Unit of competency details

Elements and Performance Criteria 

Element 

Performance Criteria 

1

Clarify the purpose of the report

1.1

The purpose  of the report is clarified with the person requesting the report

1.2

The audience  for the report is determined

1.3

The scope of the report  is determined and time allowed for the research and production of the report are discussed and established

1.4

Format, style  and deadline for delivery of the report are agreed

2

Collect information

2.1

Sources of information are identified and strategies for obtaining the information established

2.2

Information is collected from a range of sources  using appropriate techniques 

2.3

Accurate records of information and sources are maintained

3

Analyse research findings

3.1

Data is analysed and interpreted

3.2

Accuracy and completeness of information is checked

3.3

Key issues for further research or discussion are identified

3.4

Conclusions and recommendations are developed

4

Report on research findings

4.1

Information on which the conclusions are based is organised in a clear and logical format in line within report writing conventions

4.2

Draft report is prepared for discussion and review

4.3

Draft report is edited in light of comments and is presented to appropriate personnel

4.4

Deadlines for provision of materials are met

5

Make presentations

5.1

Presentations are relevant and appropriately researched

5.2

Sources of information are acknowledged

5.3

Presentations are clear and sequential and delivered within a predetermined time, using appropriate methods and equipment  to enhance the presentation

5.4

Questions from the audience are responded to in a manner consistent with organisation standards

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE &SKILLS 

Knowledge requirements include :

research techniques

conventions of report writing

presentation approaches and principles

Skills requirements include :

time management skills

research skills

organisation and analysis skills

communication skills

ability to organise materials and to write clearly and logically

presentation skills

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

Assessment of performance requirements in the unit should be undertaken in an industry context. The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for the unit. Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria including the Range Statement applicable to the workplace.

Overview of assessment requirements 

To achieve competency in this unit, a person must be able to demonstrate:

the ability to carry out all phases of the report writing process from defining the purpose and scope, collecting and analysing the information and producing the final product and presenting the results in a formal situation

Critical aspects of evidence 

Evidence required for demonstration of consistent performance :

Competence in this unit must be assessed over a period of time in order to ensure consistency of performance over the Range Statement and contexts applicable to the work environment.

Delivery /relationship to other units :

This unit may be assessed on its own or it may be assessed with other units that cover related skills and knowledge.

Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity which combines the elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of units of competency.

Assessment requirements 

Method of assessment :

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills and other methods as required.

Context of assessment :

This unit may be assessed in the workplace, in an educational institution or in a combination of these two settings.

Resources required for assessment :

Assessment of this unit of competence requires access to company documents and information systems, research tools such as computers and libraries, and access to relevant personnel as required by the topic of the report.

The Range Statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that will affect performance.

The following variables 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. If bold italicised  text is shown in Performance Criteria, details of the text are provided in the Range Statement.

Purpose  may include:

statements to investors

statistical reports

reports to management

contributions to annual reports

reports covering legislative requirements

reports to investors

Audience  may include:

management

shareholders

consumers

government bodies

customers

Scope of the report  may include:

limited scope or more global as defined in discussion with person requiring the report

Format , style  may include:

formal or informal

following report writing conventions

summary report or more detailed

acknowledgement of sources

Range of sources  may be:

company documents and databases

Australian Bureau of Standards (ABS) data

libraries

internet

industry and professional organisations

Appropriate techniques  may include:

library research

Internet searching

accessing company data

discussions with experts (internal, external)

Methods and equipment  may include:

data projector (power point presentation)

overhead transparencies

slides

sets of notes

exhibits