The unit applies to researching and evaluating new processes and products within the workplace.

Work is performed under limited guidance in line with a broad plan or strategy. Significant judgement is required in planning, design, technical or supervisory activities related to products or processes. Work responsibilities will vary in scope according to size of the workplace, range of products, specialisation in the workplace and workplace quality standards

Work may be conducted in small to large scale enterprises and may involve individual and team activities.

The application of this unit is according to OHS practices of the enterprise and workplace practices, which may include:

requirements prescribed by legislation, awards, agreements and conditions of employment

standard operating procedures

work instructions

oral, written and visual communication

quality practices, including responsibility for maintenance of own work quality and contribution to quality improvement of team or section output

housekeeping

tasks related to environmental protection, waste disposal, pollution control and recycling

This unit requires the application of skills associated with communication and learning to research and analyse data, consult with personnel, and present, report and document information. Initiative and enterprise, problem solving and planning and organising are used to determine capability and implications relating to research findings and develop strategic plans.

Prerequisites

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1 Research global and domestic trends

1.1 Global and domestic trends are researched and forecasted in relation to processes and products.

1.2 Developments in technology are investigated to ensure all possibilities are considered.

1.3 Implications of global and domestic trends on local industry are identified.

2 Identify manufacturing capabilities or implications

2.1 Manufacturing capabilities are identified in consultation with relevant personnel on issues such as human resources, materials, financial restraints, equipment capabilities, timelines, efficiency and OHS practices.

2.2 Options or requirements for use of external resources to undertake parts of work is determined when defining production capabilities.

3 Contribute to strategic planning

3.1 Parameters are clarified, in consultation with production development, sales and marketing team, management and client where required.

3.2 A strategy plan and critical path plan is developed, when necessary.

3.3 Constraints are identified and taken into account when formulating strategic plan.

4 Prepare reports and presentations

4.1 Relevant information is identified and compiled.

4.2 Data is checked for accuracy and relevance, when required.

4.3 Reports and presentations are prepared.

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level

Demonstrates knowledge of:

industry and product processes

product and process development procedures

machine and equipment, resource and skill capabilities within the workplace

links across the industry, global and local trends

research sources

quality standards and practices

OHS practices, including hazard identification and control measures

workplace practices

recording and reporting practices

Demonstrates skills to:

effectively evaluate processes and products

identify constraints

determine and recommend options

interpret specifications

establish availability of resources

establish, analyse and interpret procedures, where required

determine report requirements and present information

read, interpret and follow information on work specifications, standard operating procedures and work instructions, and other reference material

maintain accurate records

communicate within the workplace

sequence operations

meet specifications

clarify and check task-related information

carry out work according to OHS practices

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Critical aspects of evidence

Demonstrates skills and knowledge to:

research and forecast trends

identify manufacturing capabilities and implications

develop strategy plan and critical path plan

prepare reports and presentations

Consistency in performance

Consistently applies skills and knowledge when:

organising work

completing tasks according to instructions

working systematically with attention to detail

identifying improvements and avoiding damage

using workplace practices

using OHS practices

recording and reporting accidents and incidents

assessing operational readiness of equipment

recognising and adapting to cultural differences in the workplace,

including modes of behaviour and interactions

Resource implications

Access is required to real or appropriately simulated situations, including work areas, materials and equipment, and to information on workplace practices and OHS practices.

Context for assessment

Assessment may occur on the job or in an appropriately simulated environment.

Interdependent assessment

This unit may be assessed independently or in combination with other relevant units.

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. Add any essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment depending on the work situation, needs if the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts.

Legislative/regulatory requirements

All work must comply with relevant Federal and State or Territory legislative or regulatory requirements.

Trends may include:

global design trends

domestic design trends

forecasting

developments in technology

market forces

export and import practices

regulations

supply of raw materials

Manufacturing capabilities may refer to:

materials

equipment

human resources

financial restraints

timelines

efficiency

production priorities

Strategic planning may include:

consultation with a range of individuals and departments, including:

production

product development

sales and marketing team

management

client

Reports may be:

informal

formal for presentation at meetings

OHS practices

OHS practices include hazard identification and control, risk assessment and implementation of risk reduction measures specific to the tasks described by this unit, and may relate to:

manual handling techniques

standard operating procedures

personal protective equipment

safe materials handling

taking of rest breaks

ergonomic arrangement of workplaces

following marked walkways

safe storage of equipment

housekeeping

reporting accidents and incidents

environmental practices

Sector

All

This unit contains employability skills.