Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit covers the competency to effectively research and evaluate national and international developments and trends in furniture and furnishing products, materials and processes.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

Nil

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. Research global market trends

1.1. Global market trends are researched and/or forecast in relation to products and processes

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

2. Research production materials

2.1. Issues which may impact on the availability of current production materials are analysed and likely changes are forecast

2.2. Availability of new and/or alternative materials is researched and projections of potential benefits is completed

3. Identify manufacturing capabilities or implications

3.1. Manufacturing capabilities are defined in consultation with relevant personnel on issues such as human resources, materials, financial restraints, equipment capabilities, timelines and efficiency

3.2. Options or requirements for utilisation of external resources to undertake part of the work is determined when defining production capabilities

4. Evaluate and recommend product and materials options

4.1. Relevant information related to products, materials and processes is identified and compiled into usable data form

4.2. The impact of national and international trends on products and materials is analysed and preferred courses or options are identified

4.3. Other parameters are clarified, in consultation with production development, sales/marketing team, management and/or client, where required

4.4. Reports and/or presentations are prepared in accordance with enterprise procedures for input into business planning

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• research, collect, organise and understand information related to national and international developments and trends in products, materials and processes
• communicate ideas and information to enable clarification of the requirements, coordination of work, the presentation/reporting of outcomes, findings and recommendations
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and implementation of the formation collection strategy and plan, and actions to avoid any back tracking, interruptions or unproductive effort
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise information availability and workflow
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly compile comparative data required for the description, analysis and evaluation of options
• create and apply systematic problem solving techniques to anticipate problems, avoid re-working and avoid inaccurate or inconclusive data
• use the workplace and commercial technology related to research, modelling and evaluation and to the storage and retrieval of information

Required knowledge 

• relevant OHS legislation, regulatory requirements and copyright obligations and codes of practice
• sources of information on the appropriate furnishing sector, global and local trends
• existing research networks
• product specifications, materials and processes (existing and already forecast)
• business planning processes and techniques
• safety and environmental aspects of relevant enterprise activities

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.

Critical aspects of evidence 

• Apply workplace health and safety policies in work operations
• Communicate effectively with customers, support agencies and colleagues
• Individually or as part of a management team, research and evaluate a significant product, its materials and processes, and:

• research/forecast trends
• define manufacturing capabilities/implications
• identify the options in terms of the product and materials and the feasibility of production processes
• evaluate options and provide balanced support for recommendations
• provide formal recommendations for preferred business options

Resource implications 

Access to real or appropriately simulated product, materials and process research and evaluation situations.

This includes real or simulated work areas, materials, equipment, and information on work specifications and production processes, relevant safety procedures and regulations, quality standards, enterprise procedures and customer requirements.

Method of assessment 

Assessment methods must confirm consistency of performance over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts.

Assessment should be by direct observation of tasks and/or samples of work and questioning on underpinning knowledge.

Assessment should be conducted over time and will generally be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency.

Context of assessment 

Assessment may occur on the job or in a simulated workplace facility with relevant equipment, simulated work instructions and deadlines.

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.

Unit scope 

• Work involves activities associated with researching and evaluating new or alternate products, materials and related processes as a contribution to business planning
• Significant research and analytical capabilities and judgement is required for this strategic function

Unit context 

• OHS requirements include legislation, building codes, material safety management systems, hazardous substances and dangerous goods codes and safe operating procedures
• Work is carried out in accordance with legislative obligations, environmental legislation, relevant health regulations, authorised handling procedures and organisation insurance requirements

Workplace environment 

• The competency can refer to enterprise and/or client initiated concepts, ideas or needs
• Activities may relate to all the sector criteria normally required to evaluate products, materials and processes
• The competency is applied without guidance in line with a broad plan, budget or existing strategy

Information and procedures 

• Current and proposed product specifications
• Design briefs
• Marketing strategies
• Organisation work procedures
• Customer requirements
• Legislation, regulations, and codes of practice
• National and international sector publications related to products and materials innovations and change
• National and international materials/resource forecast documents
• National and international trade fairs, expositions and symposiums
• Quality and Australian standards and procedures

Unit sector 

Furnishing Technology

Competency field 

Co-requisite units