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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112142  Diploma in Engineering Technology in Industrial Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 240)  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2032-06-30  

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:
This qualification is application oriented and provides learners with a sound knowledge base in the field of Industrial Engineering and the ability to apply their knowledge and skills within a professional context. The qualification also serves to equip possible learners with the necessary learning skills, in order for them to pursue studies at a higher level. The qualification has a strong professional career focus and learners from this qualification are prepared to enter the labour market.

The purpose of this educational qualification is to build the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes required for a learner to be able to register with ECSA as a Candidate Engineering Technician. Industrial Engineering Technicians are characterised by the ability to apply established and newly developed engineering technologies to solve well - defined problems, develop components, systems, services and processes. Industrial Engineering Technicians have a specialised understanding of systems that would integrate both human and machine processes.

This qualification provides:
  • Preparation for a career in Industrial Engineering and for achieving a level of technological proficiency in order to make a positive contribution to the economy and national development.
  • The educational base required for registration as a Candidate Engineering Technician.
  • Entry to NQF Level 7 qualifications e.g. Bachelor qualification and Diploma qualifications.

    Rationale:
    The rationale of the qualification is to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding and skills required for a learner's further learning towards becoming a competent practicing Industrial Engineering Technician. It is intended to subsequently empower Candidate Industrial Engineering Technicians to demonstrate that they are capable of applying their acquired knowledge, understanding, skills, attitudes and values in the work environment.

    It is designed to add value to the qualifying learner in terms of enrichment of the person, status and recognition. All learners graduating from the qualification equipped with the appropriate work experience would be eligible for registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa as an Engineering Technician.

    Consultation with industry through the current Advisory Board structure at the department indicated a strong need for Diploma qualified personnel in the field of Industrial Engineering within the local region. Current demands are being met through the sourcing of qualified personnel from other provinces much to the disadvantage of our local population as well as the high costs to industry incurred through re-location expenses. Employee turnover is also high with many attracted personnel seeking to return to their respective provinces for various reasons. As the institution is the only institution in the province to be able to offer this qualification at the Diploma level, it is well placed to service local industry needs for diplomats from an Industrial Engineering Diploma qualification.

