2009 Portfolio Development Guide

8/8/2019 2009 Portfolio Development Guide

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The guidelines within this document have been adapted

from the Canadian Technology Human Resources Board

policy entitled Guidelines for Assessors of Canadian

Technology Standards, written by Malcolm Day and

Paul Soaks (1998). These guidelines recognise interna-

tional developments in Prior Learning Assessment

and Recognition (PLAR), including the work of the

National Council for Vocational Qualifications in the

United Kingdom, the Council for Adult and Experiential

Learning (CAEL) in the United States and the Canadian

Labour Force Development Board (CLFDB).

We would like to thank the Canadian Association forPrior Learning Assessment (CAPLA) for its guidance

and collaboration in the development and expansion

of FITTs PLAR Process.

FITT also thanks the Canadian Society for Association

Executives for their assistance in the 2007 Portfolio

Development Guide revision.

PORTFOLIO DEVELOPMENT GUIDE 2


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction 4

Portfolio Assessment FAQS 4

Portfolio Assessment Getting Started 6

Before you Begin 6

Preparing your Submission 6

Portfolio Checklist 8

Portfolio Tips 9

Evidence For Your Portfolio 10

Authenticity of the evidence in your Portfolio 10

Letter of Verification 10

Sufficient Evidence 11

Types of Evidence 12

The Evidence Grid 13

Forms 14



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INTRODUCTIONThis Portfolio Development Guide has been developed

as a tool to assist individuals in their pursuit of the

Certified International Trade Professional (CITP)

designation through Prior Learning Assessment and

Recognition (PLAR). A successful Portfolio will provide

an individual the opportunity to apply to FITT for

equivalent FITTskills credit(s) based on past experience,

professional development and/or education. You can

apply to receive credit for one or more of the eight

FITTskills courses.

PORTFOLIO

ASSESSMENT - FAQSWhat is a Portfolio?

A Portfolio submitted to FITT is a record of your

learning gained from work experience, personal devel-

opment and/or education as it relates to internationaltrade competencies. The Portfolio is developed by you

to support your claim of competence and request for

credit(s) toward the CITP designation based on your

work experience and/or education. Please refer to the

Portfolio Checklist for a complete description of the

Portfolio contents.

Who will assess my Portfolio?

Members of the FITT Certification and Accreditation

Committee (CAC) will assess your Portfolio. The

CAC is appointed by the FITT Board of Directors

and is made up of five to seven qualified, unbiased

international trade practitioners. Assessors evaluate

each submission according to the CITP competencies

which are mapped to the FITTskills program.

What if I am not satisfied with the assessment

of my Portfolio?

If a credit applied for is not granted, the CAC will

identify the areas in which you require additional

learning or experience. The reason for not granting a

credit could also be due to incomplete or insufficient

information within the Portfolio. You may re-apply for

credit at any time (fee applies). The CAC may requestadditional materials to further help demonstrate your

skills and knowledge in relation to the CITP competencies.



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What are the fees to submit a Portfolio?

Your Portfolio submission must be accompanied by

a completed Request for Portfolio Assessment

application form and payment by cheque, money

order, Visa or Mastercard in the amount of $275.00

plus applicable taxes. This fee will include the cost of

transferring your approved credit(s).

If approved, what is my next step?

Once notified that your portfolio credits have been

approved, you will have to submit a credit transfer

application form to FITT. Your approved credits must

be claimed within twelve (12) months from the dateof approval notification. If unclaimed, credits are void

and the candidate is required to re-sumbit a Portfolio

in order to be eligible for any credits (fee applies).

How do I transfer my approved credits?

When communicating the results of your Portfolio

assessment, FITT will prompt you to submit a credit

transfer application form (this form is included inyour Portfolio Development Guide Package). The

credit transfer fee of $75 is included in your Portfolio

Assessment fees. Upon receipt of this application form,

you will be issued a transcript from FITT identifying

the credit(s) earned.

What happens after I have transferred my credits?

Depending on the FITTskills requirements you have

completed to date, you may have to complete a Professional

Exam. The Professional Examination is a closed-book,

3-hour examination involving a case study and essay

answer questions. There is no mark assigned, simply a

pass or fail grade. If you have already completed a

minimum of two (2) FITTskills Exams or Projects, you

will be exempt from writing the Professional Exam.

Please contact FITT directly with any specific

questions regarding the Professional Exam.

When can I apply for the CITPdesignation?

Once you have successfully completed

the FITTskills program through (any

combination or all of the following):

Portfolio Assessment, Classroom/Online

FITTskills courses, Transfer credits (from a

FITT Accredited Institution), Challenge Exam,

and (if required) the Professional Exam; as wellas completed a minimum of one year working in

international trade, you can apply to FITT for your

CITP Designation.



