Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to conduct applied research in the context of managing international education programs and activities in an international education organisation.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit relates to administrators with managerial responsibility who are required to conduct applied research in relation to international education programs and activities. They will be managing education programs and projects in organisations from one or more international education sectors (schools, English language training organisations, vocational education and training, higher education, postgraduate education). These organisations could be onshore or offshore and could be public or private.

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. Prepare a project brief relating to researching an aspect of international education

1.1. Identify purpose of applied research  to be conducted

1.2. Prepare a rationale for research and put forward hypotheses to be tested

1.3. Identify and report on research background and research procedures and methodology  to be used

1.4. Define activities to be undertaken in conducting the research, timeframe, resources required and expected business outcomes

1.5. Develop process and criteria to evaluate achievement of the outcomes

2. Undertake applied research

2.1. Outline methodology, procedure, research tools, variables and any legal or ethical considerations  for the project

2.2. Manage and conduct research activities using effective techniques for project management, implementation and data collection

2.3. Collect and analyse data, and record appropriate project activities

3. Prepare and present appropriate documentation on research outcomes

3.1. Prepare appropriate documentation  on research outcomes that is original, thorough, well reasoned, clear and succinct

3.2. Present research outcomes and where relevant, recommendations for further research, action or implementation

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to prepare reports; to conduct surveys; to explain research objectives, processes and outcomes clearly to others
• initiative and enterprise skills to identify innovative applications of research in an international education context
• learning skills to select appropriate research methodology for purpose
• literacy skills to prepare academic research reports in plain English
• numeracy skills to carry out statistical analysis as required by research activities
• planning and organising skills to plan and conduct research
• problem-solving skills to pose and solve research problem/s
• self-management skills to independently carry out research
• teamwork skills to collaborate with others as required in the research process
• technology skills to access resources using internet and library catalogues.

Required knowledge 

• application of a range of relevant research methods
• correct use of academic referencing and citation protocols
• relevant legal, ethical and organisational research requirements.

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:

• conducting original applied research in an international education organisation
• knowledge of relevant legal, ethical and organisational research requirements.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to international education-related data
• research activities are related to an international education context and a specific education sector.

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 questioning combined with review of portfolios of evidence and third party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the candidate performance in researching issues in international education
• evaluation of supervisor's reports on how the candidate conducted the research
• observation and evaluation of work role-related oral research presentations
• analysis of research records and reports developed by the candidate
• review of rationale prepared for research and hypotheses put forward to be tested
• review of data analysis and recorded project activities
• evaluation of documentation prepared on research outcomes
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of relevant research methods.

Guidance information for assessment 

• Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:
• with other units in the qualification in which this unit is packaged.

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.

Applied research  includes:

• research conducted for the primary purpose of solving an immediate, practical problem

Research procedures and methodology  may include:

• action plan including time line
• considering a range of possible methodologies and strategies such as:

• desk-based research
• ethnographic research
• interviews
• literature review
• questionnaires
• surveys

Legal or ethical considerations  may include:

• awareness of power relationships
• commercial confidentiality
• intellectual property
• organisational policies
• privacy and confidentiality

Appropriate documentation  may include:

• discussion of any limitations of methodology, data and analysis or process
• presentation of the outcomes
• relevant appendices
• research report
• support for the activity process or research hypothesis

Unit sector 

Educational Administration

Competency field 

Co-requisite units