This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators when it is necessary to identify what a client wants from a technical publication. It is important that technical communicators are able to clearly identify what the objectives of the technical publication are, and what other features the client might require. From this information, technical communicators will be able to produce a clear design specification that encompasses these requirements, and meet other regulatory requirements of which the client might not be aware.

Assessment Guidance

Evidence Requirements

Evidence of performance and knowledge is required. Evidence of performance should be demonstrated by activities and outcomes, and should be generated during the course of normal activities, unless indicated under Assessment Methods (see below). Evidence of knowledge can be demonstrated through performance or by responding to questions. A variety of assessment methods can be used (see below).

Quantity and scope of evidence:

Evidence should show that the candidate can undertake this unit consistently over a suitable period. The number of times, or the amount of experience, cannot be specified in detail. However, it is important that the candidate provides performance evidence of having undertaken this unit a minimum of two times. Further guidance will be developed during the implementation of the qualifications.

Assessment methods:

A number of assessment methods are listed below. The ticks and crosses indicate which methods are or are not recommended. However, these are recommendations, and this is not a list of sanctioned or prohibited methods: it is up to individual assessors to determine which assessment methods are suitable in individual cases. In addition, other assessment methods might be appropriate. Further guidance will be developed during the implementation of the qualifications.

Recommended Assessment Methods

direct observation of the candidate by the assessor	√
outputs (eg publications) produced by the candidate in their normal activities	√
outputs (eg publications) produced by the candidate as special exercises	x
supporting documents (eg memos, notes, correspondence)	√
responses to questions from the assessor	√
written answers to questions	x
testimony of others who have witnessed the candidate achieving the standards	√

Evidence Guidance

Examples of Evidence:

Direct evidence
- Design specification for technical publication
- Notes on the designs
- Organisational records
Supplementary evidence
- Budgets and other financial information
- Contract/order notes/job sheet
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Information notes provided by the client
- Regulations
- Request form
- Technical specifications

Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:

client
components of the technical publication
information
information systems
output media
production methods
resources
technical publication
users

Element 1.1 - Identify the objectives of a technical publication

You must be able to:

Obtain suitable information from the client on the overall requirements for the technical publication
Identify correctly the overall objectives of the client
Identify the type and number of users of the technical publication
Identify the particular requirements of different types of user
Identify the purpose and scope of the technical publication as specified by the client
Confirm the life cycle of the technical publication
Identify other related technical publications

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Objectives of the client
- what are the different methods for obtaining information on them
- what are the objectives of different types of client
Users of the technical publication
- what are the activities for which they require support from the technical publication
- how they will use the technical publication
- how technically competent are they
Life cycle of the technical publication
- how the technical publication will be used throughout its life cycle
- how different types of technical publication have different types of life cycle

Element 1.2 - Establish a design specification for a technical publication

You must be able to:

Obtain information on the preferred components of the technical publication
Identify the production methods and output media that could be effectively used
Confirm any resource and time constraints
Confirm any special or unusual requirements requested by the client
Identify any regulatory requirements that need to be achieved
Identify any health and safety issues that need to be covered
Specify all requirements in a clear design specification
Record all relevant information in the appropriate information systems

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Information on the preferred components
- who can provide it
- what are the procedures for obtaining it
Production methods and output media
- which are suitable for different types of technical publication
- what are the resources and time required for them
Special or unusual requirements
- what types of requirement could be requested
- what is the feasibility of developing and incorporating them
Regulatory requirements
- what are the regulatory bodies that are relevant to the industry
- which regulations are normally relevant to the technical publication
- why it is important to ensure health and safety issues are implemented
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use them correctly

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