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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104643  Postgraduate Diploma in Operations 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
Postgraduate 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 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:
The purpose of this is to strengthen and deepen student's knowledge in the operations management discipline. The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable working students to undertake advanced reflection, study, and development by means of systematic surveys of current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of operations.

This qualification seeks to provide student's the advanced knowledge base and project exposure relating to this operating core, to help them become domestically and internationally competitive in developing and building robust and efficient processes and systems within manufacturing and service organisations. Furthermore this will prepare students for leadership positions and for senior operations management roles in service and manufacturing organisations in private and public sectors. Nationally and internationally, the possible specialisation fields for individuals with this type of qualification include production planning, plant and manufacturing related positions, organisational efficiency, Lean implementation, and quality practitioners within the manufacturing and service industries.

Rationale:
The qualification Advanced Diploma Operations Management will be replacing the current Bachelor Degree (BTech) Operations Management as an access route to Masters and Doctoral degrees in Operations Management.

This qualification will provide graduates with a deeper knowledge base that focuses on a higher and strategic level in the operations management discipline. Furthermore it will provide them with the ability to apply that knowledge, skills, and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources.

This qualification aims to meet higher-level industry needs for operations managers and employees at similar levels in all sectors. The qualification is thus aimed at students who are employed on a full time basis and therefore the qualification will be presented on a part time basis. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants will be assessed in order to determine whether exemption from modules may be given. The terms of the Institutional RPL policy will be applied. The Faculty policy, derived from the institutional policy, requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis. The applicant will approach the Head of Department of the relevant specialisation regarding the Faculty RPL policy and process. The Head of Department (HOD) will advise the candidate whether or not the RPL process is an option. Applicants who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form. A portfolio of evidence provided by the applicant will then be assessed to determine whether the required standards are met. The process will be implemented in strict adherence to the relevant Nelson Mandela University (NMU) and South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) RPL policies and approval by relevant faculty structures.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirement for admission a Postgraduate Degree is:
  • An Advanced Diploma in Operations Management at Level 7.
    Or
  • A Bachelor of Technology (BTech) in Operations Management, Level 7.
    Or
  • A similar Bachelor's Degree, Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:
  • Public Monitoring and Evaluation, 15 Credits.
  • Quality Planning and Implementation, 15 Credits.
  • Operations Leadership, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Operations Project, 60 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse and evaluate operations principles to systematically diagnose and solve complex operations problems.
    2. Apply and evaluate analytical techniques to operations and manufacturing related procedures, processes, systems, and methodologies to solve complex operations problems.
    3. Create, analyse and evaluate complex manufacturing control systems and total quality management processes.
    4. Analyse and evaluate the impact of complex operations management activities on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    5. Analyse, evaluate and use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern operations tools including information technology for the solution of complex operations problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an operations management context.
    7. Work effectively as an independent and in teams.
    8. Apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of operations management practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1:
  • Analyse and define problems and identify criteria for acceptable operations solutions.
  • Identify relevant information and operational knowledge for problem solving.
  • Develop and formulate possible approaches that would lead to workable solutions for operations related problems.
  • Model/Simulate and analyse possible operations related solutions and select the optimum solution.
  • Solution is formulated and presented in an appropriate format.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2:
  • Bring and bear appropriate mix of operations management knowledge at advanced level on the analysis and solution of complex operational management problems.
  • Apply sound and current operational management theories and principles.
  • Reason about and conceptualising operational management systems and processes.
  • Identify and mitigate risk and uncertainty.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3:
  • Analyse and develop control systems and processes needed to enhance competitive edge via waste and energy consumption reduction and optimisation of processes.
  • Analyse and develop Total Quality Management (TQM) processes.
  • Processes the Model/Simulate the application of TQM.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4:
  • Analyse, evaluate and predict the impact that modern complex operational processes have on production and supporting human resources.
  • Analyse evaluate and predict the impact of specific operational processes on the environment (Social, environmental and economy).

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5:
  • Assess operational management tools including software for applicability and limitations to address specific problems.
  • Evaluate results produced by the selected process and or tools in comparison to required outcomes.
  • Use and create computer applications as per the requirements of specific operational management problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6:
  • Structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of the required communication and target audience.
  • Use graphic illustrations to effectively enhance the meaning/implication of text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral presentations.
  • Use oral communication fluently with the intended interpretation/meaning being clearly apparent.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7:
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Contributions to team activities, including at disciplinary boundaries, support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate functioning as a responsible team leader.
  • Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and or team work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8:
  • Demonstrate the nature, complexity and implications of ethical dilemmas and decisions are described.
  • Apply ethical reasoning in the search for problem solutions.
  • Maintain continuous professional development to ensure continued 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.

    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.
  • Computer based system design and simulations using assessment rubrics.
    Closed or open book examinations.

    Integrative Assessment:
  • The Operations 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 Operations Project, will provide an opportunity for the learners to validate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas, and actions across the learning programme to achieve the required competence in order to meet the purpose of the learning programme.
  • 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 is compared with the following qualifications:

    Post Graduate Diploma (Welinkar Institute of management development, India):

    The abovementioned qualification will develop the knowledge and skills for the professionals in the operation's function of any enterprise in the business sector-be it in the manufacturing or service. This qualification will enable future managers to improve their proficiency and productivity in every career option they choose.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management module covers some of the contemporary challenges faced within the corporate arena. Accordingly, production planning and control, project management and world-class manufacturing are among the many critical concepts covered in this module. Modules containing these topics will be covered in the Nelson Mandela University (NMU) Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) (Operations Management).

    This qualification is highly recommended for managers working in the operations department of large multinational and Indian conglomerates.
    https://www.welingkaronline.org/academic-programs.aspx

    Mahatma Gandhi University (MGU):
    The MGU Postgraduate Diploma in Production Management is designed for executives who wish to get professional qualification in the area of operation management. Operations management is the corporate area in charge of designing, managing and tracking different processes. These processes are made up of interrelated, sequential activities through which the components and actors required (raw materials, labour, capital, information, the client, and such) are transformed into products. This qualification prepares the executives for leadership positions in the production and service industries. The NMU PGDip (Operations Management intended qualification also focuses on studying the processes that are made up of interrelated, sequential activities through which the components and actors required (raw materials, labour, capital, information, the client, and such) are transformed into product.
    http://www.mgu.edu.in/

    Waikatu Institute of Technology (NZ):
    The abovementioned Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management is a qualification that will provide a practical application in the business world. It is designed for those who already have a degree in another subject area, the Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management will progress one's career into operations management.

    The broad scope of this qualification equips students with the skills to get the best results out of people and processes. The skills in analysis and logistics gained from Operation and Production Management mean one can plan and implement production efficiencies that translate to what every business needs a better bottom line. The NMU intended qualification aims at a deeper level of knowledge and higher skills levels.
    http://www.wintec.ac.nz/

    Western Sydney University:
    In the WSU qualification, customer value and organisational effectiveness are driven from an integrated approach to planning, implementing, upgrading and managing operations. As the intended PGDip (Operations Management), the Operations Management courses at SGSM deliver operations management skills and knowledge to managers. They also prepare graduates for senior operations management roles in service and manufacturing organisations in private and public sectors. The qualification begins with introductory operations management, quality management, supply chain management, and project management. Capabilities can then be enhanced in specialised areas within operations management by selecting units from a range of electives. The NMMU intended qualification aims at a deeper level of knowledge and higher skills levels.
    http://www.uws.edu.au/ 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both vertical and horizontal articulation options:
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Operations Research: Logistics, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Operations 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.
     
    1. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.