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| GeoCommunity Mailing List |
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| Subject: | RE: GISList: ArcView/ArcInfo competency test |
| Date: |
08/07/2002 01:09:58 AM |
| From: |
Craig von Hagen |
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Wow a good response,
Maybe my question was a little misleading. WE are not looking to hire anyone
but I think the test would be similar. We are giving an intensive training
course (1 month) on all the software and processes involved in our project.
The training is being given to all the countries involved in the FAO
Africover project (see www.africover.org) for more info. Candidates to be
sent by the various countries should already have a basic knowledge of GIS,
but being in Africa there is a shortage of skills and this is not always the
case. We are looking for a way to "test" people on how much they learnt from
the course as they have to go back to their various countries and apply the
knowledge they have gained during the course. The course covers a variety of
software products (ArcView, ArcInfo and three other software packages
developed specifically for FAO by various companies), so it is definitely
not software specific. People with a history in GIS should be able to learn
any GIS package, so I agree that a knowledge of GIS principles is the most
important.
In my personal experience I have also been subject to a test during an
interview. I was given a modelling scenario and I was asked to solve it
using AV and Spatial analyst and then do a presentation of the procedures
used. Needless to say I didn't get the job as I need at least a few days to
get my head around a problem - I was able to give a presentation of how I
would go about solving the problem though. Interestingly enough they did pay
for a flight and I suppose they have a right to give such an examination if
they spend so much money on finding the right candidate.
Ian Gillespie of Environment Canada was kind enough send a test and it is
what I was looking for and expecting. He has also kindly offered to email it
to anyone who is interested. Contact him at Ian.Gillespie@ec.gc.ca
Cheers
Craig
-----Original Message-----
From: Dixon, Jim [mailto:jcdixon@agric.wa.gov.au]
Sent: Wednesday, August 07, 2002 3:48 AM
To: GIS List (Geocomm): 'craig.vonhagen@africover.org'
Subject: RE: GISList: ArcView/ArcInfo competency test
Craig
an interesting question.
Perhaps part of the response could be a simple exercise with supplied data.
However, I agree with Dan McIntyre's comment in that the software is perhaps
immaterial provided the underlying knowlege of GIS is sound.
I would also place a very large emphasis on the importance of data
management (what I refer to as data housekeeping) and also actually
understanding what the data embodies. ie if you are doing ecological work, I
would use an ecologist with GIS skills rather than a GIS specialist
attempting to be an ecologist.
Perhaps at the end of the day, what is most important is finding someone who
is willing to learn continually, and to share.
Jim Dixon
Department of Agriculture
Western Australia.
PS, having worked with FAO from Rome but covering much of Africa, I would be
interested to receive a small note elaborating the project you are involved
in.
> ----------
> From: Craig von Hagen[SMTP:craig.vonhagen@africover.org]
> Reply To: craig.vonhagen@africover.org
> Sent: Tuesday, 6 August 2002 18:56
> To: GIS List (Geocomm)
> Subject: GISList: ArcView/ArcInfo competency test
>
>
> Hi,
>
> Has any body prepared a competency test for ArcView and ArcInfo? Mainly
> just
> to test the basic knowledge of people before hiring them. I multiple
> choice
> test would be ideal. I would like to know if there is anything existing or
> if I'll have to set up my own.
>
> Thanks
> Craig
>
> Craig von Hagen
> FAO Africover - East Africa
> PO Box 30470
> 00200, Nairobi, Kenya
>
> Tel: +254-(0)2-4440985 or 4443331
> or 4443715 or 4441106
> Fax: +254-(0)2-4441993
>
> web site: www.africover.org
>
>
>
>
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