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Abut the assessment guide...3 Aim f the guide... 3 What the guide des nt prvide... 4 Fcus f the guide... 4 What s in the assessment guide... 6 Assessment planning and design...7 Cntext: The scenari... 8 Evidence: What evidence will be available and suitable?... 12 Assessment activity: Wrk based prject... 14 Assessment activity: Questins... 16 Page 2
Abut the assessment guide Aim f the guide The Sustainability Skills assessment guide will assist Registered Training Organisatins (RTOs) t design and cntextualise their assessment activities and evidence requirements fr the unit f cmpetency. In particular the guide demnstrates hw: Assessment methds can be chsen t suit the learner, fr example, if a learner has existing skills and experience in the unit f cmpetency a prtfli f evidence is mre useful than direct bservatin. Assessment methds can be chsen t suit the industry cntext, fr example, where a wrk place has established sustainability plicies and prcedures direct bservatin and wrk place dcumentatin / recrds culd be used. Specific types f evidence can be identified that relate t the unit requirements and the industry cntext, fr example, if the cmpany has weekly prductin meetings minutes f these might prvide evidence f making recmmendatins. These decisins are used t design the assessment activities. Fr example a wrk place prject might be develped arund the aspects f the unit that can be applied and/r demnstrated in the wrkplace. Prtfli requirements might be designed arund evidence that can be fund, r generated, frm typical day t day activities. An interview r test might be designed arund aspects f the unit where knwledge needs t be tested because it is nt clearly demnstrated in the practical activities r t test an individual s knwledge in a team envirnment. The guide als prvides examples that shw hw: a cntextualised wrkplace prject can be develped that demnstrates relevant aspects f the unit questins can be identified t assist in the authenticatin f evidence and shw understanding f the applicatin f the cncepts f sustainability. The assessment guide uses a fictinal scenari as the basis fr demnstrating ne apprach t develping an assessment tl fr this unit f cmpetency. Nte that the guide shuld be read in cnjunctin with the unit f cmpetency (see training.gv.au). Page 3
What the guide des nt prvide The guide fcuses n selecting assessment methds and evidence and des nt prvide a cmplete r validated assessment instrument. It is fr guidance nly; there are thers ways that the unit culd be assessed and many ways that an assessment can be cntextualised. Nne f the prcesses r ideas in this guide is mandatry. It des nt cver everything that an RTO must address t deliver an assessment and meet cmpliance. Fr example the RTO will need t address: develpment f assessment instruments and dcumentatin validatin f assessment tls, prcesses and utcmes cnsulting with industry and develping a training and assessment strategy hw the assessment will be delivered, fr example, scheduling the activities, mnitring and prviding supprt t the learner, and engaging input frm enterprise managers full mapping f evidence t units f cmpetency. Each RTO will need t decide whether t fllw any f the prcesses demnstrated here. If s, the RTO will need t amend the evidence and ther details t reflect the characteristics f their learner/s and the cntext f their assessment. This shuld be based n their cnsultatins with industry and clients, and the ther infrmatin within their training and assessment strategy. Fcus f the guide MSS11 Sustainability Training Package Assessment Guidelines The Assessment Guidelines in MSS11 state that assessment shuld be cnducted in the wrkplace r in a in a wrk-like envirnment. Many f the units als require the measurement f envirnmental and ther indicatrs ver a perid f time and fr this reasn prject based assessment is als preferred. This unit f cmpetency states that Assessrs must be satisfied that the candidate can cmpetently and cnsistently apply the skills cvered in this unit f cmpetency in new and different situatins and cntexts. In additin the Sustainable Operatins qualificatins are designed fr wrkers experienced in their industry wh require an verlay f skills t imprve the sustainability f the business. Therefre the assessment guides fcus n assessment methds fr experienced wrkers and wrkplace assessment. Page 4
