Proposal to add guidance notes
A prototype has been developed to include an additional field in the SFIA skills definition - to be called Guidance notes.
Many SFIA skill descriptions contain examples...
- Examples are included to help (mainly new SFIA users) understand the scope of individual SFIA skills
- Examples are not included in all skills
- Examples are particularly useful for...
- generic skills which can be applied in a number of contexts - such as Risk management
- or for specialist skills which may be applied more generically by mis-interpretation - such as Research
There are potential issues in embedding examples in the SFIA skill descriptions...
- makes skill descriptions longer and can get in the way for experienced users
- do not list all possible alternatives - the result being users can assume their specific need is not in scope
- likely to be more volatile than skill descriptions - may need updating more frequently
We looked a some alternatives to improve the way examples are included...
- the current approach - embedded in some but not all skill descriptions
- as standalone guidance - examples explained as guidance in Tools and resources or SFIA views
- as a new field attached to a skill
A disadvantage of the standalone guidance is that someone browsing the SFIA framework won't see the guidance.
So we are proposing adding a new field and have developed a prototype approach...
-
There will be a new data field attached to a SFIA skill
- The new field will be included in the SFIA reference guide, SFIA webpages, and the SFIA Excel spreadsheet
- Sample SFIA 8 pages with guidance notes can be seen here...
This solution provides greater flexibility...
- Users can choose to incorporate guidance notes into their tools and documents - to fit their own use cases.
- Because it is separate field - if it is not needed - it can be ignored
Plan for implementation...
- This will form part of the SFIA 8 readability theme
- We will look to include guidance notes for the existing skills which list examples - such as Business risk management
- Guidance notes may also be added for skills where feedback suggests guidance notes will be helpful
- Guidance notes will not be a mandatory for every SFIA skill
Please get in touch with feedback or questions - email Peter Leather - SFIA 8 Project Manager