    This qualification is aimed at attracting learners who qualify for Diploma studies and who want to pursue a career in Industrial Engineering. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through the RPL processes.
  • The structure of this qualification makes RPL possible if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes implicit in this first stage engineering qualification.
  • Learners who already work in a manufacturing or allied industry who believe they possess competencies to enable them to meet some or all of the Exit Level Outcomes listed in the qualification will be able to present themselves for assessment.
  • Evidence of prior learning will be assessed through the formal institutional RPL process.
  • Learners submitting themselves for RPL will be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), granting access to bachelor studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 totalling 280 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 152 Credits:
  • Mathematics A, 12 Credits.
  • Physics A, 8 Credits.
  • Physics B, 8 Credits.
  • Computer Applications, 8 Credits.
  • Cornerstone, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Skills, 16 Credits.
  • Mathematics B, 12 Credits.
  • Physics C, 8 Credits.
  • Electrical Engineering A, 12 Credits.
  • CAD for Industrial Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Manufacturing Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • Communication for Industrial Engineering, 8 Credits.
  • Industrial Project A, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Statistical Process Control, 12 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 128 Credits:
  • Strengths of Materials A, 12 Credits.
  • Mathematics C, 12 Credits.
  • Computer Engineering, 12 Credits.
  • The Entrepreneurial Edge, 8 Credits.
  • Production Engineering A, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Work Measurement A, 12 Credits.
  • Industrial project B, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Finance, 12 Credits.
  • Quantitative Decision making, 12 Credits.
  • Engineering Work Measurement, 12 Credits.
  • Production Engineering B, 12 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined engineering problems.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to applied engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined engineering problems.
    3. Perform procedural design of components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs usually within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Conduct investigations of well-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering tools including information technology for the solution of well-defined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an engineering context.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
    9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of engineering technical practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and define the problem and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify and use relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
  • Consider and formulate various approaches that would lead to workable solutions.
  • Model and analyse solutions.
  • Evaluate solutions and select the best solution.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Bring to bear an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering science knowledge at a fundamental level on the solution of well-defined engineering problems.
  • Use applicable principles and laws.
  • Analyse engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Present concepts and ideas in a logical and methodical manner.
  • Perform reasoning about engineering materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Outline and justify procedures for dealing with uncertain/undefined/ill-defined variables.
  • Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the design process to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
  • Perform design tasks that include analysis and optimisation of the product, or system or process, subject to relevant premises, assumptions and constraints.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
  • Communicate the design logic and relevant information in a technical report.
  • Apply procedures to evaluate the selected design and assessed in terms of the impact and benefits.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Define the scope of the investigation.
  • Plan and conduct investigations within an appropriate discipline.
  • Search available literature and evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
  • Select and use appropriate equipment or software appropriately for the investigation.
  • Analyse and interpret the data obtained.
  • Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence.
  • Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the method, skill or tool correctly.
  • Test and assess the results produced by the method, skill or tool.
  • Select and use relevant computer applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Ensure the structure, style and language of written and oral communication is appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
  • Use graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of the text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Provide information in a format that can be used by others involved in the engineering activity.
  • Deliver oral communication with the intended meaning being apparent.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate the impact of technology in terms of the benefits and limitations to society.
  • Analyse the engineering activity in terms of the impact on occupational and public health and safety.
  • Analyse the engineering activity is analysed in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
  • Consider the methods to minimise/mitigate impacts of engineering.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Make individual contributions to team activities to support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate the functioning as a team leader.
  • Organise and manage a project.
  • Carry out effective communication in the context of individual and team work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify, plan and manage learning tasks.
  • Identify, recognise and demonstrate the requirement for independent learning.
  • Source, organise and evaluate relevant information.
  • Comprehend and apply the knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Display an awareness of the need to maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Describe the nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas in terms of required practices, legislation and limitations of authority.
  • Describe the ethical implications of engineering decisions are described in terms of the impact on environment, the business, costs and trustworthiness.
  • Ensure judgements in decision making during problem solving, and design are ethical and within acceptable boundaries of current competence.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions or inaction.
  • Ensure decision making is limited to area of current competence.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The industrial engineering learning qualification will combine formative, summative and diagnostic assessment methodologies. There will be multiple assessment opportunities for the learner to develop and demonstrate achievement of the various exit level outcomes associated with this qualification. There will be constructive alignment between the development of the intended outcomes, learning activities and assessment activities.

    Some of the assessment methodologies will include: tests, assignments, practicals, exams, projects, portfolios, oral assessments, presentations, tutorials, etc. Each level of the qualification will ensure that multiple outcomes (ECSA & Graduate Attributes) are developed and assessed in an integrated manner.

    In terms of the institutional policy all summative assessments will be subjected to internal moderation. All modules where-in a final assessment of an outcome takes place would be subjected to external moderation. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability of this engineering technician education qualification is ensured through the Dublin Accord - signed with the Engineering Council of South Africa (2002). The Exit Level Outcomes and level descriptors defined in this qualification are aligned with the attributes of the accord.

    The graduate attributes of the Dublin accord are as follows:
  • Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science, engineering fundamentals and an engineering specialisation respectively to wide practical procedures and practices.
  • Identify and analyse well-defined engineering problems reaching substantiated conclusions using codified methods of analysis specific to their field of activity.
  • Design solutions for well-defined technical problems and assist with the design of systems, components or processes to meet specified needs with appropriate consideration for public health and safety, cultural, societal, and environmental considerations.
  • Conduct investigations of well-defined problems; locate and search relevant codes and catalogues, conduct standard tests and measurements.
  • Apply appropriate techniques, resources, and modern engineering and IT tools to welldefined engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the societal, health, safety, legal and cultural issues and the consequent responsibilities relevant to engineering technician practice and solutions to well defined engineering problems.
  • Understand and evaluate the sustainability and impact of engineering technician work in the solution of well defined engineering problems in societal and environmental contexts.
  • Understand and commit to professional ethics and responsibilities and norms of technician practice.
  • Function effectively as an individual, and as a member in diverse technical teams.
  • Communicate effectively on well-defined engineering activities with the engineering community and with society at large, by being able to comprehend the work of others, document their own work, and give and receive clear instructions.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member or leader in a technical team and to manage projects in multidisciplinary environments.
  • Recognise the need for, and have the ability to engage in independent updating in the context of specialised technical knowledge. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Engineering Technology in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Engineering Technology, Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Engineering Technology, 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.
     
    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.