SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Quality Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
101936	Advanced Diploma in Quality Management
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela 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
Advanced Diploma	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2021-07-01	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 this qualification is to equip the learners with knowledge and advanced skills to be able to determine and manage the effectiveness of quality management systems, appraise the current systems and processes, identify problem areas and possess the skills to assist in the minimisation of the problem areas identified. This qualification offers an intensive, focused and applied specialisation which meets the need of a specific niche in the labour market. This qualification is suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the area of quality management and systems.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management is designed to produce graduates with strong skills in quality management. This qualification places strong emphasis on the professional development of the graduate and is aimed at learners already working in a manufacturing or service environment. The philosophy that underpins this qualification is to provide further study for graduates from various disciplines to enable them to specialise in the area of quality management.

Many graduates working in quality management industry have no formal qualification in the area of quality management and it is envisaged that this qualification will allow them to advance in their chosen field of specialisation. The need for quality and related qualifications in South Africa has been documented by various sources and the institution plays a significant role in the provision of such qualifications. This qualification will provide crucial skills and add value to existing industries and with quality now being such an important aspect of any business irrespective if it is manufacturing or service related, and with the new business enterprises that are currently preparing themselves for the participation in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ), the demand for people with a qualification in quality will increase. Many new developments are planned for the Eastern Cape such as fuel and Manganese refineries, Marine engineering, a new Nuclear plant at Thyspunt and various renewable energy and manufacturing projects that will require qualified quality skilled persons for years to come.

Quality Management is increasingly important to government, organisations and companies in a variety of sectors and focuses on systematically increasing operating and quality performance, reducing costs, increasing productivity and reliability concentrating on improving throughput and cycle time of processes. It is concerned with planning, organising, leading and controlling resources of these processes within production and/or service related industry. Quality management was a very high growth area in the 1990's and this trend is continuing. Quality programmes such as Six Sigma and Lean are constantly emerging as are new technologies for industrial use. Companies are having to adapt to this changing environment in order to remain competitive. Key claims from companies has reinforced the importance of quality management.

Quality management therefore fills a strategic role in the operational efficiency of manufacturing as well as the service industry. Included in the tasks of managers are the essential components of productivity enhancement, quality assurance, and improvements. This qualification aims to meet the industry need for quality managers and quality professionals in all sectors.

A major strategic priority of the Faculty of Engineering the Built Environment and Information Technology is to create a relevant and valuable quality qualification. The institution is committed to delivering the future human resource needs of a developing South Africa. Long recognised for its partnerships with industry and other institutions of higher learning both nationally and internationally, it continues to maintain a reputation for research, co-operative education and community outreach. The institution's infrastructure and geographic location positions itself perfectly to service not only the Eastern Cape, but also for the national quality demands of South Africa.

Globally, the possible positions of individuals with this type of qualification include quality practitioners, managers, supervisors and foremen. The study of quality involves the effective application and management of resources including but not limited to human, capital and material resources. Quality management for manufacturing operations is a key fundamental to the competitive edge of Eastern Cape region and is a major contributor to wealth creation and employment. Included in the tasks of quality managers are the essential components of quality enhancement and assurance, supply chain management, increased productivity, cost reduction and flexibility improvements.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent level may be considered for RPL. The Faculty policy, derived from the institutional RPL policy, requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis. The applicant will approach the Head of Department regarding the RPL policy and process. The HOD will explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. Applicants who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC.

Applicants must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.

This material must meet with the following academic criteria at a level equivalent to NQF 6. The material must:

Indicate adequate knowledge and comprehension of the fundamental principles of operations management.

Demonstrate the ability to gather and collate multiple sources of information and competing perspectives to support a theoretical understanding of relevant issues.

Involve the application of discipline-based knowledge to the analysis of practical and/or conceptual problems.

Assessment of the candidate's application will involve the following steps:

The candidate must submit a portfolio containing evidence of all of the above.

The internal assessor, will assess the candidate's portfolio and the outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation will be submitted to the HOD.

The final decision regarding the RPL status of the applicant will be presented to the FMC. The FMC secretary will communicate the FMC decision to the Faculty Officer, who in turn will communicate the outcome to the applicant.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

A Diploma, Level 6.
Or

National Diploma in Quality Management, Level 6.
Or

A Bachelor's Degree in Quality Management, Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Lean Manufacturing 4, 15 Credits.

Total Quality Management 4, 15 Credits.

Quality Management Systems 4, 15 Credits.

Statistical Quality Techniques 4(A), 15 Credits.

Project 4, 30 Credits.

Statistical Quality Techniques 4(B), 15 Credits.

