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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109980  Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management 
ORIGINATOR
Durban 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 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
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  2019-07-25  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 purpose of this qualification is to enhance the technical, practical and managerial knowledge and skills of learners in the field of hospitality. This develops a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in hospitality management. This qualification will also develop the ability of qualifying learners to identify, analyse, critically evaluate and respond appropriately to complex contextual and practice-related challenges in a volatile hospitality environment. As this qualification is targeted primarily at those employed in a full-time capacity in the hospitality/tourism sector, this qualification will also require learners to address their learning needs in a self-directed manner.

Qualifying learners will possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at an operational level in a wide variety of sectors within the hospitality industry; inter alia, accommodation establishments, food service providers, events and conferencing, transport catering, and welfare catering.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management is designed to contribute to the full development of learners while fostering the social and economic development of the nation at large. According to Education Indicators in Focus (2003: 4), "Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income." In support of the above statement, the National Development Plan (NDP) asserts that not only is education the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa, but it also defines learners' identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families. In the above regard, the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management has been developed to enhance learners' employability and career progression by offering a curriculum that is responsive and aligned to the current and future needs of the hospitality industry.

According to the Government Gazette No. 40827 (2017: 7), "the South African tourism/hospitality sector is one of the best performing economic sectors in South Africa. It has the potential to increase jobs, foreign exchange earnings in the short, medium and long term, and has a tremendous multiplier effect over other economic sectors." As the tourism/hospitality sector in South Africa is forecast to grow even larger, so too will the demand for suitably qualified and trained hospitality management staff. This qualification will contribute to addressing the current and future demand for knowledgeable and skilled hospitality management personnel.

This qualification has also been developed with a view to providing learners with an opportunity for vertical articulation, and, upon completion of this qualification. Qualifying learners will be able to articulate into cognate National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 8 programmes, more especially, the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality and Tourism, with specialisation in Hospitality Management. The qualification aims to contribute to the personal development and growth of learners by providing them with an opportunity to enhance their qualifications and prepare them for elevation into managerial positions within the hospitality sector, or start their own enterprises.

Typical jobs that learners will be able to occupy upon completion of this qualification include: Restaurant Managers, Food and Beverage Managers, front Office Managers, Reservation Managers, Guest Relation Managers, Conference Managers, Revenue Managers, Event Managers, Catering Managers, Banqueting Managers, Sales and Marketing Managers, Events Coordinators, and Room Division Managers. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The Institution has a Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience). Learners are required to complete a RPL application document.
Accompanying the RPL application must be certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

The RPL application will be evaluated according to the institutional RPL Policies and Procedures. The learner's portfolio will be assessed thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes, and credits/exemption may be granted for some modules in the programme, and/or admission may be granted into the programme.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A 3-year National Diploma in Hospitality Management.
  • A 3-year Diploma in Hospitality Management.
  • A 360 Credits Degree in Hospitality Management. 

  • RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 128 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Project Management, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Strategic Hospitality Management, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Financial Management 301, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
  • Advanced Hospitality Operations, 16 Credits.
  • Hospitality Innovations, 16 Credits. 

  • EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate and critique various management theories and concepts that are applicable to the hospitality industry.
    2. Develop a well-written research proposal on a topic aligned to the hospitality discipline/sector.
    3. Develop creative and resourceful responses to problems and issues in the hospitality sector, using evidence-based and theory-driven arguments.
    4. Monitor, review and reflect on one's own work and skill development, and change and adapt in the light of new demands.
    5. Demonstrate originality and inventiveness in decision-making and the optimal usage of resources. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The impact of the business environment on a hospitality enterprise is analysed.
  • Various management theories and concepts are examined and applied to hospitality operations and establishments.
  • Recommendations to improve the operations and profitability of hospitality establishments are presented.
  • An appraisal of the current strategies adopted by hospitality establishments is undertaken, with a view to improving the strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A research problem is identified and described.
  • The aim and objectives of the study are developed.
  • A preliminary literature review is undertaken.
  • The research methodology to be used for the study is identified and justified.
  • The Harvard Referencing method is appropriately applied in the development of the research proposal.
  • A draft questionnaire and/or interview schedule is compiled.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply management theories and principles to formulate strategies to address challenges within the hospitality industry.
  • A variety of strategies are evaluated in terms of the relevance and suitability in solving a range of hospitality-related problems.
  • Key elements of quality management are used to establish measures and improve standards in hospitality establishments.
  • Evidence-based arguments are utilised to address a range of contemporary issues within the hospitality industry.
  • Critical reflection on the business and product development within the hospitality industry is undertaken.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The personal attributes and skills that characterise successful entrepreneurs are evaluated and mechanisms on how to capacitate and empower themselves in the areas where they are lacking, are devised.
  • Strategic product development and business development is reflected on as the drivers of growth in the hospitality sector.
  • Self-directed and directive activities are undertaken to grow oneself.
  • Autonomy is practiced in determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes within the hospitality sector.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Hospitality establishment revenue and operational ratios are calculated and evaluated for decision-making purposes.
  • Key performance metrics are identified and utilised for project success.
  • The significance of acknowledging accountability for area of responsibility within the hospitality business operation is discussed.
  • The capacity for rational behaviour through logical and responsible reasoning, and managing the deviation from the expected outcome is demonstrated.
  • Ethical principles are employed when making business decisions, and resources are used in a sustainable manner.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Aligned to Institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management:
  • The assessments will be aligned with the stated learning outcomes for the programme.
  • Appropriate assessment tools will be used to establish that students have achieved the stated learning outcomes.
  • Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the students about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and
  • The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no student is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.

