ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Define purpose/outputs

1.1 Required deliverables are confirmed with relevant personnel/stakeholders.

1.2 Tasks are reviewed to identify requirements.

1.3 Requirements are specified and confirmed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

2. Define scope

2.1 The population for the study is defined.

2.2 The audience for the project's outputs is defined.

2.3 Proposed hypotheses are defined and any anticipated issues identified.

2.4 The duration, sequence and inter-dependence of tasks are determined in consultation with stakeholders.

2.5 The scope is specified and agreed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

3. Research and identify possible sources of data

3.1 Data sources and statistics already in existence are identified.

3.2 Alternative sources of data are identified.

3.3 Data is sourced to test hypotheses.

4. Develop project documentation

4.1 Information is collated and examined to determine the detail required in project brief and specifications.

4.2 Statistical processes are identified for later use in conjunction with a suitably qualified person.

4.3 Legal and ethical issues relating to the collection of data are identified and addressed.

4.4 The final reporting medium is identified.

4.5 Anticipated communication strategies are determined.

4.6 Risk management strategies are developed in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

5. Determine resource requirements

5.1 Project/survey costs are estimated to enable budgets to be developed and implemented in accordance with legislation, policy and procedures.

5.2 Information technology requirements are identified.

5.3 Any special equipment or resource requirements are identified.

5.4 Equipment and material requirements are accessed according to the project/survey requirements.

6. Confirm feasibility

6.1 Identified variations to the feasibility of the project/survey are determined and documented to enable adjustments to be made.

6.2 Adjusted feasibility of the project/survey is evaluated to confirm progress of the project.

6.3 Feasibility is confirmed and the project is approved in accordance with organisational policy and procedures.

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to statistical data collection in the public sector

using numeracy skills to estimate costs, assess data sources and schedule tasks

managing statistical projects

communicating with a diverse range of stakeholders including consultation and negotiation

applying time management

applying problem solving

using information technology including databases and spreadsheets

differentiating between primary and secondary data sources

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

applying procedures relating to occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical data collection

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to statistical data collection in the public sector, such as freedom of information, privacy

the limitations of the statistics being worked on

the way statistics can be used to inform policy development

statistical standards and classification systems

the differences between primary and secondary data sources

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment in the context of statistical data collection

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together

Pre-requisite units that must be achieved prior to this unit:Nil

Co-requisite units that must be assessed with this unit:Nil

Co-assessed units that may be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

PSPETHC501B Promote the values and ethos of public service

PSPGOV502B Develop client services

PSPGOV503B Coordinate resource allocation and usage

PSPGOV504B Undertake research and analysis

PSPGOV521A Collect statistical data

PSPGOV522A Process statistical data

PSPGOV523A Interrogate and analyse statistical data

PSPGOV524A Interpret data and related statistics

PSPLEGN501B Promote compliance with legislation in the public sector

Overview of evidence requirements

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

the knowledge requirements of this unit

the skill requirements of this unit

application of Employability Skills as they relate to this unit

statistical data collection projects scoped in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment

These resources include:

legislation, policy, procedures and protocols relating to statistical data collection

access to existing sources of statistical data

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of statistical data collection projects likely to be encountered in the public sector

Where and how to assess evidence

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when scoping statistical data collection projects, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine

statistical data collection projects scoped in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time).

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

people with disabilities

people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

women

young people

older people

people in rural and remote locations.

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

case studies

portfolios

projects

questioning

scenarios

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The Range Statement provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Population is:

the group to which the study's conclusions are to apply

Data sources may include:

online sources, such as Australian Bureau of Statistics

text sources

Statistical processes may include:

survey design

methods of accessing, storing and analysing data

Legal and ethical issues may include:

confidentiality

copyright

privacy

Legislation, policy and procedures may include:

State/Territory and Commonwealth legislation and regulations such as:

public sector management acts

financial management acts

privacy legislation

equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination legislation

occupational health and safety legislation.

ethics and accountability standards

public sector standards

risk management standards

fraud control standards

government security standards

knowledge management standards

organisational policy, procedures and protocols