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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Procurement Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102026  Higher Certificate in Procurement Management 
ORIGINATOR
Open Learning Group 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Procurement 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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:
As an entry-level higher education qualification, it is mainly vocationally and industry orientated. The purpose of this qualification is to develop graduates with the necessary knowledge and knowledge systems, intellectual competencies and practical skills to be able to analyse, interpret, understand and apply procurement management principles, processes and procedures. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Take decisions in the context of a logistics and supply chain management or related organisation.
  • Analyse relevant information.
  • Produce innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems based on informed judgement.

    This qualification will contribute towards the intended outcomes by providing a learner with a range of introductory and knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communications, information systems, and financial management. Furthermore, it will also provide learners with knowledge about general management principles and specific procurement and management principles. Practical decision making skills will be facilitated by means of case studies, which will require a critical situation analysis, the selection and interpretation of relevant information and the implementation of decisions.

    By means of work-directed, problem-based and project-based work integrated learning, a learner will gain work related experience and will be afforded the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace context.

    Learners will be expected to undertake investigations in the procurement management field, including to evaluate different sources of information, gather and interpret appropriate information and communicate information reliably and coherently using procurement management and related conventions, formats and technologies.

    It is expected of a learner to work in a team in a familiar or new context with various role players, including professional and administrative staff within the procurement management environment. A learner should also demonstrate sensitivity to different communities and sensitivity for the social and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respects to the variation and diversity within different communities.

    Rationale:
    The National Scarce Skills List of 2008, Scarce Skills Information Dissemination: A Study of the Skills Education Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa, the National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand and even the Education Training and Development SETA Scarce and Critical Skills Guide 2014, identified logistics and supply chain and related occupations such as production, project, purchasing and procurement management, as an occupational field with a substantial demand. This fact is reflected in discussions with the industry bodies, such as South African Production and Inventory Control Society (SAPICS), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), and the like.

    As South Africa becomes more of a logistics hub and an environment where effective supply chains are required, not just in Africa but also for AMEA (Africa, Middle East and Asia) the magnitude of this demand is becoming even greater. The demand for procurement managers, specifically, is not only found in the private sector, but also in the public sector.

    Scanning the education and training possibilities available for Procurement Management and related training, it becomes clear that limited options are available. Training in this regard is mainly at Further Education and Training level, and often mainly as skills programmes, with limited possibilities at higher education level. The industry once again confirms this and is greatly concerned about articulation and progression to particularly higher education qualifications.

    The institution has made a strategic decision to focus only on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) and related qualifications as a niche occupational field, and currently offers qualification from Levels 2 up to level 7 in this field. The industry has indicated that Level 5 qualifications are the biggest need at present, and consequently the decision to offer a Higher Certificate. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL is conducted in accordance to the institution's RPL Policy. This Policy provides processes and procedures by which RPL is conducted at the institution. These processes and procedures include:
  • RPL orientation.
  • Candidate profiling.
  • Selection.
  • Preparation for assessment and assessment.
  • Credit awarding.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements of a particular qualification, could, under certain conditions, apply for admission based on RPL and/or a process as approved by the Academic Board.

    Through RPL, the institution therefore endeavours to responsibly widen access to deserving students.

