This unit describes the function of carrying out research to enable the determination of financial investment strategies and options.

This unit contains employability skills.

This unit requires the application of research and analytical skills

to conduct research to support recommendations.

The unit of competency encompasses interpreting available information, analysing and reviewing research findings and activities and the documentation of research findings for distribution.

Industry Capability- Product Skills

1. Interpret available

information and conduct research

1.1 Where relevant, timelines are established to meet

research requirement deadlines

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q11a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q11a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q11a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q11a

1.2 Relevant sources of information are identified

accurately and consistently, and required information can be sourced/retrieved readily and promptly

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5a

1.3 Sources of research information/documentation are constantly reviewed to ensure currency and accuracy

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5a

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5a

1.4 Research findings logically flow from the interpretation of information available at the time

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5d

1.5 Research findings are prepared in a detailed, clear, accurate and timely format

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5d

2. Analyse and review

research findings and activities

2.1 Research activities and outcomes are consistent with

company policy and guidelines, confidentiality requirements, and with relevant legislation or industry codes of practice

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5c

2.2 Research findings and activities are analysed and reviewed to ensure accuracy and thoroughness

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q6c

2.3 The adequacy of statutory disclosures is reviewed

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q9d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q9d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q9d

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q9d

2.4 Feedback is sought to monitor the effectiveness and appropriateness of research activities

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q5b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q5b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q5b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q5b

3. Document research and distribute to relevant parties

3.1 All research is checked to ensure compliance with company policy and guidelines, and with relevant

legislation or industry codes of practice, and is authorised

before release

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q6c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q6c

3.2 Research is distributed to all relevant parties as required

in a timely manner

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q8c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q8c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q8c

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q8c

3.3 Where relevant, confirmation of receipt of research information is obtained in order to complete company records of compliance

All 10 assignments: a00s102t09L01-10 Managed Investments: Clients 1-10, Q11b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t10L01-10 Superannuation : Clients 1-10, Q11b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t11L01-10 Derivatives : Clients 1-10, Q11b

OR All 10 assignments: a00s102t12L01 - 10 Securities : Clients 1-10, Q11b

research and data analysis techniques

A10s032t16l00: Markets And Securities Q1-15

A13s001t01l02: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Managed Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l06: Tax And Social Security Implications of managed funds Q1-10

A13s001t01l07: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Underlying Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l08: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Different Types Of Managed Funds Q1-7

A13s001t03l02: Real Estate Investment Strategies; Q1-10

A13s001t03l03: Valuation Techniques; Q1-10

A13s001t03l06: Taxation Implications Q1-10

A14s001t01l08: Adviser Fees And Commissions Q1-10

A14s001t01l10: Alternative Dispute Resolution Q1-12

A14s001t01l11: Superannuation Update Q1-20

a14s001t02L01: Associated Risks Q1-10

a14s001t02L04: Investment Strategies Within Superannuation Funds, I.E. Investment Concepts And Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t02L05: Restrictions On Investment Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t03L03: Personal Contributions Q1-10

a14s001t03L05: Choice Of Fund Q1-10

a14s001t03L06: Splitting Superannuation On Divorce Q1-10

good communication and listening skills

Literacy and listening skills can be inferred from the satisfactory completion of the assessments

writing and record keeping

These skills will be demonstrated in completing the questions listed elsewhere

computer literacy

Since the course is on-line, These skills will be demonstrated in completing the questions listed elsewhere

problem solving

A13s001t01l02: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Managed Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l06: Tax And Social Security Implications of managed funds Q1-10

A13s001t01l07: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Underlying Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l08: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Different Types Of Managed Funds Q1-7

A13s001t03l02: Real Estate Investment Strategies; Q1-10

A13s001t03l03: Valuation Techniques; Q1-10

A13s001t03l06: Taxation Implications Q1-10

A14s001t01l08: Adviser Fees And Commissions Q1-10

A14s001t01l10: Alternative Dispute Resolution Q1-12

A14s001t01l11: Superannuation Update Q1-20

a14s001t02L01: Associated Risks Q1-10

a14s001t02L04: Investment Strategies Within Superannuation Funds, I.E. Investment Concepts And Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t02L05: Restrictions On Investment Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t03L03: Personal Contributions Q1-10

a14s001t03L05: Choice Of Fund Q1-10

a14s001t03L06: Splitting Superannuation On Divorce Q1-10

organisational skills

These skills will be demonstrated in completing the questions listed elsewhere

time management

These skills will be demonstrated in completing the questions listed elsewhere within a reasonable time.

