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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88403  Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics 
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University 
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 04 - Communication Studies and Language  Information Studies 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
This qualification aims to enable learners to use their disciplinary and practical knowledge to understand the flow of decision-making processes and systems in organisations through exposing learners to cutting edge theory, praxis and research methods (in particular with respect to organisational decision design and analysis) at an advanced level. Thus the Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics will enable learners to develop the analytical abilities necessary for effective decision-making in a business environment.

The qualification offers learners an opportunity to focus on the issue of leadership in decision-making in organisations with an integrating approach, combining research in the analytics and processes of decision-making in psychology, economics, philosophy, organisation theory, information and knowledge systems and management sciences.

Rationale:
The advent of on-going, integrated and high volume computerisation and computer use are transforming organisational life and consequently decision-making has to be reframed. The interaction between the socio-economic world of organisations and knowledge technologies and systems constantly requires decisions to be made and judgements to be formed. Judgement and decision-making are both a formative and framing dimension of technology, systems and organisations and the focus of activity within systems and organisations. These levels of analysis and reflection are studied in what we may call decision-making in organisations. The knowledge and skills thus gained is important in business analysis, business intelligence, decision support, system development, strategy consulting, knowledge management and general management.

Thus, the qualification will enable learners to develop practical skills and critical knowledge in the key areas of decision-making in organisations. Such knowledge and skills are widely recognised as crucial for organisational and socio-economic development in the present economic era. The output in terms of leadership development and strategic decision-making for organisations as they actually function today is of significant value to organisations working toward increasing competitiveness in the current global knowledge economy. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment will be conducted through a valid and reliable process and will be measured against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and module outcomes for the purposes of admittance to, or recognition of learning.

Specific provision will be made for prospective learners who:
  • Do not meet the specified admission requirements for the qualification, but offer evidence of alternative experience/qualifications.
  • Have undergone prior learning and have requested that it be recognised in place of certain prescribed modules.
  • Have undergone prior learning at institutions outside South Africa (SA) and where the standard of this prior learning needs to be determined.
  • Have undergone prior learning and, where it is necessary, to establish at what level such a learner can be slotted into the relevant qualification.

    The RPL process will also be conducted in three phases:
  • Phase 1: The application must be submitted to the Faculty Secretary.
  • Phase 2: The relevant postgraduate programme committee will then consider the application in accordance with existing guidelines.
  • Phase 3: The recommendation of the programme committee will be submitted to the Committee for Postgraduate Teaching (CPT), via the Faculty Secretary, for further processing and will be submitted to the Faculty Board, Executive Committee (Senate) and Senate for a decision.

    Thereafter the Faculty Secretary will inform the applicant of the result of the RPL process by means of an official letter that will include the report back or comments.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A relevant Bachelors' Degree, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits:
  • Information Systems Theory, 10 Credits.
  • Organisation Theory, 10 Credits.
  • Knowledge Economy and Society, 20 Credits.
  • Decision Making Theory Research, 20 Credits.
  • Cognitive Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Knowledge Management Foundations, 20 Credits.
  • Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support, 10 Credits.
  • Strategy Development, Leadership and Organisational Analysis, 10 Credits.
  • Business Intelligence, Modelling and Systems Design, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with the main areas of academic enquiry in the field of decision-making in organisations.
    2. Implement knowledge technologies within the context of organisational strategy, production and management.
    3. Use empirical research to investigate decision and strategy support systems and processes in organisations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • An understanding of the relevant theories and principles pertaining to Decision-Making and Decision Analysis, Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Knowledge Management, Systems Theory, Organisation Theory, Theory of the Knowledge Economy, Strategy and Scenario Development, Business Analysis and Project Management is demonstrated.
  • Multiple sources of knowledge in the field of decision-making are interrogated and investigated.
  • Theoretical foundations and principles in decision-making and knowledge dynamics are analysed in order for decisions and actions to be consistent with the rules.
  • Knowledge dynamics is defined and the dynamics of knowledge are identified in organisations
  • The economic implications of knowledge dynamics and decision-making are understood and the core knowledge assets of an organisation are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Different approaches for developing a knowledge management strategy is explored and the best approach is chosen.
  • The key staff groups within the organisation are identified.
  • Comprehensive and holistic needs analysis activities are conducted with selected staff groups, to identify key needs and issues.
  • Input from senior management and organisational strategy documents are considered to determine an overall strategic focus.
  • Recommendations are developed for addressing the issues and needs identified based on these findings.
  • A series of strategic and tactical initiatives are used based on the recommendations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The principles of quantitative and qualitative research are explained.
  • A research proposal is formulated.
  • Useful strategies for gathering and assessing information are developed and applied.
  • Issues are interrogated and conclusions are drawn according to established research practice.
  • Findings are presented on the efficacy of key competencies in organisational strategy, production and management.
  • The research is conducted in an ethical manner and in accordance with established research methodology practice.
  • The research is formulated, presented, and communicated using both academically sound and professional report writing and presentation methods.

    Integrated Assessment:
    A wide variety of assessment tools and opportunities characterise the qualification. Learners are will be given assignments which will allow for demonstrations of affective and cognitive competences. This may involve written assignments of an argumentative nature, group collaborations, formal presentations, group reporting, oral presentations, modelling, scenario building, case analyses and proposal formulations.

    Formative assessments will be done over the course of the qualification. A comprehensive, integrative summative assessment will then take place.

    Experiential learning will also take place so that learners collaborate with the Socio-Informatics Honours learners to conduct a large project on a real systems design issue requiring different skills. This project will be evaluated in a formative manner during the process and in a summative manner upon a final documented and visual presentation of the system and its function. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A comparability study was conducted to ensure that this qualification is aligned to international practice and qualifications. However, only one qualification was found that could be used in the comparability exercise, namely the Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management in Organisations offered by the University of South Australia.

    The Graduate Diploma in Knowledge Management in Organisations covers the following areas: Overview of the principles of knowledge management, knowledge market, dynamic theory, knowledge mapping, knowledge management technology, knowledge management projects, implementation of knowledge management, infrastructure analysis, design and development, knowledge management teams and the future of knowledge management. The aim of this qualification is to develop knowledge and understanding of contemporary theories and practices of Knowledge Management and its application in a business by taking a socio-technical perspective.

    Conclusion:
    Although the titles of the qualifications differ, the Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics compares favourably with this qualification in terms of the content and their focus on knowledge management. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers only specific horizontal articulation opportunities with the following qualification offered by the University of Stellenbosch:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Document Analysis and Design (ID 85166), Level 8.

    Systemic Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates horizontally with any Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree in a related field, for example Economics, Philosophy, Management Sciences at NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates vertically with any Master Degree in Administration or Management Sciences or any other related field at NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Assessments are moderated to ensure that they are aligned with the outcomes of the modules, and therefore test students' learning according to specified standards which are clear and unambiguous. All modules will be internally and externally moderated. 

    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. Stellenbosch University 


    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.