Modification History
Not applicable.
Unit Descriptor
This unit of competency covers the designing of a new product, or the redesigning of an existing product as a sustainable product or to improve its sustainability. It may be applied to a physical product, a service or some other type of ‘product’.
Application of the Unit
This unit is a Vocational Graduate Certificate unit and follows the AQF guidelines for such units in that it assumes an entry qualification, such as:
- an Advanced Diploma or Diploma in sustainability or relevant technical field,
- a Bachelor Degree in a relevant technical field
- other relevant higher education qualifications, often with relevant vocational practice
- relevant extensive vocational practice, without formal qualifications but which result in appropriate entry level skills.
This unit covers the analysis of the benefit received by the consumer and then an examination of how best this benefit can be delivered to maximise both the benefit and the sustainability of this benefit. It includes an analysis of the cradle to grave/cradle to cradle impacts of the product and the various sustainability impacts along the value chain.
This unit will lead to the design specification for a sustainable/more sustainable product. It does not include the implementation of that design.
It would typically be undertaken by a manager or senior technologist who has a significant sustainability responsibility work role.
Skills covered by this unit may be applied individually or in a team context.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
Not applicable.
Elements and Performance Criteria
1 |
Define the benefit received by the customer |
1.1 |
Select an existing or potential new product for analysis |
1.2 |
Determine who the customers are for the product |
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1.3 |
Determine uses of product by customers |
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1.4 |
Analyse the benefits received by the customer from using the product |
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1.5 |
Define and rank the benefits received |
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1.6 |
Validate benefits in an appropriate manner |
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2 |
Develop alternative ways of delivering benefit |
2.1 |
Brainstorm alternative methods of delivering required benefits |
2.2 |
Brainstorm related benefits which may also be able to be delivered |
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2.3 |
Analyse sustainability impacts of each alternative |
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2.4 |
Consult with relevant stakeholders, as appropriate |
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2.5 |
Rank alternatives by sustainability |
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2.6 |
Prepare an initial business case for top ranked alternatives |
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3 |
Develop product and process design |
3.1 |
Develop product design specification for alternatives most likely to be implemented |
3.2 |
Determine likely production process for alternatives most likely to be implemented |
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3.3 |
Analyse life cycle sustainability for alternatives most likely to be implemented |
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3.4 |
Select alternative to develop |
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3.5 |
Consult with relevant stakeholders, as appropriate |
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3.6 |
Confirm selected alternative does deliver key customer benefits |
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4 |
Confirm design for selected alternative |
4.1 |
Develop and document product specification |
4.2 |
Develop and document key production process parameters |
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4.3 |
Consult with relevant stakeholders, as appropriate |
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4.4 |
Prepare business case for implementing selected alternative |
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4.5 |
Negotiate solutions to value chain issues caused by changed design |
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5 |
Communicate required responses as appropriate |
5.1 |
Identify what communications are required and to whom |
5.2 |
Prepare appropriate reports and recommendations |
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5.3 |
Pitch reports and recommendations, as appropriate |
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5.4 |
Brief appropriate persons as required by determined responses |
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5.5 |
Finalise appropriate recording |
Required Skills and Knowledge
Required skills |
Required skills include:
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Required knowledge |
Required knowledge includes:
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Evidence Guide
Overview of assessment |
A person who demonstrates competency in this unit must be able to determine the sustainability related benefits sought by customers for products and design a product to maximise the identified sustainability related benefits. |
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit |
Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently apply the skills covered in this unit of competency in new and different situations and contexts. Critical aspects of assessment and evidence include:
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Context of and specific resources for assessment |
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Method of assessment |
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Guidance information for assessment |
Range Statement
Sustainability |
Sustainability incorporates the three aspects of:
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Product |
Product may include:
A product will be something which is produced/developed for/provided to a customer or client |
Benefit |
Benefit includes, but is not limited to, consideration of the:
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Alternative methods of delivering benefits |
Alternative methods of delivering benefits may include:
Alternatives to be considered also include design for:
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Portion of the value chain |
Value chain is the sequence of activities that a firm undertakes to create value/product (good or service). Portion of the value chain includes sections internal or external to the organisation |
Sustainability issues of particular relevance |
Sustainability issues of particular relevance include:
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Appropriate response |
Appropriate response includes:
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Unit Sector(s)
Sustainability
Custom Content Section
Not applicable.