Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

Element 

Performance Criteria 

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.

1. Direct strategic planning for IT resources

1.1 Analyse organisational environment 

1.2 Ensure compliance with legislative and social requirements

1.3 Establish priorities based on organisational need

1.4 Establish required IT infrastructure 

1.5 Lead the development and implementation of a strategic plan  for IT resourcing

2. Lead risk management of IT resources and processes

2.1 Lead development of strategy for risk assessment 

2.2 Ensure risk assessment complies with organisational policy 

2.3 Ensure risk mitigation  based on identified risks

3. Direct quality assurance processes for IT services

3.1 Lead the development of a quality assurance strategic plan

3.2 Monitor quality processes 

3.3 Oversee the implementation of quality assurance strategies

3.4 Ensure continuous improvement 

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• develop a strategy to align IT services with organisational goals
• conduct risk analysis, including security for IT assets and implement procedures that identify where risk occurs and what measures need to be taken to handle the risk
• produce contingency plans for business continuity
• establish warning systems and an ongoing process that includes regular or programmed reviews of the risk profile
• confirm sufficient knowledge of security products and organisational security policy
• develop strategy for the implementation of appropriate processes and procedures that ensure that quality expectations are met.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• relevant strategic level enterprise documentation, including planning, financial, and IT infrastructure documentation
• relevant legislative policies.

Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with special needs.

Method of assessment 

A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit:

• direct observation of the candidate carrying out project work
• verbal or written questioning to assess required knowledge and skills
• review of reports and implementation plans
• portfolio of the project work undertaken.

Note: The preferred assessment method is through a workplace project or through a simulated medium to large enterprise workplace.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Organisational environment  may include:

• business or management structure
• conglomerate of business entities
• external environment in which a business is operating, including contractors and externally provided services
• specific business entity
• way in which organisational members perceive and characterise their environment in an attitudinal and value-based manner.

IT infrastructure  may include:

• architecture requirements:

• hardware
• software

• business, system, application, network, or people in the organisation
• comparing and contrasting expected performance criteria against vendor proposed offerings
• databases, applications, servers, operating system, gateways, application service provider (ASP) and internet service provider (ISP)
• work stations, personal computers, modems or other connectivity devices, networks, remote sites, and servers.

Strategic plan  may relate to:

• components from separate disciplines, such as IT or human resources
• mission, vision and values
• objectives and targets
• organisational environment
• part of organisational strategic plan or a stand-alone document
• process of the organisation's definition of its strategy or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy, including its capital and people.

Risk assessment  may include:

• coordinated and economical application of resources to minimise, monitor and control the probability or impact of unfortunate events or to maximise the realisation of opportunities
• establishment of a secure environment for IT assets
• identification, assessment and prioritisation of risks
• risk plans, gathering information, identifying threats, evaluating threats, developing scenarios, ranking risk, identifying counter measures, reporting and following up.

Organisational policy  may refer to:

• documentation internal to the organisation that guides actions that are particular to the organisation issuing the policy, and guides processes that are most likely to achieve a desired outcome
• process of making important organisational decisions, including the identification of different alternatives, such as programs or spending priorities, and choosing among them on the basis of the impact they will have
• political, management, financial and administrative mechanisms arranged to reach explicit goals.

Risk mitigation  may include:

• identification of one or more potential solutions to reduce or remove each risk if it arises
• implementation of policies or actions that identify risks in an existing or planned process.

Quality processes :

• may refer to:

• processes that analyse quality to make sure it conforms to specific requirements and complies with established plans
• processes, authorisations and responsibilities for quality control, quality assurance, continuous improvement, communications and responsibilities

• may contain:

• critical success factors
• measurement criteria
• inspection, audit, report and review procedures.

Continuous improvement  may include:

• efforts that seek incremental improvement over time or breakthrough improvement at once
• ongoing effort to improve products, services or processes
• processes that are constantly evaluated and improved in the light of their efficiency, effectiveness and flexibility.