software and the types of tasks for which it is suitable, as well as the skills and techniques
needed to use the software application appropriately and effectively.
Examples of specialist software include: > logistics planning applications
> computer aided design (CAD) applications > computer animation applications
> music composition and editing applications
Some organisations have software applications developed specifically for employees to be able to carry out particular tasks or activities (bespoke applications). For example, for customer relationship management, stock control, plant control, engineering diagnostics, credit management or analysing sales performance.
A. A foundation user can use basic bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques appropriately for
straightforward or routine information. Any aspect that is unfamiliar will require support and advice from others. Bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques will be defined as ‘basic’ because:
> the software tools and functions involved will be predefined or commonly used;
> the range of inputting, manipulation and outputting techniques are straightforward or routine; and > the data type and structure will be predetermined or
familiar.
B. An intermediate user can select and use a wide range of intermediate bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques for information that is at times non-routine or unfamiliar. Any aspect that is unfamiliar may require support and advice from others.
Bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques will be defined as ‘intermediate’ because:
> the software tools and functions involved will at times be non-routine or unfamiliar;
> the choice and use of input, manipulation and output techniques will need to take account of a number of factors or elements and at times be multi-step; and > the user will take some responsibility for inputting,
manipulating and outputting the information.
C. An advanced user can select and use a range of advanced bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques for complex or non-routine information. Bespoke or specialist software tools and techniques will be defined as ‘advanced’ because:
> the software tools and functions used will be complex, and at times involve having the idea that there may be a tool or function to do something (eg improve efficiency or create an effect), exploring technical support, self- teaching and applying;
> the inputting, manipulating and outputting techniques will be complex, and will involve research, identification and application; and
> the user will take full responsibility for inputting, manipulating and outputting the information.
Using IT productivity tools and applications
BS: Bespoke or specialist software
Element
The competent person will…
Performance Criteria
To demonstrate this competence they can…
Knowledge
To demonstrate this competence they will also …
Examples of Content
The examples given are indicative of the learning content at each level and are not intended to form a prescriptive list for the purpose of assessment
BS:A1 Input, organise and combine information using bespoke or specialist software
A1.1 Input relevant information
accurately into existing templates and/or files so that it is ready for processing A1.2 Organise and combine information
of different forms or from different sources A1.3 Follow local and/or legal guidelines for the storage and use of data where available
A1.4 Respond appropriately to data entry error messages
Types of bespoke information: Information will vary according to the software for example, text, numbers, photos, scanned images, graphic elements, digital recorded sound, graphs, charts, tables
Inputting information: Inputting tools and techniques will vary according to the technology being used: for example, interface devices (eg keyboard, mouse, stylus, touch screen), microphone (eg headset, built-in), camera (eg web cam, video camera, mobile phone camera)
Combining information techniques: Insert, size, position, wrap, order, group
Guidelines for the storage and use of data: Set by employer or organisation. Policies relating to security, backup and data protection; guidelines for data format; compliance, audit and reporting requirements. File management will vary according to the application.
BS:A2 Use tools and techniques to edit, process, format and present information
A2.1 Use appropriate tools and techniques to edit, process or format information A2.2 Check information meets needs, using IT tools and making corrections as
necessary
A2.3 Use appropriate presentation methods and accepted layouts
Editing, analysis and formatting techniques: Techniques will vary according to the software and task, for example:
Editing – select, insert, delete, cut, copy, paste, drag and drop, find, replace, page layout, labelling, alignment, orientation, colour, resolution, size, pitch
Process – sort, pre-set queries, simple operator formulas, charts and graphs Formatting – characters, lines, paragraphs, pages, file type
Check bespoke information: Checks will vary according to the type of information and software, but could include: spell check, grammar check, accuracy of figures, labelling and size of images, volume of sound
Presentation methods: Methods will vary according to the software and task, for example, on screen display, publishing on a web site, hard copy print out, digital file; organisational house style, branding
National Occupational Standards for IT Users V3
Using IT productivity tools and applications
BS: Bespoke or specialist software
Element
The competent person will…
Performance Criteria
To demonstrate this competence they can…
Knowledge
To demonstrate this competence they will also …
Examples of Content
The examples given are indicative of the learning content at each level and are not intended to form a prescriptive list for the purpose of assessment
BS:B1 Input and combine information using bespoke or specialist applications
B1.1 Input relevant information
accurately so that it is ready for processing B1.2 Select and use appropriate techniques to link and combine information of different forms or from different sources within the software
B1.3 Respond appropriately to data entry
error messages
Types of bespoke information: Information will vary according to the software for example, text, numbers, photos, scanned images, graphic elements, digital recorded sound, graphs, charts, tables
Inputting information: Inputting tools and techniques will vary according to the technology being used: for example, interface devices (eg keyboard, mouse, stylus, touch screen), microphone (eg headset, built-in), camera (eg web cam, video camera, mobile phone camera)
Combining information techniques: Insert, size, position, wrap, order, group, import data, links and references to external data
BS:B2 Use appropriate structures to organise and retrieve information efficiently
B2.2 Select and use appropriate
structures and/or layouts to organise information
B2.3 Apply local and/or legal guidelines
and conventions for the storage and use of data where available
B2.1 Describe what functions to apply to structure and layout information effectively
Structures and layouts: Apply and change existing templates, set up templates for inputting or retrieving information, apply or change existing styles
Guidelines for the storage and use of data: Set by employer or
organisation.Policies relating to security, backup and data protection; guidelines for data format; compliance, audit and reporting requirements File management will vary according to the application.