Cntextualising The guide fcuses n cntextualising assessment t the participants / learners and the wrkplace cntext. It demnstrates hw the cntext f the assessment can be analysed and used t select assessment methds and evidence t meet the requirements f the unit f cmpetency. Typically the cntext cmprises infrmatin abut: industry r enterprise systems, practices and dcumentatin characteristics f the learner/s mde f delivery f any training. The guide utlines ne apprach t planning and designing assessment activities and evidence that are cntextualised. There are many ways that an assessment can be designed t meet the cntext and the unit requirements. The apprach utlined in this guide is just ne way. If an RTO fllws this apprach they shuld amend the activities, evidence and ther details t reflect the characteristics f their learner/s and the cntext f their assessment. Cntextualising fr different sectrs is critical. The sustainability issues that are significant t ne industry sectr r prcess might nt be fund in anther. Fr example the casting and frging sectrs use large amunts f energy and prduce emissins such as dust and greenhuse gases (GHGs). Hwever, ne f the key sustainability issues in furniture manufacture may be surcing plantatin timber. Additinal infrmatin is available n the Skills fr Sustainability website at http://www.sustainabilityskills.net.au including infrmatin abut this unit f cmpetency and infrmatin abut sustainability issues in different sectrs. The website als has infrmatin abut cntextualizatin, understanding sustainability issues within different sectrs, designing an assessment, develping wrkplace prjects and using simulated wrkplace envirnments. Page 5
What s in the assessment guide This guide prvides: a scenari utlining the RTO, learner and enterprise cntext key pints drawn ut frm the scenari checklists t help link the cntext t the assessment methds and evidence: checklists relating t the cntext fr the assessment checklists relating t assessment methds, and methds f cllecting and submitting evidence an evidence planning table, linking the scenari cntext with evidence and the unit f cmpetency a wrk-based prject based n the scenari and unit f cmpetency and cntextualised using the identified evidence questins based n the scenari and unit f cmpetency and cntextualised using the identified evidence. Page 6
Assessment planning and design Planning every aspect f an assessment is a brad prcess that requires many steps and surces f infrmatin. Arguably it can start with industry cnsultatin and develping the training and assessment strategy; and cnclude with the assessment decisin and feedback t the learner. This guide fcuses n a small sectin f the prcess. It targets the steps f analysing the unit f cmpetency and the cntext f the assessment in rder t select apprpriate assessment activities and evidence cllectin. These steps are represented in the flw chart at Figure 1. Typically the cntext cmprises the industry r enterprise systems, practices and dcumentatin and characteristics f the learner/s and mde f delivery f any training. As an RTO yu will cllect much f this infrmatin frm yur industry cnsultatin and discussin with clients, and capture it in yur training and assessment strategy. In this guide the cntext is described in a scenari which includes a fictinal RTO, learner prfile and an industry sectr r enterprise cntext. It uses this infrmatin t identify suitable assessment methds and available evidence that are aligned t the unit f cmpetency. These are used t design the assessment activities linked t the unit requirements. Figure 1 Designing assessment activities Page 7
Cntext: The scenari The RTO Systems Imprvements (SI) is a private RTO specialising in cmpetitive systems and prcesses. The trainers and assessrs deliver training and assessment via fur different delivery mdels; wrkshp (grups in a classrm), implementatin supprt (wrkshp plus hands n implementatin supprt in the wrkplace), mentrships (ne-n-ne n the jb) and recgnitin f prir learning (RPL). Ygita, the wner f the RTO and chief trainer and assessr, has wrked with Brnc fr ver a year and is mentring Radhika ne-n-ne in leading sustainable fr peratins. Radhika is enrlled in MSS70111 Vcatinal Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Operatins and will start with this unit f cmpetency,. The learner Radhika is a grup manager peratins fr Brnc. She versees the peratins fr the manufacture f garage drs and peners and has a team f team leaders and technical specialists in maintenance and IT. As a senir manager she is experienced in auditing and managing imprvements n the shp flr. As part f her management respnsibilities Radhika has been invited t jin the sustainability implementatin cmmittee. The cmmittee is hping that a set f fresh eyes will assist them with the peridic review the existing sustainability strategy and the implementatin f the ISO 26000 Guidance n scial respnsibility. Radhika is required t: participate n the sustainability implementatin cmmittee and cntribute t the implementatin and cntinuus imprvement f the sustainability strategy assist with the review the sustainability strategy scial sustainability has been flagged as an area f need by the directrs prvide advice n hw t manage the increasing skill needs f the emplyees, increasing need fr innvatin, use f smart technlgy and redeplyment f emplyees as the skills mix changes implement the sustainability actin plan in the new cmbined garage drs and peners manufacturing facility use cntinuus imprvement prcesses t peridically review sustainability imprvements. Page 8
