Telecommunication systems managers apply the skills and knowledge in this unit to implement specified projects that may be for an installation or upgrade of the telecommunications network.

Their job roles include producing plans for projects, developing risk management strategies, preparing budgets, planning for contingencies, developing procedures for commissioning the project and archiving project documentation.

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Prepare to manage a project

1.1. Develop a project proposal, including specific project management processes

1.2. Determine the role of major stakeholders and implications for the project

1.3. Develop a risk management strategy and present to stakeholders for agreement

1.4. Check for technical compliance of project with relevant standards

1.5. Select project management computer software

1.6. Conduct a skills audit of personnel and identify additional training requirements

2. Apply project management processes

2.1. Determine participants' responsibilities using critical path method (CPM) to draw a network diagram

2.2. Sequence and coordinate activities required for a specific project

2.3. Determine the critical path to optimise timing of the project deliverables

2.4. Assess the viability of project estimates by preparing a budget

2.5. Perform risk analysis to determine factors that may hinder the project deliverables

2.6. Assess the progress of the project with contingencies to manage risks

2.7. Determine any updates and recommendations in agreement with the customer

2.8. Prepare contract variations if required

3. Complete work and document activities

3.1. Select procedures for commissioning if required and finish the project

3.2. Produce final documentation with recommendations and present to customer

3.3. Document and archive project documentation

3.4. Obtain sign off

Required skills

analytical skills to evaluate risks

communication skills to work effectively in a group, present information and negotiate contract variations

information technology skills for word processing, desktop research and using project management software

literacy skills to prepare reports and contract variations

numeracy skills to:

calculate budget requirements

determine workforce requirements

problem solving skills to anticipate and respond to issues in project progress

research skills to gather data, observe and analyse project issues

Required knowledge

organisational project management policy and procedures

safety management:

personal protective equipment conforming to industry and occupational health and safety (OHS) standards

precautions required to minimise, control or eliminate hazards that may exist during work activities

relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards

workplace and industry environment:

commissioning procedures

industrial issues

roles and responsibilities

skills audit

telecommunication communication systems

site engineering

project management processes and software

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:

prepare and apply project management process to a telecommunications project using project management software

develop a plan to manage a telecommunication project with a risk management strategy, budget and contingencies

complete work and project documentation.

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure:

a telecommunications site on which projects can be managed

computers and relevant computer software

relevant legislation, codes, regulations and standards.

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:

oral or written questioning to assess knowledge and skills in the project management process

direct observation of the candidate performing project management tasks

review of the candidate generated project documentation.

Guidance information for assessment

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

ICTPMG8142A Manage telecommunications workplace

ICTPMG7145A Undertake a telecommunications project

ICTPMG8149A Evaluate and use telecommunications management networks.

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.

Project management processes may include:

calendaring

constraints

contingencies

CPM

critical paths

Gantt chart

PERT

project variables

reviews

salvage value

variations.

Activities may include:

contracts and procurement

cost management

human resource (HR) management

project communications methods

project tracking

quality

risk

scope

time management.

Contingencies may include:

increase staff numbers

reinstallation

replacement components

work amendments.

Unit sector

Telecommunications

Project management

This unit contains employability skills.