Technical officers or engineers from private and public organisations apply the skills and knowledge in this unit to plan access networks.

It may also apply to technical staff moving into planning and management positions with responsibility for small projects or parts of larger projects, and for the operational and engineering of the telecommunications network in general.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Gather data related to existing and projected network usage

1.1. Access market intelligence for information on customer demand on the network and likely growth in network use

1.2. Obtain demand data to plan for potential network traffic quantity and flow

1.3. Access information relating to new and emerging technologies, facilities and features and their specific applications

1.4. Access relevant legislation and associated operational codes and analyse impact on planning processes

2. Assess need for network growth

2.1. Evaluate capacity of existing network to absorb planned growth using network capacity usage and traffic measurements

2.2. Plan likely timing of necessary network increments to minimise impact on the network

2.3. Assess use of new or alternate technologies to meet forecast growth

3. Develop network plans

3.1. Assess overall planning parameters including approved business plan prior to commencement of planning process

3.2. Analyse gathered information and produce a project plan with specifications to meet network growth

3.3. Conduct appropriate investment study including cost benefit analysis where required with consideration of barriers that may affect project plan

3.4. Produce a network plan with detailed specifications and seek approval according to enterprise procedures

Required skills

analytical skills to identify details relating to the project from the approved network plan

communication skills to discuss project brief with enterprise personnel, customers and other contractors

literacy skills to write project briefs

numeracy skills to:

analyse site survey data

cost estimates and operate budgets according to enterprise policy

undertake cost and benefit studies as a guide to the decision making process

planning and organisational skills to consider current, new technology, facilities and features when developing options

problem solving skills to:

address and analyse specific customer requirements

assess current access network conditions

research skills to:

analyse impacts on planning processes

obtain and study information relating to new technology or technology features

obtain geographical information

study relevant legislation and associated operational codes

technical skills to:

apply the three phases of project management to complete the project brief

develop and study planning options considering present and future needs

identify barriers to plan realisation

Required knowledge

detailed knowledge of:

cost estimates and operating budgets according to enterprise policy

project management theory, associated databases and project management software programs

telecommunications industry in Australia

overview knowledge of:

economic and political influences on public and commercial enterprises

financial authorities and delegations

influence of the local and international economic conditions on the telecommunications industry

typical challenges and limits facing technology today and the consideration of future needs

relevant legislation

specific knowledge of collating and writing project briefs, reports and project charters

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:

gather data related to existing and projected network usage

assess need for network growth

develop network plans.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

data from organisations involved in planning initiatives

a range of software currently used in industry

relevant regulations, specifications that impact on forecasting activities.

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:

direct observation of the candidate undertaking network planning tasks

review of data gathered, reports and project plans prepared by the candidate for planning the development and growth of telecommunication networks

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of planning the development telecommunications networks.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTNPL6030A Forecast service demand.

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.

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.

Market intelligence may include:

customer demand

customer feedback

customer projections

customer specific technology needs

new technology impact.

Demand data may be:

collected from:

customers:

actual

prospective

economic planners

internal organisational groups

local

marketing organisations

real estate agents

sales organisations

state and federal governments

statutory bodies

traffic management systems

in relation to:

access transport planning

changing customer use patterns

demographic changes

economic forecasts

industry trends

influence of technology on traffic demand

land developments

local industry

market conditions

marketing programs

population trends

possible environmental impacts

power re-zoning

sales forecasts

shire planning

traffic patterns.

New and emerging technologies may be obtained from:

marketing groups

specific technology planning groups

vendor and enterprise forward planning groups.

Relevant legislation may include:

Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) standards TS 14

International Standards ISO 9000/9001

International Telecommunication Union (ITU) recommendations

OHS

Privacy Act

State/Territory and Federal Environment Acts

Telecommunications Act and relevant codes.

Planning can relate to:

buildings

network change

network growth and network reduction

priorities which are driven by:

customer demand

legislative requirements

marketing initiatives

revenue projections

sites

structures.

Specifications may include:

availability of equipment

availability of resources

costing

funding

infrastructure developments

priority

risk assessment

technology requirements

timeframe.

Barriers may include:

building availability

environmental considerations

financial constraints

government policy

heritage legislation restrictions

land acquisition problems

material availability

planning approvals

technology availability.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Network planning

This unit contains employability skills.