National Occupational Standards
- Element 12.1 - Identify errors in a technical
publication
- Element 12.2 - Provide information on errors
in the technical publication
This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators
when quality assuring a technical publication. Technical communicators have
to ensure they obtain the correct version of the technical publication, and
confirm the type of errors that should be identified. They then have to review
each component of the technical publication and correctly identify any errors,
establishing a pattern if one exists. They have to confirm the source of the
errors, and provide information to help resolve them and improve the technical
publication.
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 |
x |
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 |
√ |
testimony of others who have witnessed the candidate achieving the standards |
√ |
Evidence Guidance
Examples of Evidence:
- Direct evidence
- Completed technical publication
- Drafts of the technical publication
- Organisational records
- Quality assurance records
- Recommendations
- Supplementary evidence
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Design specification for technical publication
- Technical specifications
Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:
- components of the technical publication
- error
- information
- information systems
- people
- style
- technical publication
You must be able to:
- Obtain the correct version of the technical publication
- Confirm the types of error that require action
- Select appropriate methods for identifying the errors
- Review each component of the technical publication as carefully as practicable
- Identify correctly any errors in the technical publication
- Ensure health and safety requirements are implemented in the technical
publication
- Establish any patterns in the errors and clarify the reasons for them
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Errors in the technical publication
- how to ensure the correct version of a technical publication is obtained
- which errors require action, and which can be ignored
- what are the methods for identifying different types of error
- what are the typical errors that are found in different types of technical
publication
- why it is important to ensure health and safety requirements are implemented
- what are the normal reasons for the errors
You must be able to:
- Establish the most suitable format and style for providing information
on any errors
- Confirm the validity of the errors identified in the technical publication
- Confirm the source of the errors
- Provide a sufficient amount of information to assist the people amending
the errors
- Identify the most appropriate methods for improving the technical publication
- Provide information on any errors to the relevant people according to
the agreed time scale
- Record and protect the information on errors in the appropriate information
systems
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Errors in the technical publication
- how to ensure the correct version of a technical publication is obtained
- which errors require action, and which can be ignored
- what are the methods for identifying different types of error
- what are the typical errors that are found in different types of technical
publication
- what are the normal reasons for the errors
- Providing information on errors
- who requires information on the errors
- what are the formats and styles for providing information on the errors
- what methods are available for amending the errors
- Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly
© Crown Copyright, 1999,
© Publishing Training Centre, 1999,
© ISTC, The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators, 1999 |
