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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
104766  Higher Certificate in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
Open Learning Group 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 qualification is to develop graduates with the necessary knowledge and knowledge systems, intellectual competencies and practical skills to be able to analyse, interpret, understand and apply project management principles, processes and procedures. The graduate should be able to take decisions in the context of a project development environment, to analyse relevant information, follow relevant procedures and produce innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems based on informed judgement.

This qualification will contribute towards achievement of the Associated Assessment Criteria by providing a learner with a range of introductory and fundamental knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communications, information systems, and financial management. Furthermore, it will also provide the learner with knowledge about general management principles and specific project management principles. Practical decision-making skills will be facilitated by means of case studies, which will require a critical situation analysis, the selection and interpretation of relevant information and the implementation of decisions.

By means of work-directed, problem-based and project-based work integrated learning, learners will gain work related experience and will be afforded the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace context.

Learners will be expected to undertake investigations in the project management field, including to evaluate different sources of information, gathering and interpretation of appropriate information and to communicate information reliably and coherently using project management and related conventions, formats and technologies.

Learners are expected to work in a team in a familiar or new context with various role players, including professional and administrative staff within a project management environment. A learner should also demonstrate sensitivity to different communities and sensitivity for the social and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respects to the variation and diversity within different communities.

Rationale:
The National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand, lists Programme or Projects Managers in the fifth position of scarcity of occupations. Other lists for scarce skills such as the National Scarce Skills List of 2008, Scarce Skills Information Dissemination: A Study of the (Sector Education and Training Authority) SETAs in South Africa and even the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) Scarce and Critical Skills Guide 2014, identified Project Management as an occupational field with a substantial demand. This fact is reflected in discussions and feedback with the industry.

An Economist Intelligence report showed that 80 percent of global managers and executives believed having project management as a core competency helped them remain competitive and applying project management within organisations leads to better results and long-term business value and success. Consequently, building a strong project management discipline should be a top priority for companies as they look to the future.

Scanning the education and training possibilities available for Project Management, it is clear that limited options are available. Training in this regard is mainly at Further Education and Training (FET) level or are offered as non-accredited programmes, and often mainly as skills programmes, with limited possibilities at higher education level. The industry once again confirms this and is greatly concerned about articulation and progression to particularly higher education qualifications. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's RPL Policy provides processes and procedures by which RPL is conducted. These processes and procedures include:
  • RPL orientation.
  • Candidate profiling.
  • Selection.
  • Preparation for assessment.
  • Credit awarding.

    Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements of a particular qualification, could, under certain conditions, apply for admission based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or a process as approved by the Academic Board.

    Through RPL, the institution will therefore endeavour to responsibly widen access to deserving learners.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) at Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Computer and Digital Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Business Communication for Project Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Business Management 1, 20 credits.
  • Financial Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Work-Integrated learning (WIL) for Project Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Acquire general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories.
    2. Apply general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories in the project management context.
    3. Effectively source relevant management information, evaluate, select and analyse appropriate information, and effectively communicate and disseminate this information.
    4. Apply sound financial management principles in the project management environment.
    5. Practically fulfil the functions and roles that project managers are normally called upon to discharge as part of his/her duties. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Understand the concept of business management.
  • Understand Management theories.
  • Perform general management tasks.
  • Discuss the micro-market and macro-environment of an enterprise.
  • Explain the term 'Leadership' and the importance of leadership in the management process.
  • Explain the term 'Organising' and the importance of organising in any organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Define and conceptualise the concept of project management.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the organisational context in terms of strategy, structure and culture.
  • Define and select a project.
  • Apply cost estimation and budgeting.
  • Develop a comprehensive project plan.
  • Identify and manage associated risks.
  • Understand and apply project scheduling.
  • Effectively measure, evaluate and control projects.
  • Closeout and terminate projects.
  • Manage project teams.
  • Provide project leadership and utilise MS Project 2010.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Execute basic operations on a computer.
  • Understand operating systems.
  • Understand the concept of, and utilise the Internet and World Wide Web.
  • Understand and utilise e-mail and other online communication methods.
  • Understand and utilise productivity programmes such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
  • Write all forms of business correspondence, using the correct formats.
  • Communicate effectively-verbally, graphically and in writing.
  • Communicate effectively with different cultural groups.
  • Describe the process in producing business messages.
  • Justify the importance of analysing a target audience.
  • List the factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate channel and medium of communication.
  • Select the appropriate tone, style and language for a written communication.
  • Utilise e-mail communication more effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level.
  • Analyse financial data and the implications thereof in the procurement and supply context.
  • Develop financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level.
  • Understand the importance of long- and short-term financial planning.
  • Conduct brief performance analyses of the income statement, balance sheet and cash-flow statement of a firm.
  • Understand costing and budgeting.
  • Conduct a break-even analysis.
  • Reconcile financial statements.
  • Understand purchasing and procurement processes as component of the overall financial planning process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Demonstrate a clear understanding of project management as an occupation.
  • Integrate the various theoretical sub components within an applied project management environment.
  • Identify applicable situations where project management principles and systems should, and could, be applied.
  • Apply various project management and related principles in practice.
  • Understand and apply the operational practices and procedures as required within the project management environment.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of project management processes and procedures.
  • Develop appropriate life skills required within the project management environment.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessments will consist of two assignments per module and one, two or three hours of examination per module. Formative assessment will take place by means of the two assignments that will include evidence of job-related application of knowledge, and summative assessment will happen by means of the examination process.

    Learners receive feedback on all assessments within three weeks from submission. Feedback on assignments will be communicated on the assignment itself, electronically on the e-learning platform, in tutorial letters, and discussed during contact sessions. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Having considered various courses, programmes and qualifications offered, such as the Project Management Institute (PMI) in the United States of America (USA) and the Association for Project Management in the United Kingdom (UK), this programme reflects these international standards and best practices. It is furthermore well aligned with the PMBoK (Project Management Body of Knowledge).

    Comparisons were also made with relevant programmes offered at Stanford University United States of America (USA), City University of London (UK), University of California, Berkley (USA), University of Westminister (UK) and the Open University (UK). Compared against these institution's qualifications, this qualification compares favourably. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • National Certificate: Project Management, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Logistics Management, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Project Management, Level 6.
  • Advanced Certificate in Project Management, Level 6.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor's Degree in Project Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Open Learning Group 


    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.