Unit of competency details

Unit descriptor 

This unit specifies the outcomes required to research and recommend alternative manufacturing processes for various design solutions in accordance with the integral elements and principles of design.

Application of the unit 

This unit supports the attainment of skills and knowledge required for competent workplace performance in furnishing operations of all sizes. The research and recommendation of alternative manufacturing processes applies to an industry workplace or design studio environment and involves application of skills and knowledge at a para-professional level. These skills and knowledge are to be used within the scope of the individual's job and authority.

This unit includes employability skills in planning and organising and problem solving and initiative and enterprise in order to determine suitable alternative manufacturing processes for specific design requirements. Communication skills are used to interpret and record information and technology skills are required to determine capacity of different manufacturing processes.

Prerequisite units 

Employability skills 

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements describe the essential outcomes of a unit of competency

Performance criteria describe the required performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. Where bold italicised text is used, further information is detailed in the required skills and knowledge and/or the range statement. Assessment of performance is to be consistent with the evidence guide.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1. Plan for alternative manufacturing research

1.1. Applicable OHS , legislative  and organisational requirements  relevant to researching and recommending alternative manufacturing processes are verified and complied with

1.2. Design brief  is reviewed, confirmed and clarified with appropriate personnel 

1.3. Communication  with others is established and maintained

1.4. Client  requirements and desires are reviewed, confirmed and clarified

2. Research alternative manufacturing processes

2.1. Aesthetic  requirements of alternative manufacturing processes  are assessed

2.2. New manufacturing processes are researched and reported

2.3. Costs of alternative manufacturing processes are assessed and compared

2.4. Environmental impact  of alternative manufacturing processes are assessed

2.5. Hazards  associated with alternative manufacturing processes are researched

2.6. Quality of alternative manufacturing processes are assessed and reported

3. Recommend alternative manufacturing processes

3.1. Research information is critically analysed  in the context of the design brief requirements

3.2. Alternative manufacturing processes and their elements of design  are promoted, research explained and evaluated for the client

3.3. Alternative manufacturing processes and their principles of design  are promoted, research explained and evaluated for the client

3.4. Presentation of research information is made, highlighting the findings and rationale for the alternative manufacturing processes chosen

REQUIRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE 

This describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit.

Required skills 

• collect, organise and understand information related to work orders, basic plans and safety procedures
• communicate ideas and information to enable confirmation of work requirements and specifications, coordination of work with site supervisor, other workers and customers, and the reporting of work outcomes and problems
• accurately recording and maintaining information relating to the furniture making and design functions
• work with others and in a team by recognising dependencies and using cooperative approaches to optimise work flow and productivity
• use pre-checking and inspection techniques to ensure the tools are serviceable and ready to use
• recognise and respond to circumstances outside instructions or personal competence
• efficiently and safely contribute to innovative design process
• plan and organise activities, including the preparation and layout of own worksite and the obtaining and use of tools and materials to avoid any backtracking, work flow interruptions or wastage
• use mathematical ideas and techniques to correctly complete measurements, calculate area and volume, and estimate other material requirements
• clarify and confirm work instructions
• plan own work within the given task parameters
• accept responsibility for given tasks
• set, monitor and satisfy personal work goals
• satisfy the competency requirements for the job
• learning of thinking, problem solving and conceptual techniques
• maintain current knowledge of tools and materials
• maintain current knowledge of furniture making and designing techniques
• seek learning opportunities
• use the workplace technology related to the use of tools, including calculators, measuring and recording devices.

Required knowledge 

• State or Territory OHS legislation, regulations, standards and codes of practice relevant to researching and recommending alternative manufacturing processes
• organisational and site standards, requirements, policies and procedures for researching and recommending alternative manufacturing processes
• environmental protection requirements
• established communication channels and protocols
• problem identification and resolution
• elements and principles of design
• aesthetic values
• types of tools and equipment and procedures for their safe use, operation and maintenance
• characteristics of materials, products and defects
• computer programs
• research techniques
• alternative manufacturing processes
• storage systems and labelling
• procedures for the recording, reporting and maintenance of workplace records and information
• appropriate mathematical procedures for estimation and measurement.

EVIDENCE GUIDE 

The Evidence Guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the relevant Training Package.