The enterprise cntext Brnc supplies innvative branded garage drs and peners t trade and industrial custmers in Australia and New Zealand and has 1,600 emplyees. The business is investing in new technlgy and innvatin, fr example, the rllut this year f a new cmbined dr manufacturing facility. Brnc is cmmitted t adpting sustainable practices acrss its business and embedding these practices int its crprate culture. This year it has cncentrated n inventry management, IT, imprving the supply chain and cntrlling hazards (it has identified its 5000th hazard and has cntrlled 94% f these hazards). At a grup level, there was participatin in events such as Earth Hur and a fcus n purchasing Frest Stewardship Cuncil certified prducts. The Grup Mtr Vehicle Plicy was updated mandating the use f diesel cars and cars with smaller engines. Brnc adpts a lean manufacturing philsphy t its manufacturing business designed t eliminate waste, imprve pwer cnsumptin and deliver prcess imprvement. This year s lean fcus has targeted machine dwntime and scrap generatin and increasing efficiencies and yield. As part f their lean implementatin they have sme established systems and prcedures, fr example, they typically use the hshin kanri strategic planning/strategic management methdlgy, SWOT and balanced screcard techniques fr planning and evaluating, and cause and effect analysis and diagrams fr analysis. They have an effective Kaizen cntinuus imprvement system in place t peridically review the sustainability strategy. Brnc recgnises that its business perfrmance and future grwth relies n capable and engaged peple, cmbined with the apprpriate rganisatinal design and prcesses t deliver gd business utcmes. This means that as prductivity imprvements are made there will be a need t up skill and redeply part f the wrkfrce. Brnc has a sustainability imprvement cmmittee which has develped a sustainability strategy. The cmmittee includes the grup peratins managers, HR manager, chief financial fficer, chief executive fficer and a directr wh has experience and a special interest in sustainability issues. The business has decided t implement ISO 26000 Guidance n scial respnsibility t enhance its reputatin in the cmmunity and with custmers; retain skilled wrkers; maintain emplyee mrale, cmmitment and prductivity; and supprt sustainable resurce use. Page 9
Key pints frm the scenari The industry sectr is metals fabricatin. Radhika is taking part in a curse delivered by mentring and n-the-jb implementatin, s a wrkplace prject is feasible as a key assessment methd. Radhika des nt have full technical knwledge all f the prcesses f her grup s she will need t cnsult with ther peple t surce infrmatin/data. Part f Radhika s jb rle is t implement scial sustainability. Brnc is cmmitted t lean practices, has Kaizen prcedures fr cntinuus imprvement and uses techniques such as SWOT, balanced screcard and rt cause analysis (RCA). The sustainability fcus at Brnc is well develped acrss the pillars f ecnmic and envirnmental sustainability. The business is nw fcusing n scial sustainability t manage the impact f wrkfrce restructure. What des the scenari tell us abut the cntext fr the assessment? Classrm based Existing wrker in this field Nt currently emplyed in this field Off the jb learning On the jb implementatin RPL Simulated wrkplace envirnment N Single unit f cmpetency Skill cluster Whle qualificatin Wrkplace based Which assessment methds are suitable? Direct bservatin, fr example; Practical demnstratin in the wrkplace Real wrk/real time activities in the wrkplace Wrk activities in a simulated wrkplace envirnment Page 10
Structured activities, fr example; Activity sheets Presentatin t clleagues Scenari based prject Simulatin exercises such as hyptheticals and rle plays Wrk based case study Wrk based prject (and dcumentatin) Questining, fr example; Oral r written examinatins (may be applicable at higher AQF levels) Questinnaires Self assessment Verbal questining / discussin / interview Written questins Prtflis f evidence, fr example; Authenticated prir achievements Cllectin f wrk samples cmpiled by the learner Evidence f training curses attended Histrical evidence Infrmatin abut life experience Jurnal r lg bk Phtgraphs r vide Prduct with supprting dcumentatin Verified wrkplace histry/cv Wrkplace dcumentatin / recrds Third party feedback, fr example; Interview with emplyer, supervisr, r peer Letter f supprt frm a wrk place Testimnials and reprts frm emplyers and supervisrs Third party reprt frm supervisr r technical expert Hw will evidence be cllected r submitted? Dcuments - electrnically / in persn / mail Data capture - vide / audi / ntes /smart pen by assessr / 3rd party / candidate Data submissin - web uplad / mail (USB drive / SD card / disc etc) Online real time - Skype, web cnference Online self paced nline tests, interactive simulatin Page 11