BS:B3 Use the functions of the software effectively to process and present information
B3.1 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to edit, process and format
information
B3.2 Check information meets needs, using IT tools and making corrections as necessary
B3.3 Select and use appropriate methods to present information
Editing, analysis and formatting techniques: Techniques will vary according to the software and task, for example:
Editing – select, insert, delete, cut, copy, paste, drag and drop, find, replace, page layout, labelling, alignment, orientation, colour, resolution, size, pitch
Analysis – design queries, mathematical, logical or statistical functions Formatting – characters, lines, paragraphs, pages, file type
Check information: Checks will vary according to the type of information and software, but could include: spell check, grammar check, accuracy of figures, labelling and size of images, volume of sound, quality of images and sound, that line, paragraph and page breaks fall appropriately, formatting is consistent, the use of headings and subheadings aid clarity, the placing of images or sound clips
Presentation methods: Methods will vary according to the software and task, for example, on screen display, publishing on a web site, hard copy print out, digital file; organisational house style, branding
Using IT productivity tools and applications
BS: Bespoke or specialist software
Element
The competent person will…
Performance Criteria
To demonstrate this competence they can…
Knowledge
To demonstrate this competence they will also …
Examples of Content
The examples given are indicative of the learning content at each level and are not intended to form a prescriptive list for the purpose of assessment
BS:C1 Input and combine information using bespoke or specialist software
Types of bespoke information: Information will vary according to the software for example, text, numbers, photos, scanned images, graphic elements, digital recorded sound, graphs, charts, tables
C1.1 Input relevant information
accurately so that it is ready for processing C1.2 Select and use appropriate
techniques to link and combine information within the application and across different software applications
Inputting information: Inputting tools and techniques will vary according to the technology being used: for example, interface devices (eg keyboard, mouse, stylus, touch screen), microphone (eg headset, built-in), camera (eg web cam, video camera, mobile phone camera); shortcuts, customise keys
File types and software: Text (eg rtf, doc, pdf), images (eg jpeg, tiff, psd), charts and graphs (eg xls), sound (eg wav, MP3)
Combining information techniques: Insert, size, position, wrap, order, group; import data, links and references to external data, version control; export data
BS:C2 Create and modify appropriate structures to organise and retrieve information efficiently
Structures, layouts and conventions: Apply and change existing templates, set up templates for common information, apply or change existing styles, set up styles for information
C2.2 Create, change and use appropriate
structures and/or layouts to organise information efficiently
C2.1 Evaluate the use of software functions to structure, layout and style information C2.3 Manage data files effectively, in line
with local and/or legal guidelines and conventions for the storage and use of data where available
Manage data files: File storage, data import and export, restore lost data; identify ineffective backup storage
Guidelines for the storage and use of data: Set by employer or
organisation.Policies relating to security, backup and data protection; guidelines for data format; compliance, audit and reporting requirements File management will vary according to the application.
National Occupational Standards for IT Users V3
Using IT productivity tools and applications
BS: Bespoke or specialist software
Element
The competent person will…
Performance Criteria
To demonstrate this competence they can…
Knowledge
To demonstrate this competence they will also …
Examples of Content
The examples given are indicative of the learning content at each level and are not intended to form a prescriptive list for the purpose of assessment
BS:C3 Exploit the functions of the software effectively to process and present information
Editing, analysis and formatting techniques: Techniques will vary according to the software and task, for example:
C3.1 Select and use appropriate tools and techniques to edit, analyse and format
information Editing – select, insert, delete, cut, copy, paste, drag and drop, find, replace, page
layout, labelling, alignment, orientation, colour, resolution, size, pitch C3.2 Check information meets needs,
using IT tools and making corrections as
necessary Analysis – design queries, mathematical, logical or statistical functions
Formatting – characters, lines, paragraphs, pages, file type C3.3 Identify and respond appropriately to
qualityproblems to ensure that outcomes are fit for purpose and meet needs
Check information: Checks will vary according to the type of information and software, but could include: spell check, grammar check, accuracy of figures, labelling and size of images, volume of sound, quality of images and sound, that line, paragraph and page breaks fall appropriately, formatting is consistent, the use of headings and subheadings aid clarity, the placing of images or sound clips C3.4 Select and use presentation
methods to aid clarity and meaning
Quality problems with outcomes: Will vary according to the content, for example, text (eg formatting, structure), images (eg size, position, orientation), numbers (eg decimal points, accuracy of calculations), sound (eg volume, sound clip out of sync)
Presentation methods: Methods will vary according to the software and task, for example, on screen display, publishing on a web site, hard copy print out, digital file; organisational house style, branding
Using IT productivity tools and applications