This unit of competency covers the skills and knowledge required to use structured process improvement tools to solve process and other problems. This unit of competency applies to experienced operators, team leaders, supervisors or people in similar roles who are required to identify improvements and/or solve problems beyond those associated directly with the process unit/equipment. A ‘problem’ in this context should be interpreted as ‘an opportunity for improvement’, not just something causing faulty product, product faults or process irregularities/breakdowns.
This unit of competency applies to an individual working alone or as part of a team or group and working in liaison with other shift team members and the control room operator, as appropriate. Problem-solving techniques are often applied as group processes. Where the competency is achieved in a group context the individual being assessed must meet all aspects of the competency. This competency does NOT cover the planning and facilitation of group problem-solving activities.
Other units of competency, including MSMOPS units, may include a problem-solving element where problems specific to that competency are to be resolved. However, this unit of competency requires structured problem-solving techniques to be applied more broadly and/or with greater depth and rigour than is implied by the problem-solving element of the other units. This unit of competency applies to all work environments and sectors within the industry.
Assessment tasks will be designed to reinforce and extend knowledge and skill competence within set and controlled parameters in accordance with each unit’s learning outcomes and performance criteria requirements, including the setting of work based practical application tasks designed to provide evidence of competence outcomes, within periodic and scheduled timelines.
Students will be expected to demonstrate the following required skills:
The qualified trainer and assessor will provide teaching and learning materials as required in the form of workbooks produced by the Polytechnic and/or via the Polytechnic e-learning system.
This unit is studied as part of the following course(s):