SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111385	Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2019-09-03	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 Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management serves to intensify and strengthen the learner's knowledge in the discipline. The primary purpose of the qualification is to enable learners and working professionals to embark on reflection and growth in their chosen field. This is achieved by means of an intellectual expansion of the current theory and discourse as well as application and research methods in business and information management. The graduating learner will have the competence to supervise and manage an effective information service in varied but specialised business environments within a dynamic society. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enrich learners with an extensive knowledge of business and management, together with a strong information technology component that will provide learners with a competitive advantage over other qualifications.

A secondary purpose is to enhance the development of research competencies in the learners by enabling them to conduct and report research under supervision. This will be achieved by deepening a learner's understanding and knowledge of research methodology in Business and Information Management. The learner's ability to create, undertake and solve intricate practical and theory-related problems, through the selection and utilisation of suitable research methods and techniques in Business and Information Management, will be developed. This is in alignment and support of the national and institutional strategy to enhance the postgraduate output.

After completing the qualification, the learner will be able to:

Demonstrate knowledge of and engage information technologies and business strategies relevant to organisation behaviour to identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking within the local and global economies.

Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues.

Evaluate and manage the broader social, cultural and environmental issues while effectively managing roles and relationships within the organisation.

Plan, analyse and control operations relevant to cost and financial management in a responsible and accountable manner.

Analyse legal problems related to general business law in order to manage effective relationships and conduct legal research.

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.

Rationale:
The qualification is needed for the learners who wish to study further after completing the relevant Advanced Diploma. Therefore, the need for the qualification addresses opportunity for vertical articulation of learners within the Business and Information Management sector.

The structure of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management takes into account the need and aim of 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 to be able to capitalise on these for future developments The qualification provides a learner with strong skills and knowledge in becoming the future strategic change agents of the country.

This learner-centred approach to the curriculum design acknowledges learners as responsible adult learners who are able to make their own decisions. This is in alignment with the vision of developing leadership and creating productive citizenship. Learners will have to accept greater responsibility and accountability for their learning. Independent lifelong learning is fostered through all modules as learners are required and academically supported to engage in interactive projects and research.

Various stakeholder needs are addressed through the qualification. The higher-level theoretical component, which is supplemented by practical work such as integrated projects, will supply to the industry, professionals who will be able to fulfil roles aligned to lower or middle management positions in the business environment. These professionals will possess both the business acumen and cognitive mind-sets to contribute to the organisation in a more meaningful way i.e. to be a participant in the growth and advancement of the organisation.

The South African society also requires participants who have research expertise and will advance approaches and theories in business and information management as well as provide solutions to problems and challenges that business stakeholder's face. Through the research component of the qualification, additional stakeholder needs can be addressed such as the development of research capacity in the field. Those learners who decide to progress further to the Masters qualifications will also contribute to the academic ambit stakeholder needs. The research project that is developed in this qualification may also be further developed for higher level studies if so desired. The Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management serves to intensify and strengthen the learner's knowledge in the discipline. The Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management is to enable learners and working professionals to embark on reflection and growth in their chosen field. This is achieved by means of an intellectual expansion of current theory and discourse as well as application and research methods in business and information management.

The graduating learner will have the competence to supervise and manage an effective information service in varied but specialised business environments within a dynamic society. The curriculum has been specifically designed to enrich learners with an extensive knowledge of business and management, together with a strong information technology component that will provide learners with a competitive advantage over other qualifications and institutions.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification is 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 learning outcomes. All RPL applications will be evaluated And learners will be informed about the outcome of the assessment.

The structure of Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management (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 (WIL). If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in the Postgraduate Diploma BIM qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

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

Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 7.
Or

Any appropriate NQF Level 7 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 104 Credits:

Information Management and Technology, 24 Credits.

Research Methods and Procedures, 32 Credits.

Organisational Behaviour, 16 Credits.

Business Communication Technology, 16 Credits.

Global Business Environment, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 16 Credits (Choose One):

Business Law, 16 Credits.

