National Occupational Standards in
Archaeological Practice

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AE1 Characterise the archaeological resource and recommend action

AE1.4 Evaluate options and recommend action

Performance Required

This will involve:

1. assessing the vulnerability of the resources
2. analysing findings from research in the context of policies, plans and resources and identifying significant factors affecting future action
3. devising options for action most likely to optimise the recovery of data and the conservation of the archaeological resource
4. where appropriate, consulting those with expert knowledge on the viability of alternative courses of action
5. preparing proposals, plans and comparative estimates for alternative courses of action
6. presenting options for action to interested parties and justifying preferred course of action

Occuptional Context

1. Vulnerability of the resources
   • ownership of the resource
   • condition of resource
   • location and environment
   • constraints on access
   • public interest and media coverage
   • strain on financial and human resources
   • legalities and funding/ statutory regulations
   • risk factors
2. Future action in terms of
   • presentation/ dissemination
   • further research
   • intrusive investigation
   • conservation
   • policy change
   • organisational strategy
   • contribution to the discipline
3. Viability
   • financial
   • political
   • ethical
   • strategic

Knowledge Requirements

You need to know about:

Options

• Policies and legal affecting future action
• Which experts and specialists to contact for further information
• Previous courses of action
• Types of analysis
• Audience: interests, access restrictions, presentation methods, motivations and requirements of interested parties

Required Skills

You should demonstrate:

• Evaluation and analysis techniques
• Communication skills
• Risk assessment techniques

Evidence Required

You should provide evidence that you can evaluate options and recommend action

The candidate should be questioned, based upon the documentation provided, to explore the following

• Proposals, plans and comparative estimates including evidence of extensive research.
• Statistical information detailing cost
• Qualitative information demonstrating recognition of public or professional reception and speculations upon interest and developments.

Evidence Rules

N/A

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Today's date: 7/9/2010
This page last updated: 6/8/2007 11:58