meet production, quality, waste, environmental and safety targets 2.3 Review product/process flows for optimum performance 2.4 Establish systems monitoring and control procedures to maximise performance 2.5 Prepare contingency plans 2.6 Identify operational assets and recommend asset management strategies 2.7 Prepare action plans to implement change |
3. Manage operations | 3.1 Identify operational requirements for inputs, personnel, equipment and transport 3.2 Prepare plans and schedules to meet customer requirements 3.3 Implement systems to control costs, energy consumption, waste, environmental impact, and food safety and quality 3.4 Plan and review work organisation strategies in consultation with the workforce 3.5 Identify and evaluate opportunities to maximise yield and gain commercial value from total production 3.6 Monitor and adjust operations, in accordance with operational plans and budgets 3.7 Use consultation and collaboration strategies to identify and resolve problems promptly, efficiently and effectively |
4. Evaluate performance | 4.1 Collect and analyse data to determine achievement of operational performance targets 4.2 Convey performance information and implications to stakeholders 4.3 Include recommendations and outcomes in the review of enterprise business plans, directions and goals 4.4 Review systems and procedures to facilitate the achievement of enterprise plans and goals |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence must demonstrate the candidate's consistency of performance over time.
The candidate must:
analyse enterprise forecasts for orders, livestock and raw material availability and prices, and determine the operational requirements to achieve enterprise goals
analyse performance data to determine achievement of targets
analyse the implications of blockages or stoppages (including breakdowns, no stock or materials and staff shortages) at particular points in the process flow, including upstream and downstream effects and costs
outline enterprise directions, goals and ethical standards and analyse the implications for enterprise operations
assess current operational capability to achieve enterprise goals, including through analysis of current technology, configurations, mixes of personnel and process and review of procedures to identify gaps or shortfalls
apply methods and theories of workplace or work team organisation and job design, and review to enterprise operations
apply relevant communication skills
apply scheduling techniques and principles to enterprise operations
consult, collaborate and negotiate with personnel from all levels and areas of the plant
maintain currency of knowledge through independent research and/or professional development
develop action plans to implement changes to improve performance
evaluate and recommend strategies for achieving enterprise goals and forecasts, including assessment of alternative configurations/mixes of personnel, processes and work organisation structures and calculating the impact changes in operations have on the productivity of the enterprise/department and the preparation of resource proposals
evaluate the costs, benefits, consequences and implications of adopting alternative risk management strategies and make recommendations to senior management
identify and apply relevant workplace health and safety and workplace requirements
manage operations for area of responsibility, including developing operational strategies and schedules in response to short, medium and long term enterprise plans; obtaining and scheduling required resources, including raw materials, personnel, equipment, refrigeration, storage and transport; and monitoring product or process flow
maximise value of enterprise operations, including identifying opportunities for gaining commercial value from co-products and by-products, evaluating relative returns on enterprise products to determine overall impact on profitability, and control of waste and energy consumption
minimise workplace conflict and build positive relationships using consultation, negotiation and problem-solving strategies
monitor enterprise performance, including developing productivity and operational performance measures for enterprise operations, linking monitoring systems to quality requirements and performance measures, interpreting performance information and taking/authorising corrective action
prepare and monitor operational budgets, including identification of operational cost components, calculation of resource requirements, calculation of cost per unit of finished product monitoring of costs, adjusting budget variations and including budget requirements and projections in enterprise financial planning
prepare contingency plans to minimise disruption to production
present reports according to legal and enterprise requirements
research and evaluate available technologies and systems for suitability in accordance with enterprise directions, plans and products
use detailed product knowledge to describe processing or production requirements necessary for maintenance of quality of enterprise products (including handling, processing methods, equipment, and storage for different species and breeds)
use mathematical skills to analyse performance in relation to cost, waste, production level, and yield
use available information and communications technology, including productivity analysis and scheduling software
Evidence of Knowledge
The candidate must demonstrate an in depth technical and theoretical knowledge of:
enterprise operational scope
enterprise budget planning and management processes and cycles
regulatory requirements affecting enterprise operations
impact of operational changes on personnel and need to develop strategies minimising negative effects on individual, team and enterprise operations
factors which affect the productivity of the enterprise, including workforce costs, capital investment, materials, waste and overheads
Assessment Conditions
Competency must be demonstrated through sustained performance over time, at an appropriate level of responsibility and authority under typical operating and production conditions for the enterprise.
Methods of assessment must include:
a third-party referee report of sustained performance at appropriate level of authority and responsibility
assignment focusing on understanding and applying principles and theory to workplace operations
workplace projects with focus on company environment and conditions
Assessors must satisfy current standards for RTOs.
Foundation Skills
Foundation Skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.