SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Diploma in Operations Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
102855	Diploma in Operations Management
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	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		2033-06-30

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 the Diploma in Operations Management is to equip learners with disciplinary knowledge and practice-based skills in a range of methods, techniques, procedures, practices and codes of operations management. These available resources such as quality, maintenance management, financial management and overall organisational effectiveness, are used to improve productivity and solve problems in the workplace.

Learners will develop an understanding of financial, legal, socio-economic, health and safety and environmental aspects related to the field of study. The subject areas of this qualification have been expanded to include a focus on costing, estimating, workplace dynamics and an in-depth understanding of various aspects of operations management.

Rationale:
Learners will be able to take up careers in operations management in a wide range of sectors such as production, manufacturing, insurance, project management, as well as consultancy and service-related enterprises. This qualification will provide learners with general knowledge, skills, and competencies at an entry-level to operations management to perform essential Opeational Management functions. The qualification is followed by an Advanced Diploma in Operations Management which will provide learners with advanced knowledge and professional development to either become Operations Managers, Operations Analyst, Quality Managers, and Process Improvement Consultants as they progress in the field of operations management.

Extensive consultation with a range of stakeholders confirmed the need for this qualification. These stakeholders include the following non-statutory bodies: The Production Management Institute of Southern Africa (PMISA), The Institute of Productivity South Africa, American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and South African Production and Inventory Control Society (SAPICS) are a professional knowledge-based associations that enable individuals and organisations to improve business performance. SAPICS builds operations management excellence in individuals and enterprises through superior education and training, internationally recognised certifications, comprehensive resources and a countrywide network of accomplished industry professionals.

This network is ever-expanding and now includes associates in other African countries. Also, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Science and Technology as well as members of the Advisory Board of this qualification confirmed the need to address the scarce skills (Operations Management, Accounting) associated with this field of study and provided input in the re-design of this qualification. Advice on subject content as well as future technologies was shared by the Advisory Board with the Department of Operations Management and will be included in the syllabus of the qualification.

Input was also obtained from industry partners such as Platform, DHL, City of Cape Town, Old Mutual, NGK Ceramics, Precision Press, Cape mail, Clover SA, Transnet Ports, Distel, Armscor Dockyard, Protea Chemicals, Shoprite, Sondor Industries and others to confirm the purpose and qualification design of this qualification.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of a learner against the admission requirements of the qualification and for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment, and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual, aimed at the individual needs of learners and is handled following an institutional RPL policy. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by thelearner to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for this qualification is:

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
Or

National Senior Certificate (NSC), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)), NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at Levels 5 and 6, totalling 280 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 156 Credits:

Operations Management Techniques 1, 28 Credits.

Organisational Effectiveness 1, 28 Credits.

Business Computer Applications, 18 Credits.

Operations Management 1, 28 Credits.

Costing and Financial Management, 18 Credits.

Communication Skills, 18 Credits.

Labour Law, 18 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 124 Credits:

Quality and Maintenance Management, 28 Credits.

Organisational Effectiveness 2, 28 Credits.

Operations Management 2, 28 Credits.

Operations Management Techniques 2, 20 Credits.

Operations Management 3, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply Operations Management principles to manage organisational resources in manufacturing or service environments to minimise cost and maximise productivity.
2. Apply management science principles, techniques, tools, and systems in the working environment to create an effective manufacturing/service process.
3. Apply optimising techniques in the operations and services of the organisation for continuous improvement to maximise the value of organisations.
4. Apply knowledge, skills, and attributes towards improvement and optimisation of systems in formal and non-formal sectors of relevant industries.
5. Apply acquired technological skills effectively for academic purposes and the continually changing work environment.
6. Apply principles and theories of communication to interact on a professional level.
7. Apply knowledge of operations management administrative procedures and ethics to different sectors.
8. Manage legal requirements within a business.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Optimise the resources of materials, machines, finances, and workforce in managing the section or the resources assigned for control or assessment.

Optimise the resources and departmental needs to maximise company profits and improve productivity.

Apply quality management techniques to improve productivity and reduce costs in the manufacturing or service environment.

Manage a section of a department in line with the operations trend of the manufacturing/service environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Make innovative management decisions by applying various operations management tools and techniques.

Solve operations problems by applying quantitative, qualitative and critical thinking techniques.

Develop effective strategic plans by displaying insight into current and future developments in the South African and global arena.

Apply operations management principles and techniques into the human resource management environment to minimise the labour cost.

