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:

Diploma in Operations Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
111993	Diploma in Operations Management
ORIGINATOR
ICESA City Campus - Durban
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	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		2033-06-30

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 Diploma in Operations Management will enable learners to measure performance through improved management techniques, improved purchasing and supply methods, efficiently utilise information technology and quantitative techniques in minimising waste, improve warehousing, inventory management, efficiently utilise procurements processes and logistics, promote an organisation's image, reputation and product, improve the management of budgets, contracts, markets and suppliers and efficiently utilise resources and staff.

The curriculum has been designed to contribute towards the qualification Exit Level Outcomes. The curriculum design ensures that the learner develops the appropriate skills related to operations management, supply chain management and logistics and the ability to multi-task with projects based on stringent deadlines. The operations management learner on exiting this qualification will also understand the impact of business decisions and long-term management commitment which is an integral part of the success of every business.

Rationale:
The institution recognises that skills identification is part of the process in developing a post-school education and training system that is responsive to the individual, the community and the economy, and that meets the broader social developmental objectives of the country. The institution determined the need for a well-designed operations management qualification that can be delivered in both a contact and distance medium, and which makes provision for credit accumulation and articulation to stimulate careers in fields related to operations management, supply chain management and logistics. South Africa's economic growth is dependent on the manufacturing sector and the resultant growth in the non-manufacturing sectors is a direct result of this growth. According to the Department of Trade and Industry, South African industries are facing many challenges relating to economic globalisation, labour productivity and efficiency and face critical skills and labour shortages in both the manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors. A need has therefore been identified for all learners who are interested in studying operations management and its related fields, such as purchasing and supply, warehousing, inventory and product management, procurement processes and logistics, and the management of budgets, contracts and human resources.

The rationale of the Diploma in Operations Management offered by the institution is in line with the Department of Higher Education and Training's list of Occupations in High Demand which has been used to support the institutions decision-making process to offer the Diploma in Operations Management, and thereby provide the job market with suitably qualified operations management practitioners that are well versed in operations management, supply-chain management and logistics techniques.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Facilitation of RPL are through the development of mechanisms and systems. The use of RPL for Alternative Access, Credit to enhance Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Advanced Standing. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a mechanism for formally recognising what people have learned through their daily life, work experience, informal and non-formal learning. RPL is an enabling mechanism for learners to gain alternative access to further learning opportunities or improved career prospects.

There are two main pathways of RPL, namely RPL for Credits and RPL for Access.

RPL for Access:
RPL for Alternative Access is made possible for all learners who cannot access higher education study through the required admission requirements. Steps in this process include: Understanding the context, conversations about possibilities, sharing in a discussion, collecting and validating evidence, assessment, moderating assessments, reporting, feedback and data reporting.

RPL regards formal, non-formal and informal knowledge for access. Assessments and measures include but are not limited to a competency-based interview with an academic staff member, skills assessments, complexity and potential assessments along the NQF, formal qualifications, references, study readiness related competence, and any evidence of learning obtained.

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

Grade 12, Level 4.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 153 Credits:

Operations Management 1A, 13 Credits.

Operations Management 1B, 13 Credits.

Management 1A, 13 Credits.

Management 1B, 13 Credits.

Accounting 1A, 14 Credits.

Accounting 1B, 14 Credits.

Digital Literacy 1A, 12 Credits.

Digital Literacy 1B, 12 Credits.

Quantitative Techniques, 16 Credits.

Product Management, 11 Credits.

Business Ethics, 10 Credits.

Research Methods, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 10 Credits (Choose one):

Microeconomics, 10 Credits.

Project Management, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 187 Credits:

Operations Management II A, 13 Credits.

Operations Management II B, 13 Credits.

Financial Management, 13 Credits.

Supply Chain Management IA, 13 Credits.

Supply Chain Management IB, 13 Credits.

Strategic Management, 12 Credits.

Purchasing and Supply Management, 13 Credits.

Procurement and Logistics, 13 Credits.

Risk Management, 12 Credits.

Labour Law, 12 Credits.

Warehousing and Inventory Management, 13 Credits.

Employment Relations, 12 Credits.

Human Resource Management, 11 Credits.

Marketing and Media Relations, 12 Credits.

Organisational Behaviour, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 10 Credits (Choose one):

Research Project in Operations Management (Practical/WIL), 10 Credits.

