This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators who are in a position to commission work for the development of a technical
publication. Technical communicators have to review the requirements for a technical publication by confirming its purpose and scope, and ensuring that
a clear design specification exists. They then have to provide a full and clear specification of the objectives of the work, and determine the resources
that are necessary. They need to provide details for the technical communicators that are to work on the technical publication, and identify and resolve any problems. They also have to assess who should carry out the work. This involves assessing the capabilities of the technical communicators who are available, identifying their strengths and development needs, and providing constructive feedback. Finally they will select the technical communicators for the work, using appropriate selection criteria.

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	√
testimony of others who have witnessed the candidate achieving the standards	√

Evidence Guidance

Examples of Evidence:

Direct evidence
- Design specification for technical publication
- Organisational records
- Project plans
- Recommendations
- Recruitment and selection information
- Synopsis
Supplementary evidence
- Budgets and other financial information
- Contract/order notes/job sheet
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Design specification for technical publication
- Designs produced by others
- Technical specifications

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

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

Element 21.1 - Review the requirements for a technical publication

You must be able to:

Confirm that a clear design specification exists
Confirm the purpose and scope of the technical publication
Identify all the relevant components of the technical publication
Identify any health and safety issues that need to be covered
Confirm the requirements for the design and delivery of the technical publication
Identify the production methods and output media that are to be used
Identify resource and time constraints and assess their effect on the work

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Design specifications
- what is normally included in a design specification
- what are the procedures for obtaining a design specification
- why it is important to ensure health and safety issues are implemented
Components of the technical publication
- which components could be used
- how the different components should relate to each other
- how the components should be structured within a technical publication
Production methods and output media
- which are suitable for different types of technical publication
- what are the resources and time required for them

Element 21.2 - Specify objectives for technical communicators

You must be able to:

Provide a full and clear specification of the objectives that should be achieved
Determine the resources and time scale for achieving the objectives
Obtain clear feedback from the technical communicators on their capabilities to achieve the objectives
Inform the technical communicators of the quality standards that need to be met
Identify and resolve any problems in achieving the objectives
Confirm with all relevant people that the work has been commissioned
Record all relevant information in the appropriate information systems

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Commissioning
- what are the organisational procedures for commissioning work
- what are the quality standards for design and production, and who sets them
- why it is important to provide a full and clear specification of the objectives for the technical communicators
- what types of problem can occur, and what are the potential solutions
Capabilities of technical communicators
- what criteria can be used to assess the capabilities of technical communicators
- what type of information is useful for assessing their capabilities
- what are the methods for identifying their strengths and weaknesses
- what types of development opportunity might be available
- who requires feedback on the capabilities of the technical communicators
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly

Element 21.3 - Assess the capabilities of technical communicators

You must be able to:

Establish the criteria for assessing the capabilities of technical communicators
Review all relevant information obtained on their capabilities
Identify correctly their strengths and weaknesses
Identify any development opportunities that might improve their capabilities
Assess the effects of any weaknesses on the success of the technical publication
Provide constructive feedback to the relevant people on the capabilities of the technical communicators
Consult with colleagues 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:

Capabilities of technical communicators
- what criteria can be used to assess the capabilities of technical communicators
- what type of information is useful for assessing their capabilities
- what are the methods for identifying their strengths and weaknesses
- what types of development opportunity might be available
- who requires feedback on the capabilities of the technical communicators
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly

Element 21.4 - Select technical communicators to achieve work objectives

You must be able to:

Establish the criteria for selecting technical communicators
Identify and apply suitable selection methods that are fair to all candidates
Obtain suitable information on the candidates
Assess all relevant information obtained on the candidates
Select technical communicators who are capable of achieving work objectives
Provide constructive feedback to the candidates
Record the results of the selection process in the appropriate information systems

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Selecting technical communicators
- what are the criteria that can be used to select technical communicators
- which selection methods are available, and what are their advantages and disadvantages
- what types of information are most useful during the selection procedure
- why it is important to provide constructive feedback to successful and unsuccessful candidates
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly

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