Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to determine, administer and maintain resources and equipment to complete a variety of tasks.

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

Application of the unit 

This unit applies to individuals who are skilled operators and apply a broad range of competencies in various work contexts. They may exercise discretion and judgement using appropriate theoretical knowledge of business resources and their maintenance to provide technical advice and support to a team.

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. Advise on resource requirements

1.1. Calculate estimates of future and present business resource needs  in accordance with organisational requirements 

1.2. Ensure advice is clear, concise and relevant to achievement of organisational requirements

1.3. Provide information on the most economical and effective choice of equipment, materials and suppliers

1.4. Identify resource shortages and possible impact on operations

2. Monitor resource usage and maintenance

2.1. Ensure resource handling is in accordance with established organisational requirements including occupational health and safety requirements 

2.2. Use business technology  to monitor and identify the effective use of resources

2.3. Use consultation with individuals and teams to facilitate effective decision making on the appropriate allocation of resources

2.4. Identify and adhere to relevant policies regarding resource use  in the performance of operational tasks

2.5. Routinely monitor and compare resource usage with estimated requirements in budget plans

3. Acquire resources

3.1. Ensure acquisition and storage of resources is in accordance with organisational requirements, is cost effective and consistent with organisational timelines

3.2. Acquire resources within available time lines to meet identified requirements

3.3. Review resource acquisition processes  to identify improvements in future resource acquisitions

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• literacy skills to read and understand organisation's policies and procedures; to write simple instructions for a particular routine task
• evaluation skills to diagnose faults and to monitor resource usage
• problem-solving skills to determine appropriate fault repair actions
• numeracy skills to calculate resource expenditure
• technology skills to select and use technology appropriate to a task.

Required knowledge 

• key provisions of relevant legislation from all levels of government that may affect aspects of business operations, such as:

• anti-discrimination legislation
• ethical principles
• codes of practice
• privacy laws
• occupational health and safety (OHS)

• organisational resource acquisition policies, plans and procedures
• functions of a range of business equipment
• organisational procedures for record keeping/filing systems, security and safe recording practices.

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:

• collecting and recording data on resource use
• observing resource use over defined and operational timeframes
• carrying out routine maintenance
• knowledge of organisational resource acquisition policies, plans and procedures.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
• access to office equipment and resources.

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
• review of documentation estimating future and present business resource needs
• analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
• demonstration of techniques
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of equipment maintenance procedures
• review of information provided on the most economical and effective choice of equipment, materials and suppliers
• evaluation of documentation reviewing resource acquisition processes.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

• other general administration units.

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.

Business resources  may include:

• equipment
• facilities
• human resources
• raw materials
• software
• stock and supplies

Organisational requirements  may include:

• access and equity principles and practice
• business and performance plans
• defined resource parameters
• ethical standards
• goals, objectives, plans, systems and processes
• legal and organisational policies, guidelines and requirements
• management and accountability channels
• manufacturer's and operational specifications
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• quality and continuous improvement processes and standards
• quality assurance and/or procedures manuals
• security and confidentiality requirements

Occupational heath and safety requirements  may include:

• decision making delegations
• equipment use
• first aid kit
• medical attention
• reporting requirements
• site access

Business technology  may include:

• computer applications
• computers
• modems
• personal schedules
• photocopiers

Policies regarding resource use  may include:

• budgeting limits
• ordering procedures
• purchasing authorities
• recruitment and personnel
• time management
• transport/travel policies

Resource acquisition processes  may include:

• contracted supplier ordering
• internal approvals
• non-tendered processes
• periodic forecasts
• tendered processes

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Administration - General Administration

Co-requisite units