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PORTFOLIO

ASSESSMENT

GETTING STARTED

Before you Begin

Depending on how many credits you are applying for,

completing the Portfolio can be time consuming. Read

this document carefully and use the self assessment

section of the Competency Self-Assessment and

Evidence Grid to evaluate your knowledge of theCITP competencies. The self-evaluation process will

help you assess your strengths and weaknesses and

help to determine if you should submit a portfolio.

When making your decision to submit a portfolio keep

in mind that you must demonstrate at least 75% of the

competencies to obtain the CITP designation.

Preparing your Submission

FITT has certified international trade professionals since

1993 through the FITTskills program. The FITTskills

program satisfies the educational requirements for the

CITP designation and is based on the CITP competency

profile. The CITP is a professional designation; andindividuals who hold it demonstrate a mastery of the

aforementioned competencies. To prepare for your

Portfolio submission you must evaluate yourself against

the competencies (see Competency Self-Assessment

and Evidence Grid) and demonstrate your mastery of

the competencies through building and submitting a

Portfolio. Your Portfolio is a record of your learning

gained from work experience, personal developmentand/or education and will be evaluated by the FITT CAC.

The following steps will help you prepare your submission



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STEP 1 Building Your Portfolio:

Complete the CITP competency self-assessment section

of the Competency Self-Assessment and Evidence Grid

document. One of the most difficult tasks is deciding

what to include in your Portfolio. The art of building

a Portfolio is a learning process in itself and typically

includes the following stages:

familiarization with the CITP competencies for each

FITTskills credit you are seeking (review the

Competency Self-Assessment and Evidence Grid);

a self-assessment of your abilities and your knowledge

related to the CITP competencies for which you are

seeking credit; identifying sources of help and guidance;

identifying appropriate sources of evidence;

compiling the evidence; and

presenting your Portfolio for assessment.

STEP 2 Organizing Your Portfolio:

Present your Portfolio in a professional manner. This step

is important to ensure that the CAC is able to fairlyassess your portfolio. Please follow the Portfolio

Format Guidelines to avoid unnecessary delays in

processing your submission. The way in which you

organise your Portfolio is important. The CAC

should find the Portfolio easy to follow and

evidence should be clearly labelled. The CAC

should be able to easily understand the

relevance of the evidence and it should be

directly mapped to the appropriate course

competency on the Competency Self-

Assessment and Evidence Grid.

STEP 3 Submitting Your Portfolio:

Submit a cover letter with your Request forPortfolio Assessment form, along with 10 hard

copies of all other documents to:

FITT - Certification and Accreditation

Committee

116 Lisgar Street, Suite 300

Ottawa, ON K2P 0C2

CANADA



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PORTFOLIO CHECKLIST

Portfolio Content

Cover Letter summarize the goal of yoursubmission and your involvement in international

trade business activities related to the CITP

Competency Profile

Request for Portfolio Assessment Form

Assessment Fee

Resume

Detailed and current job description if applicable

Competency Self-Assessment and Evidence Grid Additional Supporting Documentation and Evidence

Portfolio Format Guidelines

Use a maximum of five pages of evidence per

core competency

Limit your portfolio to 60 pages or less

Place your portfolio in a binder, or like format, and

use tabs to separate the sections

Documents to Submit with Your Portfolio

Submit ten (10) copies of your Portfolio to FITT

Submit one original Request for Portfolio Assessment

application form and payment of Assessment Fee of

$275 plus applicable taxes regardless if applying for

one or all eight credits.

Supporting Documentation and Evidence

Is relevant to the CITP competency you are

requesting credit(s) for

Has met most of the criteria for each credit you

are applying

Has not breached confidentiality of any sensitiveinformation

Follows the guidelines of two - five pages of

evidence per core competency per credit being

requested; grammar consistency

Is laid out in a clear and consistent way

Is easy for CAC members to understand and

follow when assessing your portfolio



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PORTFOLIO TIPS

Approach building your portfolio as you would

a resume and/or preparing for a comprehensivejob application.

Look professional and be organized reviewing

your portfolio should be easy for the CAC. A

well organized portfolio will demonstrate your

competencies more effectively.

Be accurate by providing the necessary background

information. Give numbers, show results, give facts;

not opinions or impressions.

Be succinct, yet descriptive. Remember you must

demonstrate your mastery of the CITP competencies.

Avoid information that does not add to your claim.

In general, quality is better than quantity.

