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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118659  Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business 
ORIGINATOR
University of Witwatersrand 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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 0333/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business is a management development and general business qualification with a focus on the consequences, efficacy, and administration of digitalisation in organisations. The qualification is aimed at young, entry-level or middle managers who want to enrich their careers, as junior managers with proven leadership potential who want to accelerate their professional advancement into generalist digital management roles. This qualification is aimed at learners from a range of disciplinary backgrounds who want to learn more about how digital processes play a role in everyday life and transform the general management of companies.

The qualification is designed as a contemporary and broad range study of the management issues associated with the successful application of digital systems and technology within business and the development and application of new technologies for the management of digital businesses. This includes new technology companies and applications, as well as businesses seeking to transform areas of their commercial strategies into digital platforms. The qualification focuses on the development of knowledge required for managing digital technologies that will support business needs and is designed for experienced management professionals seeking to advance their careers in management. The qualification concentrates on the development of the digital literacies needed to lead business innovation through the application of new and emerging technologies.

Qualifying learners will study the theory and application of digital business through technical and management principles. This type of study equips learners with knowledge that can be applied to a variety of real-world business situations, many of which they are likely to encounter. The social and economic transformation of South Africa will be enhanced through the graduates as they can operate at entry and mid-level management levels in both private and public sector organisations, and therefore can be a power for good through ethical and effective expertise and management of digitalisation portfolios.
In relation to the curriculum's intended outcomes, the qualification helps demonstrate an understanding of a comparative range of management and technology frameworks within digital environments and will be able to evaluate their applicability to South Africa and African contexts.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate a foundational ability to access, use and manage information relating to a broad range of topical areas of digitalisation.
  • Apply appropriate conceptual and analytical frameworks within different organisational management conditions and have acquired skills that allow for the presentation of information in a range of written and oral modes appropriate to various organisational audiences.
  • Enhance individual and group leadership, problem-solving skills and approaches to dealing with problems.
  • Contribute to the development of ethical and responsible practices in digital business and organisational contexts.

    The qualification provides an excellent route for those learners intending to undertake further postgraduate studies and research at Master's level, whilst allowing qualifying learners to focus or up-skill themselves in particular data-driven business management approaches in a shorter time
    As an entry-level postgraduate qualification, the intention is fit for purpose in terms of the Business School's universal academic strategy to widen access to management education for a more diverse range of learners in South Africa and the continent, as well as advancing the transformation agenda.

    Rationale:
    The qualification has been developed with a specific set of parameters and principles to serve as the basis for its considered design logic. These include the following aspects:
  • The South African business community has a legitimate stake in the value derived from this qualification through Business Connexion Group Limited (BCX) /Telkom's support of the Chair in Digital Business. It is anticipated that the qualification will be in high demand and therefore the learner uptake is expected to reach full capacity, both locally, on the continent and internationally.
  • The learner' values, knowledge, technical know-how and skills to act ethically, innovatively and effectively in the general management of organisations pursuing digital strategies are acquired.

    Typically learners must have a minimum of two years' work experience, who have a three-year undergraduate degree or equivalent. Young graduates in entry-level positions who wish to develop broad-ranging foundational knowledge in the application of digital business management or to become involved in technical start-ups or new ventures or become entrepreneurs. The opportunities are limitless in terms of how the knowledge acquired can be applied to various professions within a number of sectors. These include, among many others, financial and banking innovation and management, digital marketing and communication, cyber security, business and big data analysis, digital business strategy, business enterprise, logistics and supply chain management, social media and e-commerce, environmental planning and science and technology education.

    Qualifying learners are sought after by both private and non-profit sector organisations due to the critical need for digital business generalist managers across all industry sectors. Qualifying learners have unlimited opportunities in how they wish to apply their expertise in the new digital world of work. It is anticipated that all managers looking to enhance their competencies for a world of digital business will be interested in, and benefit from, this qualification. This includes people across the range of management disciplines, from technical/technology management, to finance, strategy, marketing, human resources, operations, and innovation. The qualification content will apply to all business sectors, as all are affected by digitalisation.

    The Digital Evolution Index (DEI), a globally recognised survey created, identifies annually which groups of countries are in states of readiness to embrace the digital economy. Factors considered include supply side, demand side, innovation, and institutional readiness. South Africa, together with some other African countries, was featured in the 'Watch Out' group of countries that face significant opportunities and threats, with low scores on both current levels and upward motion of the DEI. South Africa was encouraged to overcome limitations through innovation, and intervention measures such as broadening research and developing a solid digital skills base in labour markets for job uptake. Empirical research such as that referred to above, as well as the industry, calls for education and skills development in response to the severe shortage in digital business expertise (which has been recognised through the generous contributions in this area of companies like Telkom) provide evidence for both demands for the qualification and the benefits to African economies and societies. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of the policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

    RPL for Access:
    Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:
  • Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
    OR
  • Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
  • In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

