National Occupational Standards
- Element 15.1 - Collect information on the effectiveness
of the technical publication
- Element 15.2 - Assess the effectiveness of
a technical publication
- Element 15.3 - Identify improvements to a technical
publication
This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators
when evaluating the effectiveness of a technical publication. Technical communicators
have to identify the types of user of the technical publication, identify
potential sources of information, and then collect that information. They
have to review the information to assess the overall effectiveness of the
technical publication, and identify any critical aspects of the design that
have an impact on its effectiveness. Technical communicators then have to
identify any improvements, identify the resources needed to implement them,
and present a rationale for them.
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 |
√ |
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
- Correspondence with the client
- End-user comments
- Information obtained from the research
- Information recorded and stored
- Organisational records
- Recommendations
- Supplementary evidence
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Information notes provided by the client
- Technical specifications
- Vetting and validation certificates
Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:
- components of the technical publication
- designs
- information
- information systems
- people
- resources
- style
- technical publication
- users
You must be able to:
- Identify the types of user of the technical publication
- Establish criteria for evaluating the technical publication
- Identify potential sources of information on the effectiveness of the
technical publication
- Identify the resources required to collect the information
- Select and agree appropriate methods for collecting the information
- Collect accurate information according to the agreed methods
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Information that is collected
- what are the evaluation criteria that could be used for technical
publications
- what methods could be used for collecting the information
- what constitutes validity and reliability in information
- what are the procedures for obtaining authority for accessing information
sources
- what are the types of difficulty faced in collecting the information
- what are the methods for reviewing the results of the information
that is collected
- Resources for evaluation
- what resources are typically required for different types of evaluation
- what are the procedures and methods for assessing resources
- what factors should be taken into account when assessing resources
You must be able to:
- Confirm the objectives and subject matter of the technical publication
- Review all the relevant information collected on the effectiveness of
the technical publication
- Assess the overall effectiveness of the technical publication against
the established evaluation criteria
- Identify any critical aspects of the design that has an impact on the
effectiveness of the technical publication
- Identify correctly any non-compliance with health and safety requirements
- Consult with all relevant people on the results of the assessment
- Record the results of the assessment in the appropriate information systems
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Evaluating technical publications
- what methods could be used for collecting the information
- what are the critical aspects of the design that could have an impact
on the effectiveness of the technical publication
- why it is important to ensure health and safety requirements are implemented
- who should be involved in an evaluation process
- Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly
You must be able to:
- Establish the most suitable format and style for providing information
on improvements
- Identify any aspects of the technical publication that could be improved
- Identify the most appropriate methods for improving the technical publication
- Identify the resources required to implement the improvements
- Present a clear rationale for the improvements and support it with suitable
evidence
- Record and pass on information on the improvements to the relevant people
- Obtain feedback on the results of the improvements
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Improvements
- what are the different methods for improving a technical publication
- what resources are required to implement improvements
- what type of evidence is needed to support any recommendations for
improvements
- who requires information on improvements
- Methods for improving technical publications
- what are the formats and styles that can be used in technical publications
- what are the different methods for improving components of the technical
publication
- which resources are required to implement improvements
© Crown Copyright, 1999,
© Publishing Training Centre, 1999,
© ISTC, The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators, 1999 |
