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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Quality Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111623  Advanced Diploma in Quality Management 
ORIGINATOR
Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
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  2019-09-03  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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
72452  Bachelor of Technology: Quality  Level 7  Level N/A: Pre-2009 was L7  480  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management is a vocational learning qualification at NQF Level 7 with 120 Credits. The purpose of this qualification is to develop quality practitioners in chosen fields of speciality with an integrated knowledge of quality management in a systems context, conforming to applicable statutory and regulatory requirements and conforming to set requirements for system certification or method accreditation. This will be achieved through academic broadening and deepening of the scope of knowledge and skills in fields such as, but not limited to quality philosophies, quality methodologies, international Standards and quality tools and techniques. As a field of specialisation, the learner will be able to maintain, review and improve quality related processes in the field of work and maintain and improve the quality management system components which they are responsible for, applying the appropriate standards, quality tools and techniques in both a process and systems context.

Learners will be able to innovatively contribute to the development of a quality management system that conforms to national and international statutory and regulatory requirements and best practise, support organisational entrepreneurial activities and maintain the process that delivers products and services which consistently conform to customer requirements, satisfy customer needs and maintain the efficiency and effectiveness of the realisation processes. The qualified quality practitioner/technician will be able to function independently within a process context and under supervision of a quality professional in a systems context.

The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management will fulfil the need for quality practitioners entering the field of Quality Management with specialised knowledge in the areas of applied statistics, standards related to the development, implementation, maintenance, auditing and review and methods and tools for continuous improvement of the organisational quality management system up to certification/ accreditation level, including aspects of project and research management.

Furthermore, upon completion the learners will acquire a deeper knowledge of the quality management systems, systems requirements, general management principles and processes, process quality management principles and methodologies and the ability to apply statistics for process planning, process control, process review, and reporting purposes is essential. Also learners will gain detailed knowledge and understanding of quality assurance, quality control, organisational quality management, international and national statutory and regulatory standards and requirements has become essential to ensure the development, maintenance and improvement of a creditable quality management system which will identify and eliminate the sources of non-quality to drive improvements in the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of the system.

Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management will fulfil the current need of knowledge enhancement for qualified quality technicians in South Africa. Such technicians perform work at a quality based technical level within product and service related industries irrespective of size and require a broader and deeper body of knowledge in the main field of study. It will develop quality practitioners that are able to maintain and improve quality systems in the field of specialisation to the extent of maintaining or achieving national/international certification or accreditation as appropriate.

Learners with the Advanced Diploma in Quality Management will become knowledgeable about maintenance and improvement of the organisational quality management system as a field of specialisation within their work area and related fields such as, Service Industries, Water Care, Laboratory Technology, Management Services, Production Management, and Logistics Management. Currently learners with qualifications in Water Technology, Food Technology, Industrial Engineering, Laboratory Technology, organisational development specialists, process analysts and many similar fields of study are made responsible for driving the implementation and improvement of recognised standards based on quality management systems in their field of specialisation. Learners who are not knowledgeable of the specialised quality tools, methods, techniques and standards to be incorporated in the development, implementation, maintenance and improvement will achieve these skills in the qualification.

The South African National Development Plan has identified Quality Management as one of the key fields as a driver for economic growth and this qualification will develop the knowledge of the quality practitioner in implementing, maintaining and improving the quality management system they are responsible for, adhering to applicable national and international standards, statutory and regulatory requirements, in an integrated business environment.

The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management will articulate with the Postgraduate Diploma in Quality Management specifically and with Project Management, General Management and similar qualifications at postgraduate level.

This qualification was developed to establish a deeper knowledge of the field of integrated Quality Management in a broader organisational context, thereby improving the specialised and professional skills of the incumbent learner. The Bachelor of Technology (B Tech): Quality qualification will be phased out and this leaves a void in the opportunities for continued further professional development of quality practitioners entering the Quality Management field in their work environment. The Advanced Diploma in Quality Management will replace aspects of the B Tech: Quality qualification and include newly developed modules related to international standards, integrated systems management and review and incorporate new quality methodologies and tools, and is thus considered essential and sustainable.

