The global skills and competency framework for the digital world

Methods and tools METL Beta

(modified)

Leads the adoption, management and optimisation of methods and tools, ensuring effective use and alignment with organisational objectives.

SFIA 9 is in development

  • SFIA 9 planned for publication October 2024.
  • The content of this skill may change before publication.

Moving to SFIA 9

  • New level 2 added to support entry-level roles
  • SFIA 8 skill descriptions will remain available for you to use
  • Previous SFIA assessments are not impacted by this change

Guidance notes

(modified)

There is a wide range of methods and tools supporting areas such as, but not limited to, planning, development, testing, operation, management and maintenance of systems.

The focus is on ensuring these methods and tools are not just available but are appropriately managed, refined and applied across the organisation to enhance efficiency, quality and consistency.

Activities may include, but are not limited to:

  • assessing, selecting and implementing methods and tools
  • stewardship of methods and tools to enable effective use by others
  • measuring, tailoring, improving and automating the use of methods and tools
  • developing and maintaining documentation and user guides for methods and tools
  • providing guidance, support and training for the adoption of new methods and tools
  • evaluating the effectiveness of implemented methods and tools
  • staying informed about industry developments related to methods and tools
  • aligning methods and tools with organisational standards and good practices.

Understanding the responsibility levels of this skill

Where lower levels are not defined...
  • Specific tasks and responsibilities are not defined because the skill requires a higher level of autonomy, influence, and complexity in decision-making than is typically expected at these levels. You can use the essence statements to understand the generic responsibilities associated with these levels.
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • Responsibilities and accountabilities are not defined because these higher levels involve strategic leadership and broader organisational influence that goes beyond the scope of this specific skill. See the essence statements.

Developing skills and demonstrating responsibilities related to this skill

The defined levels show the incremental progression in skills and responsibilities.

Where lower levels are not defined...

You can develop your knowledge and support others who do have responsibility in this area by:

  • Learning key concepts and principles related to this skill and its impact on your role
  • Performing related skills (see the related SFIA skills)
  • Supporting others who are performing higher level tasks and activities
Where higher levels are not defined...
  • You can progress by developing related skills which are better suited to higher levels of organisational leadership.

Show/hide extra descriptions and levels.

Levels of responsibility for this skill

2 3 4 5 6

Methods and tools: Level 2

Level 2 - Assist: Essence of the level: Provides assistance to others, works under routine supervision, and uses their discretion to address routine problems. Actively learns through training and on-the-job experiences.

(new)

Provide routine support using agreed guidelines on the use of well-established methods and tools.

Assists in configuring and maintaining methods and tools under routine supervision.

Supports the creation and updating of documentation related to methods and tools.

Methods and tools: Level 3

Level 3 - Apply: Essence of the level: Performs varied tasks, sometimes complex and non-routine, using standard methods and procedures. Works under general direction, exercises discretion, and manages own work within deadlines. Proactively enhances skills and impact in the workplace.

(modified)

Provides support on the use of existing methods and tools.

Configures and maintains methods and tools within a known context.

Creates and updates the documentation of methods and tools.

Identifies and resolves basic issues related to tool usage.

Methods and tools: Level 4

Level 4 - Enable: Essence of the level: Performs diverse complex activities, supports and guides others, delegates tasks when appropriate, works autonomously under general direction, and contributes expertise to deliver team objectives.

(modified)

Engages with stakeholders to understand requirements and recommends appropriate solutions.

Provides advice and guidance to support the adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards.

Tailors processes to meet specific needs while ensuring they align with established standards and are informed by evaluations of methods and tools.

Reviews and improves usage and application of methods and tools.

Methods and tools: Level 5

Level 5 - Ensure, advise: Essence of the level: Provides authoritative guidance in their field and works under broad direction. Accountable for delivering significant work outcomes, from analysis through execution to evaluation.

(modified)

Provides authoritative advice and leadership to promote adoption of methods and tools and adherence to policies and standards.

Evaluates and selects appropriate methods and tools in line with agreed policies and standards. Contributes to organisational policies, standards and guidelines for methods and tools.

Implements methods and tools at programme, project and team levels including selection and tailoring in line with agreed standards.

Manages reviews of the benefits and value of methods and tools. Identifies and recommends improvements that support broader organisational goals.

Methods and tools: Level 6

Level 6 - Initiate, influence: Essence of the level: Has significant organisational influence, makes high-level decisions, shapes policies, demonstrates leadership, promotes organisational collaboration, and accepts accountability in key areas.

(modified)

Develops organisational policies, standards and guidelines for methods and tools.

Sets direction and leads in the introduction and use of techniques, methodologies and tools, to meet business requirements.

Leads the development of organisational capabilities for methods and tools to ensure consistent adoption and adherence to policies and standards.

Secures organisational commitment and resources to methods and tools. Drives continuous improvement and innovation in methods and tools.

Keywords
New level Guidance notes Beta 2