Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This competency standard covers the skills required to systematically generate and develop innovative ideas in the workplace. It is a generic standard, which may be customised for different work contexts within the cultural industries.

This competency standard requires the skills to interpret or observe a need and develop a detailed idea. This requires the creative generation and discussion of a number of ideas or solutions and accepting positive and negative feedback. Ideas should be tested in order to establish and present a workable outcome which meets the needs of the end user.

This standard of competency could be completed by anyone in the cultural industries above entry and basic operational levels. Its six elements cover all six innovation  @ work  skills which are central to innovative thinking. Examples of how this unit works in practice can be found in the Supporting Information section of the Training Package.

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency.

Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge section and the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Interpret the need for innovation

1.1. The need, brief or opportunity for innovation  within workplace context is recognised.

1.2. Assumptions  about products/processes are challenged to identify opportunities for innovation.

1.3. Possible future contexts and environments for the innovation are projected.

1.4. End user requirements  are identified.

1.5. Resources and constraints are identified.

1.6. Factors  and ethical considerations that may impact on the idea are researched.

1.7. Relevant organisational knowledge is accessed.

1.8. Desired outcomes from innovation are identified.

2. Generate a range of ideas

2.1. Ideas are conceptualised using a range of creative thinking techniques .

2.2. Relevant knowledge  to explore a range of approaches is applied.

2.3. Stimulation from alternative sources  is sought.

2.4. Ideas are tested against the brief and other factors.

2.5. Preferred idea/s is selected.

3. Collaborate with others

3.1. Idea/s is developed in conjunction with relevant people .

3.2. Feedback is sought and accepted from relevant people in an appropriate fashion.

3.3. Idea/s is modified according to feedback.

3.4. A network of peers  is established, maintained and utilised to develop the idea/s.

4. Reflect on idea/s

4.1. Idea/s is analysed from different perspectives using structured reflection.

4.2. Appropriate strategies are used to capture reflections.

4.3. Time is allowed for the development and analysis of idea/s.

4.4. Reflections are utilised to improve the idea/s.

5. Represent idea/s

5.1. An appropriate communication method  is selected for the target audience.

5.2. The presentation of the idea/s is developed with the audience in mind.

5.3. The idea/s is presented to educate /inform the client .

5.4. The idea/s is modified according to client feedback.

6. Evaluate the idea/s

6.1. The idea/s is reviewed  using appropriate evaluation methods  to ensure it meets required needs.

6.2. The idea/s is modified as required.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.

Required skills 

• research skills
• active listening
• interpersonal skills
• network skills
• team work
• lateral thinking
• the ability to analyse self and external factors
• time management skills.

Required knowledge 

• relevant technical, job and industry knowledge
• knowledge of organisational culture
• knowledge of social, environmental and work culture impacts
• knowledge of principles of innovation

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

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 following is essential:

• accurate interpretation of a brief
• the creative generation of a number of ideas or solutions to meet the needs of an end user within specific contexts in the cultural industries.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• interaction with others to reflect the collaborative nature of the development process.

Method of assessment 

Assessment may incorporate a range of methods to assess performance and the application of essential underpinning knowledge, and might include:

• direct questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate
• direct observation of the candidate participating in discussions and other collaborative activities to develop ideas or solutions
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of creative thinking techniques and methods for evaluating ideas or solutions.

Guidance information for assessment 

This competency standard may be assessed with any other standards that make up a specific job function for a specific context within the cultural industries. It is probably of most use at AQF level 3 and above.

Standards may include:

• CULMS617B Undertake research
• BSBDES402A Interpret and respond to a design brief
• CUVCRS11B Select and prepare work for exhibition
• CUVCON06B Develop concepts for arts organisations/projects
• CUVPHI03B Research and apply information on the traditions which inform photoimaging practice

Please note : the above is a generic list which may apply across the cultural industries. Some of the units may not be included in this particular Training Package.

RANGE STATEMENT 

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.

Innovation  is:

• the process of generating new ideas or solutions, or new uses for old ideas and making them useful or a means of improvement.

Assumptions  can be about any convention in the workplace and might include:

• work process
• product
• materials
• system
• tools
• working conditions.

The user requirements  refer to:

• who will be using the end product
• why it is needed
• how it will be used
• what advantages it will provide
• where it will be used.

Factors  impacting on the idea might include:

• aesthetic requirements
• functionality
• information available
• OH&S and environmental considerations
• budget
• client preferences.

Creative thinking techniques  include:

• brainstorming
• visualising
• making associations
• building on associations
• telling stories
• creative writing
• lateral thinking games
• mind mapping
• drawings
• Six Thinking Hats
• using prompts.

Relevant knowledge  refers to:

• technical knowledge
• information gained from books or videos
• knowledge from different work areas and work colleagues.

Stimulation from alternative sources  might come from:

• reading books and industry journals
• talking with colleagues and friends
• visiting libraries
• attending industry workshops
• participating in networks.

Relevant people  might include:

• colleagues
• team members
• supervisors
• managers
• clients.

Maintaining a network of peers  can include:

• participating in forums
• participating in industry training
• attending workshops
• becoming a member of a network.

Communication methods  refer to how you will present your ideas, for example:

• writing a proposal
• building a model
• showing a film
• presenting a talk
• preparing a report
• drawing a diagram.

Educating /informing the client  refers to helping the client visualise and understand the idea/s and involves:

• actively listening
• asking questions
• accepting their opinion
• explaining the proposal
• clarifying the details.

Reviewing  the idea might involve checking:

• that the idea can be implemented
• that it meets the client/end user needs
• that it meets best practice
• assessing financial requirements.

Evaluation methods  might include:

• developing checklists
• discussing the process with colleagues or supervisors
• writing a report of the outcomes.

Unit sector 

Co-requisite units 

Competency field 

Research and Innovation