knowledge of local and international financial markets and investments

A10s032t16l00: Markets And Securities Q1-15

A13s001t01l00: Managed Funds

A13s001t01l01: What Is A Managed Investment Q1-10

A13s001t01l02: Advantages And Disadvantages Of Managed Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l03: Regulatory Environment Q1-10

A13s001t01l04: Types Of Managed Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l05: Fee Structures Q1-10

A13s001t01l06: Tax And Social Security Implications of managed funds Q1-10

A13s001t01l07: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Underlying Investments Q1-10

A13s001t01l08: Risk And Return Characteristics Of Different Types Of Managed Funds Q1-7

A13s001t02l00: Unit Trusts

A13s001t02l01: Equity Trusts Q1-13

A13s001t02l02: Cash Management Trusts Q1-13

A13s001t02l03: Property Trusts Q1-9

A13s001t02l04: Mortgage Trusts Q1-10

A13s001t02l05: Public Securities (Fixed Interest Trusts) Q1-9

A13s001t03l00: Property Trusts;

A13s001t03l01: Concepts Of Collective Rights Q1-10

A13s001t03l02: Real Estate Investment Strategies; Q1-10

A13s001t03l03: Valuation Techniques; Q1-10

A13s001t03l04: Property Management Q1-10

A13s001t03l05: Regulatory And Legal Obligations Q1-10

A13s001t03l06: Taxation Implications Q1-10

A14s001t01l00: Operation Of Superannuation Markets Q1-na

A14s001t01l01: Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 Q1-12

A14s001t01l02: Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 Q1-12

A14s001t01l03: Role Of Regulators Q1-11

A14s001t01l04: Trustee Rules Q1-

A14s001t01l05: Characteristics And Structure Of A Superannuation Fund Q1-12

A14s001t01l06: Roles Played By Intermediaries And Issuers Q1-10

A14s001t01l07: Types Of Superannuation Funds Q1-10

A14s001t01l08: Adviser Fees And Commissions Q1-10

A14s001t01l09: Disclosure And Compliance

A14s001t01l10: Alternative Dispute Resolution Q1-12

A14s001t01l11: Superannuation Update Q1-20

a14s001t02L00: Management Of Superannuation Markets Q1-na

a14s001t02L01: Associated Risks Q1-10

a14s001t02L02: Structure Of Superannuation Plans Management And Administration Of Superannuation Funds Q1-10

a14s001t02L03: Preservation Rules Q1-11

a14s001t02L04: Investment Strategies Within Superannuation Funds, I.E. Investment Concepts And Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t02L05: Restrictions On Investment Strategies Q1-12

