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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109009  Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Procurement 
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
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-02-13  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 Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice offers students a considered and thoughtful entry-level higher education qualification with a strong industry (vocational) oriented focus. It serves to provide students with the requisite introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical competences for higher education studies as well as professional-occupational practice in the interrelated sub-fields of logistics and material management.

It prepares individuals to manage and coordinate all logistical and supply chain functions in an enterprise, ranging from acquisitions, to receiving and handling, through internal allocation of resources, to operations, to the handling and delivery of outputs. It covers not only the basic principles, but also the activities incumbent to an entry level logistics and supply chain manager as well as an oversight on the utilisation of resources. It also addresses the relationship between procurement and logistics management as an integrated system of supply chain management. Includes instruction in the principles of supply chain management; stock control and inventory management; principles of logistics management; basic accounting, business management; effective communication and the management of information in a digital office environment.

This qualification will develop the foundational skills and competencies required for task and people management including procurement, make or buy decisions, negotiation, stock and inventory management, stores administration, effective planning, organising and control, communication and sustainable reverse logistics and supply chain management. Management skills are contextualised for the supply chain environment ensuring the ability to meet industry and operational expectations and requirements.

Therefore, the learning qualification design balances the need for occupational specialisation with the requirement to extend students' occupational capacity beyond a single area of competency thereby providing broader opportunities for eventual employment and/or life-long learning.

Rationale:
South African school leavers are not aware of logistics or supply chain management opportunities. Limited exposure to the field and lack of information at school level means many students are not aware of this crucial industry that encompasses a wide range of disciplines and career opportunities.

The qualification is a response to the workplace need for competent individuals across the industry. The current and future need for competent entry and junior practitioners, supervisors and management has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by Logistics and Supply Chain Management practitioners are captured in this qualification while remaining, to a certain degree a generalist qualification for the field of practice rather than a specialist qualification, by offering good breadth on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth for its intended purpose.

Part of the rationale for this qualification is shared by all other distance mode qualifications available in the higher education band and includes:
  • Providing access to students unable to attend classes at fixed times or centralised venues.
  • Cost-effectiveness in relation to individual module costs and the ability to pace their progression in keeping with their life-world.
  • The potential to produce quality teaching and learning resources that are significantly more 'durable' than the classroom experience and that contribute to the body of knowledge and material to support the teaching and learning exchange.

    The qualification also provides exciting career opportunities in the manufacturing, wholesale, retail, shipping, government, non-governmental, distributing companies in various capacities for example:
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Practitioner.
  • Transport Officer.
  • Supply Chain Consultant.
  • Assistant Procurement Manager.
  • Inventory and Material Controller.
  • Operations Demand/Supply Officer.
  • Assistant Production Manager.
  • Stores Administration.
  • Assistant Warehouse Administrator.
  • Distribution Centre Supervisors.
  • International Logistics Officer.
  • Distribution Clerk.
  • Quality Controller.
  • Bookkeeper.
  • Merchandise and Retail Clerk.
  • Customer Relations Administrator.

    While this qualification has specified a qualifier (Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice) it remains a generalist qualification for these fields of practice rather than a specialist qualification. That is to say, it offers good breadth of coverage combined with appropriate occupational and professional depth (for its intended purpose) for the fields of Logistics and Supply Chain Management within a strongly bound commercial framework and context. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the relevant Quality Council.

    Students who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management may be granted access through the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning policy.

