National Occupational Standards
- Element 4.1 - Record information for a technical
publication
- Element 4.2 - Control the access and use of
information relating to a technical publication
This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators
when recording and storing information for use in a technical publication.
Technical communicators have to deal with a significant amount of information,
and it is important that it is recorded correctly. This involves establishing
classification systems recording the information correctly, and ensuring that
the information is provided to the appropriate people. Technical communicators
also have to control the access and use of the information, by establishing
procedures and providing instructions.
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 |
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|
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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
- Classification systems
- Completed technical publication
- Guidelines and procedures issued to others
- Information recorded and stored
- Information systems
- Organisational records
- Supplementary evidence
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Information used in the technical publication
Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:
- information
- information systems
- people
- technical publication
You must be able to:
- Identify the correct information to be recorded and stored
- Establish any necessary classification systems to order the information
- Identify the most appropriate information systems to use for recording
and storage
- Ensure the information system is capable of recording and storing the
information safely and securely
- Provide clear information to all relevant people on the information systems
that are used
- Prepare the information correctly for recording
- Record and store information according to the requirements of the information
system
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Information to be recorded and stored
- which classification systems can be used for ordering information
- who should be informed about recording methods
- how to prepare different types of information for recording
- Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly
- Recording and storing
- what systems are most appropriate for recording different types of
information
- what systems can be used for storing the information
- what systems should be used for maintaining the security of the information
You must be able to:
- Identify the access requirements of different people
- Establish procedures for accessing the information to meet the overall
needs of people
- Provide instructions to people on information retrieval and return methods
- Establish priorities for accessing the information to meet work objectives
- Ensure the safety of information during access
- Identify and resolve any access problems as quickly as practicable
- Review the access controls at suitable intervals
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Access requirements
- who are the people that are allowed access to the information
- what are the different procedures for accessing the information
- what types of access problem occur
- when should access controls be reviewed
© Crown Copyright, 1999,
© Publishing Training Centre, 1999,
© ISTC, The Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators, 1999 |