Quality Auditing Techniques, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply quality principles and techniques to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined quality problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics and analytical techniques to quality and manufacturing related procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly defined quality problems.
3. Design systems, processes or methods of broadly defined quality related problems involving components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standard, codes of legislation and practice.
4. Address issues by designing procedures for understanding the impact of quality management on society, economy, industrial and physical environment.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern quality tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined quality problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within a quality management context.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and ability to work effectively as an individual and in teams as well as in team leadership positions.
8. Commit to and apply professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of quality managers.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and define problems and identify criteria for acceptable solutions.

Identify relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problems.

Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to workable solutions for the problems.

Model and analyse possible solutions.

Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.

Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Bring to bear an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, at a fundamental level and in a specialist area on the solution of broadly-defined quality problems.

Use theories and principles.

Perform formal analysis and modelling on systems or processes.

Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.

Perform reasoning about and conceptualising systems and/or.

Handle uncertainty and risk.

Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Formulate the problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.

Plan and manage the process to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.

Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources in order to apply appropriate principles and tools to provide a workable solution.

Perform tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints and restrictions.

Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.

Select the system or assess the method in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.

Communicate the relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Plan and conduct macro and micro environmental (society, economy, industrial and physical) investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.

Search available literature and critically evaluated material for suitability to the investigation.

Perform analysis as necessary to the investigation.

Select and use equipment or software as appropriate in the investigations.

Analyse, interpret and derive information from available data.

Draw environmental impact conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.

Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigations in technical reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.

Apply the method, skill or tool correctly to achieve the required result.

Test and assess results produced by the method, skill or tool against required results.

Create, select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use appropriate structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.

Use graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of text.

Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.

Use accepted methods for providing information to others involved in the engineering activity.

Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.

Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.

Contribute to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.

Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.

Organise and manage a design or research project.

Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas.

Describe the ethical implications of decisions.

Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate solutions.

Make professional judgements in decision making during problem solving and design.

Limit decision making to area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative and summative assessments will include inter alia the following:

Formative Assessment:

Individual and collaborative group tutorials with memoranda and direct lecturer and/or tutor formative feedback.

Individual and collaborative assignments/projects with direct discussions providing formative feedback.

Class tests with direct formative feedback via memoranda and discussions.

Computer based simulations.

Computer based interactive feedback using clicker based systems/Moodle.

Summative Assessment:

Closed and/or open book tests including scoring and feedback.

Individual projects and assignments including feedback via assessment rubrics and scoring.

Group projects and assignments including scoring and feedback via assessment rubrics.

Individual Presentations including feedback via assessment rubrics, lecturer and peer scoring.

Closed or open book examinations.

Integrative Assessment:
The Project with comprehensively detailed criteria will provide the opportunity for comprehensive integrative assessment covering the complete spectrum of the learning achieved.

Both formative and summative assessment processes throughout the duration of the project completion will provide an opportunity for the learners to validate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across the qualification to achieve the required competence in order to meet the purpose of the qualification. The assessment tools will critically evaluate the candidate's knowledge, critical thinking, and evaluation prowess as well as communication and presentation skills.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:

New Zealand, Massey University offers a Graduate Diploma in quality systems. This qualification focuses on advanced quality management as a developing field of theory and practice. It brings together quality thinking and methods, the application of management theory, and leadership in the context of modern organisational systems thinking.

United States of America, California State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Quality Assurance (BSQA) Degree which blends the sciences with the technologies, management principles, quality concepts and statistical tools needed to prepare professionals for careers in Quality Assurance, and to enhance the careers of working professionals in the field or those looking to enter the field, who seek an understanding of current quality concepts.

Topics covered include lean manufacturing, quality improvement, measurement science, systems failure analysis, technical documentation, technical communications, statistical quality control and inspection, the manufacturing process, electrical metrology, quality auditing, measurement uncertainty, dimensional metrology, physical metrology safety and reliability, and value based quality.

Ireland, Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology offers various qualifications in Quality. The qualifications offered by this institution include similar subject areas as this qualification namely: Quality Management Systems and Auditing, Statistical Quality Control, Total Quality Management, Quality and Project Management.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides the following articulation options such as:

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Quality, Level 8.

Horizontal Articulation:
Horizontal articulation is not possible because the Advanced Diploma in Quality Management is a "stand alone" programme which provides students with specialized skills and competencies in Quality Management. The potential students who hold any degree or Diploma ie a BCom, a Diploma Operations Management, BSC Analytical Chemistry and are currently employed in a quality environment will be admitted to the Advance Diploma (Quality Management).

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.

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