    RPL for credits:
    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
    OR
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    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:
  • Business Strategy for a Digital World, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Technology Fundamentals, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing for Digital Business, 12 Credits.
  • Digitalising Operations Management, 12 Credits.
  • Innovation & Entrepreneurship for Digital Business, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Readiness, Transformation & Change Management, 12 Credits.
  • Talent Management for Digital Business, 12 Credits.
  • Customer Experience Management, 12 Credits.
  • Systems Thinking in the Digital Economy, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Business in Africa, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding at an advanced scholarly level of digital business-management frameworks such that the learner can engage with and critique their applicability to South African contexts, and use in digital management practice
    2. Demonstrate knowledge of a broad range of conceptual and analytical fields within digital business management and the ability to choose an appropriate method of enquiry and analysis in a particular aspect of digital business management.
    3. Access, use and manage quantitative and qualitative information in such a way that the learner can interpret and produce insights in a range of digital business management areas.
    4. Demonstrate specialised skills in applying conceptual and analytical frameworks of digital business to generate solutions and insights that can address complex and challenging problems in a range of complex organisational internal and external management conditions.
    5. Ability to understand the probable consequences of management implementation of digital business solutions and insights generated using digital business-management concepts and frameworks, and to address the intended and unintended consequences of such interventions.
    6. Present information and defend substantial insights and solutions to digital business management dilemmas in a range of written and oral modes and genres appropriate to both academic and senior business management audiences.
    7. Enhance strategic leadership and problem-solving skills and scholarly expertise in digital business appropriate to complex and rapidly changing organisational environments.
    8. Develop ethical and practical managerial, leadership and good governance skills including abilities to exercise autonomous judgement about complex organisational and professional issues within an environment of competing values in a digital economy.
    9. Conceptualise, pursue, and present research into complex problems in contextualised digital business- management environments and makes persuasive recommendations.
    10. Demonstrate abilities to sustain independent and professional learning to interact effectively as well as accountability for his/her own work. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes:
  • Analyse and solve complex and ambiguous problems.
  • Think strategically in a rapidly changing and contested world.
  • Collect, analyse, and critically evaluate information.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving does not exist in isolation.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment in community, national and global contexts.
  • Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of written presentation.
  • Work effectively with others as a member of a team or group through leadership effectiveness in order to solve complex problems of an organisation.
  • Analyse and solve divergent leadership and managerial problems.
  • Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment in community, national and global contexts.
  • Manage change as individuals and in groups.
  • Contribute to the development of ethical standards around digital business practice in specific organizations. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The new qualification is directly comparable in form and content to leading international postgraduate specialist business administration/management qualifications that are themselves accredited. All international Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business qualifications comprise compulsory modules in the core curriculum as coursework with no research requirements or independent study components. The new qualification has a similar structure to the international comparatives, although more modules have been built into the qualification to accommodate a broad general management subject area inclusion.

    To compare the proposed qualification against international qualifications, examples from the top (Financial Times) ranked Postgraduate Diplomas in Digital Business and related/cognate qualifications in the UK, USA and Europe are given below:
    Major Benchmarks
    The MIT Center for Digital Business
  • Internationally renowned faculty
  • Research Centre
    Dartmouth College
  • Internationally renowned faculty
  • Research Centre
  • Research used to inform Master of Business Administration qualifications globally
    London School of Economics
  • Is renowned for digital business studies around the world
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Innovation (constantly changing and being revised with annual updates)

    The benchmarking exercise revealed the following:
  • Clusters of areas of study - themes
  • Big Data and Data Analytics
  • Digital Marketing Tools
  • Web Analytics & Artificial Intelligence/Cloud/Information Technology
  • Business Modelling & Commercial Strategy
  • Supply Chain Management & Consumerism
  • Curriculum tied to the context in (South) Africa
    Potential degree orientation
  • African/South African focus
  • Degrees of specialisation
  • Pracademic slant - case study focus
    Scope, breadth and depth of syllabus
  • Broad rather than deep
  • Course commonality & nomenclatures

    Comparative Postgraduate Diploma qualifications can be found in the Financial Times Ranking, these include:
  • CEMS Postgraduate Diploma in International Management
  • EM Lyon Business School Postgraduate Diploma in Management
  • ESADE Business School Postgraduate Diploma in International Management
  • ESCP Europe Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Marketing Management
  • ESSEC Business School Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Innovation
  • Grenoble Graduate School of Business Diploma in International Business
  • HEC Paris Master of Science in Management (with pre-degree courses)
  • IE Business School Advanced Diploma in Management Science
  • Indian Institute of Management in Ahmedabad Post-Graduate Programme in Management (PGP)
  • LSE - London School of Economics and Political Science - Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Innovation
  • The University of St. Gallen - advance studies in preparation of the Master in Strategy and International Management.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Eastern Institute of Technology Ltd (EIT)
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 1 year full-time
    Entry requirements:
  • An NZQF-listed undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in Computing, Information Technology, Business or Management.
    Or
  • An undergraduate degree in a related field with a minimum of the equivalent to a B average (as per the EIT-specified 11-point achievement-based grading system), subject to assessment by the programme coordinator.
    Or
  • All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of English language fluency prior to acceptance into the programme.
  • For international learners, ways in which English language fluency may be demonstrated include the following:
  • Successful study of a programme in which English was the language of instruction (subject to the conditions in EIT's Database for English Language Proficiency (DELP))

