BSBCMN214A

Create and use simple spreadsheets

Unit Descriptor This unit covers creating and using simple spreadsheets and charts through the use of spreadsheet software.
This unit is related to BSBCMN107A Operate a personal computer and BSBCMN108A Develop keyboard skills.


ELEMENTPERFORMANCE CRITERIA
1 . Use safe work practices
  1. Workspace, furniture and equipment are adjusted to suit the ergonomic requirements of the user

  2. Work organisation meets organisational and statutory requirements for computer operation

  3. Energy and resource conservation techniques are used to minimise wastage in accordance with organisational and statutory requirements

2 . Create simple spreadsheets
  1. Organisational and task requirements in relation to data entry, storage, output and presentation requirements are identified

  2. Spreadsheet utilises routine software functions and simple formulae to meet identified requirements

  3. Spreadsheet layout enables efficient data input and presentation

  4. Spreadsheet is formatted in accordance with organisational style and presentation requirements

  5. Formulae are tested to confirm output meets task requirements

  6. Adjustments are made as required

  7. Supervisor is consulted to confirm final formulae

3 . Produce spreadsheets
  1. Data is entered, checked and amended in accordance with organisational and task requirements

  2. Data input meets designated timelines and organisational requirements for speed and accuracy

  3. Manuals, user documentation and on-line help are used to overcome problems with spreadsheet design and production

  4. Spreadsheet is previewed, adjusted and printed in accordance with organisational and task requirements

  5. Spreadsheet is named and stored, in accordance with organisational requirements and the application exited without data loss/damage

4 . Produce simple charts
  1. Organisational and task requirements are determined in relation to the type of chart and chart features to be included

  2. Choice and design of chart enables valid representation of numerical data and meets organisational and task requirements

  3. Chart is previewed, adjusted and printed in accordance with organisational and task requirements


Key CompetencyExamples of ApplicationPerformance
Level
How can information be collected, analysed and organised?1
How are ideas and information communicated within this competency?1
How are activities planned and organised?1
How are problem solving skills applied?1
How are mathematical ideas and techniques used?1
How is use of technology applied?1
How is team work used within this competency?1

Range Statement

The Range Statement provides advice to interpret the scope and context of this unit of competency, allowing for differences between enterprises and workplaces. It relates to the unit as a whole and facilitates holistic assessment. The following variables may be present for this particular unit:
Legislation, codes and national standards relevant to the workplace may include:
· award and enterprise agreements and relevant industrial instruments
· relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
· relevant industry codes of practice
Organisational policy and procedures may include:
· log-on procedures
· password protection
· storage / location of data
· standard formats
· author's instructions
· use of templates
Ergonomic requirements may include:
· workstation height and layout
· chair height, seat and back adjustment
· footrest
· screen position
· keyboard and mouse position
· document holder
· posture
· avoiding radiation from computer screens
· lighting
· noise minimisation
Work organisation may include:
· mix of repetitive and other activities
· rest periods
· exercise breaks
Conservation techniques may include:
· double-sided paper use
· re-used paper for rough drafts (observing confidentiality requirements)
· recycling used and shredded paper
· utilising power-save options for equipment
Routine software functions may include:
· formatting text
· formatting cells
· adding/deleting columns/rows
· sizing columns/rows
· headers/footers
Simple formulae may include:
· maximum
· minimum
· average
· sum
· subtraction
· multiplication
· division
· combinations of above
Formatting may include:
· enhancements to text
· enhancements to format borders, patterns and colours
· alignment on page
· headers/footers
· use of absolute and relative cell addresses
· efficiency of formulae
· use of cell addresses in formulae
Data may include:
· numbers
· text
Checking may include:
· proofreading
· accuracy of data
· spelling, electronically and manually
· accuracy of formulae with calculator
· ensuring instructions with regard to content and format have been followed
Designated timelines may include:
· timeline agreed with supervisor/person requiring spreadsheet
· timeline agreed with internal/external client
· organisation timeline eg financial requirements
Printing may include:
· with values
· with formulae
· to fit specific number of pages
· to fit on one page
Storage of data may include:
· storage in electronic folders / sub-folders
· storage on hard/floppy disk drives, CD ROM, tape backup
· organisation policy for backing up files
· organisation policy for filing hard copies of spreadsheets
· filing locations
· security
· authorised access
Chart types may include:
· column
· stacked, 3-D column
· bar
· stacked / multiple bar
· line
· pie and 3-D pie
· exploded pie
· scatter / bubble
· area
Chart features may include:
· data labels
· axis title
· chart title
· legend
· gridlines
· axes
· data tables
· colours
· patterns
· lines
· fills
· bordersx

Evidence Guide

The Evidence Guide identifies the critical aspects, knowledge and skills to be demonstrated to confirm competency for this unit. This is an integral part of the assessment of competency and should be read in conjunction with the Range Statement.
Critical Aspects of Evidence
· Integrated demonstration of all elements of competency and their performance criteria
· Design appropriate to type and use of spreadsheet
· Use of cell-based formulae
Underpinning Knowledge*
*At this level the learner must demonstrate basic operational knowledge in a moderate range of areas.
· The relevant legislation from all levels of government that affects business operation, especially in regard to Occupational Health and Safety and environmental issues, equal opportunity, industrial relations and anti-discrimination
· Knowledge of the purpose and ranges of uses of spreadsheet's functions
· Organisational requirements for ergonomic standards, work periods and breaks, and conservations techniques
· Organisational guidelines on spreadsheet manipulation and processing
· Format of workplace documents
Underpinning Skills
· Computer literacy
· Keyboarding skills
· Literacy skills in relation to spelling correctly
· Numeracy skills in relation to creating and using spreadsheet formulae
· Communication skills to interpret instructions
· Ability to relate to people from a range of social, cultural and ethnic backgrounds and physical and mental abilities
Resource Implications
· The learner and trainer should have access to appropriate documentation and resources normally used in the workplace
· These may include:
· workplace reference materials such as style guides
· computer equipment with spreadsheet software
· English dictionary
Consistency of Performance
In order to achieve consistency of performance, evidence should be collected over a set period of time which is sufficient to include dealings with an appropriate range and variety of situations:
Eg dealing with different office requirements, different types of data, different types of spreadsheets and over a period of time to ensure that situational variables are consistently achieved
Context/s of Assessment
· Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated criteria, including paying particular attention to the critical aspects and the knowledge and skills elaborated in the Evidence Guide, and within the scope as defined by the Range Statement
· Assessment must take account of the endorsed assessment guidelines in the Business Services Training Package
· Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an actual workplace or simulated environment
· Assessment should reinforce the integration of the key competencies and the Business Services Common Competencies for the particular AQF Level. Refer to the Key Competency Levels at the end of this unit
Key Competency Levels

· Collecting, analysing and organising information (Level 1) to determine the most appropriate spreadsheet format
· Communicating ideas and information (Level 1) through the production of an effective spreadsheet
· Planning and organising activities (Level 1) to determine formulae and input data
· Working with teams and others (Level 1) to determine spreadsheet and printing requirements
· Using mathematical ideas and techniques (Level 2) while using formulae in the spreadsheet
· Solving problems (Level 2) using manuals and on-line help
· Using technology (Level 2) to create and use spreadsheets
Please refer to the Assessment Guidelines for advice on how to use the Key Competencies