Modification History
Release |
TP Version |
Comments |
3 |
PSP12V1 |
Unit descriptor edited. |
2 |
PSP04V4.2. |
Layout adjusted. No changes to content. |
1 |
PSP04V4.1 |
Primary release. |
Unit Descriptor
This unit covers the conduct of sophisticated scientific/technological research at a level meriting international recognition requiring exceptional initiative and judgment in initiating, resourcing and leading projects. It includes initiating the research, designing the research methodology, leading and managing the research, and publishing and promoting the research results.
In practice, initiating and leading sophisticated scientific/technological research overlaps with other generalist or specialist work activities such as influencing ethical practice, influencing strategic policy, undertaking strategic risk management, leading change management.
No licensing, legislative, regulatory or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of endorsement.
Application of the Unit
Not applicable.
Licensing/Regulatory Information
Not applicable.
Pre-Requisites
Not applicable.
Employability Skills Information
This unit contains employability skills.
Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content
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. |
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENT |
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
1 . Initiate research |
1.1 Cutting edge professional expertise, liaison and collaboration with international networks and extensive industry experience are used to identify areas for targeting research. 1.2 Research is initiated that will make a significant contribution to the body of scientific knowledge in the area, to the industry and to the organisation's strategic objectives. 1.3 Intellectual property issues relating to the research are exploited in accordance with organisational requirements. 1.4 Research is initiated that is innovative, logically formulated and draws on national and international research in progress, in addition to both published and unpublished research . |
2 . Design research methodology |
2.1 Innovations are incorporated in research design and hypothesis testing. 2.2 Research colleagues are identified, and functions and activities are negotiated and planned in accordance with the research methodology. 2.3 A communication strategy is developed to manage input and cooperation between team members in accordance with the research methodology. 2.4 Risk management strategies and resource needs are determined and specified in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 2.5 Funding applications are prepared and submitted in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. 2.6 Documentation/recordkeeping is completed in accordance with organisational and/or funding body requirements. |
3 . Lead and manage research |
3.1 Funding is attracted for significant research projects and managed in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements. 3.2 Scientific leadership is provided to research colleagues, decisions are influenced and research direction is monitored and changed in accordance with emerging requirements. 3.3 Collaboration across locations and organisations is managed to focus the research and meet objectives, timeframes and budgetary requirements. 3.4 Resources are managed in accordance with research budget, organisational and funding body requirements. 3.5 Research is documented and outcomes are delivered to the funding body and the organisation in accordance with research plan, timeframes and budget. 3.6 Research reports are prepared that are clear, concise, targeted to a range of audiences and are delivered on time in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements. |
4 . Publish and promote research results |
4.1 Research papers are published and results are promoted widely internally and externally to the organisation in accordance with organisational policy and procedures. 4.2 Research is presented at seminars and scientific conferences, both nationally and internationally in accordance with organisational requirements. 4.3 Intellectual property is protected in accordance with organisational and funding body requirements. 4.4 International reputation is built through publication and presentation of research papers and networking both nationally and internationally. |
Required Skills and Knowledge
This section describes the essential skills and knowledge and their level, required for this unit. |
Skill requirements Look for evidence that confirms skills in:
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Knowledge requirements Look for evidence that confirms knowledge and understanding of:
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Evidence Guide
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. |
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Units to be assessed together |
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Overview of evidence requirements |
In addition to integrated demonstration of the elements and their related performance criteria, look for evidence that confirms:
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Resources required to carry out assessment |
These resources include:
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Where and how to assess evidence |
Valid assessment of this unit requires:
Assessment methods should reflect workplace demands, such as literacy, and the needs of particular groups, such as:
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:
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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 |
Range Statement
The Range Statement 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 Range Statement also provides a focus for assessment. It relates to the unit as a whole. Text in bold italics in the Performance Criteria is explained here. |
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Research may include: |
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Unpublished research may include: |
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Resource needs may include: |
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Documented may include: |
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Range of audiences may include: |
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Promotion of results may include: |
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Unit Sector(s)
Not applicable.
Competency field
Government Science & Technology.