a14s001t03L00: Contributions Q1-na

a14s001t03L01: Superannuation Guarantee Q1-10

a14s001t03L02: Small Superannuation Amounts

a14s001t03L03: Personal Contributions Q1-10

a14s001t03L04: Etps Q1-

a14s001t03L05: Choice Of Fund Q1-10

a14s001t03L06: Splitting Superannuation On Divorce Q1-10

a14s001t03L07: Reasonable Benefits Limit Q1-10

a14s001t03L08: Contributions Surcharges Q1-10

a14s001t03L09: Spouse Contributions Q1-10

a14s001t04L00: Types Of Products Used Q1-na

a14s001t04L01: Allocated Pensions Q1-10

a14s001t04L02: Advantages And Disadvantages Q1-10

a14s001t04L03: Annual Payments Q1-10

a14s001t04L04: Summary Of Rules Applying To Allocated Pension Q1-10

a14s001t04L05: Lifetime Complying Pensions Q1-12

a14s001t04L06: Term Complying Pensions Q1-17

a14s001t04L07: Rules For Complying Products Q1-20

A15s006t02l02: Investment Options Using Securities Products Q1-

financial forecasting

A13s001t05l02: Capm Model Q1-10

economic climate and outlook

A20s000t01l01: Economics Intro Q1-14

A20s000t01l02: Domestic Economy Q1-28

A20s000t01l03: The World Economy Q1-12

A20s000t01l04: Economics At The Industry Level Q1-11

relevant legislation and codes of practice

a40s104t01L01: An Introduction to Compliance Q1-15

a40s104t01L02: Legislation Overview - Financial Services Reform Act 2001 Q1-20

a40s104t01L03: Legislation Overview - The Corporate Law Q1-20

a40s104t01L04: Economic Reform Program Q1-20

a40s104t01L05: The Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Q1-20

a40s104t01L06: Regulators - ASIC Q1-20

a40s104t01L07: Regulators - APRA Q1-20

a40s104t01L08: Implementing Compliance Programs AS3806 Q1-20

a40s104t01L09: Industry Codes of Practice Q1-20

a40s104t01L10: Competency Compliance: ASICs PS146 Q1-15

a40s104t01L11: AFS Licensing Q1-20

a40s104t01L12: Disclosure Q1-20

a40s104t01L13: Conduct Q1-20

a40s104t01L14: Dispute resolution Q1-20

a40s104t01L15: Manging Conflicts of Interest Q1-20

a40s104t01L16: Financial Requirements Q1-19

a40s104t01L17: Authorised Representatives Q1-19

a40s104t01L18: Responsible officers Q1-19

a40s104t01L19: Breach Reporting Q1-20

a40S105t01L01: What is money laundering Q1-10

a40S105t01L02: Existing Laws and the need for change Q1-10

a40S105t01L03: Introduction to the new laws Q1-10

a40S105t01L04: The effect of the new laws Q1-20

a40S105t01L05: Antimoney laundering and counter terrorism financing programs Q1-20

a40S105t01L06: Application of the new laws Q1-20

a40S105t01L07: Verification of the identity of an existing customer Q1-15

a40S105t01L08: Reporting obligations Q1-20

a40S105t01L09: Reporting obligations 2 - transactions and funds transfers Q1-20

a40S105t01L10: Reporting obligations 3 - Compliance reports Q1-15

a40S105t01L11: Electronic Funds Transfer Instructions 1 - Key Concepts Q1-30

a40S105t01L12: Electronic Funds Transfer Instructions 2 - Obligations And Exceptions Q1-30

a40S105t01L13: Record-keeping Requirements Q1-30

A14s001t01l00: Operation Of Superannuation Markets Q1-na

A14s001t01l01: Superannuation Guarantee (Administration) Act 1992 Q1-12

A14s001t01l02: Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 Q1-12

A14s001t01l03: Role Of Regulators Q1-11

A14s001t01l04: Trustee Rules Q1-

A14s001t01l05: Characteristics And Structure Of A Superannuation Fund Q1-12

A14s001t01l06: Roles Played By Intermediaries And Issuers Q1-10

a14s001t02L02: Structure Of Superannuation Plans Management And Administration Of Superannuation Funds Q1-10

a14s001t02L03: Preservation Rules Q1-11

company policy/procedures/requirements

a40s104t01L12: Disclosure Q1-20

a40s104t01L13: Conduct Q1-20

a40s104t01L14: Dispute resolution Q1-20

a40s104t01L15: Manging Conflicts of Interest Q1-20

a40s104t01L17: Authorised Representatives Q1-19

a40S105t01L07: Verification of the identity of an existing customer Q1-15

aa40S105t01L13: Record-keeping Requirements Q1-30

assessment/interpretation of research data

A13s001t05l02: Capm Model Q1-10

A13s001t05l03: Active And Passive Portfolio Management Q1-10

A13s001t05l04: Portfolio Construction Q1-10

A13s001t05l05: Risk Adjusted Performance Measures Q1-10

A13s001t05l06: Problems With Performance Measurement Q1-10

A13s001t05l07: Assessing The Contribution Of Management Q1-10

A15s006t02l03: Portfolio Risk Q1-10

A15s006t02l04: Risk Tolerance And Asset Allocation Q1-10

A15s006t02l05: Diversification And Portfolio Risk Q1-10

A15s006t02l06: Optimally Risky Portfolios Q1-10

A15s006t02l07: Hedging With Options Q1-10

A15s006t02l08: Hedging With Futures Q1-10

A15s006t02l09: Passive Portfolio Management Q1-10

A15s006t02l10: Active Portfolio Management Q1-10

A25s001t05l07: Portfolio  Valuation Q1-12

A25s001t05l10: Hedging Q1-12

A25s001t05l11: Dollar Cost Averaging Q1-11

A11s002t01l00: Intro To Ratios Q1-na

A11s002t01l01: Risk Vs Return Q1-5

A11s002t01l02: Ratios Q1-10

A11s002t01l03: Ratio Groups And Rules Q1-9

A11s002t01l04: Understanding Ratio Tables Q1-10

A11s002t02l00: Ratio groups Q1-na

A11s002t02l01: Valuation Ratios Q1-10

A11s002t02l02: Profit Margins Ratios Q1-10

A11s002t02l03: Growth Rates Ratios Q1-10

A11s002t02l04: Financial Strength Ratios Q1-10

A11s002t02l05: Management Effectiveness Ratios Q1-10

Relevant sources of

information

company reports

industry and economic data

specific investments

types of products

company visits

interviews

The insurance industry should adopt a range of improved consumer protection policies and practices with respect to its use of genetic information (including family history) for underwriting purposes. New laws and practices should ensure that: genetic information is only used in a scientifically reliable and actuarially sound manner;

reasons are provided for any unfavourable underwriting decision; industry complaints handling processes are strengthened and extended to cover underwriting decisions; and industry education and training about genetics are improved.

