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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
110795	Advanced Diploma in Business and Information 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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
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	2019-08-08	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 primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management (BIM) is to build on and strengthen the skills and theoretical foundation that was laid in the Diploma in Business and Information Management. This qualification is thus most appropriate for continuing with the professional development of learners via the incorporation of an in-depth and systematic understanding of the contemporary underpinning principles, knowledge-base, methods and applications in Business and Information Management. This will equip learners to be specialists and professionals in business and information management and related sectors.

A secondary purpose is to enhance the development of research competencies in the learner so as to prepare them for possible future Postgraduate study. This will be achieved by deepening a learner's understanding and knowledge of theories, practices and methods in Business and Information Management as well as to resolve more complex theoretical and practice related problems. The learner's ability to create, undertake and solve intricate practical and theory-related problems and activities, through the selection and utilisation of suitable methods and techniques in Business and Information Management (BIM), will be developed. This is in alignment and support of the national and institutional strategy to enhance postgraduate output. The design of this qualification also promotes further intellectual enrichment and development of change agents; and prepares learners to be able to demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management falls within the broad ambit of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (FAI) and as mentioned previously is the natural progression from the Diploma in Business and Information Management. With the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) being phased out from 2020, this qualification is needed as a replacement qualification for those learners who wish to study further after completing the relevant Diploma. Therefore, the need for the qualification addresses opportunity for vertical integration of learners within the Business and Information Management sector.

The qualification design of the Advanced Diploma is in effect an attempt to address the need of the country to develop learners that are not only job ready but are able to be independent, critical thinkers and leaders that can contribute and provide opportunities to the employment market. The Quarterly Labour Force Survey stated that the growth in employment by 144 000, was offset by the growth in the number of job-seekers by 433 000. This indicates that South Africa has more job seekers than opportunities to provide employment. As a result, the focus needs to be on developing learners that can effectively contribute and provide aid to this increasing demand in our country. Therefore, the structure of the qualification takes into account this need and aims at providing the necessary skills required by learners to become critical thinkers and change agents in leadership who will be able to identify opportunities available and best capitalise on these for future development.

High unemployment rates in South Africa is a huge challenge for the country. The qualification aims to develop learners to become mentors who can initiate and maintain small businesses-in this manner, the socio-economic need to sustain employment in the country can be addressed.

The world of work is seen as an ever-changing, extremely competitive environment that demands the supply of a like-minded workforce. For learners to be able to thrive in such a competitive environment, they need to be agile. Advisory Board members have highlighted the importance of having individuals with leadership and critical-thinking skills who are able to be change agents and lead their workforce to be creative, efficient, productive, motivated and responsible employees.

In summary, with the advancement of technology, the Information Management field has become very diverse and resulted in new, unique sub-disciplines. The progression of the 21st century with regards to the changes in the business environment has provided an opportunity to create a new avenue for learners wanting to become specialists/professionals in Business and Information Management.

These two areas have merged to create a novel trans-disciplinary niche qualification. Therefore, the need for this qualification is justified.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification will be aligned with the institution's policy for RPL allowing learners access to higher education by recognising and crediting their work experiences, short courses completed, etc. in line with the qualification's Exit Level Outcomes. The structure of BIM qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. The qualification may therefore be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the BIM qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 6.
Or

An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7 with at least two years of experience in the fields of management and information technology.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and an elective module at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 108 Credits:

Strategic Management, 16 Credits.

Research Methodology, 12 Credits.

Accounting and Statistics, 16 Credits.

Professional Practice, 16 Credits.

Leadership and Systems Thinking Management, 16 Credits.

Transformational and Change Management, 16 Credits.

Information Management and Technology 4, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, 12 Credits (Choose/Select one):

Labour and Industrial Relations, 12 Credits.

Advanced Project Management, 12 Credits.

Small Business Development, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of various contemporary management tools and principles within the business and information management environment.
2. Apply research skills with the purpose of evaluating current technologies, techniques and business methods in resolving complex theoretical and practice related problems.
3. Apply knowledge of accounting principles and practices and demonstrate skills of managing information effectively.
4. Acquire discipline specific knowledge, skills, and policies and promote ethical behaviour in fostering specific Professional Practice.
5. Use and apply current information management concepts and practices in managing within a business environment using the latest information management software and tools.
6. Develop specialised and in-depth knowledge in individual areas of choice within the Business and Information Management environment.
7. Communicate effectively and efficiently with a range of audiences as well as an ability to function effectively within a team to accomplish a common goal.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Apply the concepts and tools of contemporary management to analyse the functioning and performance of businesses.

Apply relevant management tools to solve real world complex problems.

Analyse internal and external business establishment.

Analyse and evaluate systems thinking methodology to solve business related problems.

Apply learnt skills to become change agents for the business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Analyse research problems in various information and management environments.

Evaluate research activities with respect to ethical/unethical conduct.

Identifying and evaluate different sources of information for quality and reliability.

Apply relevant and appropriate referencing styles in the acknowledgement of sources.

Evaluate different research strategies and sampling methods for specific research areas.

Evaluate different data collection and analysis methods for relevant research scenarios.

Develop a research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Compile and present detailed financial statements in a professional manner.

Apply knowledge of accounting principles in analysing business documents and formulating recommendations for future planning.

Analyse and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply knowledge of related fields of management in implementing relevant policies and practices.

Critically analyse current policies and practices within the business environment.

Make ethically responsible decisions in the relevant business environments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Research and manage technology mediated learning in creating documents and presentations.

Apply knowledge of software packages in demonstrating ability to source and reference information.

Utilise current software packages and tools to attractively and effectively present information related to the business environment.

Research and manage technology mediated learning in creating spreadsheets, databases and display creativity in designing publisher documents.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Use knowledge of the labour relations act to effectively manage the organisation.

Apply knowledge and skills of project management to successfully manage high quality projects within the business environment.

Engage in the bidding process to acquire high quality projects in support of economic development.

Design a successful marketing plan for sustaining a small business.

Interpret and analyse the of role government in the development and support of small businesses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Test problem solving techniques.

Conduct written and oral presentations in all modules within the qualification.

Interact with peers in class discussions and for assessment purposes through group work.

Integrated Assessment:
The qualification incorporates a variety of assessment methods, i.e. formative and summative. As the qualification serves to deepen learners' knowledge in the relevant field, integrated assessment will form part of the various modules as small projects or assignments so as to ensure a holistic understanding of the discipline. Integrated Assessments is imperative for this qualification so as to ensure that learners understand how the various modules link to each other and contribute to the decision making process within a business context. These allow for integration of assessments, in the form of assignments, group presentations and role play activities, related to the relevant areas of study. Integrated assessments will be within the context of the Research Methodology, Leadership and Systems Thinking and Transformational and Change Management modules.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The qualification exists in many forms and permutations both locally and internationally with the focus being on strategic management and/or leadership, with electives allowing for the addressing of specific aspects in management. This Advanced Diploma is aligned with these international qualifications, while addressing the needs of the geographical position of the institution.

Seminole State College of Florida offers the Bachelor of Science in Business and Information Management.

This qualification compares to the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management as it also addresses the need to apply business skills and technology to make sound business decisions and drive strategic vision and actions. It looks at a solid understanding of business practices combined with an understanding of the role information systems play within an organisation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 8.
The research methodology component covers generic research skills and competencies. This is an important outcome in the Advanced Diploma and therefore a learner completing the qualification should be able to successfully undertake research in allied and related Postgraduate Diplomas.

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