SIRXQUA001A Develop innovative ideas at work

Revision Number: 2

SIRXQUA001A Develop innovative ideas at work

Modification History

The version details of this endorsed unit are in the table below. The latest information is at the top.

Release	Comments
Second Release	Editorial updates

Unit Descriptor

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to systematically generate and develop innovative ideas in the workplace.

Application of the Unit

This unit applies to team members who are encouraged develop innovative ideas in the workplace. It requires the skills to interpret or observe a need and develop a detailed idea. It involves the creative generation and discussion of a number of ideas or solutions, accepting positive and negative feedback, and testing ideas in order to establish and present a workable outcome that meets the needs of the end user.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

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

Pre-Requisites

Nil

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

Elements and Performance Criteria

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. Interpret the need for innovation.	1.1.Observe the need for innovation within workplace context. 1.2.Challenge assumptions about products and processes to identify opportunities for innovation. 1.3.Project possible future contexts and environments for the innovation. 1.4.Define end user requirements. 1.5.Identify resources and constraints. 1.6.Research factors and ethical considerations that may impact on the idea. 1.7.Access relevant organisational knowledge.
2. Generate ideas.	2.1.Conceptualise ideas using a range of creative thinking techniques. 2.2.Apply relevant knowledge to explore a range of approaches. 2.3.Seek stimulation from alternative sources. 2.4.Test ideas against brief and other factors. 2.5.Select preferred option.
3. Collaborate with others.	3.1.Develop ideas in conjunction with relevant people. 3.2.Seek and accept feedback from relevant people in an appropriate fashion. 3.3.Modify ideas according to feedback. 3.4.Maintain and utilise a network of peers to discuss ideas.
4. Analyse and reflect on ideas.	4.1.Analyse ideas from different perspectives. 4.2.Use appropriate strategies to capture reflections. 4.3.Examine ideas to ensure they meet context requirements, best practice and future needs. 4.4.Allow time for the development and analysis of ideas.
5. Represent ideas.	5.1.Select an appropriate communication technique for the target audience. 5.2.Develop the presentation of the idea with the audience in mind. 5.3.Present the idea to educate and inform the client. 5.4.Modify the idea according to client feedback.
6. Evaluate ideas.	6.1.Review ideas using appropriate evaluation methods to ensure they meet required needs. 6.2.Modify ideas as required.

Required Skills and Knowledge

This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.
Required skills
interpersonal skills to: collaborate with others and represent ideas through clear and direct communication ask questions to identify and confirm requirements use language and concepts appropriate to cultural differences use and interpret non-verbal communication work within teams analytical and lateral thinking skills to examine self and external factors
Required knowledge
relevant technical knowledge broad industry and market knowledge organisational culture social, environmental and work culture impacts 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, the range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for this Training Package.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Evidence of the following is essential: interprets the need for innovation in the workplace identifies resources and constraints and researches affecting factors when generating innovative ideas generates ideas using creative thinking techniques tests ideas against brief and other relevant factors presents and discusses ideas with relevant people seeks feedback and modifies ideas accordingly analyses and reflects on ideas to ensure they meet end user requirements presents ideas using appropriate communication methods reviews and modifies idea using appropriate evaluation methods.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	Assessment must ensure access to: a real or simulated work environment relevant documentation, such as store policy and procedures manuals a range of communication equipment.
Methods of assessment	A range of assessment methods should be used to assess practical skills and knowledge. The following examples are appropriate for this unit: observation of performance in the workplace third-party reports from a supervisor a detailed case study written or verbal questioning to assess knowledge and understanding review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance.
Guidance information for assessment	Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended.

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 in the performance criteria is detailed below.
Innovation may include:	generating new ideas or solutions developing new uses for old ideas and making them useful or a means of improvement.
End user requirements may refer to:	who will be using the end product why the product or process is needed how will it be used advantages will it provide where it will be used.
Resources and constraints may include:	time required costs equipment human resources work culture management practice technology needed.
Factors and ethical considerations may include:	aesthetic requirements functionality information available WHS environmental considerations.
Organisational knowledge may include:	technical knowledge information gained from books and audiovisual resources knowledge from different work areas informatin from work colleagues work processes product materials systems tools working conditions.
Feedback may be:	formal or informal verbal in writing in groups individual.
Creative thinking techniques may include:	brainstorming visualising making associations building on associations telling stories creative writing lateral thinking games mind mapping, drawings six thinking hats using prompts.
Stimulation from alternative sources may include:	reading books and industry journals talking with colleagues and friends visiting art galleries and museums going to industry workshops networks.
Relevant people may include:	colleagues team members supervisors managers the client.
Maintaining a network of peers may include:	participating in forums participating in industry training attending workshops becoming a member of a network.
Capture of reflections may include:	mind mapping assessing alternatives drawing comparisons imagining possible outcomes imagining best and worst case scenarios.
Communication techniques may include:	writing a proposal building a model showing a film presenting a talk preparing a report drawing a diagram.
The audience may include:	external contacts internal contacts, such as management and other team members groups or individuals people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and with varying physical and mental abilities.
Presentation of ideas may include:	helping the client visualise and understand the idea actively listening asking questions accepting others opinions explaining the proposal clarifying details.
Formal review of the idea may involve:	checking that the idea can be implemented that it meets the client and end user needs best practice financial requirements resource requirements.
Evaluation methods may include:	developing checklists discussing the process with colleagues or supervisors writing a report of the outcomes.

Unit Sector(s)

Cross-Sector

Competency field

Quality and Innovation