SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Gather and manage information for decision-making 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
115823  Gather and manage information for decision-making 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Generic Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular-Fundamental  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
People credited with this Unit Standard will be able to gather and report on any information in order to enable decisions to be made on the functioning of a business. They will also be able to develop and maintain effective data, gather, network and give feedback on the data gathering process.

The qualifying learner is capable of:
  • Establishing an information-gathering team
  • Identifying information required
  • Gathering and recording information
  • Reporting on information gathered
  • Developing a feedback system 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4
  • Accountancy and Communications at NQF level 4 or its equivalent

    It is also recommended that the learners demonstrate competence against the following NQF Level 4 Unit Standards:
  • Gather and record business related information
  • Interpret business related information for decision making purposes
  • Inform client of planned process 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Recording of information will include formal systematic recording and informal recording of incidental information.
  • "Information" refers to raw data as well as processed information. Information includes but is not limited to technical, personal, production, subject matter, competitor, customer, and products and services related issues.
  • Gathering information means that information must be gathered from within and around the SMME environment. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Establish information-gathering team. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Team members are identified based on needs and expectations of the SMME. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Goals and objectives, regarding where and how information is to be gathered, are defined in consultation with team members. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Team members are assigned clear and separate roles and responsibilities in writing. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Rules and responsibilities of team members are identified and described according to company standards and procedures. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Identify information required. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sources and types of information to be gathered by team are identified in accordance with objectives. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Guidelines on additional incidental information that might be useful to the team are described and listed according to historical patterns. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The format for reporting the information gathered is determined so that the report suits the client and organizational requirements. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The time frame for the information gathering and report writing process is clarified to members in writing. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Gather information and record information. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Sources of relevant information are consulted and relevant information collected and recorded in rough draft format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information is validated according to established criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Relevant information is accurately recorded according to set procedures where applicable. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Report on information gathered. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Information of high importance is immediately reported according to reporting format to the relevant individual. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Regularly required information is reported in accordance with set time frame and format. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Information is organised and logically presented in sufficient detail to facilitate decision making by others, according to set format/criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Information used in reports is identified by source and date so that it can be validated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Develop a feedback system. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Mechanisms for the exchange of information are developed that suit all parties involved. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Urgent information is shared as soon possible according to specified time frames with the relevant team member. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Team members are informed of information that has proved useful for the purpose at hand through an oral report back and in writing if necessary. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Information gathering processes, procedures and principles
  • Methods and techniques for report writing
  • The various levels of confidentiality used in business
  • Principles and practices for communicating confidential information 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems by utilising creative thinking processes to gather and analyse information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others by actively participating in the data processing team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise oneself and one's activities in order to carefully record the gathered information to ensure accuracy and detail. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information to distinguish between useful, relevant information and useless information. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively with all stakeholders in the data gathering processing team. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology to gather, record and analyse information regarding the SMME. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Understand the world as a set of related systems by seeing the relevancy of seemingly unimportant information to the SMME and advice to be provided and its impact on the effectiveness of the business. 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts in a diverse team of people in the data gathering and processing processes. 

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48886   National Certificate: Business Advising  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2010-11-11  Was SERVICES until Last Date for Achievement 
    Core  58394   National Certificate: Film and Television Production  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MICTS 
    Core  97228   National Certificate: Paralegal Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Fundamental  58883   National Certificate: Fluid Power  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  MERSETA 
    Fundamental  58395   National Certificate: Project Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Fundamental  58977   National Certificate: Publishing  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  FPMSETA 
    Fundamental  66189   National Certificate: Quality Management Systems  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Fundamental  60549   National Diploma: Aeronautical Information Management Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Fundamental  59256   National Diploma: Flight Dispatch  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2016-12-31  TETA 
    Fundamental  58183   National Diploma: Forensic Pathology Support  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  50372   Further Education and Training Certificate: Municipal Finance and Administration  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  58337   Further Education and Training Certificate: Trade Union Practice  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 
    Elective  49709   National Certificate: Criminology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  59325   National Certificate: Environmental Noise Control  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  57714   National Certificate: Marine Pilotage  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  TETA 
    Elective  50060   National Certificate: Public Administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  PSETA 
    Elective  49710   National Diploma: Development Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. A.S.A.P Training and Consulting 
    2. Abacwaningi Business Solutions 
    3. ABBA THEKGA CONSULTING 
    4. ABE CORPORATE TRAINING 
    5. Absolute central college of sa and projects 
    6. ADVANCED RISK SOLUTIONS 10000 (PTY) LTD 
    7. AFRIC POLICING INSTITUTE 
    8. Africa Institute For Public Administration 
    9. AfroXpert Performance Developement cc 
    10. Aldabri 106 Institute for Quality Pty Ltd 
    11. Amabamba Recruitment 
    12. Amandla Obunye Training Academy 
    13. Amangile Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    14. Aphro Collective 
    15. ARKE LEGAL ADVISORS 
    16. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    17. AVC Corporate Advisory Services (PTY) LTD. 
    18. Avenida (Pty) Ltd 
    19. Bantubanye Skills 
    20. Be for sunset trading and projects 266 
    21. Belgravia Institute of Mangement (PTY) LTD 
    22. Bettes - Types Trading and Projects 
    23. BLC Entertainment 
    24. BO Support Services CC 
    25. Boikgantsho Consulting & Events 
    26. Boni Africa Events & Development 
    27. Boston Business College 
    28. Break The Chains Development Services 
    29. Buena Vista Learning Academy 
    30. Cale Developments 
    31. Carbon Black Electronics 
    32. Chithi Holdings 
    33. Clear Cut Solutions 
    34. Colgene Group 
    35. COLLINS SEBOLA FINANCIAL SERVICES (PTY) 
    36. Cool Ideas 1016 (Pty) LTD t/a ESP Consulting 
    37. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY DURBAN 
    38. CRANE INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY MIDDLEBURG 
    39. CRANE INTERNATIONAL BURGERSFORT 
    40. CRANE SKILLS TRAINING ACDEMY INTERNATIONAL 
    41. Cre8ive Organisational Development 
    42. CTC College(PTY) LTD. 
    43. Dabulamanzi Njabulo Ndaba Consulting cc 
    44. Datatecture (PTY) LTD 
    45. Department Of Justice (head Office) 
    46. Destiny Management Consultants (Pty) Ltd 
    47. Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) 
    48. DialNx Consultants 
    49. Ditirelo Skills Development Services 
    50. Ditsela Labour Institute 
    51. DotCentre Business Consulting 
    52. E E L PROTECTION SERVICES 
    53. E-Login Business Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    54. Eden Training 
    55. ELASON PRO-ACTIVE SECURITY (PTY) LTD 
    56. Elective Training Institute Enterprise CC 
    57. ELIJAH BARAYI MEMORIAL TRAINING CENTRE 
    58. ENGIE SECURITY SERVICES TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRE PTY LTD 
    59. Ethembeni Multi Service Enterprise (Pty) Ltd 
    60. Execuprime Business College (Pty) Ltd 
    61. Express Model 405 
    62. EYETHU NATIONAL COMPUTER COLLEGE PTY LTD 
    63. Fachs Business Consulting and Training 
    64. Faith First Trading 
    65. Falcon Business Institute 
    66. Fort Hare Trading Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    67. Frayintermedia Cc 
    68. Free State Training and Development Institute 
    69. Furniture World Training Centre 
    70. Glere Skills and Consultants 
    71. Gleyding Management Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    72. Global Steel Merchants (Pty) Ltd 
    73. Grant Thornton Learning Institute 
    74. GREEN MARKET SQUARE T/A SA LAW SCHOOL PRETORIA 
    75. Growth Management Consulting 
    76. Hamonate Consulting 
    77. Hanyeleni Business Enterprise 
    78. Harvestine Investments (Pty) Ltd 
    79. Harvitex cc 
    80. Hercuscope 
    81. Hilmark Trading (PTY) LTD 
    82. His Mercy Learning Academy 
    83. HJN POLOKWANE BRANCH PTY LTD 
    84. HJN PROTORIA BRANCH 02 
    85. HJN TRAINING CC 
    86. Hlaniki Investment Holdings 
    87. Hlombe and Associates 
    88. IALE School of Advanced Learning Education 
    89. Icando 
    90. Ikhwezi Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    91. Independent Development Trust 
    92. Inkcubeko YakwaNtu Trading 
    93. Institute of Busines Management of Southern Africa 
    94. Integrated Corporate Skills Solution 
    95. IQ Skills Academy (PTY) LTD. 
    96. Jobafrik Consulting 
    97. Josmap Training Institute 
    98. K-Leng Touch, Events and Skills Development 
    99. Kadimo Consulting CC. 
    100. Kairos Training College 
    101. Kamanga Skills Projects 
    102. Karabo Ya Karabo 
    103. Kernel Management and Consulting (PTY) LTD. 
    104. Kgakishe Trading and Projects (PTY) LTD 
    105. Kgotla Trading Enterprise 
    106. Khongoloti Training Academy 
    107. Kia Chuma 
    108. KMS 
    109. Kodi Traiding Enterprise 
    110. KOKANO PROJECTS PTY LTD 
    111. Konwaba Training Solutions 
    112. KPK Training Solutions 
    113. KWEM Management Solutions 
    114. Le - Mark Training and Development Pty (Ltd) 
    115. Legaelamatlo Development and Projects 
    116. Lekopani Training Institute 
    117. Lelethu Training (Pty) Ltd 
    118. Leronsa Trading Enterprise 
    119. Lewerb Holdings (PTY) Ltd 
    120. Lip Holding (pty) LTD 
    121. Lorpen Investments 
    122. LUCENT EDUCATION PTY LTD 
    123. Lwathotha Development Services (Pty) Ltd 
    124. M.I.C. Training and Development 
    125. Mafamawethu Consultants 
    126. Majuba Technical Vocational Education and Training 
    127. Makavila Suppliers CC. 
    128. Makgoka Development Facilitation (PTY) Ltd. 
    129. Mancosa (PTY) LTD T/A Management College of Southern Africa 
    130. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
    131. MANDULO FOUNDATION 
    132. Mangalani Business Enterprises 
    133. MAS SAFE SECURITY CC 
    134. Masemase Consultancy CC. 
    135. MashMP Holdings 
    136. Matash Holdings (Pty) Ltd 
    137. Mathatha A Fedile General Trading CC. 
    138. Mathiko Consultancy 
    139. Matsila Holdings 
    140. Mgwezane Training and Events Management CC. 
    141. Miczo's Enterprise 
    142. MIDRAND TRAINING ACADEMY PTY LTD 
    143. Milani Nande 
    144. Milpark Education (Pty) Ltd 
    145. Mimoisa Business Solutions CC 
    146. Mimshack Corporate Services and Projects (Pty) Ltd 
    147. Misol Projects cc 
    148. MJ Mafunisa Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    149. Mmanape Management Solutions 
    150. MML Consulting CC. 
    151. MMPS Holdings 
    152. Mod-Mosh Projects and Consulting (PTY) LTD 
    153. Mohlaje Solutions (Pty) Ltd 
    154. Mosako Wa Kitso 
    155. Mowils Consultants 
    156. Mpumalanga School of Government - MPSG 
    157. MTK Corporate Solutions 
    158. MUHANGWENE DEVELOPMENT ENTERPRISE 
    159. Multiple Productive Management Solutions 
    160. MY KIDS EMPIRE INVESTMENTS AND PROJECTS 
    161. N MAHARAJ ATTORNEYS 
    162. Ncele Logistics and Projects 
    163. Nemalale Eagles Consultancy CC 
    164. Ngwanabanna Trading Enterprise and Projects 
    165. Nkqubela Community Developers 
    166. Nonunu Projects 
    167. Nyankwavi Investment CC. 
    168. OMC Chartered Accountants 
    169. Omithombo Management Academy 
    170. OR Project Management 
    171. Orchards Graduate School (Pty) Ltd 
    172. Outeniqua Leadership Institute 
    173. OXY TRADING 735 CC 
    174. PanAfrican Supply Chain Academy 
    175. Pandelani Investment Holdings (PTY) LTD. 
    176. PFIM Trading (Pty) Ltd 
    177. Philani Solutions 
    178. PMA Holdings (PTY ) LTD. 
    179. Positive Thinking Consultants cc 
    180. Power Rush Trading 170 CC. 
    181. Prestige Leaders Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    182. Princetop Corporative Training (Pty) Ltd 
    183. Pro Jentibus Sports Development NPC 
    184. Prodigy Business Services 
    185. Projects Administration Services 
    186. PRX SCHOOL TEST 
    187. QUBELISA MTIYA SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY (PTY) LTD 
    188. Ramazwi Security Service and Training Agency (Pty) Ltd 
    189. RAMAZWI SECURITY SERVICES CC 
    190. Reflections Development Institute 
    191. Regen Institute of Leadership and Management Education 
    192. Regenesys School of Public Management 
    193. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
    194. RI A LINDA SECURITY SOLUTIONS 
    195. Rich Rewards Trading Pty(Ltd) 
    196. Richfield Graduate Institute of Technology Pty Ltd 
    197. Ritepath HR Solutions 
    198. SA Business Services CC. 
    199. SA PROTECTION AND SECURITY UNIT (PTY) LTD 
    200. Saint Colonel Graduate Institute 
    201. Sasalethu Consulting and Associates 
    202. SDC Security and Safety Pty Ltd 
    203. SHAMARIAH SECURITY AND TRAINING 
    204. Sisonke Training and Consulting 
    205. SIYANIVIKELA SECURITY SERVICES 
    206. SJM Squared Construction 
    207. South African Institute of Learning (SAIL) 
    208. South African ABET Development Agency SAADA 
    209. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL 
    210. SOUTH AFRICAN LAW SCHOOL RANDBURG 
    211. Southern African Institute of Learning 
    212. St Kings Institute of Technology and Business Studies 
    213. Step Ahead Academy (Pty) Ltd 
    214. SWARANANG MANAGEMENT CONSULTING CC 
    215. T Mabuya Associates Pty Ltd 
    216. Tachfin Holdings 
    217. Talent Sculpture 
    218. The Institute of Paralegal Practice Development and Research 
    219. The Justice 
    220. The Viol Trading Enterprise 
    221. Thubelihle Graduate Institute 
    222. Thuto Lere Community Empowerment Programme 
    223. Tinotel Communications 
    224. Tippinggate Business Solutions 
    225. Tlaletso Consultants 
    226. Tlotlangthuto Training & Consulting 
    227. Tloumogale Business Development & Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    228. Township Fire and Rescure (Pty) Ltd 
    229. Triads Management Services 
    230. Tsebong Training Centre 
    231. Tshisimani Holdings (PTY) Ltd. 
    232. Tshwane Training Institute (Pty) Ltd 
    233. Tsoelopele Leadership Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    234. Twin Peak Technologies 
    235. Ukhamba Quality Skills 
    236. Ukwakhile Projects (PTY) Ltd 
    237. Umqondo Consultancy 
    238. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    239. University of Pretoria 
    240. University of Venda 
    241. UNLOCK INNOVATIONS (PTY) LTD 
    242. Uweso Consulting (Pty) Ltd 
    243. Vala Nge Bhetshu Human Capital Development (Pty) Ltd 
    244. Valinsight (PTY) LTD 
    245. Venus Maintenance and Supply Services 
    246. Victorious Training Institute 
    247. Victorompie Enterprises CC. 
    248. VISHAL JUNKEEPARSAD AND COMPANY INC 
    249. Visionary Academy 
    250. Vista Chem Consulting 
    251. Vuca Institute of Leadership Development 
    252. Weinvest Investments 
    253. Ya Hina Management Consulting and projects 
    254. Yes We Can Consulting Pty Ltd 
    255. ZA WIT (PTY) LTD 
    256. Zibuse At Solutions 
    257. ZJ Africa Learn (pty)Ltd 
    258. ZMG CONSULTING 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.