After completing a three-year Diploma/Degree qualified technologists, process engineers, process managers, process controllers and administrators will be able to register for this Advanced Diploma in Quality Management. Learners who have successfully completed a three-year Degree or Diploma (NQF Level 6) and are now incumbent with quality management duties and responsibilities will be able to progress to the Advanced Diploma qualification. This will enable learners to continue their career focussed studies. Completion of the qualification will also allow learners to register for different membership grades with the Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ).

Nationally the quality field of work is in dire need of suitably qualified and well trained quality practitioners to ensure the appropriate and correct development, implementation, maintenance and review and appropriate improvement of the quality management system of the organisation (or part thereof) in an integrated systems context. This will be done upon completion of the qualification whereby the learners will be able to apply knowledge of the system, the processes thereof, and the application of statistical techniques to achieve and maintain organisational goals regarding certification/accreditation and to assure that the financial benefits, customer and stakeholder focus and to drive continual improvement are achieved and maintained. The quality sector plays a significant role in the organisation in providing confidence to management, customers and stakeholders of its capability to consistently conforming to set requirements and exceeding customer expectations whilst managing and controlling the Price of Quality (PoQ). 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
As stipulated in the RPL policy the university enables the process of RPL in order to prevent the repetition of learning already obtained which correspond with the current qualification. Prior-learning and or experience relevant to the field of quality management will be evaluated and considered for the purpose of access to the Advanced Diploma in Quality Management. Learners may apply at the office of the registrar for RPL or for admission via the Senate's discretionary route. Related documentation should be submitted in a portfolio, which will be assessed by the department with the purpose to determine whether the prior learning and/or experience articulate with the knowledge mix of the Advanced Diploma in Quality Management.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • A three (3) year Diploma in a related field, NQF Level 6, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits:
  • Applied Statistics, 24 Credits.
  • Quality Management Systems, 24 Credits.
  • Integrated Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Continual Quality Improvement, 12 Credits.
  • Quality Auditing Techniques, 12 Credits.
  • Introduction to Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate and evaluate integrated knowledge of principles of applied statistics to investigate and critically reflect on a range of methods to address day-to-day statistically based process management issues.
    2. Apply statistically based evidence solutions and theory driven arguments to resolve process and quality problems.
    3. Demonstrate and evaluate integrated detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of the central areas of Quality Management, as well as a detailed knowledge of sector specific standards applicable to the organisational quality management system.
    4. Apply and evaluate key terms, concepts, models, principles and systems theories specific to the field of quality management systems to implement, maintain and improve the organisational quality management system in the field of specialisation based on standards requirements, statutory and regulatory conformity and application of accepted quality principles.
    5. Conduct reviews of the quality system of the organisation and its suppliers, based on accepted quality auditing principles and present findings to management, facilitate improvement initiatives and review the effectiveness of corrective and preventative actions.
    6. Demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of business philosophies, strategic planning and goal formulation, map processes using appropriate mapping tools, and identify waste in a process context.
    7. Apply continuous improvement tools and techniques to facilitate preventative and corrective improvements of the quality management system and its processes.
    8. Demonstrate project management knowledge and skills to identify research projects, to resolve quality related problems in projects of varying complexity in organisational quality related environments, irrespective of the kind of realisation process (hardware, software, processed good and services, or combinations thereof) and the resultant process output, including demonstrating the ability to tailor the project planning and execution to suit a particular quality improvement project.
    9. Demonstrate the knowledge and skill to apply risk management principles, tools and techniques throughout the life cycle of the quality management system and related processes, and to a wide range of quality related activities, including strategies and decisions, operations, processes, functions, projects, products, services and assets.
    10. Integrate and apply specialist risk management knowledge to any type of risk, whatever its nature, whether having positive or negative consequences.
    11. Develop and enhance learning strategies to sustain independent learning, professional development and interaction.
