Application
This unit describes skills and knowledge required to evaluate the status of a running system, covering both hardware and software aspects to determine system performance and reliability.
It applies to individuals who apply specialised and technical knowledge and a systematic approach to assessing and evaluating systems prior to problem resolution or upgrades.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements 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. Determine scope and evaluation parameters | 1.1 Determine scope of the system evaluation 1.2 Comply with organisational requirements when planning a ‘change of status’ test 1.3 Review reason for the evaluation, its objectives, deliverables and key performance indicators, using appropriate capacity tools 1.4 Plan and document status evaluation and factor in time, environment, internal and external issues 1.5 Alert affected users if evaluation is likely to impact their operations 1.6 Develop a plan for the evaluation and identify resources and methods to be used |
2. Carry out evaluation | 2.1 Organise required resources as outlined in the plan, and put in place manual or computerised evaluation methods 2.2 Run evaluation process according to agreed scope and evaluation parameters 2.3 Record status as per procedural parameters and plan 2.4 Observe and document during evaluation the effects of changes to system status that are made, according to effect being evaluated 2.5 Observe and record effects not listed and that may require further investigation |
3. Report on evaluation | 3.1 Prepare a report to the appropriate person, indicating results of status check in the documentation 3.2 Highlight anomalies observed in status check that are outside the expected results 3.3 Make recommendations for changes to improve system |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
determine scope of system performance and reliability for hardware and software
identify comprehensive performance indicators
evaluate system performance
document and report on results.
Note: Evidence must be provided for at least TWO systems.
Evidence of Knowledge
To complete the unit requirements safely and effectively, the individual must:
discuss capacity planning
describe the key features of change-control procedures
describe the key features of client business domain, including the role and level of stakeholder involvement
compare and contrast the key features and capabilities of current industry accepted hardware and software products
describe the key features of help desk and maintenance practices
describe the features of one or more change management tools
discuss quality assurance practices
explain the process for system testing
outline the system's current functionality and describe the features and functions of the system under evaluation.
Assessment Conditions
Gather evidence to demonstrate consistent performance in conditions that are safe and replicate the workplace. Noise levels, production flow, interruptions and time variances must be typical of those experienced in the systems administration and support field of work and include access to:
special purpose tools, equipment and materials
industry software packages
documentation standards
backup and recovery policies
database package with data
server and networked personal computer.
Assessors must satisfy NVR/AQTF assessor requirements.
Foundation Skills
This section describes language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills incorporated in the performance criteria that are required for competent performance.
Skill | Performance Criteria | Description |
Reading | 1.3, 2.4, 2.5 | Analyses and evaluates technical and non-technical information and numerical data from a range of sources to assist with fault finding and troubleshooting problems |
Writing | 1.4-1.6, 2.3-2.5, 3.1, 3.2 | Prepares material using clear and accurate language and numerical data in order to convey explicit information, requirements and recommendations |
Oral Communication | 1.5 | Participates in verbal exchanges with a range of stakeholders to obtain information and express requirements |
Numeracy | 1.4, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.2 | Uses mathematical equations to calculate and compare numerical data to determine required actions and for preparing technical reports |
Interact with others | 1.5, 3.1 | Selects and uses appropriate conventions and protocols when communicating with client and others in a range of work contexts |
Get the work done | 1.1-1.4, 1.6, 2.1, 2.2, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1-3.3 | Takes responsibility for planning, sequencing and prioritising tasks and own workload for efficiency and effective outcomes Uses formal analytical thinking techniques for identifying issues and generating possible solutions Uses main features and functions of digital tools to complete work tasks |
Sectors
Systems administration and support