SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111456  Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-08-23  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 the qualification is to empower learners with the necessary competencies (knowledge, skills, values and attitudes) to analyse, synthesise and apply relevant information within project environments. Relevant information refers to the conceptual mapping of key theoretical project management frameworks and the application of these to a range of project management scenarios, taking into consideration social, cultural, environmental and economic factors. The ability to design, develop and implement comprehensive project management plans, which meet or exceed stakeholder expectations, will form the focus of this qualification.

Learners will be able to critically analyse organisational contexts, governance, ethical, legal and regulatory requirements and risk management when applying fundamental project management principles in a real-life situation. Furthermore, learners will be able to communicate effectively to specialist and non-specialist stakeholders utilising a variety of professional oral and written forms in order to justify and interpret theories, methodologies, recommendations and professional decisions. Integrating professional standards into practice, along with incorporating continuing professional development in accordance with leading PM professional voluntary organisations, forms a pivotal component of this qualification. The qualification is benchmarked against: The Association for Project Management (APM), the Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM), the Project Management Institute (PMI), the International Project Management Association (IPMA) and the International Association of Project and Program Management (IAPPM) protocols and standards.

This qualification also provides an opportunity for participants to integrate knowledge from various modules by working on a final project in which they will come to appreciate the project value creation process and in which they will face practical challenges at a project coal face

Rationale:
This qualification is designed for professionals currently working or looking to work in the field of project management. It is particularly relevant for professionals looking to take the next step in their careers. It intends to develop the ability of learners to apply project management competencies in workplace situations within PBOs (project-based organisations) and non-PBOs across all industries and sectors. It focuses on application that relates to decision-making, resolving problems and interacting in a project, programme or portfolio leadership style by unlocking the talents and establishing vital project, programme and portfolio management competencies in others.

This qualification is intended for learners in various fields such as Engineering, Mining, Marketing, Education, Geology, Pharmacy, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) and so on, who have no or limited project management qualifications, who hold a Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution, and who are occupying project management positions in the field of business. The rationale of the Postgraduate Diploma is to bring the knowledge and project management understanding of these learners to practice as project managers in various industries and sectors, or to have them proceed with a Master's Degree in Project Management, Business Administration or Business Leadership, or in other Value Chain-related Master's Degrees.

The careful selection of the modules makes it a fully-fledged qualification for acquisition of the generic project management knowledge base necessary for a professional project manager. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of the qualification prepares the learners for progression from project management responsibilities to qualification and portfolio management within PBOs and non-PBOs.

This qualification is intended to contribute positively to the development of skilled, competent, efficient and value-adding project managers able to practice across industries and sectors within both the private and public sectors. In offering qualifications in project management practice, South Africa (and other countries) is provided with people who can "fill the gap" of this scarce skill, and who understand the constructive role they need to play as project managers within their respective industries and sectors. Efficiently managed projects, programmes and portfolios will contribute positively to the economies of the country and of the continent.

This qualification will provide learners with the project delivery skills and expertise required to manage large, complex projects, whether they are working on emergent projects, operating in dynamic project environments or collaborating across industry sectors. Learners will learn scalable project management concepts, methodologies and tools based on world's best practice (APMBoK, IAPPMBoK, IPMA, PMBoK® Guide and PRINCE2"), and will learn to confidently apply these skills and this knowledge to meet professional and organisational goals.

The qualification will advance the objectives of the NQF by helping to accelerate the redress of past discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities. It will do so by helping to facilitate mobility and progression within the project management career paths in the field of business. Being a step in the development pathway of project management practitioners and value chain leaders, it will also contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution's Policy on Recognition of Prior (RPL) learning may be applied where required. The general statutes require learners to complete a qualification at the certificating institution, meaning that learners may receive RPL credit towards a qualification. Therefore, only part of the qualification may be completed through RPL.

RPL for Admission:
Prospective applicants who do not meet the formal admission requirements will be able to apply in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning policy of the institution.

Principles:
The RPL process, being stakeholder and needs-driven, is underpinned by the following principles. RPL at the institution undertakes to:
  • Provide affordable access, quality flexible assessment, student support and feedback to the institution's candidates.
  • Provide educational opportunities to life-long learners within the African context.
  • Follow a student-centred and client-centred approach.
  • Provide holistic and flexible assessment.
  • Subscribe to a developmental approach for the implementation of RPL.
  • Recognise the diversity of knowledge and learning styles.
  • provide a rigorous and transparent assessment and moderating process to protect the integrity of academic standards.
  • Be committed to community needs and development.
  • Address the achievement of equality and social redress and justice.
  • Empower potential students by: a) providing access to formal education and training; and b) correctly placing them in formal and non-formal training programmes at levels which will be to their maximum advantage.

