Unit of competency details

Release 

Comments 

Release 1

This Unit first released with ICA11 Information and Communications Technology Training Package version 1.0

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. Identify the strategic and operational needs of the IT project during the planning phase

1.1 Identify the strategic and operational needs of the project during the planning phase

1.2 Identify and consider the project's strategic context  and requirements

1.3 Identify and consider the organisation's strategic and business plans and its output requirements

1.4 Identify and explore client requirements and the impact of legislation and industry codes and standards 

1.5 Conduct a risk-management analysis  and develop and document a risk-management plan

2. Prepare the IT project plan

2.1 Define and document precise specifications and terms of reference  for the project

2.2 Identify and document project budget, specified to a level that can be used for the management of sub-tasks

2.3 Define skills needed for the successful completion of project

2.4 Define, document and secure physical and other resources required to support the project

2.5 Develop and document timelines, schedules and critical path for the project, taking into consideration contingencies and planning for time slippages

2.6 Define and document a consultation strategy or process that will be used to inform clients, contractors and other interested parties of the project's progress, and seek their input as required

3. Assemble the IT project team and commence work

3.1 Secure and brief appropriate project team members regarding the project, their roles, levels of delegated responsibility and the outcomes to be achieved

3.2 Implement effective communication processes to coordinate work and inform team members of progress

3.3 Identify and communicate clear reporting processes for team members

4. Manage the IT project

4.1 Monitor project progress according to project plan requirements, using appropriate project-management tools  and methodologies

4.2 Manage team member performance, ensuring that their output is directed to the key performance indicators identified in the project plan

4.3 Make corrections, changes and additions to the project plan in light of changing circumstances to ensure project aims and outcomes

4.4 Monitor resourcing to support the project and make corrections to reflect changing circumstances

4.5 Report overall project progress to senior management or funding bodies as required and in line with the project plan

5. Finalise the IT project

5.1 Finalise the project in line with the project plan

5.2 Conduct handover to staff members responsible for the ongoing implementation or maintenance of project products or services efficiently, effectively and in line with organisational procedures

5.3 Debrief project team members and relevant stakeholders about the conduct of the project and the outcomes achieved

5.4 Prepare a report analysing the strengths and weaknesses of the project plan and the conduct of the project

6. Use the IT project to contribute to improved policies and processes

6.1 Identify and analyse opportunities for wider organisational learning, including changes to processes or policies generated by the project

6.2 Forward opportunities for future further developments following project completion for consideration by senior management

6.3 Consider the strategic impact of the project and feed into the organisation's ongoing strategic planning processes

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• design, implement, manage and finalise a complex IT project
• manage planning processes, scheduling, human resources, reporting and response to contingencies
• ensure projects undertaken are aligned with and support organisational strategies and requirements
• learn from project outcomes and refine and improve future IT project management processes.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• codes and standards
• legislation relevant to the jurisdiction and the project being undertaken
• project documentation
• research resources, including product information and data
• theoretical texts and other information to support the assessment of the unit's required skills and knowledge
• relevant computer software packages and suitable hardware
• appropriate learning and assessment support when required
• modified equipment for people with special needs.

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 observation of candidate performing complex IT project management
• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s ability to formulate metrics and milestones
• review of candidate’s project documentation.

Guidance information for assessment 

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, where appropriate.

Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate, and suitable to the communication skill level, language, literacy and numeracy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

Indigenous people and other people from a non-English speaking background may need additional support.

In cases where practical assessment is used it should be combined with targeted questioning to assess required knowledge.

Strategic context  may include:

• operating environment in which the project will be conducted.

Legislation and industry codes and standards  may include:

• Australian Computer Society Code of Ethics
• sector-specific impacts on the project design and delivery.

Risk-management analysis  may include:

• business continuity, including emergency plans for activities to continue in the event of loss of building, equipment or systems
• changing government policy or funding arrangements
• environmental concerns:

• hazardous waste
• pollution
• tree-retention policies

• public liability
• safety of staff
• workers-compensation claims.

Specifications and terms of reference  may include:

• definition of the project aims
• description of stakeholders
• description of the outcomes to be achieved using, wherever possible, the nomination of clear metrics
• description of the project parameters:

• flexibilities involved
• scope of operations

• identification of the budget
• specification of the communication strategy to be used
• specification of the timescale.

Project-management tools  may:

• be in-house or proprietary software
• incorporate scheduling and reporting templates
• incorporate the use of Gantt or PERT charts
• use critical path analysis.