SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Use appropriate tools and information systems to manage own information and communication 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
123372  Use appropriate tools and information systems to manage own information and communication 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Environmental Sc/Mgt & Waste Mgt 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 10 - Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences Environmental Sciences 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
Successful learners will be able to:
  • Use a range of information managing and processing tools effectively.
  • Develop and process personal office documents and reports.
  • Develop and deliver presentations.

    They will also know and understand:
  • Principles and methods of information management and their application.

    Learners can be assessed against this unit standard in the context of any activity which is related to managing environmental issues, such as:
  • Waste management related activities, e.g.
    > Materials recovery and buy back centres.
    > Waste reception.
    > Landfill operations.
  • Water course cleaning, care and maintenance.
  • Care of public places, open areas, cultural and natural heritage sites.
  • Maintenance of parks and sports fields.
  • Involvement in community projects and job creation schemes relating to environmental practice.
  • General industrial or extraction, ie activities with an environmental care or improvement focus. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication at Level NQF Level 3.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    This unit standard will equip learners with the skills and knowledge to manage their own activities and information. Such skills and knowledge will support learners in the performance of their internal organisational activities, as well as equip them to perform related external activities, such as communicating information to external stakeholders.

    Information managing and processing tools refer to manual, paper-based and/or electronic methods such as diaries, card systems, charts, computers, handheld or other devices, spreadsheets, knowledge bases, filing systems, presentation software and hardware, etc.

    The scope and level of this unit standard is indicated by range statements related to the Specific Outcomes. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Collect, process and manipulate own work-related data and information. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Emails, phone messages, requests, production orders, inventory, appointments, deadlines, meeting minutes and notes, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Appropriate tools are used for the different types of data and information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Appropriate tools: spreadsheets, handheld devices, calculators, telephones, card indexes, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Records show a consistent, systematic process of collecting, managing, manipulating and acting on data and information. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Develop presentations and reports from documents and deliver presentations. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Process: print, copy, bind, distribute, convert, present, identify action items, extract important or relevant information, etc. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Documents, reports and presentations meet all requirements in terms of purpose, scope and format. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Scope: Relevant information, results, discrepancies, findings, recommendations, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Documents, reports and presentations are technically and legally correct, accurate and sufficiently detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Report findings and recommendations are clear and succinct. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Structure and language of documents, reports and presentations meets communication objectives and audience requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Documents and reports are processed as required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Delivery of presentation meets all requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements: includes appropriate use of hardware, visual aids, etc.
     

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Manage own information, documentation and knowledgebase. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Managing information includes recording/entering, processing/manipulating, retrieving and communicating the information on demand; filing, archiving, backing up; using information systems (manual filing and/or electronic).

    Own information refers to information required to perform own work-related activities, both internal and external to the organisation, and records and information documenting own performance for performance assessment purposes. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information and documentation is processed and stored in accordance with requirements. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Processed: Filed, copied, bound, distributed, in-putted into electronic systems, summarised, backed up, archived, etc.

    Files and electronic storage are organised in a logical, accessible way.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information and documents can be rapidly retrieved in response to requests. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Databases are up to date. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Appropriate tools are used to manage the information. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information: Memos, oral and written reports, briefs, CV's, resumes, files, credentials, brochures, etc.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Information systems and archive systems are used and maintained correctly. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information and archive systems: manual, paper-based and/or computerised.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    Common sources of information are used to find and compile own knowledgebase. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Common sources of information: internet, library, other people, etc.
     


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Assessment of learner achievements takes place at providers accredited by a relevant ETQA (RSA, 1998b) for the provision of programs that result in the outcomes specified for this unit standard.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with a relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with a relevant ETQA.
  • The relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines and the agreed ETQA procedures will oversee moderation of assessment and is responsible for moderation of learner achievements of learners who meet the requirements of this unit standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The following items reflect the type of knowledge that the assessor will evaluate:
  • Names & functions of:
    > Tools for managing, processing and presenting data and information.
  • Purpose of:

    > Managing, backing up, storing and retrieving, archiving data and information.
    > Word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages (if applicable).
    > Equipment for presenting information.
    > Presenting information effectively.
  • Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:

    > Databases, knowledge bases.
    > Tools for managing data and information.
    > Word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages (if applicable).
    > Equipment for presenting information.
  • Processes and events:

    > Managing, backing up, storing and retrieving, archiving data and information.
    > Using word processing, spreadsheet and presentation packages (if applicable).
    > Using electronic equipment and devices (if applicable).
    > Creating documents, spreadsheets (if applicable) and presentations.
    > Collating, verifying, validating, summarising, filing documents.
    > Searching for and compiling information for knowledgebase.
    > Presenting / communicating information.
  • Causes and effects, implications of:

    > Not managing and storing information securely.
    > Not applying tools and methods consistently.
  • Procedures and techniques:

    > For collecting and processing information.
    > For creating documents, spreadsheets (if applicable) and presentations.
    > For manipulating data and information.
    > For presenting information.
    > For managing, storing and retrieving information.
    > Searching for and compiling information for knowledgebase.
  • Sensory cues:
    > Related to the management and presentation of data and information.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

    > Quality standards.
    > Applicable company policies and standards.
    > Applicable information-related rules (eg confidentiality, privacy, copyright, intellectual property).
    > Applicable organisational policies and procedures.
  • Theory: rules, principles, laws:
    > Applicable theory and principles underpinning the use and function of equipment.
  • Categories:

    > Information.
    > Documents.
  • Relationships, systems:
    > The relationship between information management and productive work practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems:
  • Identify weaknesses in own management of information and determine and apply solutions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others:
  • Respond timeously to requests for information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage myself and my activities:
  • Use appropriate tools to manage own work-related information. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:
  • Consistently and systematically collect, manage and manipulate data.
  • Summarise, prepare and present information appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively:
  • Record and report findings and recommendations. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically:
  • Use applicable technology to manage information, to create documents and to present information appropriately. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems:
  • Describe the relationship between effective information management, appropriate tools and technology and productive work practices. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Notes to assessors

    Assessors should keep the following principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the entire range, wherever it applies. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the learner is able to perform in the real situation.
  • Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion. Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • The assessment criteria provide the specifications against which assessment judgements should be made. In most cases, knowledge can be inferred from the quality of the performances, but in other cases, knowledge and understanding will have to be tested through questioning techniques. Where this is required, there will be assessment criteria to specify the standard required.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the learner can achieve the outcomes again and again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance is reproducible.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well documented principles of assessment: appropriateness, fairness, manageability, integration into work or learning, validity, direct, authentic, sufficient, systematic, open and consistent. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  50309   Further Education and Training Certificate: Environmental Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Core  58063   Further Education and Training Certificate: Labour Recruitment Services  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Elective  22901   National Certificate: Environmental Education, Training and Development Practice  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. A4 Consultancy CC 
    2. DELTA ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE NPC 
    3. Edutraining Business College 
    4. Giamanje TVET College 
    5. Growth Management Consulting 
    6. Jabukile Consultancy 
    7. Jobafrik Consulting 
    8. Josmap Training Institute 
    9. Kay Beez Development Projects 
    10. Mcebo Technologies 
    11. Nemalale Eagles Consultancy CC 
    12. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    13. Siza Nesu Training and Consultants 
    14. Starplex 489 cc 
    15. Thando Consulting Services 
    16. Timothy Fasheun Group Enviromentors (Pty) Ltd 
    17. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    18. Tshepang Consulting & Project 
    19. Umqondo Consultancy 
    20. University of Venda 
    21. Ursivox Interactive Systems 
    22. Vhutshilo Health And Training Organisation 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.