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: 

Advanced Diploma in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104763  Advanced Diploma in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
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 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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-10-25  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:
The qualification is directed at those with existing vocational qualifications, those wishing to gain entry into Postgraduate study, as well as those with technical qualifications seeking to enter into management positions. Graduates will develop the skills required to effectively perform the key management tasks. By way of coursework, the qualification will build skills in business management by taking a holistic approach and covering core areas in business management.

The qualification is designed to equip students with sound understanding of the key management theories, methodologies and practices. The qualification provides a blend of theoretical and practical aspects of business management. The qualification will equip students with the skills to undertake Postgraduate study in the field of management by developing their ability to understand and solve complex problems, while maintaining a holistic approach to managing organisations.

With the current skills need and the scarcity of Advanced Diploma qualifications in general business management, this qualification aims to produce graduates to have the following attributes:
  • Critical thinking.
  • Fundamental problem solving skills.
  • Communication skills.
  • Ethical conduct.
  • Accountability.
  • Being customer oriented.

    Rationale:
    The institution offers distance education. Students are drawn from both South Africa and the Southern African Development Community where the Advanced Diploma in Business Management will contribute towards developing management skills in the region. The qualification is aimed at building skills in the field of general business management.

    Management skills are necessary to provide direction and leadership to contribute to the national priorities of economic growth and development by supporting and enhancing organisational performance in both the public and private sectors. In the 21st Century, organisational dynamics have evolved into a multi-dimensional element of business, incorporating both opportunity and risk. Management education plays a pivotal role in developing critical skills to ensure that managers and organisations are capable of managing risk and taking advantage of opportunities to drive growth and profitability.

    The qualification responds to the need for management qualifications that not only develop fundamental understanding of management practice but also complements and adds benefit to an existing qualification. This will prepare graduates for positions in middle management and serve as a platform to develop and prepare them for further postgraduate study.

    This qualification provides an articulation pathway for graduates with Diplomas to gain entry to Postgraduate study. The qualification addresses the national skills development imperative that has been highlighted in the 2014 List of Occupations in High Demand (Department of Higher Education and Training, 2014). The list highlights the scarcity and need for management skills in South Africa. The list identifies many management positions in high demand and it is apparent that there is a need for diversity of specialisation in terms of management positions. Areas of need include manufacturing managers, finance managers, quality systems managers, and public health managers. This implies that not all managers will have a commerce background. It is this gap that the qualification seeks to address. Whilst it is understood that some entrants to the qualification might have a commerce background, this will not always hold true for the entire cohort.

    The qualification will complement and supplement existing technical or specialist qualifications by providing students with strong knowledge of the theories, methodologies and practices of business management. This qualification is strongly suited to continuous professional development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. In the case where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification, it is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from applicants' organisations/companies.

    Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating applicants include:
  • The applicant's motivation, maturity and realistic approach to postgraduate studies.
  • Job description covering the relevant area of work, examples of tasks carried out - possibly supplying references - linked to a portfolio of evidence.
  • The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
  • Details of in-company short courses: length; content of material covered; standard achieved.
  • The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
  • The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

    Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements to this qualification are:
  • A Diploma, Level 6.
    And
  • Competence in the language of instruction. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 7 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory modules, 120 Credits:
  • Management Principles, 20 Credits.
  • Business Information Systems, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 20 Credits.
  • Microeconomics, 20 Credits.
  • Business Statistics, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 20 Credits.

    Elective modules, 20 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Ethical Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Operations and Supply Chain Management, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Project Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Understand the role of management and leadership in organisational success.
    2. Employ integrated knowledge to solve complex problems in an organisation.
    3. Demonstrate understanding of financial management within an organisation.
    4. Understand the key management theories used to manage organisations.
    5. Engage in self-directed learning.
    6. Display an understanding of marketing principles and practices to promote and grow the business.
    7. Assess problems in organisations and propose viable solutions.
    8. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of ethics and accountability.
    9. Apply the concepts of economics and data analysis to process information for decision making. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Use management theories to understand the concept of management and leadership.
  • Use elements of management techniques to assess the difference between management and leadership.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply problem solving concepts, techniques and tools to help solve real work-life situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Use financial concepts and terminology to understand financial management.
  • Apply financial formulas and calculation of ratios to understand the financial state and health of the business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Unpack and apply management structures to various organisational designs.
  • Use theories of the evolution of management theories, from classical approaches to human relations approaches, to understand the various theorists' contributions to management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Engage business management techniques independently to understand organisational operations and how appropriate management gives effect to well-run organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use marketing principles and practices to evaluate business potential and product need.
  • Use marketing strategy as a company's competitive advantage.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply problem solving concepts to work-life situations.
  • Apply problem solving techniques and tools to propose viable solutions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Integrate ethics and good corporate governance principles in management and leadership.
  • Apply management policies, procedures and practices to manage an organisational ethics programme and intervention.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Use Economic Circular Flow to understand the economy and various role players.
  • Use micro-economics to guide business operations for efficient production.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Assessment will attempt to integrate knowledge, skills, attitudes and applied competence:
  • Integrated assessment centres on the extent to which the student has grasped the concepts of each module.
  • Application of management theory to a practical context.
  • Methods of research used and its relation to theory.
  • Balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • Development of strategic and leadership capabilities of the student.
  • Use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.
  • Development of critical thinking and problem solving.