Show your mastery of the competencies read

the CITP competencies to make sure yourevidence demonstrates your mastery of the

competencies.

Do not duplicate information.

Use the Competency Self-Assessment and

Evidence Grid as a tool to refer to supporting

documentation which applies to more than

one credit.

We recommend two to five pages of evidence for

each core competency.

To keep your submission manageable and within

the page limitations, you may want to provide a

summary list, with a brief point form description

for work related reports and projects that support

your claim instead of including full documents, the

CAC will request more detail as necessary.

Providing evidence for education or professional

development can be more concrete, for example

course descriptions, transcripts and program

outlines can be useful as evidence.

Providing evidence for professional experience

will require additional details to demonstrate your

competence such as report summaries, jobdescriptions, a summary of special projects, letters

of reference and performance appraisals for

example.



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EVIDENCE FOR YOUR

PORTFOLIOCompetence is being able to perform to the profes-sional standard required for the CITP designation.

Your evidence must demonstrate that you can apply

this knowledge in international trade.

The amount of evidence required will depend on a

number of factors. Minimum would be two items of

evidence per competency, provided this met the

competency criteria outlined within the evidence gridfor each course you are applying for credit. A single

item of evidence is unlikely to demonstrate your

competence in a particular area. A number of items

collected over a period of time may be required.

Is there evidence of knowledge and application?

Knowledge and application are critical to competent

performance. You must be able to demonstrate thatyou have the appropriate supporting knowledge and

understanding related to the CITP competencies. The

CAC may want to ask you some questions when you

submit your Portfolio to verify knowledge and

understanding relating to the CITP competencies

which you are seeking. FITT will notify you if further

information is required.

Authenticity of the evidence in your Portfolio

The CAC must be sure that all of the evidence is your

own work. It may be necessary for the CAC to ask

questions about the evidence that you have provided

or to collect further evidence in order to confirm that

the content of your Portfolio is authentic.

Letter of Verification

In some cases a Letter of Verification would help

confirm the authenticity of your evidence. Please see

the Forms section of this document for a Letter of

Verification template that you can use.

Letters of Verification can provide an indirect, authen-

ticated account of your performance in the world ofinternational trade, as it relates to the specific CITP

competencies for the course(s) you are seeking credit.



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They may be collected from colleagues, supervisors,

managers, customers or suppliers. Letters of

Verification should:

be specific to the competencies in question give a brief description of the circumstances and

context of the observation

give a brief description of the background and

qualifications of the individual signing your Letter

of Verification (verifier)

give a brief background of the observed activity

identify aspects of the competence demonstrated

and how this relates to the CITP competencybeing requested

Letters of Verification may be used in a variety of

ways in attesting to your performance. Sometimes

they may simply authenticate a piece of work as having

been produced by you. In other cases, they may

provide an account of your performance and include

comment on it in relation to the CITP competencies.It is important that verifiers are familiar with the

competencies being assessed, and are able to comment

authoritatively on your performance and competence

in those areas.

Sufficient Evidence

Sufficient evidence has been achieved if:

all of the competencies within each of the

FITTskills courses that you are applying for credit

have been correctly addressed; your evidence is authentic;

your performance is consistent and can be

demonstrated over a period of time;

you can demonstrate that you have the relevant

knowledge and understanding and can apply it to

international trade; and

you have included 2 - 5 pages of evidence for each

competency within the FITTskills course you arerequesting a credit for.

Types of Evidence

The best practice in the assessment of prior learning

indicates that diverse sources of evidence should be

used to support ones claim of competence. Each

credit has a list of identified competencies to be met

with at least 2 - 5 types of evidence (documentation)from any of the categories below to support your

request for credit.



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Knowledge Evidence

Gathered from any or all of the

following sources:

- tests, reports, documents

- designs

- products

- projects or assignments

- testimonials from employers /

teachers

Performance Evidence


following sources:

- observation in workplace

- workplace examples

- simulations

- skill tests

- job description

- performance appraisal- testimonials

Evidence of Prior Learning


following sources:

- certificates, diplomas

- transcripts

- course outlines and descriptions

related to international trade

- workshop and conference

outlines or descriptions


TYPES OF EVIDENCE

The evidence you provide is categorised in five different areas within the Competency Self-Assessment and

Evidence Grid, examples for each category are provided as a guideline only:

Educational transcripts, certificates, course descriptions

Projects and Reports

course tests, projects, assignments or strategiesProfessional Experience workplace products or assessments, job descriptions, work history, resumeLetters of Verification

Other


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The following provides an example of how to use the Competency Self-Assessment and Evidence Grid:

How to Complete the Competency Assessment Form


Competency

Identifies pricing

strategies and methods

Designs a Marketing Plan

STEP A - Self Assessment

NIL Experts

0 1 2 3 4 5

Rate Yourself

STEP B - List Supporting Evidence

Educational:Successfully completed two week

marketing course (e.g. at University of Toronto).

