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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Wood Technology 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110064  Advanced Diploma in Wood Technology 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
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  Forestry and Wood Technology 
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 primary purpose is to provide learners with a focused, systematic and specialised understanding of current theory and practice in selected subfields of Wood Technology.

The qualification aims to prepare learners both academically and professionally in the selected fields to manage forestry and wood processing operations and systems successfully through appropriate planning, organizing, directing and controlling the functions and processes of such establishments, taking full cognizance of the economic, social and environmental considerations of this industry. Learners will be able to collect, analyze and critically review information and data for effective management of wood processing operations and decision-making, and communicate such decisions and relevant information coherently and reliably.

Rationale
The forestry and wood processing industries in South Africa contribute approximately 8% to the Gross domestic product (GDP) of the manufacturing industry, provides in excess of 300 000 direct job opportunities and is regarded as a strategically important natural resource. The efficient processing of timber forms an important part of the forestry value chain, in order to keep the industry viable and competitive.

The rationale of this qualification is to allow learners the opportunity to specialise in a selected spectrum of disciplines in order to prepare them for middle level management functions in the wood processing industry. This qualification can serve as an academic exit point, but also prepares learners for postgraduate studies at Honours, and eventually Masters and Doctoral levels.

The complexity of the industry requires highly skilled and adequately trained employees in the management of complex systems. The industry is based on intensively managed monoculture systems that are located in a complex biophysical environment. It is highly regulated in terms of legislative framework, and it is often in conflict with broader ecosystem values. Therefore, the industry depends on a workforce that is influenced by a dynamic labour market. These complexities have resulted in job profile differentiation at middle and higher level management.

This qualification therefore will play an important role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable forest and wood processing industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can be considered for access to the qualification according to the relevant policy. If it is found that the academic qualifications in combination with the work experience of the learner can be considered as equivalent to the set outcomes, learners will be admitted to the learning qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement is:
  • A 360 Credits Diploma in Wood Technology or equivalent qualification at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Module: 20 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 25 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Timber Processing, 25 Credits.
  • Timber Seasoning, 25 Credits.

    Elective Modules: 75 Credits (Choose three modules):
  • Panel Board Production, 25 Credits.
  • Production Engineering Industrial, 25 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 25 Credits.
  • Business Management, 25 Credits.
  • Timber Structures, 25 Credits.
  • Environmental Management, 25 Credits.
  • Furniture Design, 25 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of the wood technology industry within the southern African context.
    2. Integrate and apply the latest advances in wood processing planning and management systems as well as appropriate technology in order to manage relevant operations.
    3. Demonstrate the ability to manage a wood processing operation through the application of appropriate strategic, operational and financial management and leadership principles and practices with full cognizance of corporate social responsibility as well as ethical and environmental considerations.
    4. Plan, manage and conclude basic applied research activities by applying relevant wood technology research principles and analytical techniques, and presenting findings and conclusions coherently and reliably using appropriate academic and professional discourse conventions. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate level-appropriate competence of the nature, dynamics, composition, functioning and structure of the plantation forestry and wood technology industry in Southern Africa.
  • Apply the technical aspects of the various disciplines in the plantation forestry and wood processing value chain in strategic and operational management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate level-appropriate competence by identifying, contextualising, analysing and addressing typical challenges faced regularly by middle level managers in the identified fields, applying knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices and techniques.
  • Evaluate options and strategies and recommend well-motivated solutions. Explain critical awareness of various schools of thought that result in different perspectives and approaches to dealing with typical forest and wood processing managerial issues, such as individual business and management decisions, applications, strategies and ethical considerations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Describe the relationship that exists between the internal workings of a commercial forestry and wood processing value chain and the surrounding environment, including key factors such as leadership and corporate agility, qualification performance, as well as the integration of ethical, social and environmental measures vital to the successful functioning of any wood processing development.
  • Define the level of commitment required by a manager in the pursuit of goals and objectives in relation to the qualifications and products, staff development, motivation, wellness and training, resources, information management, monitoring of progress and stakeholder satisfaction.
  • The perceptions of stakeholders of particular business establishments as well as neighbouring communities are analysed with a view to identifying causes of stakeholder concerns and building positive customer and community relationships.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and formulate pertinent wood technology-related research problems, questions or issues.
  • Conduct literature searches in order to contextualise and frame the research problem, question or issue and frame the area of investigation.
  • Develop a theoretical framework for the research design is and determine the most suitable method of investigation.
  • Collect, analyse, process and interpret the relevant data making use of appropriate data gathering techniques, appropriate software and analytical tools.
  • Prepare and present a research report with findings, conclusions and recommendations that meet the requirements of a scientific document and academic style.
  • Identify and link instances of visionary and inspirational leadership to the associated values, strategies, systems and methods of corporate social responsibility for achieving excellence and innovation in forest and wood processing management, research and technological developments.
  • Make functional management and operational and financial decisions, based on relevant data, both independently and as member of a team and determine the impact of such decisions on other aspects or areas of the forestry and wood processing value chain.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical, hands-on approach. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

    Formative assessment will be based on a mixture of assignments during the year, ranging from informal and formal presentations to informal tests and progress checks during contact sessions. The outcomes of these assessments will be used to provide feedback to learners and lecturers in order to facilitate improved learning.

    In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective annual examinations (summative assessment) learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.

    In order to gain much needed practical experience, learners will be required to spend time simulating typical day-to-day managerial tasks and duties required of managers. In addition, level-appropriate research projects, which may include fieldwork, in each specialisation will be purposefully assigned, organized and monitored by lecturers based on the module learning outcomes. This might include the analyses of case studies that incorporate elements of the socio-ecological as well as business environments of the wood processing industry. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Qualification structures in the discipline of Forestry and Wood technology vary internationally. The New Zealand plantation forestry and wood processing industry shows many similarities with that of South Africa, and the tertiary qualification structures are also comparable.

    The University of Canterbury offers a Graduate Diploma in Wood Technology at Level 7, with a total amount of 120 credits. This qualification follows on a three year diploma course. The qualification includes the traditional disciplines of Wood Technology, such as Timber Processing, Timber Seasoning, Board Production, Production Engineering, etc.

    In Australia, the only comparable qualification is the three year Bachelor of Wood Science (Level 7), offered by the Australian National University. This qualification includes more academic modules, without the applied nature that is an important characteristic of Advanced Diploma's. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers the following horizontal and vertical articulation opportunities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Wood Technology, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diplomas or Honours Degrees in Conservation Biology/Environmental Management/Conservation 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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.