MEM234021A Apply statistics to technology problems

Release: 1

MEM234021A Apply statistics to technology problems

Modification History

New unit

Unit Descriptor

This unit of competency covers the application of advanced statistics in an engineering or related application. It includes probability distributions, correlation, inference and significance, and covers both the application of theory in simple calculations and the use of relevant statistical packages for more complex situations.

Application of the Unit

This unit applies to projects or tasks requiring advanced statistical analysis involving probability distributions, correlation, inference and significance, and the use of statistical tables and equations, either manually or through use of an appropriate statistics package. It is suitable for paraprofessionals and technologists required to solve advanced statistical problems in an engineering or related field, or those pursuing technologist careers and qualifications.

Prior or concurrent experience in probability and statistics covering central tendency, measures of variability and confidence limits is required.

Licensing/Regulatory Information

Not applicable.

Pre-Requisites

Not applicable.

Employability Skills Information

This unit contains employability skills.

Elements and Performance Criteria Pre-Content

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.

Elements and Performance Criteria

1	Identify a need for the application of statistics	1.1	Identify a problem requiring a statistical application
1.2	Define the problem
1.3	Determine data currently available for analysis
1.4	Determine information required from outcome

2	Prepare to solve statistical problem	2.1	Determine statistical techniques to be applied
2.2	Identify and gain access to appropriate computational devices
2.3	Collect required input data
2.4	Analyse collected data for suitability and completeness
2.5	Take appropriate action to address any deficiencies found

3	Solve statistical problem	3.1	Apply appropriate techniques to collected data
3.2	Check answer by appropriate means
3.3	Interpret answer to determine information required by problem definition

4	Communicate outcomes	4.1	Communicate outcome to relevant stakeholders by appropriate means
4.2	Explain outcome to stakeholders, as appropriate
4.3	Check outcome has addressed problem

Required Skills and Knowledge

This section describes the skills and knowledge required for this unit.
Required skills
Required skills include: identifying and defining problems collecting and analysing data reporting and presenting data and quantitative information communicating effectively with stakeholders on problem resolution
Required knowledge
Required knowledge includes: discrete and continuous data presentation data: frequency distribution tables histograms ogives measures of central tendency: arithmetic mean median mode measures of dispersion: standard deviation range interquartile range probability probability laws probability distributions (binomial, and normal) random walk and Monte Carlo methods statistical inference large and small samples sample size statistical significance (student t, paired difference and two populations) short cut methods (rank-sum, run tests and Kolmogorov-Smirnov) linear regression and correlation analysis of variance: one way, two way and multiple factorial experiments failure time distributions reliability and life testing

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.
Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit	Assessors must be satisfied that the candidate can competently and consistently: identify appropriate statistical techniques for engineering or related problems apply the appropriate technique to the problem communicate the outcome of the analysis in an appropriate way.
Context of and specific resources for assessment	This unit may be assessed on the job, off the job or a combination of both on and off the job. Where assessment occurs off the job, that is, the candidate is not in productive work, then a simulated working environment must be used where the range of conditions reflects realistic workplace situations. The competency covered by this unit would be demonstrated by an individual working alone or as part of a team. Where applicable, reasonable adjustment must be made to work environments and training situations to accommodate ethnicity, age, gender, demographics and disability. Access must be provided to appropriate learning and/or assessment support when required. Where applicable, physical resources should include equipment modified for people with disabilities.
Method of assessment	Assessment must satisfy the endorsed Assessment Guidelines of the MEM05 Metal and Engineering 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 where required.
Guidance information for assessment	Assessment processes and techniques must be culturally appropriate and appropriate to the language and literacy capacity of the candidate and the work being performed.

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. 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.
Problem definition	A problem definition for the purposes of this unit is one that allows for a statistical analysis and the application of quantitative data
Data available	Data currently available includes: all relevant data which is currently available within the organisation or could be readily obtained
Information required	Information required is: the outcome which needs to be produced in order to solve/assist in resolving the defined problem
Statistical techniques	Statistical technique may include: one or more or any of the techniques listed under ‘required knowledge’ a related technique
Computational device	Computational devices include: calculators with statistical functions computer software packages
Appropriate action	Appropriate action may include: taking necessary steps to obtain required data obtaining some relevant proxy for the desired data choosing a different statistical technique/computational device which will function with available data
Appropriate technique	Appropriate technique includes: selected statistical technique which will yield required outcome technique which is appropriate for the available data and which is relevant to the problem
Check answer	Checking answer means that the answer is examined to ensure it is within the range of expected rational results
Interpret answer	Interpret answer means translating the result of the statistical analysis into a form which is useable by the relevant stakeholders
Appropriate communication	Appropriate communication may include: report presentation verbal communication web-based electronic or hard copy
Check outcome	Check outcome includes: ensuring that the result of the analysis does assist in the resolution of the problem

Unit Sector(s)

Engineering practice

Custom Content Section

Not applicable.