National Occupational Standards
- Element 5.1 - Interpret the overall structure and
style of a technical publication
- Element 5.2 - Interpret the structure and style of
specific components a technical publication
This unit describes the competence required from technical communicators
when they are presented with a design that has already been developed. Technical
communicators have to understand the requirements of the design, and integrate
their work into pre-formatted documents. They have to work on a technical
publication which has its overall structure and style predetermined. They
also will work on specific components, eg pages and other supplementary components
that have predetermined structures and styles. While the freedom to generate
new design is not available, the discipline of the technical communicator
is to comply with a tight specification that ensures the publication is part
of a much greater system of documentation and guidance, where accuracy and
consistency are overriding factors.
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
- Correspondence with the client
- Notes on the designs
- Organisational records
- Supplementary evidence
- Contract/order notes/job sheet
- Correspondence, memos, faxes, and e-mail
- Design specification for technical publication
- Information notes provided by the client
- Technical specifications
Key words in this unit that can be found in the glossary:
- components of the technical publication
- information
- information systems
- people
- structure
- style
- technical publication
You must be able to:
- Confirm the purpose and scope of the technical publication
- Review the structure and style of the technical publication
- Identify any problems with implementing the structure and style of the
technical publication
- Clarify any unfamiliar or unclear requirements
- Exchange information on the structure and style of the technical publication
with the relevant people
- Ensure the structure achieves the specified objectives of the technical publication
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Structure and style of the technical publication
- how different types of technical publication can be structured
- what styles are used in different types of technical publication
- what type of problems can occur with the structure or style
- Information systems
- which systems should be used
- why it is important to use the systems correctly
You must be able to:
- Review the structure and style of the specific components
- Determine the methods for incorporating components into the technical
publication
- Identify any problems with implementing the structure and style of the
components
- Clarify any unfamiliar or unclear requirements
- Exchange information on the structure and style of the components with
the relevant people
- Record information on the designs in the appropriate information systems
You must be able to apply knowledge of:
- Structure and style of specific components
- how different types of component can be structured
- what styles are used in different types of component
- what type of problems can occur with the structure or style
- 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 |
