ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Plan analysis

1.1 Analysis and descriptive tools and techniques are chosen appropriate to the nature of the information and the required outcome/s.

1.2 Priority of data to be interrogated is determined in consultation with relevant suitably qualified people, and work is organised accordingly.

1.3 An understanding of the nature of the program or activity from which the data is obtained is reflected in the analysis of material.

1.4 An understanding of the way in which the data is structured in the system is reflected in the analysis.

1.5 The likely statistical indicators of the results are reflected in the analysis.

2. Apply statistical concepts and processes

2.1 Software is used to retrieve data and present it in the required format.

2.2 Quantitative and/or qualitative analyses are performed to obtain required outcomes.

2.3 Analysis and descriptive tools and techniques are used appropriately given the nature of the information and the required outcomes.

2.4 Preliminary results are expressed in accordance with the required detail, format and timeframe of the project.

2.5 Analysis is performed in accordance with legislation, policy and guidelines.

3. Determine strengths and weaknesses of analysis

3.1 Sources of error are identified and described as required.

3.2 Limitations in the methodology are identified and described as appropriate.

3.3 The conduct and results of analysis are verified by a suitably qualified person.

4. Produce further statistics

4.1 Summary statistics are calculated from the given dataset as required in accordance with organisational requirements.

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

Skill requirements

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

numeracy proficiency in statistical data analysis

applying legislation, regulations and policies relating to statistical analysis

using at least one statistical analysis package

utilising the most relevant data capture (software)

using GIS and web mapping/web GIS tools to access and/or manipulate a range of data

using a spreadsheet or database package for data analysis

using statistical tools to collect, store and analyse data

calculating growth rates and percentage change over time

applying analytical problem solving

communicating statistical concepts

being able to 'listen' to data needs and use appropriate statistics such as mean, median, mode, standard deviation

responding to diversity, including gender and disability

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

reading and writing skills to produce relevant documentation

Knowledge requirements

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

legislation, regulations, policies, procedures and guidelines relating to statistical analysis

the limitations of the data and statistics used

the concept of variation

changes occurring over time

relevance of the calculated statistics and the meta-data associated with these statistics

the importance of selecting the appropriate statistical analysis

the method of selecting the appropriate statistical analysis

sources of expertise within the organisation

equal employment opportunity, equity and diversity principles

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

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.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms consistency of performance in interrogating and analysing statistical data.

This will include evidence of:

interrogating and analysing at least three actual or simulated statistical data collections, on three separate occasions or for three different situations/contexts

adhering to legal, ethical and organisational requirements relating to statistical data interrogation and analysis

Context of and specific resources for assessment

Assessment must ensure access to a real or simulated workplace environment that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered while conducting investigations, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine.

Access is required to resources such as:

applicable legislation, policies and procedures

case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of requirements for situations likely to be encountered

technology and statistical tools

Method of assessment

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

case studies

demonstration

observation

written or oral questions

scenarios

simulation or role plays

authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

Guidance information for assessment

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

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.

Analysis techniques may include:

re-coding data into a form appropriate for analysis

construction of graphs

calculation of summary statistics

implementation of statistical tests

Software may include:

Geographic Information System (GIS)

spreadsheet tools

Legislation, policy and guidelines 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

Sources of error may include:

error due to sampling variation

error due to non-response or poor survey design

measurement error

Summary statistics may include:

mean

median

mode

standard deviation

standard error

relative standard error

history summaries

trend summaries