    12. Operate independently and take full responsibility and accountability for his/her own work, and be able to lead, initiate and implement systems while ensuring good resource management and governance practices. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • Statistical techniques are identified and applied in relation to specific work place related problems.
  • Management reports are compiled, facilitating problem solving in a process context by using instruments such as:
    > Statistical tools.
    > Statistical findings and analyses.
    > Statistical process control.
  • Sampling plans are compiled, productions processes are sampled using sampling plans, Statistical Process Control charts are compiled using sample data in order to:
  • Review charts and identify out of control situations.
  • Causes of variation are explained, and.
  • Appropriate statistical tools are applied to implement corrective and preventative actions.
  • Detailed knowledge and knowledge literacy of quality management systems vocabulary, quality principles and process modelling are recognised, explained, and compared to industry relevant examples in an integrated context.
  • Quality management systems concepts, theories and strategies in the field of quality management in their work field are identified, analysed and resolved using applicable examples appropriate to quality management in a broader organisational context.
  • Audit of the management system of the organisation and/or of supplier systems is planned, previous audit reports are reviewed to identify open issues, the scope and objectives of the audit are determined, audit resources required are determined and allocated and audit activities are scheduled, audit check lists and audit questionnaires are compiled based on the audit scope and objectives.
  • Quality management system audits are conducted internally and at suppliers, standard guidelines audit practices are adhered to, objective findings based on the audit check list and questionnaire are made, audit findings are recorded, audit conclusions are made in a team context.
  • Audit findings and conclusions are presented at closing meeting, an audit report is compiled and distributed, and recommendations for corrective and preventative actions are made.
  • Business philosophies, strategic planning processes and goal formulation are understood and quality policies, policies and quality plans can be formulated aligned with organisational strategies and goals.
  • Business and quality processes are mapped to demonstrate the integrated nature of organisational systems, process pressure points can be identified using quality tools and appropriate corrective measures can be identified, and implemented to achieve goals.
  • Ethical values and approaches to management principles and professional practice, with regards to decisions and actions made, can be defended, appraised and judged to assess the validity and appropriateness of the actions taken in the work environment.
  • Activities, decisions and actions regarding project and risk management, and the development of quality related process standards will be identified, formulated and executed by facilitating and managing the process in an ethical, moral and professional manner.
  • Methods of enquiry are utilised to investigate complex problems in the fields of: Quality assurance, quality control, process quality and quality standards.
  • Evidence-based solutions are critically evaluated and applied to case studies relevant to the fields above.
  • Quality and/or managerial problems are distinguished and contrasted in an organisational context and resolved using theory-driven arguments.
  • Organisational quality structures are identified and risk management is applied as an integrated part of the quality management system.
  • Risk management design and implementation plans and frameworks are taken into account such as the varying needs of the specific organisation, its particular objectives, context, structure, operations, processes, functions, projects, products, services, or assets and specific practices employed.
  • Risk management principles and tools are utilised to harmonise risk management processes in an integrated context in existing and future quality management context to provide a common approach in support of standards dealing with specific risks and/or sectors.
  • Continuous professional development of learning needs are identified, tailored, evaluated and addressed in a self-directed manner in order to facilitate collaborative learning processes of both the technologist and his/her peers within the quality industry.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment undertaken is to determine the learners' applied competence and successful completion of learning in the qualification through a combination of formative and summative strategies. This could include reference to formative and summative assessment; ratio of assignment work to academic examinations; other forms of integrated learning; and its assessment.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the semester. Self and peer assessment (with the aid of relevant analytical assessment tools) will contribute to formative assessment. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of learner and lecturer reflection, growth and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process of how teaching and learning can be improved. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that that the Exit Level Outcomes are achieved. These modes of assessment will include (but not limited to):
  • Assignments.
  • Class exercises.
  • Presentations, and.
  • Syndicate groups.