Evidence: What evidence will be available and suitable? The evidence planning table shws ne way f linking the cntext f the scenari with the unit f cmpetency. It examines the unit f cmpetency, the cntext and the selected assessment methd in rder t identify apprpriate assessment evidence. Based n the scenari, the learner and the cntext identified abve, the fllwing evidence culd be expected t be available as part f the assessment. Keep in mind that sme evidence might apply t several aspects f the unit r even several units. Evidence planning table This table prvides an example f identifying evidence that is available in the wrkplace. The evidence listed here has been selected s that it cvers the required skills, required knwledge and critical aspects f assessment fr this unit, hwever, this has nt been shwn in the table. The table is nt intended as a frmat fr mapping t meet cmpliance requirements and each RTO needs t determine the type f mapping that may be required by its registering bdy. Element 1 Develp sustainability strategy Perfrmance Criteria 1.1 Examine existing rganisatin visin and strategy fr impact n sustainability, including any currently identified sustainability gals and bjectives 1.2 Identify external sustainability best practice 1.3 Examine current peratins fr ecnmic, scial and envirnmental factrs relevant t sustainability fr the rganisatin 1.4 Liaise with relevant stakehlders 1.5 Develp apprpriate sustainability visin and gals 1.6 Develp sustainability strategy 1.7 Obtain required apprvals Evidence Wrk-based prject (and dcumentatin) Wrk plan and schedule fr a wrk-based prject SWOT analysis f sustainability perfrmance f the rganisatin, including analysis f risks and RCA Recrds f evaluating the reviewed sustainability strategy against the strategic business gals and cntinuus imprvement prcedures, such as a hshin kanri prcess Wrkplace dcumentatin/recrds Evidence f cmmunicating and cnsulting with stakehlders, fr example, ntes f meetings and emails, and apprvals frm cmmittees Verbal questining/discussin/ interview Interview by the assessr abut the wrk plan and schedule Page 12
Element 2 Examine prpsals fr sustainability imprvement Perfrmance Criteria 2.1 Cmmunicate sustainability strategy and request imprvement prpsals 2.2 Examine fit f prpsals with sustainability strategy 2.3 Determine pssible synergies between prpsals 2.4 Have prpsals mdified t achieve better strategic utcmes, as apprpriate 2.5 Facilitate the develpment f integrated implementatin plans fr selected prpsals 2.6 Facilitate the prvisin f resurces required fr implementatin Evidence Wrk-based prject (and dcumentatin) Evidence f cllecting suggestins and prpsals fr imprvements, fr example, analysis f sustainability audits, review f items in the cntinuus imprvement system, and suggestins frm management and emplyees Analysis f prpsals using a balanced screcard apprach t shrt list the prjects against criteria such as relatinship t brader business gals, relatinship t sustainability strategy, synergies between prpsals, applicatin f hierarchy f cntrl t sustainability hazards, and cnsideratin f different mitigatin techniques Strategic sustainability plan fr the prjects t be implemented Wrkplace dcumentatin/recrds Evidence f prmtinal activities, such as articles fr the staff newsletter, text fr the intranet, and ntices fr ntice bards Verbal questining/discussin/ interview 3 Facilitate implementatin f selected prpsals 3.1 Ensure apprpriate prject plans have been develped 3.2 Ensure apprpriate metrics are identified and will be cllected 3.3 Facilitate any necessary capability develpment 3.4 Organise fr apprpriate cntrls and feedback 3.5 Ensure apprpriate imprvement prcesses are implemented Explanatin f the criteria used in the prcess t select the prpsals fr imprvement, such as synergies between the prpsals, relatinship t brader business strategic gals, availability f staff and cst Wrk-based prject (and dcumentatin) Sustainability prject actin plans, including team members, timelines, utcmes and key perfrmance indicatrs (KPIs) t indicate if the prject is n track and if it delivers the required utcmes Wrkplace dcumentatin/recrds Evidence f managing the prjects fr sustainability imprvements, such as ntes f meetings with team leaders, and emails discussing qutes Page 13