See Appendix one for course description.

Professional Experience: Was team leaderfor Marketing Plan project (e.g. at FITT)

See rsum.

Refer to Evidence

reflects the major learning outcomes of the curriculum

within the FITTskills program and ultimately the CITP

professional competencies.

You should aim to provide at least two different sourcesof evidence for each competency within a FITTskills

credit. This will help the CAC to build a total picture of

your skills and abilities.

THE EVIDENCE GRIDThe evidence grid is a means of outlining your compe-

tencies associated with each FITTskills credit you are

applying for. More importantly it is a method used toorganize and communicate to the CAC specifically

what your evidence is and where it can easily be found

within your Portfolio. The evidence grid outlines several

competencies required for each FITTskills credit. It also


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300,301

26-814 Broadview Avenue

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OPTIONAL LETTER OF VERIFICATION

CITP COMPETENCIES

Candidates Name:

FITT Member Number:

1. Declaration: I have read and understood the CITP core competencies andam able to state that the above candidate can meet the following competencies:

Global Business Environment

International Marketing

International Trade Finance

Global Supply Chain Management

International Market Entry Strategies

International Trade Research

Legal Aspects of International Trade

International Trade Management

2. Evidence to support the above statement:

I am able to state this because:

3. Verifier Details:

Name:

Designation:

Qualifications:

Telephone:

Relationship of Verifier to Candidate:

Address:

Email (Home):

Email (Business):

Signature (Verifier):

Date:

Signature (Candidate):

Date:

Please Note: A FITT representative may contact you to confirm your testimony.


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COMPETENCY SELF-ASSESSMENT

FORM & EVIDENCE GRID

I am applying for credit in:

Global Business Environment

International Market Entry Strategies International Marketing

Legal Aspects of International Trade

International Trade Finance

International Trade Research

Global Supply Chain Management

International Trade Management

Candidates Name (please print):

Date:

Signature:

How to Complete the Form

STEP 1 Self-Assessment

Rate your knowledge of each competency. Choose 0/Nil if you do not have experi-ence in a particular area and 5 if you are an expert.

STEP 2 List Supporting Evidence

Supporting your evidence typically falls under the following categories:

Educational transcripts, certificates, course descriptions

Projects and Reports course tests, projects, assignments or strategies

Professional Experience workplace products or assessments, job descriptions,

work history, resume

Letters of VerificationOther

Define your evidence by indicating which category it belongs to (Education, Projects/

Reports, Professional Experience, Letters of Verification, Other). You may refer to

your resume, job descriptions, projects/reports you have completed, courses you

have taken, description of your experience in the area, and so on. When necessary

attach specific evidence as an appendix to your portfolio.

Complete the evidence grid for those credits you are applying for only. Evidence foreach credit must be provided.


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GLOBAL BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

The CITP understands the context in which international trade takes place and recognizes the opportunities and challenges it represents for business.

The CITP applies this knowledge to operate successfully in the international business environment.

1. Recognizes the characteristics of a global

marketplace.

2. Understands the drivers of and issues associated

with globalization.

3. Is aware of the implications of globalization for

Canadian business.

4. Understands the nature and importance of

Canadas trading partners.5. Is aware of the role international institutions play

in supporting or facilitating international trade.

6. Understands various forms of cooperation and

integration of national economies, including

major international trade agreements.

7. Is aware of current trends in the international

business environment.

8. Understands an ethical approach to international

business.9. Understands cultural aspects of international

business and how different communication strategies

are important for recognizing cultural needs.

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:

Self-AssessmentCompetency

STEP B:

List Supporting Evidence


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INTERNATIONAL MARKETING

The CITP participates in the development and implementation of international marketing plans to achieve business targets. The CITP participates in the

implementation and coordination of the international marketing activities of products and services.

1. Understands the principles of marketing functions.

2. Recognizes distinctions between domestic and

international marketing.

3. Recognizes the need to adapt or develop products

or services for the foreign market considering a

variety of elements, e.g. labelling, packaging.

4. Identifies the target market for products andservices.

5. Prepares a promotional strategy.

6. Identifies sales and marketing activities to be

most successful in the target market.

7. Is aware of the regulatory environment of pricing.

8. Considers key elements in pricing.

9. Identifies pricing strategies and methods.

10.Designs a marketing plan.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE FINANCE

The CITP understands how financial methods and tools are used to conduct international

business transactions successfully.