    The assessment methods measure the extent to which the student has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the modules. These assessment methods include:
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Research and work-based assignments.
  • Classwork.
  • Self-assessments activities.

    Formative Assessment:
    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited number of outcomes.

    Summative Assessment:
    This includes examination or equivalent assessment, such as a research essay or portfolio, in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

    Principles of assessment:
  • Appropriateness: The method of assessment is suited to the performance being assessed.
  • Fairness: The method of assessment does not present any barriers to achievements, which are not related to the evidence.
  • Manageability: The methods used make for easily arranged, cost-effective assessments that do not unduly interfere with learning.
  • Integration into work or learning: Evidence collection is integrated into the work or learning process where this is appropriate and feasible.
  • Validity: The assessment focuses on the relevant academic standards.
  • Direct: The activities in the assessment mirror the conditions of actual performance as closely as possible.
  • Authenticity: The examiner is satisfied that the work being assessed is attributable to the person being assessed.
  • Sufficient: The evidence collected establishes that all criteria have been met and that performance to the required academic standard can be repeated consistently.
  • Systematic: Planning and recording is sufficiently rigorous to ensure that assessment is fair.
  • Open: Students can contribute to the planning and accumulation of evidence.
  • Assessed candidates understand the assessment process and the criteria that apply.
  • Consistent: The same examiner would make the same judgement again in similar circumstances. The judgement made is similar to the judgement that would be made by other examiners. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Exit Level Outcomes, purpose and content areas were compared with that of Advanced Diploma qualifications offered at international universities.

    Country: Singapore.
    Institution: Dimensions International College.
    Name of Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Business and Management.
    Purpose: The Advanced Diploma in Business and Management is designed to provide students with management knowledge and skills to meet the ever challenging and changing global business environment. The qualification consists of modules designed for students to achieve competency in business management practices.

    Learning Outcomes:
    It is indicated that students will be able to:
  • Understand the complexity of the business sector and be equipped with the skills and ability to successfully assist in the management of an organisation.
  • Develop the knowledge and skills necessary for positions within a business environment.
  • Create awareness with regard to the growing trends of the business industry.
  • Develop the concept and understanding of business and culture in support of their academic development in the field of business management.

    Similarities/Differences:
    Similarities:
    The Dimensions International College modules in the Advanced Diploma in Business and Management are similar in the sense that the relevant marketing and management concepts are covered.

    Differences:
    The Dimensions International College offers more modules.

    Institution: FTMS Global Academy.
    Name of Qualification: Advanced Diploma in Business Management.
    Purpose: The Advanced Diploma in Business Management is designed to improve the students' theoretical and practical framework and perspective of business management.

    Learning Outcomes:
    It is indicated that students will be able to:
  • Meet the rigour and dynamism of the global commercial environment.
  • Acquire specialised business management skills to the demands of globalisation.
  • Enhance career progression.
  • Understand and acquire skills related to project management principles, methodologies, tools and techniques that are used in business.
  • Develop, implement, monitor, maintain and improve business managerial skills.
  • Develop the skills and knowledge needed for working with and leading others through understanding the importance of recruiting the right people for the job.
  • Gain the understanding and skills to manage their activities in the business workplace to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.
  • Gain broad understanding of the interaction between marketing and business management and relate strategic marketing issues to underlying theoretical concepts for appropriate disciplines.
  • Understand the role and importance of operations management in the efficient and effective production of goods and services.

    Similarities/Differences:
    Similarities:
    The FTMS Global Academy shares common areas in terms of the Financial Management, Management Information Systems and Business Management concepts covered.

    Differences:
    The FTMS Global Academy qualification has more modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, Level 8.
  • A cognate Postgraduate Diploma, Level 8. 
    		•

    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. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 


    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.