Research documentation

reports (short, long, research, statistical, ad hoc,

transaction, other)

legal/government/professional/other documents

official/general/other correspondence

electronic documents (including internet)

CD-ROMs

presentation notes

reference to all evidence/information considered

reasons for adopting/incorporating certain information in preference to other information

meeting notes

records of telephone conversations

memo's

advice

brochures

in-house publications

prospectuses

bills

receipts

quotations

agreements

contracts or policy statements

Company policy and

guidelines

policies and procedures in relation to client service

advertising and marketing

product or service development

clerical

information technology and administrative systems

complaints and dispute resolution procedures

codes of practice

Relevant legislation and

codes of practice

relevant financial association business rules and codes of

conduct

National Guarantee Funds Rules

Taxation Act

Consumer Credit Code

Privacy Act

Corporations Act

Contracts Law

Trade Practices Act

Trust Law

Consumer Affairs Act

Secrecy Laws

industry codes of practice

confidentiality requirements include any requirements under legislation such as the Consumer Affairs Act, Privacy Act, Consumer Credit Code, industry codes of

practice, as well as standards set out in company policies and procedures

Authorisation

company directors or managers

advisers

auditors

company accountants

Relevant parties

company directors or managers

advisers

auditors

accountants

shareholders

members

consultants

clients

stockbrokers

agents

trustees

banks

Stock Exchange

Australian Securities and Investments Commission

(ASIC)

Taxation Office

Stamp Duties Office

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

other organisations

Area

Training Package Specification

Gryphon Learning Implementation

To achieve competency in this unit, a person must be able to demonstrate:

ability to establish and meet required deadlines

basic knowledge of legislative requirements

ability to interpret available information

general understanding of statutory disclosure requirements

ability to document research findings for distribution purposes

As students use Gryphon Learning's courseware to study, they are presented with approximately 2,500 interactive questions allowing them to self-assess their knowledge and skills in this area. The results of these assessments are stored in Gryphon Learning's database, providing evidence of towards the required competencies and knowledge.

To validate this evidence, students are required to sit three supervised assessments involving assessment items drawn from those listed above. Students who have "cheated" by allowing others to study using their login would be most unlikely to satisfactorily complete the supervised tests.

Competency is demonstrated by performance of all stated

criteria, including the Range Statement applicable to the particular workplace environment and should cover research of a representative range of financial products and/or services.

As this unit is co-assessed with one of the ASIC competency units assessment is undertaken under the same conditions as for one of these units

This unit may be assessed on its own or it may be

assessed with other units that cover related skills and knowledge.

Evidence is most relevant when provided through an integrated activity, which combines the elements of competency for the unit, or a cluster of units of competency.

This unit will always be coassessed with one of the ASIC competency units

For valid and reliable assessment of this unit, evidence

should be gathered through a range of methods to indicate consistent performance.

Assessment of this unit of competence will usually include observation of processes and procedures, simulation, oral and/or written questioning on underpinning knowledge

and skills and other methods as required.

Assessment involves emailed essays, a range of interactive assessment items comprising both formative and summative assessment. Some of these summative assessments are supervised.

As part of the assessment, information is provided using Audio, Video, text and graphics. Student responses can involve

• Completion of simulated workplace documentation
• Completion of simulated processes
• Responses to multiple choice questions (e.g. clicking on documents to be given to clients)
• Manipulating and organising items on screen
• Responses to True/False questions
• Pointing to significant areas on charts or graphs

Assessment of performance requirements in this unit should be undertaken in an industry context and against industry defined assessment guidelines. Aspects of competency, including attainment of relevant knowledge and skills may be demonstrated through completion of formal training programs.

See assessment items and courseware listed above.

Under ASIC's Licensing rules, students who have not already demonstrated competency in this unit are not permitted to advise clients. Therefore, the assessment must involve a simulated environment.

This unit of Competency is offered as part of a course which is listed on the ASIC Training Register as Meeting the educational requirements for the minimum requirements for Advising on Derivatives.

To obtain a certificate stating students have met ASIC's requirements, students must demonstrate that they currently have these competencies. This complicates RPL. .

This unit may involve simulation equipment such as

telephones or computer equipment, facilities for workplace or simulated environment assessment.

To complete this unit, students need a computer with adequate internet access. For minimum specifications see the Gryphon Learning Training Strategies Manual.

Most students are currently working in the finance industry (including those employed by Gryphon Learning), and therefore have access to a range of relevant resources (including product documentation.)

Others have accessed such resources from a range of sources, including their financial advisors, by subscription, using the internet and, (under some circumstances, from Gryphon Learning.)