Unit of competency details

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Replaces but is not equivalent to SITHCCC019A Plan, prepare and display a buffet.

Title changed to better reflect intent and content of the unit.

There was confused intent with and duplication across the two units SITHCCC015A Plan and prepare food for buffets, and SITHCCC019A Plan, prepare and display a buffet.

Re-worked Elements, Performance Criteria, Required Skills and Knowledge to more fully articulate content. Revised unit only covers design, planning and display of buffets. Moved to new competency field – Kitchen Operations to better reflect the content of this unit. Four prerequisite units removed. SITXFSA101 Use hygienic practices for food safety retained as a prerequisite.

This unit must be assessed after the following prerequisite unit:

SITXFSA101

Use hygienic practices for food safety

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. Design and plan a buffet.

1.1 Design total buffet concept  in consultation with other people  to ascertain requirements.

1.2 Design buffet  menu according to season, budget, occasion and customer requirements.

1.3 Identify quality, price, customer requirements and plan the purchase of a range and quantity of food items.

1.4 Plan the layout and display of buffet according to type of food, occasion and theme.

1.5 Incorporate the design of showpieces and decorations  to enhance the buffet display.

1.6 Prepare food preparation lists and display plans for use of operational kitchen personnel.

2. Prepare for the buffet.

2.1 Supervise the preparation of food.

2.2 Select appropriate service equipment, serviceware and linen to display food and decorations.

2.3 Plan food service points for efficient and safe customer and staff accessibility.

2.4 Install and attractively present appropriate buffet showpieces and decorations.

3. Display food items and supervise service.

3.1 Display buffet food items  with a sense of artistry to create customer appeal.

3.2 Display garnishes and accompaniments to enhance visual appeal.

3.3 Supervise buffet service to ensure replenishment of food items and neat and attractive display throughout buffet service period.

3.4 Ensure appropriate service standards for all food items.

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

Required skills 

• communication skills to:

• liaise with customers to ascertain requirements
• discuss concept proposals with other people involved in the planning of buffets to finalise the design

• critical thinking skills to evaluate all requirements for the buffet and develop a design and plan to meet those requirements
• initiative and enterprise skills to develop creative ideas and explore a range of designs for the display of buffet foods
• literacy skills to:

• read and interpret supplier information to decide best purchasing option
• write comprehensive food preparation and display plans

• numeracy skills to:

• calculate required quantities of buffet food for expected customer traffic
• calculate supplies for food production

• planning and organising skills to access and sort all information required for buffet design and to coordinate a timely and efficient planning process
• problem-solving skills to recognise potential customer traffic flow issues and design a layout for efficient and safe customer and staff accessibility
• self-management skills to take responsibility for the design of and planning for buffets
• teamwork skills to invite and consider the input of staff members and external professionals in the buffet planning process
• technology skills to use computers and software programs to produce food preparation lists and display plans.

Required knowledge 

• suitable types of foods and dishes for buffets and their characteristics:

• culinary terms for a variety of classical and contemporary buffet items
• appropriate conditions and temperatures for display and service to maintain optimum quality and food safety
• appropriate portions

• presentation techniques for food items that make up a buffet, showpieces and decorations
• design considerations for buffets, including:

• appropriateness of food items for buffets
• balance of dish types
• colour and style
• costing issues
• nutritional value of food
• operational constraints
• themes of occasions
• use of showpieces and decorations.

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 ability to:

• design, plan and display multiple buffets to meet a diversity of service requirements
• present buffets attractively with artistic flair
• document operational requirements and supervise food preparation and service
• integrate knowledge of:

• suitable types of foods and dishes for buffets
• presentation techniques for food items, showpieces and decorations

• develop buffet designs and plans within commercial time constraints.

Context of and specific resources for assessment 

Assessment must ensure use of:

• a buffet display and service area with specific equipment for buffet service including display crockery and chafing dishes and workplace documentation defined in the Assessment Guidelines; this can be within a:

• real industry workplace
• simulated industry environment such as a training food and beverage outlet servicing customers

• computers and software programs to produce food preparation lists and display plans
• food preparation lists and display plans.

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:

• evaluation of the content and presentation of a buffet planned and displayed by the individual
• projects that allow assessment of the individual’s ability to design, plan and display a buffet for an event, function or meeting within designated deadlines
• written or oral questioning to assess knowledge of culinary terms, suitable types of foods and dishes for buffets and presentation techniques
• review of portfolios of evidence and third-party workplace reports of on-the-job performance by the individual.

Guidance information for assessment 

The assessor should design integrated assessment activities to holistically assess this unit with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role, for example:

• BSBWRT401A Write complex documents
• SITHCCC304 Produce and serve food for buffets
• SITHKOP501 Design and cost menus
• SITXFSA401 Develop and implement a food safety program
• SITXMGT401 Monitor work operations.

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.

Total buffet concept  may include:

• candles and lighting
• showpieces
• decorations
• linen
• menu design
• food and food items
• service equipment
• serviceware
• table arrangements
• themed foods.

People  may include:

• customers
• display artists and decoration wholesalers
• event or function coordinators
• event stylists
• floral stylists
• food and beverage managers
• interior designers and decorators
• other cooks and chefs
• service staff.

Buffet  may be for:

• a venue:

• indoor
• outdoors

• breakfast
• dinner
• events
• functions
• lunch.

Showpieces and decorations  may include:

• bread
• candles
• carved, moulded or assembled items
• chocolate
• decorated cakes and display cakes
• edible or non-edible materials
• floral arrangements
• fruit and vegetable displays
• glassware and serviceware
• ice, fruit or vegetable, chocolate, salt or margarine carvings
• special occasion cakes
• special theme items
• sugar.

Buffet food items  may include:

• breads
• cheeses
• classical or contemporary recipes
• cold breakfast foods:

• cereals
• fruit
• pastries
• yoghurt

• foods selected to meet special dietary requirements
• glazed foods, galantines and forcemeats
• hot breakfast foods:

• eggs
• bacon
• beans
• sausages
• tomatoes

• hot and cold dessert and pastry items
• meats
• poultry
• salads
• seafood
• selection of hot and cold dishes
• smallgoods
• themed foods.