SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
103104  Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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:
Entrepreneurship is the process of identifying, creating and realising opportunities for new business or social ventures. Entrepreneurship involves a wide scope of activities such as evaluating ideas, sourcing and organising resources, and weighing the risks and rewards associated with the new ventures. Holders of this qualification will be equipped with the skills of identifying and developing opportunities.

Whether one wants to develop one's own business idea from concept to reality, or learn the tricks of managing an innovative business in today's climate, this qualification will provide you with the confidence to move forward with your future aspirations.

The qualification offers working people the opportunity to study a unique, locally relevant, but prestigious and internationally applicable management qualification. The qualification is a planned combination of learning outcomes with a defined purpose that culminates in applied competence that will serve as the academic requirements for becoming an informed entrepreneur; working in commerce, industry, and academia and/or the public sector. Since the qualification is interdisciplinary, this provides lifelong professional growth in different fields of business, as it will offer membership to different professional bodies.

The competencies captured in this qualification will enable working people the opportunity to further develop their functional and reflective understanding of business management. The qualification is will develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of specialised knowledge and skills in business management, as well as in general management, organisational behaviour, human resource management, marketing, accounting, supply chain management, operations management and economics. Students will also master skills inherent in research and decision-making. Students will successfully master the competencies in this qualification and will be able to contribute to the broader society by making business decisions based on specific knowledge of specialised areas in business management.

Given that entrepreneurial flair, successful students can apply their skills in a variety of sectors, either as leaders or owners of business ventures or as managers in organisations that employ them.

The qualification enables learners to develop own business ideas, simulations, guest speakers and community engagement, including elements that provide the foundations necessary to solve business challenges through the application of game-design thinking.

The qualification combines commercial expertise with responsible management practices and a deep understanding of the economic, technological and practical principles of sustainability.

Learners will acquire the core business and management knowledge and skills in the qualification as there is specialist study related to specific sustainability issues-from ethical decision making to sustainable technologies and ecological awareness.

The Managing with Integrity module is ideal for those who want to study business and management. This module will equip learners with the knowledge of how to build a business case for sustainable practices. The Managing with Integrity module will enable learners to learn how to develop business models and plans for establishing a new sustainable enterprise.

Rationale:
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Entrepreneurial Management will contribute to solving some of the regional and national challenges in terms of skills shortages through the intensive qualification of study in the area of applied business management. Graduates will have a sound understanding of the dynamic environment in which managers operate, enabling them to apply that knowledge at organisational and strategic levels in a range of industries and organisations. Undertake a significant industry-based research project.

The South African business requires graduates who perfectly fit the demands of the corporate sector through their knowledge of business conception, business expansion, financial forecasting, market expansion and human resource management, statistical competencies and technological fluency.

Business operates in an environment where:
  • Knowledge of local markets and niche markets is pivotal to business success.
  • Knowledge of service/product differentiation is a key to market segmentation and business success.
  • Global markets influence local investment flows and local market operations.
  • New venture creation necessitates a more global outlook involving diversifying investments across regions and nations (creating safe havens, relying on tax havens).
  • Knowledge of international business and global tax regimes is becoming critical.
  • Seamless integration of emerging technologies (e.g. social networking technologies, gamification, traditional technologies) into the corporate business extends the reach to customers, suppliers, competitors and regulators.

    Entrepreneurship is not yet fully recognised in South Africa with regard to its impact on potential growth possibilities that it offers the South African economy, and as well as the impact on unemployment and social strains in the country (State of Entrepreneurship SA, 2011). Research conducted by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (2012) suggests that Total Early-Stage Entrepreneurial activity (TEA) in South Africa dropped to 7.3% from a high of 9.1%, an almost 20% drop from the previous year and the lowest in four years. GEM research further shows that South Africa's pool of intentional entrepreneurs is only 14% - far below the average of 27% among similar efficiency-driven economies. Yet the same study established a positive correlation between early-stage entrepreneurial activity among the youth and the level of education attained,, and the need for entrepreneurial education at tertiary levels for young start-ups and established entrepreneurs cannot be overemphasised.

    In order for the economy to grow, South Africa does not only need more but it requires better entrepreneurs. Regardless of this, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2011 Report, South Africa remains one of the more poorly-performing countries with regards to entrepreneurial activity. It is within this realm that the PGDip in Entrepreneurial Management will equip young entrepreneurs and established SMMEs to run established businesses in entrepreneurial manner.

    The skills shortage in South Africa compels businesses not only to focus on the attraction of talented people, but also to ensure that they are equipped and ready for optimum performance. The South African government has recognised the contribution of entrepreneurship and therefore has the goal of establishing an entrepreneurial nation that rewards and recognises entrepreneurship. As such, this qualification is specifically designed to be help individual and managers to be creative and innovative in their business endeavours. The qualification will also be aligned with various professional bodies in South Africa to ensure sufficient national benchmarking and promotion of professional academic standards in the delivery of the qualification. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL of students will be conducted in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the university. A functional system for RPL is in place at the university where RPL is used as a mechanism to gain access to qualification.

