Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to select, use and maintain a range of business technology. This technology includes the effective use of computer software to organise information and data.

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 use business technology to perform a range of routine tasks. They use a limited range of practical skills and fundamental knowledge of equipment use and the organisation of data or files in a defined context, under direct supervision or with limited individual responsibility.

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. Select and use technology

1.1. Select appropriate technology  and software applications  to achieve the requirements of the task

1.2. Adjust workspace, furniture and equipment to suit user ergonomic requirements

1.3. Use technology according to organisational requirements  and in a way which promotes a safe work environment

2. Process and organise data

2.1. Identify, open, generate or amend files and records according to task and organisational requirements

2.2. Operate input devices  according to organisational requirements

2.3. Store data  appropriately and exit applications without damage to or loss of, data

2.4. Use manuals, training booklets and/or online help or help-desks to overcome basic difficulties with applications

3. Maintain technology

3.1. Identify and replace used technology consumables  in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational requirements

3.2. Carry out and/or arrange routine maintenance  to ensure equipment is maintained in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and organisational requirements

3.3. Identify equipment faults  accurately and take action in accordance with manufacturer's instructions or report fault to designated person

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• literacy skills to identify work requirements; to understand and process basic, relevant workplace information; and to follow written instructions
• communication skills to request advice, to receive feedback and to work with a team
• problem-solving skills to solve routine technology problems.

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 policies, plans and procedures, especially in regard to file-naming and storage conventions
• organisational IT procedures including back-up and virus protection procedures
• basic technical terminology in relation to reading help-files and manuals.

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:

• selection and application of appropriate equipment and software applications in relation to assigned task/s
• access, retrieval and storage of required data
• performance of basic maintenance on a range of office equipment

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure:

• access to an actual workplace or simulated environment
• access to office equipment and resources
• examples of files and data for storage
• manuals and training booklets for equipment.

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
• analysis of responses to case studies and scenarios
• demonstration of techniques
• oral or written questioning to assess knowledge of office equipment
• evaluation of maintaining technology.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• IT use units
• other industry capability 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.

Technology  may include:

• computer technology, such as laptops and personal computers
• digital cameras
• modems
• printers
• scanners
• zip drives
• photocopiers
• shredders
• binders
• laminators
• cutters

Software applications  may include:

• email, internet
• word processing, spreadsheet, database, accounting or presentation packages

Organisational requirements  may include:

• correctly identifying and opening files
• legal and organisation policies, guidelines and requirements
• locating data
• log-on procedures
• manufacturer's guidelines
• OHS policies, procedures and programs
• saving and closing files
• storing data

Input devices  may include:

• keyboard
• mouse
• numerical key pad
• scanner

Storage of data  may include:

• appropriate storage/filing of hard copies of computer generated documents
• storage in directories and sub-directories
• storage on CD-ROMs, hard and floppy disk drives or back-up systems

Technology consumables  may include:

• back-up tapes
• CD-ROM
• floppy disks
• print heads
• printer ribbons and cartridges
• toner cartridges
• zip disks

Routine maintenance  may include:

• in-house cleaning and servicing of equipment according to manufacturer's guidelines
• periodic servicing by qualified or manufacturer approved, technician
• regular checking of equipment
• replacing consumables

Identifying equipment faults  may include:

• checking repairs have been carried out
• encouraging feedback from work colleagues
• keeping a log book of detected faults
• preparing a maintenance program
• regular back-ups of data
• regular OHS inspections
• routine checking of equipment

Unit sector 

Competency field 

Industry Capability - Workplace Effectiveness

Co-requisite units