Element 3.1 - Select the research methods for obtaining information for a technical publication
Element 3.2 - Collect information for a technical publication
Element 3.3 - Prepare information for a technical publication

Commentary

This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators when obtaining information for use in a technical publication. Technical communicators have to consider the type of technical publication, identify what information is needed, and decide on the most effective method for collecting that information. Technical communicators must then collect the information in an appropriate way, and then review and record the results. Finally, the information should be prepared for use in the technical publication.

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
- Information obtained from the research
- Organisational records
- Reports on discussions
- Research plans
Supplementary evidence
- Authority to conduct research
- Budgets and other financial information
- Contract/order notes/job sheet
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Design specification for technical publication
- Information collection procedures
- Modification lists
- Original source information
- Technical specifications

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

information
information systems
people
research methods
resources
technical publication

Element 3.1 - Select the research methods for obtaining information for a technical publication

You must be able to:

Ensure the objectives of the research are clearly defined and any critical factors are highlighted
Establish how the information will be used in the technical publication
Confirm the resources and time scale available to undertake the research
Identify the potential sources and location of suitable information
Select the most effective research methods for achieving the research objectives
Ensure the research methods are safe
Identify any potential constraints to the research
Plan the research tasks that are needed
Provide information on the research to all relevant people

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Resources and time scale for the research
- what are typically required for different types of research
- what are the procedures and methods for assessing them
- what factors should be taken into account when assessing them
Research objectives and methods
- why it is important to confirm the objectives of the research
- what is the availability of different sources of information
- why it is important to confirm that research methods are safe
- how to assess which research methods would be most suitable
Planning research
- which planning methods could be used
- what are the types of constraint that could occur

Element 3.2 - Collect information for a technical publication

You must be able to:

Confirm the research methods that should be used for collecting the information
Access the information sources using the appropriate procedures
Collect information using the specified methods
Protect the information sources according to agreed procedures
Inform the relevant people of any difficulties in obtaining the information
Review the information collected and identify any additional requirements
Record the information accurately in the appropriate information systems
Comply with health and safety requirements at all times

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Research methods that should be used
- what are the different types of research method that should be used
- what are the appropriate procedures for each research method
- why it is important to comply with health and safety requirements
Information that is collected
- what are the types of difficulty faced in collecting information
- what are the methods for reviewing the information that is collected
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly

Element 3.3 - Prepare information for a technical publication

You must be able to:

Select suitable preparation methods for the information
Confirm the validity of the information
Prepare information in a suitable way for use in the technical publication
Identify any themes and issues that arise from the information
Identify any problems that could arise from the use of the information
Identify any health and safety issues that need to be incorporated into the information
Inform the relevant people of any difficulties in preparing the information
Record the information in the appropriate information systems

You must be able to apply knowledge of:

Preparation methods
- which methods should be used with different types of information
- how to determine whether information is valid
- what types of problem might be encountered when preparing information
- who should be informed of any problems with the preparation
- why it is important to identify any health and safety issues
Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly

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