    Entry Requirements:
    Access to the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice is granted to all applicants who meet the minimum statutory entrance requirements or who follow the available alternative route of entry. Applicants who are in possession of a:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) which grants admission to Higher Certificate study, with English as one of the subjects passed.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) which grants admission to Higher Certificate study, with English as one of the subjects passed.
    Or
  • Further Education and Training Certificate (FETC) Level 4 in Logistics and Supply Chain Management or similar qualification. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 5 totalling 124 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 1, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 2, 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Procurement and Supply Chain, 25 Credits.
  • Business Management 1, 16 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 5 Credits.
  • Basic Accounting, 16 Credits.
  • Stock Control and Inventory Management, 16 Credits.
  • Principles of Logistics Management, 16 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning-Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (HLSCM), 14 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an informed understanding of and contribution to the strategic role of logistics and supply chain management in achieving sustainable enterprise-wide strategic objectives and the bottom line.
    2. Understand the implications of stores accounting, value analysis/engineering in the reduction and possible elimination of total cost of operations in an organisation.
    3. Apply different stock and materials management techniques in order to offer the best service to both internal and external customers/consumers.
    4. Demonstrate an informed understanding of the different sources of vendor (supplier) information essential to a logistics and supply chain practitioner.
    5. Effective and efficient management of different flows of products/goods, information and money that circulate within the chain, between suppliers and the end customers in digital office.
    6. Apply logistics and procurement policies and procedures to determine, forecast and make available the right quantity of right quality products at the right place and time in right condition in a digital office. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Discuss the strategic role of logistics and supply chain management within the organisation and its contribution towards the achievement the enterprise's strategic objectives.
  • Describe the status of procurement and supply management within the business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply basic principles of accounting to account for the enterprise's resources.
  • Describe the importance of financial information as a basis for decision making.
  • Discuss the different users of financial information and their needs.
  • Understand the importance of value management, engineering and analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Discuss the scope and aims of inventory management.
  • Utilise stock control techniques to determine the economics of inventory management.
  • Analyse the nature of demand and supply management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and describe sources of vendor (supplier) information and utilise it in vendor/supplier selection, rating and appraisal. Understand the need having logistics and supply chain policies and procedures in place.
  • Discuss the reasons for establishing a supplier database.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Discuss how to integrate vertically between the various stages involved in creating a manufacturing strategy, and horizontally between the various business functions, product profiles, logistical concepts and production streams.
  • Describe and provide examples of how an integrated and aligned operations strategy may lead to sustainable competitive advantage.
  • Identify logistics and supply chain management's primary and secondary activities in the value chain.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Discuss electronic data interchange (EDI) and its uses in logistics and materials management.
  • Describe the importance of collaborative business relationships and its associated formation.
  • Explain the importance of managing relationship breakdowns and related matters.
  • Analyse the role of a procurement specialist and the essentials of commercial law of contract.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply the management functions of planning, organising, and execution to effectively and efficiently control the flow and storage of goods and services, and related information from point of origin to point of consumption for the purpose of conforming to customer requirement.
  • Explain the role of managers in modern organisations.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of communication, the process of negotiation and how to manage conflict in an organisation.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and students are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative Assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses 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 full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification in Logistics and Supply Chain practices is similar in content and outcomes to recognised international qualifications in logistics and supply chain management offered by foreign and local higher education institutions. The Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice (HCLSCMP) is comparable to similar qualifications offered at two international institutions in terms of certain module competences the learner is expected to master.

    Country: Australia.
    Institution: Victoria University Polytechnic.
    Qualification Title: Diploma of Logistics.

    This qualification comprises 15 units of study and can be completed in 18 months, full-time. There are no formal entry requirements for this course, but the Institution does recommend that learners should be conversant in English and have sound Mathematics at Year 12 (or equivalent) and should ideally be currently employed in the industry or have a work history in the logistics field.

    A comparison of the modules in Victoria University, Polytechnic's Diploma of Logistics and those in Boston City Campus and Business College's Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice, is stated below:

    Core Units:
  • TLIF0002 - Administer chain of responsibility policies and procedures.
  • TLIL5020 - Develop and maintain operational procedures for transport and logistics enterprises.

    Elective Units:
    Technical:
  • BSBWHS501 - Ensure a safe workplace.
  • TLIA5058 - Manage facility and inventory requirements.
  • TLIF4064 - Manage fatigue management policy and procedures.
  • TLII5018 - Manage customer service.
  • TLIL5019 - Implement and monitor transport logistics.
  • TLIL5055 - Manage a supply chain.
  • TLIL5057 - Maintain, monitor and improve transport operations systems.
  • TLIP5008 - Manage a transport and logistics business unit.
  • TLIR5006 - Develop, implement and review purchasing strategies.
  • TLIR5014 - Manage suppliers.
  • TLIX4028 - Apply knowledge of logistics.

    General:
  • BSBCOM501 - Identify and interpret compliance requirements.
  • BSBMGT516 - Facilitate continuous improvement.
  • BSBRSK501 - Manage risk.
  • BSBWOR502 - Lead and manage team effectiveness.
  • BSBWRK510 - Manage employee relations.
  • TLIR5005 - Manage a contract.

    Imported:
  • BSBINM501 - Manage an information or knowledge management system.
  • PSPGEN046 - Undertake research and analysis.


    The Victoria University Polytechnic's Diploma of Logistics is aimed at individuals who are already in the field of work and assumes literacy and numeracy as an entrance requirement, whereas the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice is situated as an entry-level higher education qualification with no requirement that the learner has work experience. This is an important distinction in the South African context, given the high unemployment rate, and the opportunities for access that a Higher Certificate qualification provides. The primary difference between these two qualifications is that the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice contains no elective modules, whereas the Diploma of Logistics is primarily elective based. The compulsory modules in the Diploma of Logistics bear a close resemblance to the theoretical content of the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice.