Overview of assessment 

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

• Effectively research and recommend at least three alternative manufacturing processes to assist with informing the design process and arrive at a solution which meets client requirements
• Effectively apply design elements and principles to the research and recommendation of alternative manufacturing processes
• Effectively research and recommend alternative manufacturing processes in accordance with the concepts and design brief
• Comply with legislation, regulations, standards, codes of practice and established safe practices and procedures for researching and recommending alternative manufacturing processes
• Communicate effectively and work safely with others in the work area

Context of , and specific resources for assessment 

• The application of competency is to be assessed in the workplace or simulated workplace
• Assessment is to occur under standard and authorised work practices, safety requirements and environmental constraints
• Assessment of essential underpinning knowledge, other than confirmatory questions, will usually be conducted in an off-site context
• Assessment is to comply with relevant regulatory or Australian Standards requirements
• The following resources should be made available:

• workplace location or simulated workplace
• materials and equipment relevant to researching and recommending alternative manufacturing processes
• specifications and work instructions

Method of assessment 

• Assessment must satisfy the endorsed assessment guidelines of the Furnishing Industry Training Package
• Assessment methods must confirm consistency and accuracy of performance (over time and in a range of workplace relevant contexts) together with application of underpinning knowledge
• Assessment methods must be by direct observation of tasks and include questioning on underpinning knowledge to ensure its correct interpretation and application
• Assessment may be applied under project related conditions (real or simulated) and require evidence of process
• Assessment must confirm a reasonable inference that competency is able not only to be satisfied under the particular circumstance, but is able to be transferred to other circumstances
• Assessment may be in conjunction with assessment of other units of competency

Guidance information for assessment 

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 in the Performance Criteria is detailed below. Add any 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.

OHS requirements 

• are to be in accordance with Commonwealth, State or Territory legislation and regulations, organisational safety policies and procedures
• requirements may include but not be limited to the use of personal protective equipment and clothing, fire fighting equipment, first aid equipment, hazard and risk control and elimination of hazardous materials and substances, manual handling including lifting and carrying

Legislative requirements 

• are to be in accordance with applicable legislation from all levels of government that affect organisational operation
• requirements may include but not be limited to award and enterprise agreements, industrial relations, Australian Standards, confidentiality and privacy, OHS, the environment, equal opportunity, anti-discrimination, relevant industry codes of practice, duty of care and heritage

Organisational requirements 

• may include but not be limited to legal, organisational and site guidelines, policies and procedures relating to own role and responsibility, quality assurance, procedural manuals, quality and continuous improvement processes and standards, OHS, emergency and evacuation, ethical standards, recording and reporting, access and equity principles and practices, equipment use, maintenance and storage, environmental management (waste disposal, recycling and re-use guidelines)

Design brief 

• may include but not be limited to the aims, objectives, milestones for the design project, the point of reference for everyone, elements and principles of design and may include organisational or personal profiles, aims, target audience, budget, timeline, consultation requirements, colour requirements, image requirements and function

Appropriate personnel 

• may include but not be limited to trainers, supervisors, suppliers, clients, colleagues and managers

Communication 

• may include verbal and non-verbal language, constructive feedback, active listening, questioning to clarify and confirm understanding, use of positive, confident and cooperative language, use of language and concepts appropriate to individual social and cultural differences, control of tone of voice and body language

Clients 

• may include but not be limited to suppliers, manufacturers, private clients, colleagues, retailers or the public

Aesthetics 

• are to include the consideration of appeal to a large number of people; products are pleasing to the eye of many who view it

Alternative manufacturing process 

• may include but not be limited to the various methods by which the product can be produced, these steps usually entail working from working drawings and specifications, producing components utilising machine operations, assembly of the components and finishing techniques

Environmental impact 

• is to include but not be limited to how the use of alternative manufacturing processes effects the environment and how continued use will affect the surrounding environment, energy consumption, greenhouse gases created, waste levels and resource utilisation. Similarly what impact will be felt by reducing or stopping use of the alternative manufacturing processes

Hazards 

• may include but not be limited to high speed machinery, open cutting blades, threat from electric shock, materials handling incidents, toxic substances and gases

Critical analysis 

• may include but not be limited to comparing, contrasting, reflecting, critiquing, considering merit, discussion and debate

Elements of design 

• may include but not be limited to line, shape, form (geometric or organic), texture, colour, and function

Principles of design 

• may include but not be limited to balance, proportion (symmetry, asymmetry), harmony, contrast, pattern, movement, rhythm, unity, style, focus, scale, dominant, sub dominant or subordinate relationship, emphasis, proximity, alignment, space, anthropometry, ergonomics, arrangement, workload, materials handling capacity, skills, control, equipment capabilities, aesthetic relations, tension and development methods

Unit sector 

Furniture design and technology.

Competency field 

Co-requisite units