Analyse and evaluate the results of formulation analytical tests
Overview
This standard covers the competences you need to analyse and evaluate data relating to the preparation and testing of formulations.
You will be required to demonstrate that you can collate and format formulation test results in accordance with the relevant workplace procedures.
You will be able to analyse formulation test results and evaluate them against the target business objectives producing recommendations for future work to improve the formulations as appropriate
You will be required to accurately record the results of your evaluations and clearly explain your conclusions and recommendations for current and future use.
The activity is likely to be undertaken by someone in a science related work setting in any formulation sector such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, food and drink, paints or lubricants.
In these sectors you will need a knowledge of experimental characterisation techniques. This knowledge is supported by underlying scientific principles that may include the science of: colloids, interfaces, particles, materials, modelling, simulation and data management and analysis.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
P1 identify and confirm the business objectives of the work
P2 confirm the stakeholder’s critical success factors
P3 identify the methods used for labelling samples in the workplace
P4 collate the results of the formulation tests in a format suitable for further analysis
P5 select techniques of data analysis and evaluation which are valid, reliable and appropriate to the objectives of the work
P6 assess the formulation test results for their validity and reliability
P7 analyse the formulation test results and evaluate them against the objective and critical success factors of the investigation
P8 investigate the limitations of the analytical methods employed and the impact these have on the results and conclusions
P9 evaluate the option of using different analytical methods to improve the decision-making process
P10 investigate reasons where the work has failed to achieve its objectives and provide a clear explanation
P11 make recommendations for improving the formulations based on the interpretation of the results
P12 explain in full the rationale for conclusions drawn from results
P13 present the results of the evaluation to the appropriate people, in accordance with departmental and organisational procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
K1 the business objectives of the work
K2 the critical success factors for the work as agreed with the stakeholders and customers
K3 organisational and regulatory requirements regarding access to and use of test data
K4 the range of methods used to prepare and test solid and liquid formulations
K5 the limitations of the test methods used to analyse formulations
K6 methods of capturing and storing data relevant to the formulation preparation and testing programme for current and future use
K7 the methods used for labelling samples in the workplace
K8 the techniques for interrogating sources and reliability of formulation test results
K9 relevant methods and techniques for analysis of formulation test results
K10 how to analyse and evaluate formulation test results
K11 possible risks associated with use of evaluation techniques and how to avoid them
K12 the limits and constraints for investigations that are done
K13 how to make and justify recommendations for improving the formulations based on the evaluation of the test results
K14 your role and responsibilities in respect of analysis and evaluation of formulation test results
K15 how to present your conclusions and recommendations within your organisation
K16 the range of formats and modes of presentation of the evaluation data
K17 the document control and reporting procedures that should be used
K18 relevant regulatory requirements relating to presentation of results
K19 the organisational requirements for maintaining the security of the workplace and keeping confidential documents
K20 the lines of communication and responsibilities in your department, and the links with the rest of the organisation
K21 the limits of your own authority and to whom you should report if you have problems that you cannot resolve