    The outcomes of the Diploma of Logistics include the 'integrated management of logistics', participation in the development of strategic objectives', 'autonomy in performing complex technical operations' and 'organising others'. These outcomes are demonstrably similar to those of the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice, which include 'demonstrate the ability to effectively and efficiently manage the different flows that circulate with in the chain', 'apply logistics and procurement policies' and 'apply different stock and materials management techniques in order to offer the best service to both internal and external customers/consumers'.

    Country: England.
    Institution: The Institute of Supply Chain Management's (IoSCM).
    Qualification Title: Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations.

    This qualification is offered in the distance mode of provision and is six months' duration. The qualification is available to learners who work within a supervisory role and who have a Level 2/GCSE Advanced qualification or higher, or who have relevant experience. The credit value assigned to this qualification is 10 units of credit for the core subject and 10 units of credit for each of the three additional electives required to obtain the Diploma qualification at IoSCM Level 5, thus bringing the total number of credits to 40 (European Credit Transfer System - ECTS). This translates into 1000-1200 notional hours of study, as 1 ECTS = 25-30 hours of study. The Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice is worth 120 Credits, which equates to 1200 notional hours of study, so the amount of work required of the learner in either course is equitable.

    A comparison of the modules in the IoSCM's Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations and those in the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice is presented below:

    Core Units:
  • Supply Chain Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.

    Contents:
    > Effective Management and Control: Supply chain management, Supply chain risks and strengths, Strategic factors, Provide competitive advantage, Operations management.
    > Physical and Information Flows: Product and information flows, Supply chain objectives, Supply chain integration and harmonisation.
    > Why Supply Chain May Not Function Correctly: Barriers and risk, Forecast methods, Supply chain drivers, Strategic fit, Benchmarking.
    > Strategic and Operational Planning: Supply chain planning decisions, Operations strategy, Supply chain improvement models, ISO 9000, Agility, The seven wastes.
    > Impact of Technology: Technological advances in the supply chain, Data processing systems, Improvements towards agility, Information systems infrastructure, Communication.

    Optional Units:
  • Road Freight Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Risk Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Management Information Systems (MIS) - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Human Resource Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Finance Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Customer Service - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Business - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Sea Freight - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Project Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • International Trade Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Contracting in the Public Sector - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • International Freight Management - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Master Scheduling Techniques (MST) - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Environmental Issues in Manufacturing - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • The Machinery of Government and Procurement - 10 Unit Credit Values.
  • Marketing for Purchasers - 10 Unit Credit Values.

    The Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice:
  • Computer Literacy 1: 8 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy 2: 8 Credits.
  • Principles of Procurement and Supply Chain: 25 Credits.
  • Business Management 1: 16 Credits.
  • Business Communication: 5 Credits.
  • Basic Accounting: 16 Credits.
  • Stock Control and Inventory Management: 16 Credits.
  • Principles of Logistics Management: 16 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning- HLSCM: 14 Credits.

    The 'core' units in both qualifications carry equal work-loads, as 25 Credits on the South African National Qualifications Framework (NQF) is 250 notional hours of work.

    There is demonstrable overlap in the theoretical content within the modules in both qualifications. The compulsory module in the Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations - 'Supply Chain Management' - reflects the 'Principles of Procurement and Supply Chain', 'Stock Control and Inventory Management' and 'Business Communication' modules contained in the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice very closely. Foundational modules are absent from the Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations qualification, which may be a reflection of its positioning as a qualification to be undertaken by those already in employment in the field. The Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice is situated as an entry-level qualification for those wishing to access Higher Education, and there is no expectation that learners will have prior experience given the high rates of unemployment in South Africa. Considering this context, the Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice includes foundational modules (Computer Literacy 1 and 2) which are absent in the IoSCM qualification. This reflects the understanding that many first-time higher education learners in South Africa may not have had prior experience with Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Furthermore, our Higher Certificate in Logistics and Supply Chain Management Practice contains an Experiential Learning (work-integrated learning) module which offers the learner explicit work experience so as to improve employment opportunities post-graduation. For these reasons, in the South African context, our Higher Certificate qualification prepares learners more thoroughly for the real-world challenges learners will face. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management Practice, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Marketing Management Practice, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Transport Management, Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain, Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma in Tourism and Travel, Level 6.
  • Bachelor in Consumer Science, 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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.