Element 4 Lead peridic review f sustainability imprvements Perfrmance Criteria 4.1 Ensure apprpriate data is available 4.2 Cnvene apprpriate review prcess 4.3 Validate current strategy 4.4 Validate current tactics 4.5 Review prgress and impacts f current prjects 4.6 Develp required changes 4.7 Facilitate implementatin f required changes Evidence Wrk-based prject (and dcumentatin) Previus and new sustainability strategy with changes marked up Wrkplace dcumentatin/recrds Sustainability prject prgress reprts reviewing prgress, barriers t success and impact Evidence f prcesses t review the current sustainability strategy, fr example, minutes f meetings, phtgraphs and electrnic whitebard printuts Practical demnstratin in the wrkplace (within prject) 5 Cmmunicate as apprpriate 5.1 Identify what cmmunicatins are required and t whm 5.2 Prepare apprpriate cmmunicatins 5.3 Cmmunicate as apprpriate 5.4 Finalise apprpriate recrding Observatin f meeting where the learner seeks infrmatin frm the sustainability prject team members abut the prgress and impact f the prject Wrk-based prject (and dcumentatin) Strategic sustainability plan fr the business Wrkplace dcumentatin/recrds Visual management charts fr sustainability imprvements, such as resurce use efficiency, prductivity, waste, staff mrale and cmmunity cmplaints Verbal questining/discussin/ interview Interview by the assessr abut the sustainability strategy Assessment activity: Wrk based prject The wrk based prject defines a prject that the learner can d in the wrk place. This might be part f their nrmal activities r it culd be an additinal activity. In this example there is a clear relatinship between the unit f cmpetency and a wrk place activity t lead sustainable. S, fr this unit, the utline f the prject can cme frm the unit itself. The details f the prject can be designed by bringing tgether the cntext with the evidence that is available in the wrk place (r that can be generated by the prject). The evidence that has been identified in the evidence planning table helps t define the prject. Page 14
A wrk-based prject fr Radhika at Brnc The prject is t implement the existing sustainability strategy and review sustainability imprvements fr the garage drs and peners peratins. The purpse f the prject is t imprve sustainability by reviewing the existing sustainability strategy, inviting and examining prpsals fr sustainability imprvements, chsing prpsals t implement, facilitating the implementatin f prpsals and managing cntinuus imprvement. Radhika will need t cmplete the fllwing: 1. Prepare a wrk plan and schedule utlining: a descriptin f the verall business and bundaries f the business sustainability strategy in the supply chain wh she will need t cnsult with (e.g. regulatrs, management, custmers, emplyees and the cmmunity) and hw she will cnsult with them timeline deliverables. 2. Undertake a SWOT analysis f the current ecnmic, envirnmental and scial sustainability status f the sectin f the business and the existing sustainability strategy taking int accunt the principles f sustainability, current best practice in sustainability, current and previus sustainability imprvements, RCA and risk analysis. 3. Undertake a hshin kanri prcess t evaluate the reviewed sustainability strategy against the strategic business gals and business cntinuus imprvement prcedures. 4. Gain apprval fr the reviewed sustainability strategy frm the sustainability imprvement cmmittee. 5. Cnsult and cmmunicate abut the strategic sustainability strategy and request prpsals fr imprvements. 6. Select and shrt list the prjects t g ahead using a balanced screcard apprach. Page 15
7. Develp a strategic sustainability plan fr implementing the prjects, including details such as: what, wh, hw and when resurces required perfrmance indicatrs, such as sustainability metrics expected utcmes. 8. Establish prject teams and facilitate implementatin f the sustainability prjects. 9. Facilitate implementatin f the prpsals, including prvisin f required resurces, develpment f staff capability, setting cntrls and gaining feedback. 10. Review the sustainability imprvements as part f the cntinuus imprvement prcess. Assessment activity: Questins In this guide, questining is used t assess required knwledge and aspects f cmpetency which are difficult t assess in ther ways, fr example, testing the applicatin f the cncepts t the prject activities. The questins als help t authenticate the evidence. Based n the scenari, Ygita will interview Radhika at pre-determined pints during the prject, as part f her mnitring and mentring respnsibilities. Questins fr Radhika at Brnc Hw did yu decide what yu were ging t d and hw yu were ging t g abut it? What are the main drivers fr imprved sustainability perfrmance at Brnc? What regulatins, cvenants, ISO guidance and ISO standards are applicable t Brnc? Hw is the sustainability strategy integrated with the business gals and strategic directins at Brnc? Wh were the peple that yu cnsulted with? Why was it imprtant t cnsult with them? What changes were made t the sustainability strategy as a result f the SWOT analysis? Explain the criteria yu used t priritise the prpsals fr imprvement? Why did yu chse them? What factrs trigger the strategic sustainability plan peridic reviews at Brnc? Fr example, changes t the strategic business gals, changes t legislatin, new gvernment incentives? Outline yur rle in the sustainability imprvement cmmittee prcesses. Page 16