Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This is unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to apply basic mathematical functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to undertake workplace calculations or to estimate approximate answers when exact calculations are not required.

Application of the unit 

This unit has application in a production environment where basic mathematics may be required to undertake or support work processes. Typical applications of mathematical concepts in the workplace include but are not limited to measuring or estimating product characteristics, such as weight, capacity, time and temperature; measuring and estimating material usage, quantities and ratios; measuring equipment and processing parameters, such as speed/throughput; and calculating entitlements, such as pay, leave entitlements, and shift allowances.

The unit requires both calculation and estimation skills with the choice between calculation and estimation dependent on the particular process and sector.

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. Apply basic mathematical concepts to calculate workplace information

1.1. Calculation requirements are identified and appropriate method is selected

1.2. Data is obtained from relevant sources and interpreted correctly.

1.3. Calculations are undertaken using addition, subtraction, multiplication and division to support work role

2. Apply basic mathematical concepts to estimate workplace information

2.1. Estimation requirements are identified and appropriate estimation method is selected

2.2. Data is obtained from relevant sources and interpreted correctly.

2.3. Estimations are made to meet work requirements

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

Ability to :

• identify whether a calculation or estimation is required to meet workplace requirements
• carry out calculations involving basic addition, subtraction, division and multiplication to support work role (this may involve use of a calculator and conversion tables where required)
• use estimation techniques to check quantities, ratios, speed and other required data estimates
• use estimation techniques to check calculated results and workplace data
• record calculations and measurement information accurately according to enterprise procedures
• use oral communication skills/language competence to fulfil the job role as specified by the organisation, including questioning, active listening, asking for clarification and seeking advice from supervisor
• work cooperatively within a culturally diverse workforce

Required knowledge 

Knowledge of :

• mathematical processes, including addition, subtraction, multiplication and division
• application of calculation and estimation techniques to meet work requirements
• units of measurement used in the workplace, including whole numbers, fractions and decimals (to one decimal point) (this may include use of conversion charts)
• representation of numerical information relevant to work requirements, such as charts, graphs and tables
• recording requirements and responsibilities where relevant

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 

Assessment must be carried out in a manner that recognises the cultural and literacy requirements of the assessee and is appropriate to the work performed. Competence in this unit must be achieved in accordance with food safety standards and regulations.

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit 

Evidence of ability to:

• identify calculation or estimation requirements
• carry out calculations involving basic addition, subtraction, division and multiplication
• where estimations are used, estimated amounts must be consistent with process or product specification and demonstrate knowledge of measurement units used in the workplace
• use estimation techniques to check calculated results and workplace data.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must occur in a real or simulated workplace where the assessee has access to:

• work tasks requiring simple estimation and calculation
• conversion tables, calculators and measuring instruments where required
• workplace forms/documents used for recording data where required.

Method of assessment 

This unit should be assessed together with other units of competency relevant to the function or work role. Example could be:

• FDFOP2015A Apply principles of statistical process control.

Guidance information for assessment 

To ensure consistency in one's performance, competency should be demonstrated on more than one occasion over a period of time in order to cover a variety of circumstances, cases and responsibilities, and where possible, over a number of assessment activities.

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.

Calculations 

Calculations may include:

• the use of whole numbers, decimals, fractions and percentages

Calculations may be made:

• manually or using calculators and other measuring instruments as appropriate to the task

Estimations 

Estimations can be used where the workplace tasks require only an approximate judgment of an amount, ratio, speed, and so on. Estimations can be made from:

• observations of other amounts or measurements
• supplied data, such as volume or weight information on packaging of raw materials

Conversion charts 

Conversion charts are those in common use in the workplace

Results 

Results may or may not be recorded depending on workplace requirements

Numerical information 

Numerical information may be presented in forms, including:

• simple run charts
• graphs

Unit sector 

Operational

Competency field 

Co-requisite units