Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit defines the competency required to manipulate, convert and integrate data between different two or more commercial software applications.

There may be benefit in concurrent learning of the following unit:

• ICAU2006B Operate computing packages

The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:

• ICAD2012B Design organisational documents using computing packages
• ICAU2006B Operate computing packages

No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.

Application of the unit 

Prerequisite units 

ICAU1128B

Operate a personal computer

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. Determine work requirements

1.1. Identify the requirement of the task

1.2. Select appropriate software  and file formats

2. Produce required data/documents to new format

2.1. Create a mailing list using a database, spreadsheet or address book, and merge mailing list with another document

2.2. Use a conversion tool of a software application package  to convert data from one format  to another to enable additional work on the converted data

2.3. Save data to a new file format 

2.4. Import objects  from another software application package  and modify as required to produce a required outcome

2.5. Export data to another software application package  to produce a required outcome

2.6. Create a link between one software application package  and another, and use this to update information to a document

3. Save and retrieve data with the aid of help functions

3.1. Save data to disk 

3.2. Convert data to a new file format 

3.3. Re-access data and check information

3.4. Obtain organisational documentation, such as procedures, manuals and guides and use when appropriate

3.5. Save data to disk 

3.6. Access user help documentation or other resources for basic difficulties with software application package 

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

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

Required skills 

• Reading and general comprehension of technical manuals
• Basic analytical skills for known problems in routine procedures
• Problem solving skills in regard to known problems in routine processes
• Use of commercial computing packages and integration of those packages
• Clear and precise communication with team members and supervisors

Required knowledge 

• General understanding of features and functions of commercial computing packages
• Software packages used by the organisation
• Use of input/output devices
• Current business practices in relation to preparing reports
• Importing/exporting functions, linking documents

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:

• Assessment must verify the ability to manipulate, convert and integrate data between commercial application software.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

• Personal computer
• Basic software
• Document or information containing data suitable for use with multiple computing packages

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

An individual demonstrating this competency, may use pre-existing data (e.g. documents, spreadsheet data, data from database tables) or create new data when integrating the application packages.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would prepare a person to perform in a range of varied activities or knowledge applications where there is a clearly defined range of contexts in which the choice of actions required is usually clear. There would generally be limited complexity in the range of operations to be applied.

Assessment must ensure:

• Performance of a prescribed range of functions involving known routines and procedures and some accountability for the quality of outcomes would be characteristic.

• Applications may include some complex or non-routine activities involving individual responsibility or autonomy and/or collaboration with others as part of a group or team.

Method of assessment 

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

• Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

• Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment 

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

• ICAD2012B Design organisational documents using computing packages
• ICAU2006B Operate computing packages

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

• Demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas
• Apply a defined range of skills
• Apply known solutions to a limited range of predictable problems
• Perform a range of tasks where choice between a limited range of options is required
• Assess and record information from varied sources
• Communicate with team members to clarify job requirements
• Take limited responsibility for own outputs in work and learning
• Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

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.

Software  may include but is not limited to:

• commercial software applications
• organisation-specific software

Software application package  may include but is not limited to:

• database package
• spreadsheet package
• email package
• word package
• graphics package

Format  may include:

• saving the document as another type of document such as: HTML, XML, comma separated values or text

Objects  may include:

• other documents
• pictures
• graphics
• sound

Disk  may include but is not limited to:

• diskettes (floppy disks)
• CDs
• CD-RW (Compact Discs-Read Write)
• DVD RW
• zip disks
• solid state hard drives

Unit sector 

Use

Co-requisite units 

Competency field