    Entry Requirements:
  • A Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • A National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Computer and Digital Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Business Communication for Procurement Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Procurement Management, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Purchasing, 10 Credits.
  • WIL for Purchasing Management, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Gain general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories.
    2. Apply above-mentioned knowledge, concepts, principles and theories in the procurement management context.
    3. Effectively source relevant management information, evaluate, select and analyse appropriate information, and effectively communicate and disseminate this information.
    4. Apply sound financial management principles in the procurement management environment.
    5. Practically fulfill the functions and roles that procurement managers are normally called upon to discharge as part of his/her duties. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand the following:
    > The concept of business management.
    > Management theories.
    > General management tasks.
    > The different forms of enterprise ownership.
    > Forces impacting on the establishment of an enterprise.
    > Micro-, market-, and macro-environment of an enterprise.
    > The purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the different functions of a typical enterprise, as well as the degree of integration with other functions.
    > 'Planning' and its importance in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Define the following:
    > Business management in a procurement management context.
    > Management theories and its relation to procurement management.
    > Tasks of a procurement manager.
    > The different forms of enterprise ownership.
    > 'Organising' and its importance in procurement management.
    > 'Leadership' and its role in the procurement management process.
    > The role of control in the procurement management process.
    > Different enterprises within the economic system.
    > Management in the various forms of ownership.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Execute basic operations on a computer.
  • Understand operating systems.
  • Understand the concept of, and utilise the Internet and World Wide Web.
  • Understand and utilise e-mail and other online communication methods.
  • Understand and utilise productivity programmes
  • Write all forms of business correspondence, using the correct formats.
  • Communicate effectively - verbally, graphically and in writing.
  • Communicate effectively with different cultural groups.
  • Describe the process in producing business messages.
  • Justify the importance of analysing a target audience.
  • List the factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate channel and medium of communication.
  • Select the appropriate tone, style and language for a written communication.
  • Utilise e-mail communication more effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level.
  • Analyse financial data and implications in the procurement and supply context.
  • Develop financial literacy on a theoretical and a practical level.
  • Understand the importance of long- and short-term financial planning.
  • Conduct brief performance analysis of the income statement, balance sheet and cash-flow statement of a firm.
  • Understand costing and budgeting.
  • Conduct a break-even analysis.
  • Reconcile financial statements.
  • Understand purchasing and procurement processes as a component of the overall financial planning process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understand the scope of and developments in procurement management.
  • Understand strategic procurement and its role in supply chain management.
  • Apply procurement principles to various types of buying situations.
  • Understand contract management and its role in procurement.
  • Apply performance metrics to procurement.
  • Understand the different purchasing services in supply chain.
  • Identify the importance of product pricing.
  • Apply and understand the ethical and professional standards of purchasing/procurement in supply chain.
  • Gain a clear understanding of procurement management as an occupation.
  • Integrate the various theoretical sub components within an applied procurement management environment.
  • Identify applicable situations where procurement management principles and systems should, and could, be applied.
  • Apply various procurement management and related principles in practice.
  • Understand and apply the operational practices and procedures as required within the procurement management environment.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of procurement processes and procedures.
  • Develop appropriate life skills required within the procurement management environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is conducted in accordance to the policy of the institution.

    The assessments consist of two assignments per module and a one-two-or three-hour examination per module. Formative assessment takes place by means of the two assignments that will include evidence of job-related application of knowledge. The summative assessment happens by means of the examination process.

    Learners receive feedback on all assessments within three weeks from submission. Feedback on assignments is communicated on the assignment itself, electronically on the e-learning platform, in tutorial letters, and discussed during contact sessions.

    In line with the institution's Assessment Policy results are confidential. An individual learner's assessment results are not disclosed to fellow learners or unauthorised staff members. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is in line with the following international organisations:

    Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is recognised as a leading international organisation offering qualifications and services to procurement professionals. This international organisation offers various qualifications, at different levels, and full membership of CIPS could allow members to utilise the designatory, international recognised letters.

    CIPS offers five qualifications to support professional development in procurement and supply. This ranges from a Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, through to an Advanced and Professional Diploma. Furthermore, CIPS has accredited specific Degrees, such as various undergraduate, Master of Business Administration qualifications and other Postgraduate qualifications, that will afford the professional enhanced status, namely that of a Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional.

    Conclusion:
    Regarding the CIPS and accredited programmes, this qualification aligns well with their relevant qualifications. The curricula of these qualifications focus on procurement and supply principles, functions, operations, and workflows. All matters which are covered in this qualification.

    Irish Institute of Purchasing and Material Management offers purchasing and procurement qualifications This Institute offers relevant qualifications from Certificates to Degrees. Their Certificates, specifically, include the following content:
  • Business Organisation and Information Technology.
  • Economics.
  • Introduction to Supply Chain.
  • Principles of Procurement.
  • Purchasing and the Commercial Environment.
  • Principles of Procurement.
  • Commercial Relationship.

    Conclusion:
    The above-mentioned content, again, favourably compares with this qualification. Additional comparisons were made with relevant programmes at the University of Liverpool, Accenture Academy, Cork-Griffith College and even the UN Development programme which offers procurement training. Measured against these institution's curricula, the institution is satisfied that this qualification compares favourably with international programmes, but furthermore, that it considers the South African environment and it's particular needs. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates with the following qualifications:

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Logistics Management, Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Municipal Governance, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Public Procurement Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management, Level 7.

    The first articulation possibility and opportunity would be for students to be able to articulate from the National Certificate in Supply Chain Management (NQF Level 5), which resides in the FET domain, to the Higher Certificate in Procurement.

    With regard to the HET qualification, leaners will be able to articulate horizontally from The Higher Certificate in Procurement to the Higher Certificate in Logistics Management and vice-versa. The base learning and core modules are similar, with the added advantage that students can specialise in either qualification, without forfeiting prior learning. Both these qualifications are mutually complimentary.

    In both instances credits awards would be considered for students who articulate. 
    		•

    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.