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 areas of poor performance

1.1 Collect system performance data, during various usage conditions and times, using available technical tools 

1.2 Evaluate the collected system performance  data related to organisational benchmarks and client  feedback to identify areas of poor performance

2. Investigate methods to improve system performance

2.1 Identify options to improve performance  through discussing the system performance findings with appropriate person  and accessing technical resources

2.2 Create a report for appropriate person, including cost analysis and identified options for alternative courses of action designed to measurably improve performance

2.3 Present report to appropriate person for decision as to preferred course of action

3. Develop an implementation plan for system optimisation

3.1 Develop a plan for implementing the approved optimisation, with prioritised tasks and minimum disruption to clients

3.2 Factor project budget and staff availability into the implementation plan

3.3 Submit the implementation plan to the appropriate person for approval and revision, if necessary

4. Modify system to optimise performance

4.1 Install or configure system components  according to installation procedures and organisational guidelines , following the implementation plan

4.2 Measure and record the change in performance resulting from the system modification, in order to assess that the required level of optimisation has been achieved

4.3 Update appropriate documentation  according to organisational guidelines, to reflect the system optimisation

5. Monitor ongoing system performance

5.1 Implement and maintain a performance register

5.2 Review and assess benchmarks and performance regularly with the work team to enable timely optimisation and updates

Overview of assessment 

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

Evidence of the ability to:

• identify inadequacies in system performance
• analyse system performance
• tune the system to keep the system balanced and performing well.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure access to:

• system components and software for performance tuning
• technical manuals and resources
• fault logs
• diagnostic tools
• 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 system tests
• verbal or written questioning to assess candidate’s knowledge
• review of documentation recording system optimisation process.

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.

Tools  may include:

• electronic test equipment:

• data analyser
• oscilloscope
• voltmeter

• software.

System performance  may be related to:

• allocation of files across disk space
• disk speed
• I/O channel availability
• imbalances in disk use and available space
• memory availability and use
• number of concurrent users
• physical limitations of system
• poor design in a programs
• processor use
• queue depth
• seek time
• work load.

Client  may include:

• employee
• external organisation
• individual
• internal department.

Improving performance  may include:

• load balancing between servers or other network devices using switches or routers
• reducing total load by tuning the operating system
• tuning applications to reduce the load they impose
• tuning the disk sub-system
• using various system tools to adjust system parameters, including hardware or software upgrade.

Appropriate person  may include:

• authorised business representative
• client
• project manager
• supervisor.

Components  may include:

• CD and DVD drives
• central processing unit (CPU)
• complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) battery
• fax or modem cards
• interface cards
• motherboards
• random access memory (RAM).

Organisational guidelines  may include:

• communication methods
• content of emails
• dispute resolution
• document procedures and templates
• downloading information and accessing particular websites
• financial control mechanisms
• opening mail with attachments
• personal use of emails and internet access
• virus risk.

Documentation  may follow:

• audit trails
• International Organization for Standardization (ISO), International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Australian Standards (AS)
• naming standards
• project management templates
• report writing principles
• version control.