SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111512	Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma	Field 07 - Human and Social Studies		People/Human-Centred Development
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
Registered-data under construction		EXCO 0324/24	2024-07-01	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2031-06-30

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

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.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
Learners who have successfully completed this qualification will have specialised knowledge of the most important aspects related to the management and administration of research in higher education institutions and be able to apply this knowledge practically in the actual practice of working in a research office (or related environment), with a focus on the following themes:

The African research landscape.

The stakeholders, types and uses of research and research-related information in the context of Research Support Offices (including an introduction to the measurement of science, an overview of current trends in scholarly publishing and the communication of research to various stakeholders).

The principles of research craftsmanship, including the management of grant-making processes, development and evaluation of grant proposals, the basics of project planning and management, the costing and financial management of research projects risk and change management as a research manager, research contracts and intellectual property management, research partnership facilitation and management.

The principles and practice of Research Integrity and Ethics as required by the functions and services provided by Research Support Offices.

Rationale:
This Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Administration, Level 8 will allow young staff in research management and administration offices or career entrants, across Africa, to obtain a relevant qualification. It will attract more entrants into research management and administration as a career and assist universities in the Southern African Development Community region to move away from the unsustainable and ineffective practice of employing senior academics as part-time centralised research administrators.

Target audience:
1) Staff members of Research Support Offices (RSOs) and Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) of higher education institutions in Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, including the dedicated staff of RSOs and the academic staff members seconded from time to time to work in RSOs.
2) Staff members of science granting councils and other funders in SADC countries (and beyond in Sub-Saharan Africa).
3) Staff members in Government departments and agencies (for example, Department of Science and Technology in South Africa, Department of Higher Education and Training, etc.).
4) Academics interested in research management and administration (for example, individuals serving on institutional research committees or ethics committees).
5) Graduates looking for opportunities to enhance their career prospects.
6) Given that the Strengthening of Collaboration, Leadership and Professionalisation in Research Management in SADC and European Union (EU) Higher Education Institutions Consortium (STORM) includes institutions from countries in Europe and the Baltic, there may be individuals from those countries who would enrol for this Postgraduate Diploma, or parts of it.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) will be applied. This could take the form of the assessment of a learning portfolio or recognition of learning that occurred in the work environment of the individual concerned. Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements may be granted access to the qualification through RPL.

Entry Requirements:

An appropriate academic qualification (Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's Degree) at NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The qualification consists of the following four compulsory modules totalling 120 Credits, at Level 8:

Research Landscape in Africa, 15 Credits.

Management of Research and Research-related Information, 35 Credits.

Research Grants Management, 35 Credits.

Research Integrity and Ethics, 35 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in the area of Research Management and Administration with an understanding of the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to the field of how to apply such knowledge in a particular context.
2. Use a range of specialised skills to identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field of Research Management and Administration.
3. Identify and address ethical issues based on critical reflection on the sustainability of different ethical systems to specific contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Describe the unique environment, conditions and features that define African Research.

Explain the main trends in the governance, institutional landscape, Research and Development funding and scientific output of African countries.

Identify, characterise and explain the roles and interactions between the relevant internal stakeholders in the management and use of Research Related Information (RRI).

Identify, characterise and explain the roles and interactions between the relevant external stakeholders in the management and use of RRI.

Define/specify and describe the different types of RRI and the Information Management Systems and databases required for the collection, management and use of these types of information.

Identify, characterise and explain the different purposes for which RRI is used.

Explain and demonstrate how research is communicated to various stakeholders.

Critically reflect and comment on the values involved in responsible research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Critically reflect and comment on the role of university Research Support Offices against the broader landscape of African research.

Explain the basic principles of the development and management of RRI databases with a view to the integrated reporting or RRI.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key issues related to trends in scholarly publishing (including open access) with a focus on Africa and South Africa.

I dentify, characterise and explain the management processes required for grant-making, which includes key responsibilities and routines needed for successful grants management, the appropriate management of pre-award and post-award phases, the communication and implementation of funders' requirements, the administration and management of peer-review processes, and ensuring international compliance to good practice in terms of submissions and the internal review of grant applications.

Explain and demonstrate understanding of the generic requirements for good grant proposals, including the ability to define, identify and explain the specific characteristics of research grant proposals that distinguish them from other academic and business documentation, and demonstrating the ability to critically evaluate research grant proposals in order to facilitate the improvement thereof in a research management context. It includes a thorough understanding of the appropriate indicators for subsequent monitoring and evaluation of research grant impact.

Identify, characterise and explain the role of a project manager, the basic principles of project management, and apply a selected set of project management tools in the sphere of research project management. This includes the ability to describe the specific characteristics of a research project as compared to business or Information Technology (IT) projects, to do the appropriate costing of a research project, to identify and manage project risks, and apply this understanding to develop and evaluate research project plans and budgets. It also includes an understanding of the project manager as a risk and change manager, and the ability to illustrate how research project-related risks and changes can be mitigated.

