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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Operations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
102066  Advanced Diploma in Operations 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
Advanced Diploma  Field 11 - Services  Transport, Operations and Logistics 
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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
99166  Bachelor of Technology: Operations Management  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Operations Management is to deepen the learners' knowledge and understanding of the efficient utilisation and management of resources. Learners will be equipped with applied competence to integrate the broad spectrum of resources and operations in the manufacturing and service industry. Qualifying learners will be able to manage all operational tasks strategically, such as capacity planning, inventory/materials management, scheduling, application of the theory of constraints (quantitative techniques, forecasting, and quality control) in order to improve productivity and competitiveness in the manufacturing industry.

Stemming from their exposure to OSTENDO, the qualification will further enhance the students' knowledge and skills through training in Sophisticated IT systems such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) which are required to manage the daily activities of the operations and service departments within an organisation.

On completion of the qualification learners will be able to:
  • Analyse and solve complex problems; simulate processes to effect process engineering and/or adaptation.
  • Contribute to the maximization of profitability of the organisation.
  • Identify and manage risk factors.
  • Communicate his/her ideas and opinions in well-formulated arguments.

    Rationale:
    Operations Management is the heart of any business. It is the management of systems or processes that create goods and/or services. In the production environment its function is to convert inputs into desirable outputs. The rapid changes in urbanisation and customer profiles make it increasingly necessary to be managed in a diversified environment and produce or deliver goods and services efficiently and cost effectively. Operations Management is at the core, occupying an indispensable position fundamental to the fulfilment of customer needs. Since the institution is situated centrally to many industries in Gauteng, it is ideally situated to draw from a vast number of working individuals who want to further their careers in this field. This new qualification will replace Bachelor of Technology Operations Management.

    The qualification will also prepare learners for studies at a Postgraduate Diploma and Master's levels in the discipline. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the field of Operations Management. It is required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case-by-case basis and assessment is done by means of Integrated Assessment strategies as mentioned above. Such procedures, and the assessment of individual cases, are subject to moderation by independent-assessors. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and support and guidance will be provided. The necessary evidence as required by the Exit Level Outcomes, and presented by the learner, should meet the following principles: currency of evidence, sufficiency of evidence, validity of evidence and authenticity of evidence. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entrance requirement to this qualification is either a:
  • A National Diploma in Operations Management or related field, Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Operations Management or related field, Level 6.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree in Operations Management or related field, Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

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

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Marketing I, 18 Credits.
  • Financial Planning and Control III, 24 Credits.
  • Operations Management Technology IV, 24 Credits.
  • Operations Management Techniques IV (NLP), 24 Credits.
  • Research Methodology IV, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the main areas of operations management including an understanding of and apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories pertaining to operations management in the context of manufacturing and service industry; and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.
    2. Demonstrate an ability to use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address procedural, process and human-related problems in the manufacturing and service industry, drawing on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to operations management.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities involved in selecting, applying or transferring existing standard procedures, processes or techniques in operations management to unfamiliar real-life or simulated processes.
    4. Manage operational tasks of operations management at the tactical managerial level.
    [Range: "operational tasks" includes, but is not limited to: capacity planning, inventory/materials levels management, scheduling, application of quantitative techniques, forecasting, budgeting, provision of labour and quality control].
    5. Collect, analyse, evaluate and store information for risk identification.
    6. Demonstrate an ability to analyse operational scenarios and communicate recommendations through informed opinions in well-formulated arguments, using appropriate professional or occupational discourse and technology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of the manufacturing and service industry.
  • Demonstrate the conceptualisation of the integration of central areas of operations management in terms of the SMART objectives of the strategic management process.
  • Implement and integrate principles of financial planning and control in strategic management processes.
  • Integrate and implement principles of marketing in strategic management processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Consider, integrate and evaluate a range of interrelated procedural, process and human ergonomic factors to embrace ingenuity in solving different, but specific problems related to the operations management processes.
  • Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address procedural, process and human-related problems, drawing on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to operations management to influence systemic change in order to optimise operations in the manufacturing and service industry.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and dynamics involved in the selection, application and transfer of standard procedures, processes or techniques in operations management.
  • Demonstrate an ability to select, apply and transfer standard procedures, processes or techniques in operations management to unfamiliar real-life or simulated processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of and the interrelationship of operational tasks.
  • Synchronise operational tasks at a tactical level to produce planned outcomes.
  • Gather data for the purpose of risk identification.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Gather, analyse and store information pertaining to risk identification.
  • Produce an evaluation report that contains pertinent information and information sources.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Analyse and develop recommendations for different operational scenarios to optimise production.
  • Develop ideas and opinions in well-formulated arguments.
  • Communicate ideas and opinions clearly and comprehensively.
  • Use appropriate professional or occupational discourse.
  • Demonstrate presentation skills in the use of appropriate communication techniques and technology.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include assignments, discussions, case studies, tests and tutoring. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes, practical and tutoring sessions.

    Summative assessment implies assessment to be mainly concerned with summing up the learning process and therefore usually takes place at the end of the relevant learning process. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at the judgment of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Advanced Diploma in Operations Management has been compared with a similar qualification in the following country:

    United States of America:
    The Arizona State University, in partnership with the Eastern Arizona College offers a Bachelor of Applied Science in Operations Management which prepares students for supervisory and management functions. Access to this qualification requires the completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree from a regionally accredited institution. The qualification will prepare undergraduate students for supervisory and management functions in industry, manufacturing, public service and other service organisations. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma Project Management, Level 7
  • Bachelor of Engineering Degree in Industrial Engineering, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management, Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.