Apply operations management principles and techniques into the financial management environment for effective financial decision-making.

Apply operations management principles and techniques for effective maintenance management processes.

Apply operations management principles and techniques for an effective quality management qualification in the workplace.

Be responsive towards community building and ensure ethical principles are implemented in operations management functions and decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply production and operations management tools and techniques to inform management decision-making.

Apply production and operations management tools and techniques to make Location & Layout decisions.

Apply forecasting techniques in the production and operations process for organisational short-term production planning and long-term strategic planning.

Apply Supply Chain Management tools and techniques in production and operations processes in sales and purchasing within organisations.

Apply Materials Requirement Planning to manage inventory to minimise the utilisation of space and reduce inventory cost.

Apply appropriate transportation models to manage the transportation of inventory and goods effectively and efficiently within organisations.

Perform linear programming to assist operations managers plan and make sound management decisions in organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Display acquired knowledge, skills, and values in order to be effective and efficient in the workplace with an understanding of global and national economic issues.

Develop a portfolio of evidence as a reflection of work-place based learning and for future career advancement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Use computer software programmes and technology to explore opportunities for innovation, problem-solving and improving communication.

Effectively navigate network systems linking industrial partners, including cloud base computing.

Show proficiency in the use of appropriate computer software programmes such as MS Word, MS Excel, MS Powerpoint and MS Project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in interpersonal as well as corporate contexts by communicating effectively both orally and in writing.

Produce persuasive spoken and written communication outputs that demonstrate an awareness of all critical issues and nuances in a given situation, thereby contributing to problem-solving and exploring opportunities for a culture of successful communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Perform effective and efficient administrative duties that demonstrate an understanding of the role and functions of the operations manager.

Manage quality information systems in an organisation by integrating it with other systems to enhance efficiency.

Display sound ethical practices in administrative management in operations processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Demonstrate the ability to conclude valid contracts within a given context.

Recognise the various forms of breach of contract and their related remedies within a given context.

Predict the possible impact of the legislation on specific commercial contracts within a given context.

Apply fair selection and recruitment procedures within the workplace following prescribed legislation and workplace policies.

Manage employment relations within the workplace following prescribed legislation and workplace policies.

Integrated Assessment:
The overall assessment strategy of this qualification is based on continuous assessment in keeping with institutional policy and requirements and will consist of formative, summative and integrated assessment methods. The institutional assessment policy and practices promote constructive alignment of the intended learning outcomes, learner-centred learning activities and assessment tasks pitched against the appropriate SAQA level descriptors of the NQF level associated with each subject in the curriculum. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

The teaching-learning strategy of the qualification should meet institutional policy and requirements and should consist of a variety of teaching-learning methods to enhance learner learning such as formal lectures, tutorial sessions, use of educational technology (e.g. Learning Management System, educational DVDs, Digital storytelling, blogs, etc.), practical laboratory sessions, peer-mentor group discussions and field trips. Learners will also gain exposure to the workplace in terms of work-directed theoretical learning, project-based (including the development of products/artefacts) and problem-based learning (e.g. case studies).

Formative assessment aims at enhancing learner success and provides learners with an opportunity to reflect critically on their learning and to improve their levels of accountability and time management. A formative assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this qualification, it will consist of a tutorial, peer evaluation, small group discussions, practical sessions, and self-study exercises. Educational technology, such as Clickers and the use of different features of the Learning Management system, are also used to enhance active learning.

Summative assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing learners' attainment against the learning outcomes of the qualification and subject(s). Summative assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study. In this qualification, it will consist of written tests, projects, and examinations.

Integrated assessment includes often span several learning outcomes and might even apply to more many subjects/modules. Integrated assessment tasks are aimed at the holistic development of the learner and contribute to learners' personal and professional development in the field of study. Integrated assessment in this qualification will take place in the third year of study and learners will be assessed mainly using project reports, a portfolio of evidence and logbooks.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The international comparison was conducted to determine the extent qualification, and subject structures compare with similar offerings at similar institutions. The international comparison exercise was conducted in terms of institutional requirements and guidelines which include the following: determining the scope of the comparison exercise; the selection of a variety of reputable Higher Education institutions internationally; the selection of comparable qualifications and aspects from these qualifications; analysis and evaluation of qualification design of the selected qualifications; conclusions and recommendations for curriculum renewal at the institution.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification offers both possibilities of horizontal and vertical articulation.
Vertically Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Operations Management Level 7.

Horizontal Articulation:

Cognate Diploma, Level 6.

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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