Explain and demonstrate the ability to manage the post-award reporting processes associated with research grants. This includes the demonstrated ability to draw up financial management reports, to ensure appropriate alignment between narrative and financial reports, and how to use the appropriate indicators of impact to demonstrate project success.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key issues related to the facilitation and management of research partnerships, which form an integral part of the grantsmanship process and the management of large research grants.

Demonstrate a critical awareness of the key elements required for effective research management and administration, including the development and nurturing of strong intra-institutional partnerships with academic/research personnel and other professional support staff members in the grants management context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Explain and demonstrate how research performance is measured using basic principles and practices of bibliometrics, including the key bibliometric data sources and the key bibliometric indicators.

Explain and illustrate an understanding of the best practice guidelines for the management of research and research related contracts and agreements and for the protection of intellectual property generated through research projects.

Have an understanding of the 'research integrity' curriculum (including management of conflict of interest, publication, authorship and peer review ethics, collaboration ethics, ethical issues related to data management and transfer, etc.) and gain an international perspective on the importance of training in responsible conducting of research.

Understand the difference between a 'compliance' and 'personal responsibility' approach to research integrity.

Be familiar with the Singapore declaration of Research integrity.

Understand what are considered 'questionable research practices' and 'research misconduct' and understand how cases of research misconduct should be investigated and reported.

Understand the basic principles of research ethics in the context of research involving humans, animals and biosafety.

Understand the kinds of systems and processes needed to implement ethics review and approval of applicable research.

Integrated Assessment:
A summary of the ratio between time allocated to learning and assessment is as follows:
Self-study of prescribed literature (80%)

Face-to-face teaching on the main campus (12%)

Technology mediated group tutorials using Skype (8%)

1 written module assignment (5,000 words - Module 1) and three written literature reviews (10,000 words each - Modules 2, 3 and 4)

Summative assessment is through group discussions during contact sessions/online learning activities. Formal (summative) assessment is in terms of a written literature review on the topic of interest (10,000 words). The literature review will largely be independent self-study but academic input from the staff will be provided in the form of technologically mediated group tutorials (15 Skype sessions of 2 hours each).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In the United States of America, the University of Central Florida offers a Master of Research Administration qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma in Research Management and Adminstration compares to the Masters in Research Administration (MRA. The Master in Research Administration provides the professional skills and management theories and techniques to prepare individuals to practice as highly trained and ethical research administrators. The online method builds a solid foundation in research administration and leadership. This enables graduates to work in a variety of research organisations such as universities, hospitals and medical centres, industry, and research institutes and centres. There is a demonstration of independent learning throughout the curriculum through the process of inquiry, dialogue and service learning. Tangible projects such as strategic plans, grant proposals, commercialisation plans and case studies along with research projects, scholarly papers, internships, and presentations at professional conferences also contribute to the selfdevelopment of students.

Another international qualification with a similar focus:
Research Administration Certificate, Mohawk College (Canada)
The Research Administration Certificate is one year of fully online qualification. The design of the qualification provides learners with an all-round introduction to the profession, to be equipped with the essential knowledge and skills required to be successful research administrators. This Certificate is aimed primarily at research administrators working in an operational role and looking to expand their knowledge and expertise across the research project lifecycle. The focus is on self-guided learning and assessment through work-based portfolios and submission of written work based on personal experience and research. There is a requirement to undertake some formal learning via CARA training and contact time with a Professional Mentor. A combination of six compulsory and two optional modules to provide learners with an appropriate grounding in the core areas of research administration. Whilst at the same time offering learners the flexibility to study modules that may also be of general interest to them. The Certificate in Research Administration has been developed by ARMA, in collaboration with ATHE, a regulated Ofqual awarding an organisation in the UK. The Certificate in Research Administration will:

Provide formal recognition of a learner's competence as a professional research administrator and of their ability to support excellence in research across the research project lifecycle.

Support a learner's development as an effective research administrator, benefiting both them and their institution.

Deliver opportunities for learners to learn new skills and knowledge and enhance their ability to reflect on and plan improvements in their daily activity.

Credit learners for skills, knowledge and understanding obtained prior to undertaking the qualification as well as for those directly gained through participation in the qualification.

Be appropriate for both full-time and part-time staff, whether new to the profession or more experienced.

Be recognised on the UK Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF).

These international qualifications compare with the South African qualification in terms of:
Differences:

The South African qualification is a Postgraduate Diploma (NQF level 8). Whereas the other international qualifications are either a Master's qualification or a professional certificate programme. The entry requirements of these qualifications differ. The South African qualification requires an appropriate academic qualification at NQF level 7, whereas the certificate requires only work experience.

Both of the international qualifications are online only, whereas this qualification will use technology assisted learning, but will require contact time.

All three qualifications focus on the different elements of research management and administration, i.e. research ethics, funding, management.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Ethics, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Social Science Methods, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Philosophy in Science and Technology Studies, NQF Level 9.

MODERATION OPTIONS

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CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

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NOTES

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LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

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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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