    The assessment of the discipline specific modules will be integrated into the assessments for Project Management; Strategic Hospitality Management; Advanced Entrepreneurship, and Research Methodology. The integrated assessments will make use of a range of formative and summative assessment tools to assess combinations of practical, applied and reflective competencies, and may include: written assignments/projects; written tests; case studies, and final examinations. For example, case studies in the above-mentioned modules will be contextualised in a hospitality environment, and the development of a research proposal in the Research Methodology module will be based on a real-world hospitality 'problem'. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:
    Australia, Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide offers Advanced Diploma in Hotel Management. Similar to the qualification offered by Le Cordon Bleu, this qualification provides a comprehensive pathway for learners wishing to develop the knowledge and skills required at supervisory and managerial levels across a range of hospitality industry occupations. The exit level competencies at Le Cordon Bleu Adelaide which are similar to those offered in the modules at the Institution pertain to the following: quality customer service practices; business plan; operational plan; management of physical assets; management of business relationships; compliance with regulatory requirements; managing finances, and human resource management. This qualification addresses the above-mentioned competencies in the following modules: Project Management; Hospitality Economics; Strategic Hospitality Management; Hospitality Financial Management 301; Advanced Entrepreneurship; Advanced Hospitality Operations, and Hospitality Innovations. Moreover, the programme's career paths at Le Cordon Bleu include, but is not limited to Restaurant Manager, Banquet Manager, Food and Beverage Manager, Kitchen Operations Manager, and Catering Manager, which are similar to those for this qualification.

    Seychelles, Seychelles Tourism Academy offers Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management.

    Similar to this qualification, the qualification offered by the Seychelles Tourism Academy targets those learners wishing to pursue a career at management level in the hospitality industry. The following modules in the qualification are similar to the modules in this qualification: Economics, Business Finance, Business Skills Development, and Rooms Division Management.

    Hong Kong, University of Hong Kong offers Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management. The offered at the University of Hong Kong is at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4, which is at the same level with NQF Level 7. Unlike the Institution, the University of Hong Kong offers its Advanced Diploma on a part-time basis over 24 months, instead of 12 months full-time, as is the case with Institution. Comparable to the Le Cordon Bleu exit competencies, the University of Hong Kong offers the following modules, which are similar to those offered by the Institution: Information Technology in Hospitality and Tourism Operations, Marketing for the Hospitality and Tourism Industry, Hotel and Resort Management, Management Issues in Tourism and Hospitality, Facilities Management, and Food and Beverage Administration.

    United Kingdom, University of Derby offers Advanced Diploma in International Hospitality Business Management. Although the qualification offered by the University of Derby in the United Kingdom is offered online, there are similarities in the curriculum structure and designated time to complete the qualification. The qualification offered in United Kingdom is pitched at level 6, which is equivalent to NQF Level 7. The programme offers three modules of 20 Credits each, and the module competencies are comparable to this qualification, which are shown below:
  • Leadership and Management in Context (Project Management and Strategic Hospitality Management).
  • Managing Cultural Issues in Service Delivery (Advanced Hospitality Operations, Project Management, and Strategic Hospitality Management).
  • Strategic Hospitality Operations Management (Advanced Hospitality Operations, Advanced Entrepreneurship, Hospitality Financial Management 301, Hospitality Innovations, and Project Management).

    A review of the above-mentioned modules informed the curriculum structure; module content, and the number of credits assigned to each module in this qualification. 

  • ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Catering Management, Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management, Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration, 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. Durban 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.