    Purpose/Rationale:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business is a Level 8 programme of 120 credits at levels 7 and 8, with at least 75 credits at level 8, which enables learners who have completed a Bachelor's Degree in Computing, Information Technology, Business or similar to achieve a postgraduate level qualification in the digital business area. The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business deepens and broadens applied knowledge well beyond the initial undergraduate level. The qualification enables the completion of a comprehensive body of knowledge in digital business relevant to specific individual's aspirations and is likely to align closely to a specific business context. Individuals are prepared for research and its application in business innovation and improvement initiatives. The qualification aims to develop scholarship, problem-solving and critical thinking to advanced levels.

    Potential career pathways derive from the synergy between the field of business and technology, both from a strategic perspective and the need to harness technology more effectively. Graduates will be able to seek employment as:
  • Automation Manager.
  • Brand and Digital Marketing Manager.
  • Business Transformation Consultant.
  • Digital Business Analyst.
  • Digital Marketers.
  • Digital Platform Managers.
  • Digital Strategy E-Commerce Director.
  • E-Commerce Entrepreneur.
  • IT & Strategy Consultant.
  • Project Managers (Technology).
  • Start-up Entrepreneur.
  • Social Media Planners.

    Qualification structure:
    Similar to the South African qualification, the qualification comprises of the following modules:

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Digital Marketing, 12 Credits.
  • Digital Entrepreneurship and Innovation, 12 Credits.
  • Management of Emerging Technologies, 12 Credits.
  • Scholarly Communication and Reflection, 12 Credits.
  • Information Sourcing and Evaluation, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Methods and Contemporary Tools, 12 Credits.
  • Professional Practice, 12 Credits.
  • Data Analytics and Visualisation, 12 Credits.
  • Applied Research Methods, 12 Credits.
  • Research Proposal, 12 Credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Emeritus
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business (E-Learning)
    NQF Level: 8
    Credits: 120
    Duration: 9 -12 months, online
    Entry requirements:
  • Minimal educational requirement of a Bachelor Degree certificate or official transcript in any discipline.
    Purpose:
    Whether being an experienced industry professional or are transitioning to a new field or endeavour, having the knowledge learners need to guide the business through the process of digital transformation is key. This knowledge includes strategically shifting the approach toward your customers and competition, identifying valuable data to drive your decision-making, and implementing innovative and effective strategies.

    Upon the successful completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:
  • Innovate strategies to adapt and streamline operations in the digital age.
  • Develop advanced skills in digital business and marketing.
  • Understand and evaluate digital business models.
  • Boost the Digital Quotient and lead the organization.
  • Understand the foundation and tools of digital marketing and strategy.
  • Translate the Lean Start-Up to Large-Scale Innovative Enterprise.
  • Prepare for the near future of marketing.

    Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners will be awarded a certificate by Emeritus, in collaboration with MIT Sloan and Columbia Business School Executive Education.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification comprises the following modules and the Capstone Project.
    Module 1: Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise
  • The Five Domains of Digital Transformation - A Holistic Framework.
  • From Mass Marketing to Customer Networks and New Path to Purchase.
  • Five Core Behaviours of Customers in the Digital World Platform overview.
  • Coopetition, Dis/intermediation, and Asymmetric Competitors.
  • Building Data as a Strategic Asset for the Business.
  • Big Data at Work: New Data, New Tools, and Templates of Value.
  • Innovation Through Experimentation: AB Test and Minimum Viable Products.
  • Translating the Lean Startup to Enterprise Scale Innovation.
  • Adapting the Value Proposition.
  • Mastering Disruptive Business Models.
  • Surviving Disruption: Six Incumbent Responses to a Disruptive Challenger.
  • Leadership and the Customer Value Imperative.

    Module 2: Digital Transformation: Platform Strategies for Success
  • Digital Transformation: From Products to Platforms; Network Effects.
  • Digital Transformation Concepts: Markets, Environment, and Structure.
  • Designing the Digital Business Model for Success.
  • Launching and Growing a Digital Platform.
  • Leveraging Open Innovation.
  • Governing the Digital Platform.
  • Strategy and Competition in the Digital Age.

    Capstone Project
    In the capstone assignment, learners will have the opportunity to work in a group on a digital business challenge or idea decided by them. They will apply all the strategies and frameworks that they learn in the diploma.

    Similarities:
    The qualification is similar to the South African qualification in terms of the duration, credits, NQF Levels, purpose, learning outcomes and structure.

    Differences:
  • The qualification is offered online while the South African qualification is offered face-to-face and follows the blended learning approach.
  • The qualification consists of the Capstone Project while the South African qualification does not include the Capstone Project. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Science, 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.