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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109300  Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
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 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation  Primary Agriculture 
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  2019-03-08  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 purpose of this qualification is that it will give learners advanced knowledge and skills to become managers (leaders) in the agricultural operations environment. Hence, there is a shortage of advanced skills and a need to promote management competencies within the discipline. Advanced marketing strategies, logistics, supply chain and research are critical in agriculture. The qualification provides learners with vertical articulation possibilities into the Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management.

This qualification satisfies and addresses a specific niche area for prospective managers and supervisors in the agricultural sector. Qualifying learners will be able to apply critical and innovative thinking, problem solving skills, as well as to critically evaluate and apply a range of specialised techniques within the context of agriculture. Learners will have gathered sufficient operational and managerial skills necessary to adhere to the required needs of the socio economic requirements of the region. Qualifying learners will exhibit a fundamental knowledge of research methodology.

Rationale:
The Northern Cape region's economic sustainability largely depends on viticulture and livestock operations, therefore there is a need for skilled and properly trained individuals in the field of agricultural Operations and Management.

The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management provides further knowledge in Agriculture that allows for horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities. The qualification improves employability, as some modules, which are not included in the undergraduate Diploma, increase skills required by industry. The qualification provides knowledge and skills in areas such as Animal/Livestock Management, Production and Viticulture, and Grapevine Management.

In Animal/Livestock Management and Production, learners will gain in depth knowledge of management and production in the livestock environment and of the technology used in the agricultural management sector.

Viticulture and Grapevine Management is critical within this qualification focus on the production and manufacturing of grapevine and related products.

Qualifying learners will have practical workplace experience gained through the work base placement and their current jobs in agriculture. The Research Methodology module in Agricultural Operations and Management will expose the learner to research methodology and writing reports. This prepares learners for further study towards a Level 8 qualification with a research component. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners can apply for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements:
  • Diploma in Agriculture, Level 6.
  • An appropriate Bachelor in Agriculture. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 125 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules Level 7, 125 Credits:
  • Agricultural Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Agricultural Software Applications and Operations, 15 Credits.
  • Animal/Livestock Management and Production, 25 Credits.
  • Crop production, 25 Credits.
  • Viticulture and Grapevine Management, 25 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to do problem solving in the agricultural management environment.
    2.Demonstrate specific knowledge in livestock management and crop production within the agricultural environment.
    3. Demonstrate and apply Information and communications technology (ICT) technology knowledge and skills within an agricultural environment.
    4. Apply managerial skills and competence within a viticulture and grapevine environment.
    5. Apply the ability to do research, investigative data collection and analysis within an agricultural environment.
    6. Apply the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing within an agricultural audience.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of agricultural management principles and applications individually and within a team.
    8. Engage in independent and lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills.
    9. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of agricultural practice within own limits of competence. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:
  • A research project is identified and detailed.
  • Appropriate research methods and techniques are selected.
  • Practical work is carried out according to the selected protocols.
  • Specialised techniques are applied to research and results are interpreted and presented in written and oral form.
  • Critical thinking is applied in the analysis of results to solve Agricultural Operations and Management-related problems.
  • Knowledge of the legal and ethical implications of Agricultural Operations and Management research is demonstrated.
  • Research and routine laboratory work is performed ethically and responsibly.
  • Knowledge of the main subject areas in this qualification is demonstrated and applied.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments, both Formative and Summative, while intending to assess content knowledge pertinent to the purpose of the module, will be formulated within the context of the stipulated outcomes for that particular module.

    This means that assessments will be structured to comply with evaluating the defined Exit Level Outcomes for that particular module.

    By this method all the stipulated qualification outcomes will be addressed progressively within the applicable context of each module up to the exit level of the qualification.

    Assessment methods:
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • Oral assessment.
  • Final written project report.
  • Written assignments.
  • Class presentation.
  • Practical group assignment.
  • Project completion.
  • Simulation (rubric).
  • Demonstration. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Benchmarking has been carried out globally throughout higher education institutions and industry. The programme compares favourably with some international universities. The Advanced Diploma in Agriculture Operations and Management compares favourably with similar and other international agricultural programmes.

    International:
  • Charles Sturt University, Australia.
    (http://www.csu.edu.au/courses/agribusiness?mxhuAd7K1upkXAdt.99).
  • University of Florida, Gainesville, United State of America (USA).
    (http://www.bachelorsportal.com/studies/97104/agricultural-operations-management.htp).
  • University of New England, Australia.
    (https://my.une.edu.au/courses/2015).
  • Royal Agricultural University, United Kingdom (UK).
    (http://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate-study/agriculture/graduate-diploma-in-agriculture ).

    Benchmarking confirmed that students gain technical experience through combining emerging technologies with business principles enabling students to apply cutting edge techniques. All sectors of agriculture from farms to agribusinesses are seeking employees with skills in operations/business management and a strong knowledge of agriculture in order to assist in realising current opportunities.

    International demand for food and fibre is rapidly exceeding supply, creating unprecedented opportunities for growth and employment at any point in the agricultural supply chain.

    Agricultural principles and practice are informed by regional and ecological zones with specific core variables e.g. climate, water supply, soil types, farm structures and machinery, crop and or livestock production and management as well as economics.

    Regional agricultural zone principles and practice will differ from one zone to the next and therefore core modules would also differ too. The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management's niche area is the Northern and Western Cape regions which is economic largely depending on viticulture and livestock operations. Considering all benchmarking done, the proposed following core modules address the purpose of this qualification:
  • Agricultural Business Management (e.g. credit; records; tenure; settlement and re-settlement; organisation behaviour, strategies and resources, business law).
  • Agricultural Software application and operation (e.g. data handling and analysis informing risk, investment, planning and development and management).
  • Livestock management and production (climate, land use, infrastructure, production and utilisation, management).
  • Crop production (climate, land use, infrastructure, production and utilisation, management).
  • Viticulture and grapevine management (climate, land use, infrastructure, production and utilisation, management).

    The 15 Credits, Level 7 research methodology component, included in this advanced Diploma, allows students the possibility to engage with research (articulation to relevant qualification on Level 8, 9 and 10) and investigations in future that could inform Agriculture's indigenous, historical and contemporary realities (e.g. climate change) impacting on the environment. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Agricultural Operations and Management, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management, 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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.