Unit of competency details

Release 

TP Version 

Comments 

3

PSP12V1

Unit descriptor edited.

2

PSP04V4.2.

Layout adjusted. No changes to content.

1

PSP04V4.1

Primary release.

Elements are the essential outcomes of the unit of competency.

Together, performance criteria specify the requirements for competent performance. Text in bold italics  is explained in the Range Statement following.

ELEMENT 

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA 

1 . Analyse data 

1.1 Analysis  is undertaken dependent upon the nature of the data and intended purpose of the analysis.

1.2 Methods of analysis  are selected in accordance with any relevant industry standards, precedents and techniques.

1.3 Trends are identified and inferences drawn in light of environmental and cultural factors relevant to the particular situation.

1.4 The chain of reasoning in formulating inferences is made clear to ensure transparency to users of the data.

1.5 A proactive approach is taken to identify and assess the need for new or changed systems and processes for analysing data to more effectively meet objectives.

2 . Document outcomes of analysis 

2.1 Recommended actions are based upon analysis of data  in the context of the purpose of the analysis and the objectives and priorities of the organisation's strategies and plans.

2.2 Links between the outcomes proposed as a result of the data analysis and the organisation's strategies are made clear to the intended audience.

2.3 Timely and relevant reports are completed and disseminated to appropriate staff and management.

2.4 Results of data analysis are incorporated  into ongoing review of organisational strategies and plans.

2.5 Documentation is prepared that is clear, concise and accessible to all relevant staff.

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

Skill requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms skills in:

• undertaking analysis and problem solving
• reading and applying complex information from legislation
• communicating including questioning and negotiating meaning
• responding to diversity, including gender and disability
• undertaking planning and time management in the context of data analysis
• preparing written reports and recommendations requiring accuracy, and formal structures and language
• using information technology for data analysis, recording and reporting
• applying public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environmental procedures in the context of data analysis

Knowledge requirements 

Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:

• methods of analysis
• relevant legislation including privacy and freedom of information legislation, as well as public interest disclosures, protected disclosures or whistleblowing legislation
• agency structure, services and environment
• data collection and management systems
• the range of analytical techniques appropriate for information analysis
• inductive/deductive reasoning processes
• the influence of human factors on data analysis, for example:
• prejudice and bias
• personalities in analysis
• construction of sound inductive arguments
• fallacies in reasoning
• how data analysis outcomes can contribute to the review of national strategies/plans
• equity and diversity principles
• public sector legislation such as occupational health and safety and environment relating to investigations

The Evidence Guide specifies the evidence required to demonstrate achievement in the unit of competency as a whole. It must be read in conjunction with the Unit descriptor, Performance Criteria, the Range Statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Public Sector Training Package.

Units to be assessed together 

• Pre-requisite units that must  be achieved prior  to this unit:Nil
• Co-requisite units that must  be assessed with  this unit:Nil
• Co-assessed units that may  be assessed with this unit to increase the efficiency and realism of the assessment process include, but are not limited to:

• PSPETHC401A Uphold and support the values and principles of public service
• PSPFRAU401B Monitor data for indicators of fraud
• PSPGOV406B Gather and analyse information
• PSPGOV408A Value diversity
• PSPGOV422A Apply government processes
• PSPLEGN401A Encourage compliance with legislation in the public sector
• PSPREG401C Exercise regulatory powers
• PSPREG412A Gather and manage evidence

Overview of evidence requirements 

In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:

• the knowledge requirements of this unit
• the skill requirements of this unit
• application of the Employability Skills as they relate to this unit (see Employability Summaries in Qualifications Framework)
• analysis of data in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Resources required to carry out assessment 

These resources include:

• legislation, regulations, policy, guidelines and standards
• public sector values and codes of conduct
• case studies and workplace scenarios to capture the range of data analysis situations likely to be encountered

Where and how to assess evidence 

Valid assessment of this unit requires:

• a workplace environment or one that closely resembles normal work practice and replicates the range of conditions likely to be encountered when analysing data, including coping with difficulties, irregularities and breakdowns in routine
• analysis of data in a range of (3 or more) contexts (or occasions, over time)

Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:

• people with disabilities
• people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• women
• young people
• older people
• people in rural and remote locations

Assessment methods suitable for valid and reliable assessment of this competency may include, but are not limited to, a combination of 2 or more of:

• case studies
• demonstration
• observation
• projects
• questioning
• scenarios
• authenticated evidence from the workplace and/or training courses

For consistency of assessment 

Evidence must be gathered over time in a range of contexts to ensure the person can achieve the unit outcome and apply the competency in different situations or environments

The provides information about the context in which the unit of competency is carried out. The variables cater for differences between States and Territories and the Commonwealth, and between organisations and workplaces. They allow for different work requirements, work practices and knowledge. The also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here.

Analysis  can be:

• quantitative and/or qualitative
• explorative
• descriptive
• causative
• predictive

Methods of analysis  can include:

• hypothesis development
• link analysis
• comparative analysis
• biographical analysis
• demographic or geographic analysis
• historical analysis
• scenario generation
• Delphi technique
• morphological analysis

Data sources  may include:

• program files
• agency systems
• other agencies
• law enforcement agencies
• standards setting organisations

Incorporation  may be in terms of:

• identifying and assessing risk
• monitoring and reviewing procedures