Research Project in Supply Chain Management and Logistics (Practical/WIL), 10 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of operations management theory and the application of theory to solving real-world problems.
2. Demonstrate a theoretical and practical, thorough understanding of business management, strategic management, business ethics, project management, and risk management.
3. Application of theoretical and practical financial aspects utilised within operations management.
4. Explain the role of digital literacy within operations management and the organisation.
5. Explain, implement, and evaluate supply chain, product management, purchasing, procurement, warehousing, and inventory concepts, principles, methodologies, and tools.
6. Initiate, develop, and evaluate research projects based on the operations management environment and supply chain management environment.
7. Apply human resources management concepts, principle and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
8. Identify, describe, and apply marketing strategies utilised by an organisation.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify, define and describe the systems and strategies, process types, forecasting methodologies, location and capacity management decisions used within operations management.

Describe and explain supply chain management, project management and quality management about operations management.

Identify, explain and apply the operational processes, tools, and principles required to develop new products and improve organisational performance.

Identify, determine, and analyse the planning and fulfilment processes, production systems, sourcing systems, and inventory systems that relate to operations management and improve core operational capabilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Define, describe, and apply business methodology, business management activities, sustainable business practices and corporate social responsibility actions.

Discuss the basis for strategy and strategy implementation in an operations management context.

Summarise theories of ethics and ethical decision-making in business.

Explain the processes, procedures, tools, and techniques required in project planning and management.

Define, organise, and quantify the exposures and risks faced by the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Explain and record financial transactions and understand the International Reporting Standards (IFRIS) and its relation to financial accounting.

Explain, interpret, and apply statistical concepts and indicators.

Explain and analyse financial management concepts, decisions, and tools.

Explain the concepts of demand, supply, consumer equilibrium, and profit maximisation and describe its impact on operations management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Explain the importance of digital literacy within the recent information age.

Describe the function of information management within business operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explain, analyse, and apply supply chain processes and evaluate how these align to the organisation's goals and strategies.

Identify and describe how the supply chain components interact with the organisation's stakeholders thereby adding value.

Describe product value in relation to production coordination within operations management.

Identify and compare the differences between tactical purchasing and strategic supply management.

Explain, analyse and apply the procurement strategy in relation to strategic objectives and goals.

Explain and analyse the impact effective warehouse and inventory management has on an organisation's operations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Describe and apply the methods, tools, and techniques utilised when conducting research.

Practically demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the main areas related to the operations management environment.

Practically demonstrate the knowledge and understanding of the main areas related to the supply chain management environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Identify, describe and apply the relevant laws and contracts in a South African labour context.

Explain and apply employee engagement components and issues affecting the organisation.

Explain and analyse the key issues related to administering the human elements required in human resource management.

Identify, explain and apply concepts and issues associated with behaviour in organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Discuss and apply the consumer power effect on marketing strategies.

Evaluate the marketing and media relations tools and techniques utilised in an organisation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) in New Zealand offers a Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management. This qualification is a year, 120 Credits. There are six core modules with four electives. Learners will study five modules specific to Operations and Production Management covering modules such as operations and project management, product development and resource management. The Diploma in Operations Management compares favourably to Wintec's Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management. Both qualifications have similar modules. These include Operations Management, Project Management, and Human Resource Management. Therefore, learners will possess similar graduate attributes. Additionally, both qualifications possess similar exit level outcomes and qualification objectives.

East Asia Institute of Management (EASB) (Singapore) offers a Diploma in Logistics and Operations Management. The Diploma in Logistics and Operations Management equips learners with the skills to apply scientifically-based techniques to work-related problems. They will learn to use skills in business forecasting, quantitative and heuristic problem-solving, logistics, quality management, and to develop decision support, scheduling and control systems. The programme enables the learner to develop an in-depth study of Logistics and Operations management. The Diploma in Operations Management compares favourably to EASB's Diploma in Logistics and Operations Management. Both qualifications' objectives and exit level outcomes focus on common topics within the operations and supply chain management field. Therefore, graduates of both qualifications will posses similar graduate attributes.

The University of Sydney (Australia) offers a Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This qualification is over a year, 36 credits. There are four core modules with twelve electives. The Logistics and Supply Chain Management modules provide training in the field of logistics and supply chain management, with a particular emphasis on management and operations. Logistics and Supply Chain Management is currently one of the most popular areas of study with plenty of job opportunities, especially in the Asia-Pacific region. The key difference between the qualifications is that the Graduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management offers learners the opportunity to complete elective modules (Disaster Relief Operations and Maritime Management and Logistics). However, in terms of core modules, both qualifications offer modules focused on operations management, supply chain management, and logistics management.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Logistics, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in Operation Management, NQF Level 7.

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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