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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112566  Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
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 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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2019-10-30  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:
This qualification consolidates and deepen the learner's expertise in Industrial Engineering and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Industrial Engineering. The qualification copes with the changing needs, developing markets and new technologies, this qualification focuses on equipping learners with a sound knowledge base in Industrial Engineering. This qualification develops new knowledge and skills and demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual Independence. The institution conducted a benchmarking exercise with national and international higher education institutions as well as consulting with relevant stakeholders. The benchmarking exercise revealed that a research component needs to be an integral component of the qualification. This qualification also provides preparation for careers in Industrial Engineering itself, as well as areas that potentially benefit from industrial engineering skills. The qualification aims to achieve technological proficiency and contribute to the economy and national development.

Rationale:
Qualified learners will be capable of applying a core of advanced knowledge to industrial engineering problems. The qualification aimed to address deeper knowledge areas in the field of Industrial Engineering. The learner will be exposed to research methods and methodology and will use this knowledge and skills to complete an Industrial Engineering research project. Technical skills such as reporting and interpreting results are integral to this qualification. Prepares learners for industry and research and typically follows a Bachelor's, Advanced Diploma or relevant NQF Level 7 qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) processes, learners who acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses may qualify for admission to the qualification. Learners must demonstrate competence in the outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the Qualification and Exit Level Outcomes. An RPL process allows for granting credits to learners in areas which they have developed the necessary competency because of the workplace and work-integrated learning. RPL may also be used to credit learners who do not have a National Senior Certificate or equivalent qualification, to gain access to the qualification.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed before the assessment and may be required to submit a portfolio of evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming no prior accredited learning has taken place:
  • Learners apply for RPL against the module or part/full qualification at the relevant department.
  • Appointed RPL officer is from within-subject experts. The subject expert meets with the learners to conduct pre-screening (evaluation) to ascertain the viability of application based on qualification requirements (exit level outcomes and assessment criteria).
  • Learners prepare and submit the evidence of work (portfolio of evidence) and any other relevant proof of evidence (practical work, assignments and or assessments) to the RPL officer. The RPL officer will conduct the RPL evaluation process.
  • The learners complete an RPL form and submit it to RPL officer.
  • An assessor from within the department is then appointed.
  • The assessor assesses evidence submitted by the candidate assesses evidence submitted by the learner. However, additional evidence may be requested.
  • A moderator from the department's advisory board and from within the candidate's industry is appointed.
  • The moderator moderates the learner's evidence and reports on the assessor's judgment.
  • RPL outcome is presented to faculty board by RPL officer.
  • If there is no credit, the learner appeal to an independently appointed moderator or the institution's Registrar's office. The process of moderation will then resume.
  • If the institution awards RPL, the learner must complete an exemption form, and may continue with full registration.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Appropriate Bachelor, NQF Level 7 (in a relevant field). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 140 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:
  • Industrial Engineering Project Design and Implementation, 30 Credits.
  • Industrial Engineering Project Planning and Design, 30 Credits.
  • Manufacturing and Production Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Modelling and Simulation, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Decision Analysis, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 20 Credits: (Choose one module):
  • Project Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Engineering, 20 Credits.
  • Advanced Facility Design, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply industrial engineering principles to diagnose and solve ill-defined industrial engineering problems systematically.
    2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and industrial engineering to applied industrial engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve ill-defined industrial engineering problems.
    3. Perform procedural design of ill-defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs typically within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
    4. Conduct investigations of ill-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern industrial engineering tools including information technology for the solution of ill-defined industrial engineering problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an industrial engineering context.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of industrial engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of industrial engineering principles and apply these to one's 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 industrial engineering practice. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Identify the problem, analyse and define the criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information and industrial engineering knowledge and skills and use it 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 one.
  • Formulate and presents the solution in an appropriate form.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Bring an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, statistics, numerical analysis, natural science and industrial engineering at a fundamental level and in a specialised area on the solution of ill-defined industrial engineering problems.
  • Use theories, principles and laws.
  • Analyse and model materials, components, systems or processes.
  • Communicate concepts, ideas and theories.
  • Perform conceptualising materials, components, systems or processes through reasoning.
  • Handle uncertainty and risk through the use of probability and statistics.
  • 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 the design process and manage it to focus on essential issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
  • Acquire knowledge, information and evaluate resources in order 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 in order to implement and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgment.
  • 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 a specific discipline.
  • Search available literature and evaluate material for suitability to the investigation.
  • Select appropriate equipment or software and appropriately use it for the investigation.
  • Analyse and interpret obtained data.
  • Analyse all available evidence and concluded it.
  • 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 is for applicability and limitations against the required result.
  • Apply the method, skill or tool correctly.
  • Produce results by the method, skill or tool and test and assess them.
  • Select and use relevant computer applications.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Communicate the structure, style and language of written and oral communication appropriate to the target audience.
  • Use graphics appropriate and effective 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 industrial 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 of society.
  • Analyse the industrial engineering activity in terms of the impact on occupational and public health and safety.
  • Analyse the industrial engineering activity in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
  • Consider the methods to minimise/mitigate impacts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling.
  • Individual work is carried out effectively, strategically and on time.
  • Individual contributions made to team activities support the output of the team as a whole.
  • Demonstrate functioning as a team leader.
  • A project is organised and managed.
  • Effective communication carried out in the context of individual and teamwork.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Learning tasks are identified, planned and managed.
  • The requirement for independent learning is identified/recognised and demonstrated.
  • Relevant information is sourced, organised and evaluated.
  • Knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction is comprehended and applied.
  • Display awareness by 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 industrial engineering decisions in terms of the impact on the environment, the business, costs and trustworthiness.
  • Judgments in decision making during problem solving and design are ethical and within acceptable boundaries of current competence.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from their actions or inaction.
  • Decision making is limited to the area of current competence.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution employs formative and summative assessments at different times during the study period. Semester tests, case studies, research assignments, practical assignments, class tests and presentation. Also puts more emphasis on theory and the application of knowledge at this level. Informal assessments typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others. Formal assessments include class tests, presentations, and assignments. Summative assessments typically include semester tests (usually three per semester), and a final exam at the end of the semester. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification was compared to two universities' qualifications as follows:
    Fenshawe College in London offers the course that is similar to our proposed Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial engineering in that it is a one year program done after a Bachelor's Degree or other relevant qualification on National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 7. The focus is also similar and includes the following modules quality management, industrial engineering, manufacturing systems, and finance.

    The University of Alberta in Canada offers the course that is similar to our Post Diploma in Industrial engineering in terms of level (NQF Level 8) and duration (1 year). An Honours Degree that specialises in Industrial engineering. Its focus is similar to our qualification and includes operations planning and control, quality assurance, finance and human relationship management. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for both horizontal, vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Engineering in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master in Engineering in Industrial Engineering, 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. Vaal University of Technology 


    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.