    The school requires from the applicant of RPL to submit a portfolio of evidence of their generalist, professional or project- based working experience. The portfolio is assessed against the critical cross field outcomes and the level of acquired competencies at the NQF level that precedes that of the qualification wherein access is applied for. Access onto the qualification is granted if the acquired competencies are at the acceptable level that will assist the applicant to cope with the demands of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Managing Project Execution and Control, 12 Credits.
  • Managing Project Stakeholders, 12 Credits.
  • Managing Project Costs and Finance, 12 Credits.
  • Managing Project Risk, 12 Credits.
  • Managing Project Procurement and Contracts, 24 Credits.
  • Project Leadership, 24 Credits.
  • Integrated Project Management Practice, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply project management practice knowledge to real-life situations.
    2. Manage resources regarding value chains, stakeholders, contractual, and global market environments.
    3. Manage information and knowledge appropriately.
    4. Critically analyse project parameter information as it affects project performance. Learners are able to. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Real-life situational needs are analysed, and opportunities are adequately explored.
  • Strategic solutions are established within a variety of contexts.
  • Correct procedures are chosen to solve specific project management problems.
  • Limited resources are organised to achieve the maximum output.
  • Principles appropriate to situations in real life projects or in simulated scenario/case study situations are applied.
  • Application results are evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The economic and efficient use and flow of resources within a project and to a Project-Based Organisation (PBO) and a non PBO are evaluated.
  • Critical areas for resource allocation and management within a project or project office are identified.
  • The systems approach to the management of the project and a PBO and a non PBO are understood.
  • Findings and recommendations to appropriate project governance levels within a PBO and a non PBO are conveyed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and select information specifically relevant to the field of project management.
  • Interpret and analyse information specifically relevant to the field of project management.
  • Identify information for different cultural and economic systems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of project procurement procedures and principles.
  • Critically interpret project objectives, feasibility and scope statements, showing evidence of sound principles and critical judgements.
  • Analyse real life situations to demonstrate knowledge of principles of project management decision-making at various phases of the project lifecycle.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of project risk management and selection of appropriate project procurement systems.

    Integrated Assessment:
    All assessments will be conducted in line with the principles of assessment as defined in the the institution's Assessment Policy.

    For the qualification learners must demonstrate the ability to engage in project management in an integrative way, dealing effectively with divergent and "random" demands related to the requirements of stakeholders and sustainability requirements.
    Two assignments need to be completed per module, the first one contributing 40% and the second one 60% to the year mark. The submission of assignments is compulsory and gives admission to the examination. Formative assessment contributes 40% of the final mark. One four-hour examination is written for each module, with the exception of Integrated Project Management Practice. Alternatively, a portfolio assessment or take-home examination can be conducted. The mark obtained for the examination constitutes the learner's examination mark and contributes 60% to his or her final mark.

    To ensure that students have achieved the Exit Level Outcomes (ELO) and the Associated Assessment Criteria (AAC) of the qualification, the Integrated Project Management Practice which is a capstone module, provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate authentic, practical experience of managing all aspects of a live project through the project life cycle. It assesses the capacity of learners to integrate standard project management processes and key knowledge areas through applying competencies acquired across all modules.

    The assessment process will follow the following procedure:
  • Part 1: Learners will conduct an oral presentation to examiners and answer questions raised by examiners - examiners (individually) will use a standard marking scheme and rate teams at a maximum mark of 100%.
  • Part 2: Examiners will scrutinise the presented work under Part 1 - they will use a standard marking scheme and rate teams at a maximum mark of 100%.
  • Combination of marks under Part 1 and Part 2 will lead to a final mark to each team at a maximum mark of 100%. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with similar international qualifications in Australia and New Zealand.
    The Graduate Diploma of Project Management at Swinburne University of Technology which is in Australia develops the learner's expertise in Project Management across multiple industry sectors. It focuses on the principles of quality in project management, resource management and project risk management. The Graduate Diploma develops knowledge in a range of areas critical to managing projects successfully; this includes the management of project teams, human resource management, budgeting, change management, organisational behaviour and leadership. The Graduate Diploma is part of a nested program of study and students can develop their professional expertise with further learning at a Master's level.

    Graduate Diploma in Project Management offered by Southern Institute of Technology in New Zealand aims to provide learners with theoretical and applied knowledge in Project Management, which can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area. This qualification covers all aspects of Project Management, including strategic management, contemporary issues, relationships, influence and leadership, plus three elective papers. Knowledge gained is then applied through a choice of a dissertation or internship.

    This qualification compares very well with the two qualifications cited above in that they are all equipping learners with comprehensive knowledge base and applied expertise in the Project Management profession. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor's Honours Degree in Project management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master's in Project Management, NQF 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.
     
    1. University of South Africa 


    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.