Business Finance, 16 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Engage information technologies and business strategies relevant to the organisation's behaviour, both locally and globally, to identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking within the local and global economies.
2. Interrogate multiple sources of knowledge and evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production in order to develop creative responses to problems and issues to conduct research projects within the business environment.
3. Evaluate and manage the broader social, cultural and environmental issues while effectively managing roles and relationships within the organisation.
4. Demonstrate crucial cost and financial management knowledge and skills to expertly plan, analyse and control operations relevant in the workplace in a responsible and accountable manner.
5. Analyse legal problems related to general business law in order to manage effective relationships and conduct legal research.
6. Present and communicate academic, professional or occupational ideas and texts effectively to a range of audiences, both internal and external to an organisation, offering creative insights, interpretations and solutions to problems individually or within a team.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

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

Interpret the role of technology in enhancing business communication in a local and global environment.

Apply business management principles and theories in addressing Information Communication Technology problems within the business environment.

Identify the latest trends in Business Communication Technology and apply to business activities.

Interrogate and evaluate global business opportunities in order to make responsible and accountable decisions.

Critique global businesses using a case study approach and design appropriate solutions for cross border business relationships.

Apply learnt skills of organisational behaviour in managing businesses in a local and global environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply integrated knowledge of research methods, techniques and skills to formulate and address research questions.

Identify, analyse, evaluate and critically address complex problems within a selected research area by conducting a research project/mini dissertation.

Apply statistics for their research studies.

Demonstrate an appropriate level of autonomy and accountability in decision making when embarking on a research study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Analyse the internal and external environmental factors (PEST factors) within a business environment.

Apply skills of developing workplace regulations in an organisation by analysing the effect of power, authority and politics on business context.

Apply skills of analysing, interpreting and critiquing job satisfaction determinants in the workplace.

Apply the different theories of motivation that applies to a specific context within the organisational structure.

Analyse and apply traditional and contemporary leadership theories and styles to management of organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Demonstrate knowledge of crucial concepts of financial management in making responsible and ethical financial management decisions.

Evaluate the financial objectives of various types of organisations and the respective requirements of stakeholders.

Evaluate alternative sources of finance and investment opportunities and their suitability in specific business contexts.

Assess factors affecting investment decisions and opportunities presented to an organisation.

Analyse a company's performance and make appropriate and accountable recommendations in appropriately managing risk.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply knowledge of South African law in examining and analysing cases, using an integrated knowledge of the methods that can be used to apply and distinguish cases.

Apply relevant strategies to appropriately solve legal matters.

Interpret, analyse and apply statutes through the selection of appropriate methods of statutory interpretation.

Access and review legal databases of research case law, legislation and scholarly journal articles in order to conduct legal research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

All modules include various group assignments where problem solving techniques are tested in solving an appropriate problem.

Learners are expected to conduct written and oral presentations in all modules within the qualification.

Group work will be encouraged in all modules where learners are expected to interact with peers in class discussions and for assessment purposes

Integrated Assessment:
The Postgraduate Diploma incorporates a variety of assessment methods incorporating formative and summative assessments. As the qualification serves to deepen the 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 will be within the context of the Information Management and Technology, Research Methods and Procedures, Global Business Environment, Organisational Behaviour, Business Communication Technology, Business Finance and Business Law. 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 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.

Assessment practices are open, transparent, ethical, valid, objective and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. The assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes, ethics and values are integrated in the qualification.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Postgraduate Diploma exists in many forms and permutations internationally with the focus being on strategic management and/or leadership, with electives allowing for the addressing of specific aspects in management.

This Postgraduate Diploma is aligned with these as well as addressing the needs of the geographical position of the institution. This qualification requires a prior qualification at graduate level and the duration of the qualification is one year.

The Cass Business School at the University of London, offers the Master of Science in International Business which comprise modules that are similar to that of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management. These modules include International Business and Economics, Managerial Finance and accounting, Research Methods and Business Analytics, Strategy in a Global Context, Global Leadership, and Managing people in a global context. Although these modules are not the same as in the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management, the relevance to it is evident as the structure lends itself to globalisation, managing people, finances and research.

VU Amsterdam offers the International Business Administration (IBA) which looks at studying the world of business from a human perspective. The qualification also like the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management focuses at developing strong research skills. It includes modules like strategy, finance, accounting, organisation, human resources and technology. These have similarities with the Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Management as the modules have similar focus areas.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences, Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Management Sciences in Administration and Information Management, Level 9.

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.

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