1. Participates in the assessment of the basic

commercial and country risks that may be

encountered in the export/import operations

or projects.

2. Understands the risk-mitigating techniques, their

appropriate use and legal implications.

3. Understands foreign exchange risks.4. Participates in the development of a financial plan,

e.g., short-term, medium-term, long-term needs.

5. Provides data that are essential for a cash-flow

analysis.

6. Is aware that there are difference financial systems,

reporting requirements, and accounting standards

in the foreign countries, e.g., tax treaty.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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GLOBAL SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

The CITP understands global supply chain activities including production and inventory management processes.

The CITP is aware of regulatory and security requirements.

1. Researches regulatory requirements and current

legislation that may affect the movement of products/

services across domestic and international boundaries

by assessing a variety of sources e.g. CBSA.

2. Has working knowledge of import and export

information, documentation and clearance procedures.

3. Understands the application of ICC Incoterms2000 to the transfer of rights and responsibilities

during transfer of goods from seller to buyer.

4. Is aware of regulations and standards.

5. Is aware of the key elements of a logistics plan and

how it impacts the business plan.

6. Recognizes advantages and disadvantages of various

transport modes.

7. Understands the roles and value of outside service

providers in a companys supply chain strategy.8. Is aware of order processing components.

9. Is aware of inventory management operations.

10.Understands requirements of cargo insurance and

the value to the business transaction.

11. Is familiar with shipping and delivery procedures.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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INTERNATIONAL MARKET ENTRY STRATEGIES

A CITP conducts a comprehensive assessment of international market entry options for the export of products

or services and recommends the optimal market entry strategy.

1. Assesses barriers to market entry, e.g., regulatory,

legal, political etc.

2. Differentiates between market entry strategies.

3. Selects optimal market entry strategies.

4. Recommends potential international partners if

required for selected market entry strategy.

5. Participates in negotiations related to partnershipagreements.

6. Monitors compliance of international partnership

agreements.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE RESEARCH

The CITP applies comprehensive research methodologies. The CITP understands that adequate and timely

information supports sound international business decision making.

1. Identities the purpose and need for the market

research, e.g., sales, volume, profit.

2. Identifies appropriate research methodologies.

3. Designs and implements market research activities.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE

A CITP understands the basic legal principles of carrying on international business. The CITP, in cooperation with legal counsel, ensures that the company is fully aware

of the legal implications of its international business activities. The CITP is aware the international litigation is costly and time-consuming, and provides informational

that allows the firm to recognize potential legal entanglements and arbitration solutions.

1. Knowledge of business law in Canada to participate

in discussion with legal counsel and other key

stakeholders.

2. Knowledge of forms of doing business in Canada.

3. Is aware of principles related to foreign corporations

in Canada.

4. Is aware of principles related to incorporating

outside of Canada.

5. Demonstrates knowledge of joint venture.

6. Is aware of other key legal systems.

7. Demonstrates knowledge of principles of Canadian

contract law (common law and civil code) to

participate in discussion with legal counsel and

other key stakeholders.

8. Demonstrates knowledge of international business

contracts and conduct to participate in discussion

with legal counsel and other key stakeholders.

9. Demonstrates knowledge of product liability in

Canada and other countries to participate in

discussion with legal counsel and other key

stakeholders.

10. Demonstrates knowledge of resolution of disputes

(e.g. ADR) to participate in discussion with legal

counsel and other key stakeholders.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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LEGAL ASPECTS OF INTERNATIONAL TRADE CONTINUED...

11. Demonstrates knowledge of international sale of

goods to participate in discussion with legal counseland other key stakeholders.

12. Knowledge of partnership and venture agreements

to participate in discussion with legal counsel and

other key stakeholders.

13. Knowledge of the legal aspects related to intellectual

property to participate in discussion with legal

counsel and other key stakeholders.

14.Knowledge of the competition and antitrust laws of

Canada, the United States, the European Union and

other relevant countries to participate in discussion

with legal counsel and other key stakeholders.

15. Is aware of public trade law.

16.Demonstrates knowledge of legal issues related to

E-commerce in international business.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:



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INTERNATIONAL TRADE MANAGEMENT

The CITP has the ability to develop an international business plan and assist in its implementation.

The CITP understands the scope and breadth and integration of international trade practices.

1. Analyzes factors that will ensure profitable entry

into the import and export business.

2. Understands how corporate resources can be

mobilized to capture qualified international

business opportunities.

3. Develops an international business plan.

Nil Expert

0 1 2 3 4 5

STEP A:


STEP B:
