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 QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117385  Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-07-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality is to allow for the development from a production and service environment (practitioner/technician) to a quality professional, specialising in using a range of specialised quality tools and techniques to identify, analyse and address complex and abstract problems in the workplace.

As managers, they will be able to innovatively contribute to the development, maintenance and continual improvement of quality management systems that conform to national and international statutory and regulatory requirements and quality based best practises. For that purpose, they will apply to select, use and transfer quality economics and appropriate self-assessment models to develop creative responses to problems and issues, and to introduce change within the quality system.

The qualification will develop the ability to manage risks related quality issues to ensure the effective management of organisational change and organisational quality to establish and promote quality and customer focus at all levels of the organisation.

The qualified quality professional will be able to function independently within a quality system context and in an integrated organisational systems context, providing supervision and leadership to quality practitioners/technicians in an integrated management systems context.

Qualifying learners should typically be able to:
  • Demonstrate personal competencies to effectively interact in the world of work as well as in a continuously changing global context in a quality context.
  • Demonstrate deep learning through the attainment of knowledge, skills and applied competencies in integrated quality management and total quality.
  • Conduct innovative research within a global context for sustainable development of the organisational quality systems following local, national and international needs and quality trends.
  • Use science and technology effectively within their field of study and the demands of the world of work.
  • Engage as responsible citizens in the community and a global setting within a variety of cultural and social contexts, demonstrating quality stewardship and conforming to best practices.
  • Explore and advance career and entrepreneurial opportunities in their field of work and study in a national and international context.

    Rationale:
    The qualification will fulfil the current need for knowledge enhancement for qualified quality professional practitioners/managers in South Africa. Such practitioners/managers perform work at a quality based organisational and integrated systems levels within the process, product and service-related industries irrespective of size; and require a broader and deeper body of knowledge in the main field of study.

    This qualification will also fulfil the current need for qualified quality professionals that perform work at a quality management level. It will develop quality practitioners and managers that can design, implement, maintain and improve quality systems in the field of specialisation to the extent of maintaining or achieving national/international certification or accreditation as is appropriate.

    The National Development Plan has identified Quality Management as one of the critical fields as a driver for economic growth. This qualification will develop the knowledge of the quality practitioner in implementing, maintaining and improving the quality management system they are responsible for, adhering to applicable national and international standards, statutory and regulatory requirements, in an integrated business environment.

    The qualification will articulate with the Master's Degree in Science in Quality within the faculty explicitly, and with Project Management, General Management and similar qualifications at the Master's Degree level in other faculties. Currently, learners with qualifications in Water Technology, Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, Laboratory Technology, organisational development specialists, process analysts and many similar fields of study are made responsible for driving the implementation and improvement of recognised standards-based quality management system in their area of specialisation. Such incumbents are not knowledgeable of the specialised quality tools methods techniques and standards to be incorporated in the development, implementation, maintenance and improvement of the proposed quality management system.

    The qualification integrates the latest developments in quality, including new quality philosophies, quality tools and techniques, and new (sector-specific) quality technologies in a multi-disciplinary and integrated management systems environment in the workplace across all economic sectors. This integration is done through the development of an integrative process approach to work, developing innovative problem-solving skills to establish organisational breakthrough opportunities in response to internal and external opportunities and threats.

    Completion of the qualification will also allow for learners and graduates to register for different membership grades with the Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ).

    Nationally the quality field of work is in dire need of suitably qualified and well-trained quality practitioners and managers to ensure the appropriate and correct development, implementation, maintenance and review, and proper improvement of the quality management systems of the organisation (or part thereof) in an integrated system context. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution gives Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as stipulated in the RPL policy, to prevent the repetition of offerings already obtained which correspond with the current offering pursued at this institution. Prior-learning and or experience relevant to the field of quality management will be evaluated and considered for access to the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management. Such learners may apply at the office of the registrar for RPL or admission via the Senate's discretionary route. Related documentation should be submitted in a portfolio, which will be assessed by the department with the purpose to determine whether the prior learning and experience articulate with the knowledge mix of the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management. The faculty handles such cases on an individual basis.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Quality Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Relevant Bachelor of Technology, NQF Level 7. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Integrated Management Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Strategic Quality Management, 24 Credits.
  • Quality Improvement Techniques (CQI), 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Philosophies and Theories of Quality, 16 Credits.
  • Economics of Quality, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology: Quality Research Project, 24 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply, evaluate and demonstrate, including and understanding of the principles, definitions, standards, requirements and applications and theories of quality systems, advanced statistics and review of quality management systems, applying quality economics and appropriate self-assessment models.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of advanced statistical tools and techniques in quality, and apply these tools and techniques on a management level to resolve quality-related problems and introduce change within a quality system.
    3. Identify, analyse, evaluate and critically reflect on and address complex familiar and unfamiliar quality-related problems and be accountable for the decisions and actions of others in varied and ill-defined quality contexts.
    4. Act in a management capacity context to take decisions and act ethically and professionally within a quality improvement team context and individually.
    5. Access, process and manage quality data and information to independently validate the source as well as evaluate and disseminate/report the information, communicating ideas and opinions in well-formulated arguments using appropriate quality, professional and occupational discourse.
    6. Identify, evaluate and address learning needs in a self-directed manner to facilitate collaborative learning processes and continues professional development.
    7. Develop and enhance own learning strategies to sustain independent learning, professional development and interaction. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify and apply statistical techniques with specific workplace-related problems.
  • Compile management reports and facilitate problem-solving in a process context by using instruments.
  • Compile sampling plans and productions processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply advanced statistical tools and techniques in quality on a management level to resolve quality-related problems and to introduce change.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an ability to solve familiar and unfamiliar quality-related problems and be accountable for the decisions and actions of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate understanding of business philosophies, strategic planning processes and goal formulation.
  • Formulate and align quality policies, policies and quality plans with organisational strategies and goals.
  • Map business and quality processes to demonstrate the integrated nature of organisational systems.
  • Identify process pressure points using quality tools and identify appropriate corrective measures and implement to achieve goals.
  • Defend, appraise and judge ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made to assess the validity and appropriateness of the actions taken in the work environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Maintain processes of data and information gathering within both familiar and unfamiliar quality contexts.
  • Evaluate and disseminate/report the information.
  • Communicate quality ideas and project results through professional and occupational discourse.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, tailor, evaluate and address self-directed learning needs to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the manager/professional and his/her peers within the quality industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify and evaluate the continuous professional development of learning needs to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the technologist and his/her peers within the quality industry.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment undertaken is to determine the learners' applied competence and successful completion of learning in the qualification will be through a combination of formative and summative strategies. This assessment could include the reference to formative and summative assessment; the ratio of assignment work to academic examinations; the role of work-integrated learning; other forms of integrated learning; and its assessment.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment's purpose is to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment supports the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will ensure the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes.

    These modes of assessment will include (but not limited to):
  • Assignments,
  • Class exercises,
  • Presentations, and
  • Syndicate groups.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. The institution gathers information about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. Results are in marks as per the level of competence achieved, concerning level descriptors, specific outcomes and assessment standards.

    The institution uses this type of assessment for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):
  • Examinations (theoretical and practical), and
  • Tests. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    In South Africa quality management is a specialisation field within a chosen field of work and first requires technical subject knowledge; it will further develop the embedded knowledge of the technician into the field of quality management. Western countries mostly present Postgraduate courses in quality through universities, vocational institutes and societies registered for this purpose.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management aligns with similar accredited qualifications presented by the Florida Institute of Technology in the USA. Florida Tech's Master's in Quality Management qualification was designed in concert with a major aerospace/engineering company to provide operational and managerial relevance to the issues facing businesses today. Because most learners are practising quality professionals, the qualification utilises practice-oriented capstone projects that allow learners to share their own workplace experiences while learning the newest body of knowledge in the field. One of the unique benefits of studying for a master's in quality management at Florida Tech is the perspective learners develop on ethical issues and dilemmas that exist within the public and non-profit sectors.

    The curriculum includes study in:
  • Quality engineering.
  • Project engineering.
  • Supply chain management.
  • Reliability, availability and maintainability.
  • Production.
  • Operations management.
  • Experienced Faculty.

    Lecture and discussion, individual and group work, case study analysis and organisational consulting are combined to provide a comprehensive learning environment. Small class sizes allow learners to work one-on-one with professors and develop a lifelong network with classmates.

    Eastern Unity, Michigan offers a Master of Science in Quality Management (QULM), which has the same admission requirements as the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management. The M.S. qualification in Quality Management requires the completion of course work distributed among required core courses and advisor-approved quality specialisation courses.

    Similar modules:
  • Tools for Continuous Improvement,
  • Quality Planning,
  • Cost of Quality, and
  • Development Project/Thesis.

    The objectives of the qualification are to impart thorough knowledge and application training on advanced Q.M. Concepts, Tools and Techniques and create awareness of using comprehensive Q.M. for Effective Management of Major Business Processes.

    Similar modules:
  • Introduction to Quality.
  • New QC Tools.
  • Finance.
  • Project Studies.

    The Sheffield Hallam University (United Kingdom) presents the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management to develop the essential technical and business skills required to develop a career as a quality professional. The learners will know how to use quality management processes and techniques to build innovative, customer-focused businesses that are sustainable and robust. The duration for this qualification is similar to the South African qualification, which is one year. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Operations and Quality Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Project Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Quality Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9. 

  • MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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. Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 



    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.