1.6 Prepare the research strategy for explosive substances and/or articles

Key Role
Research Design & Development
Unit
1
Reference
1.6
Overview

This standard covers the competences you need to identify and gather the information on explosive substances and/or articles in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

You will be required to demonstrate that you can ensure that your strategy addresses the current and likely future needs of your customer in line with the research specification. Identifying and addressing any operational constraints that could affect the research strategy in accordance with approved procedures and practices.

This activity is likely to be undertaken by someone whose work role involves Weapons, Ordnance, Munitions or Explosives work activities. This includes individuals working as senior research leaders working at strategic level with organizations outside their own.

Performance Criteria

P1 work safely at all times, complying with health and safety, environmental and other relevant regulations, legislation and guidelines
P2 keep records of the ideas considered, and the justification for their selection or dismissal, acknowledging input from others
P3 assess realistically the potential utility and impact of further study
P4 ensure that your strategy addresses the current and likely future needs of your customer
P5 identify and address any operational constraints that could affect the research strategy
P6 consult customers and other stakeholders who have a legitimate interest and build their feedback into the strategy
P7 ensure that your strategy clearly addresses your customers’ and stakeholders’ requirements, and your organisation’s strategic objectives
P8 validate the final strategy through a peer review
P9 ensure compatibility between the research strategy and the business plan
P10 identify and express clearly in the research strategy the aims, objectives and expected outcomes
P11 prioritise and justify your research strategy
P12 maintain the requirements of confidentiality at all times

Knowledge and Understanding

K1 the health, safety and environmental and other statutory legislation, regulations and safe working practices and procedures governing explosives, and their implications for your area of work
K2 the relevance of personal protective equipment (PPE)
K3 the nature, characteristics, hazards and risks of the explosive substances and/or articles
K4 the actions to be taken in response to an unplanned event
K5 your organization’s strategic and operational policies and objectives
K6 the business risks associated with the research strategy
K7 the potential uses of the research
K8 the current and likely future strategic and operational requirements of your customers
K9 current trends and policies, and forecasted changes in your area of the explosives substances and articles- related industry
K10 current trends and forecasted changes in your area of specialism and related areas
K11 your stakeholders, and the nature of their interest
K12 the requirements of the business plan and the business planning cycle
K13 the required format for the strategy
K14 the peer review process
K15 your own level of authority, and that of others with whom you work
K16 the requirements of confidentiality

Scope and Range

1. Research requirements: current business needs; likely future requirements
2. Constraints: resources (human, financial, facilities); technology; suppliers;
legislative changes
3. Expertise: from your own specialism; from other specialisms
4. Stakeholders: within your organization; outside your organization