    RPL applications for the institution are received by the Centre for Assessments and Graduations. The candidates are required to complete an RPL application document. Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio of evidence, reflecting on extensive work learning. Once the institution's RPL Co ordinator has deemed the RPL application as being complete, the portfolio will be sent to the Department of Department of Business Support Studies for assessment. The faculty's RPL committee assesses the candidate's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to a Postgraduate Diploma is:
  • A Bachelor's Degree, Level 7.
    Or
  • An Advanced Diploma, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 144 Credits:
  • Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Creation, 12 Credits.
  • Project Management Process Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Project Management Process Practical, 12 Credits.
  • Leadership and Change Management, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing for Managers, 12 Credits.
  • Managing with Integrity, 12 Credits.
  • Global Strategies in Business, 12 Credits.
  • Managing Human Capital, Multi-Culture and Behaviour in Organisations, 12 Credits.
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management, 12 Credits.
  • Accounting for Managers, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology-Theory, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology-Practical Project, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop comprehensive theoretical and applied understanding of key concepts, processes, methodologies and frameworks in within each module.
    2. Think logically, analytically and critically through dialectical debate of paradoxes in respect of each topic.
    3. Relate management and entrepreneurship theories to the practical and professional management environment.
    4. Synthesise academic or professional literature and effectively communicate research orally and in written form through the dialectic and case presentations in each class, and further through the research assignment.
    5. Apply quantitative techniques in planning and executing their research and managing their businesses.
    6. Communicate with a client and managing stakeholder relationship in an ethical and professional way.
    7. Manage complexity.
    8. Demonstrate interpersonal communication and influencing skills in leading their entrepreneurial team.
    9. Critically evaluate the international, cross-cultural, economic, social and legal factors that impact on business success.
    10. Anticipate, adapt to and promote changes important to business success.
    11. Demonstrate evidence of self-directed learning and for taking responsibility for self-learning in the qualification.
    12. Stimulate and manage the creation of new business enterprises both within and existing corporate structure and as start-up enterprises through product and process innovation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Demonstrate evidence of self-directed learning and for taking responsibility for self-learning in the program.
  • Demonstrate understanding of key concepts, processes, methodologies and frameworks in within each module.
  • Apply management and entrepreneurship theories to the practical business problems.
  • Synthesise academic or professional literature and effectively communicate research orally and in written form through the dialectic and case presentations in each class, and further through the research assignment.
  • Apply quantitative techniques in planning and executing their research.
  • Demonstrate understanding of the implications of effective communication with a clients and stakeholder relationship management in an ethical and professional way.
  • Demonstrate understanding of ways of managing complexity.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of interpersonal communication strategies and skills necessary for influencing and leading their entrepreneurial team.
  • Critically evaluate the international, cross-cultural, economic, social and legal factors that impact on business success.
  • Demonstrate understanding of tools to anticipate, adapt to and promote change.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of strategies for stimulating and managing the creation of new business enterprises both within and existing corporate structure and as start-up enterprises through product and process innovation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All work and assessment are required to preferably start with situations and required decisions in an industrial setting. Such practices enable the qualification and its lecturers to achieve the required integration of assessment which by definition means to:
  • Treat a number of outcomes together.
  • Treat a number of assessment criteria together.
  • Promote an awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes and skills inside the different modules.
  • Practice a combination of assessment methods and instruments used to achieve outcome/outcomes.
  • Collect naturally occurring evidence (such as in the workplace setting). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management compares favourably with the following international qualifications:
  • The University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, in the United Kingdom (UK) offers an - Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship qualification which is by the University of Cambridge which transforms the entrepreneurial aspirations of ambitious individuals into real action and new enterprises.
  • The Excelsior Community College, Kingston, in Jamaica offers a Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies.

    University of Cambridge, Judge Business School, United Kingdom (UK)-Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship qualification is awarded by the University of Cambridge which transforms the entrepreneurial aspirations of ambitious individuals into real action and new enterprises
    Like the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDip (EM), this qualification also:
  • Articulates into master's program.
  • Admits students from diverse backgrounds such.
  • Is offered on modular basis.
  • Is offered in a blended mode.
  • Taught contents are very similar emphasizing entrepreneurship.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDip (EM) differs in some ways from this qualification:
  • While the PGDip (EM) is generic, this qualification offers areas of specialisation.
  • The PGDip (EM) makes room for admission through RPL which this qualification does not make mention of.
  • While the proposed PGDip (EM) is to be offered on full-time basis over 12 months, this program is offered on part-time basis over the same 12-month period.

    Excelsior Community College, Kingston, Jamaica - Post Graduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Studies.
    Like the Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDip (EM), this qualification also:
  • Articulates into master's program.
  • Admits students from diverse backgrounds such.
  • Minimum admission requirement is a Bachelor's Degree.
  • Admits RPL candidates.
  • Taught contents are very similar emphasizing entrepreneurship.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDip (EM) differs in some ways from this qualification:
  • While the PGDip (EM) is generic, this qualification offers areas of specialisation.
  • While the PGDip (EM) is modular, this program is offered in the evenings on daily basis.
  • While the PGDip (EM) consists of 144 credits, this qualification consists of 120 Credits.

    The University of Dar Es Salaam in Tanzania- Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Development.
  • Like the proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship (PGDip (EM), the qualification intention is to enhance the capacity of business development services practitioners to provide high standards of effective support for enterprise development.
  • The qualification also articulates to a Master's Degree.
  • The modules are similar to those of the proposed PGDip (EM).
  • Like the proposed PGDip (EM), it runs on modular basis.
  • They both admit RPL applicants.

    Unlike the proposed PGDip (EM) which will run over 12 months full-time this program runs over 18 months. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows horizontal and vertical articulation:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Human resource management (HRM), Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • A cognate Master's Degree in Entrepreneurial Management, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.