    Summative Assessment:
    Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a unit, module or qualification. Results may be expressed in marks in terms of the level of competence achieved, with regard to Level Descriptors, Exit Level Outcomes and assessment standards. This type of assessment is used for promotional purposes and does take the form of (including, but not limited to):
  • Examinations (theoretical and practical), and.
  • Tests. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification is aligned with other countries where quality management is presented at the undergraduate level. In South Africa quality management is a specialisation field within a chosen field of work and first requires technical subject knowledge, it will further develop the embedded knowledge of the technician into the field of quality management. International countries mostly present Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications in quality through vocational institutes and societies that are registered for this purpose.

    The qualification is aligned with similar accredited qualifications presented by the Chartered Quality Institute (UK), the American Society for Quality (United States of America), the British Standards Institution (United Kingdom), the Annamalai University (India), the University of Tasmania (Australia) and Ogarev Mordovia State University (Russia), all of which present Advanced Diplomas in the Quality Management field of study.

    The Annamalai University in India presents a one-year qualification with the following modules: Principles of Quality Management; Fundamentals of Statistics and Costing; Statistical Process Control and Quality Assurance. Admission to the qualification is a three-year tertiary qualification. The Orgarev Mordovia State University in India offers a four-year full time Bachelors qualification in Quality Management in Social and Economic Systems in the faculty of economics.

    The University of Tasmania in Australia offers both a Graduate Certificate and Postgraduate Diploma qualification for health professionals in the quality field. The Graduate Certificate qualification includes the following structure; Introduction to Quality Health Services, Evaluating Quality, Monitoring and Measuring Performance, and The Quality Culture and implementing quality improvements. This certificate can be used as credits towards the Graduate Diploma of Quality Services and includes the following modules: Introduction to Quality Health Services, Evaluating Quality, Monitoring and Measuring Performance, The Quality Culture and implementing quality improvements, The Australian Health System in Context, Introduction to Epidemiology and Risk Management and Governance. The following electives may be added: Project Management for Health Professionals, Introduction to Health Informatics, Data, Information and Knowledge, Risk Management and Governance, Health Economics, Comparative Health Care Systems, or Health Sector Strategic Management.

    Also in Australia a similar Graduate Certificate in Quality Assurance qualification is offered by the LH Martin Institute and awarded by the Melbourne Graduate School of Education, Melbourne, Australia which includes the following modules: Tertiary Education Policy and Management, External Quality Assurance, operating an External Quality Agency, Maintaining Quality within Institutions, and Institutional Research in Tertiary Education. Each subject is worth 12.5 Credits, totalling 50 Credits, and is designed for quality professionals within the tertiary education sector. The qualification aims to provide concepts, practical skills and insights, for designing, analysing and operating Quality Assurance Systems through a structured suite of reading materials, study assignments, class group discussions and lecturer feedback.

    The Sheffield Hallam University in the United Kingdom offers a Postgraduate Certificate Quality Management to develop the essential technical and business skills required to develop a career as a quality professional, learning how to use quality management processes and techniques to build innovative customer-focussed businesses that are sustainable and robust. The qualification includes the following modules: Operations and performance management, Methods of enquiry: research and consultancy in finance, Information strategies for a global economy, and Fundamentals of Quality. This qualification follows on with a Postgraduate Diploma with the following modules: E-supply chain management, Statistical Process control and Six Sigma, European foundation management assessor, Leadership and strategies for change. The qualification is presented over one year.

    The Waterford Institute of Technology in Ireland offers a Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Quality Methodologies with a curriculum which addresses the following: Principles and implementation of Lean, Six Sigma and Risk management, Synthesising key factors and application of Lean tools and techniques, Critical thinking, problem solving and decision making in Project management, and the management of change, Critical review of laboratory quality processes, The Principles and practices of Method and Equipment validation including a systematic approach to validation experimentation, Review of Validation practices, Documentation and Analytical method transfer, including computer and automated systems. The Postgraduate Certificate can be used to attain credits towards the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Analytical Science with Quality Management qualification. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Science in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.