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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
112994  Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Human Resources 
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  2019-11-22  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:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management is to strengthen and deepen the learners' or working professionals' knowledge of Labour Relations Management by stimulating advanced reflection and application of theory on a strategic level. The Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management also envisages empowering learners to independently identify, analyse and manage labour relations issues, procedures and practices. Furthermore, it offers learners an understanding of the constructive role they need to play as specialists in the labour relations field.

The modules will assist learners in acquiring discipline-specific and industry-relevant knowledge and theory, relevant skills (e.g. visual, presentation and language skills, critical and creative thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and reflection skills).

Rationale:
The qualification will assist in filling the HEQSF gap during the phasing out of Bachelor of Technology (BTech) qualifications at all Universities of Technology and open up articulation possibilities to Masters and Doctoral qualifications. The South African labour market faces rampant labour disputes and strikes emanating from retrenchments, conflicts, refusal to bargain, and negotiations' deadlocks which all negatively impact on the economy. This qualification intends to develop and produce experts who will critically and rationally deal with the labour relations as mentioned above problems to protect the South African economy. The Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management offers specialised academic and professional studies for learners holding a relevant Bachelors' Degree, Advanced Diploma or equivalent qualification.

With the phasing out of the B-Tech qualifications at all Universities of Technology, the qualification is opening up articulation possibilities to enhance access to higher-level qualifications. The Postgraduate Diploma in Labour Relations Management is for learners who completed a relevant and equivalent qualification. This qualification is aligned with the HR competency framework and the National HR standards of the SABPP, to meet the requirements of the industry. However, registration with the SABPP is voluntary, and registration needs to be done by the learners themselves. Learners from an accredited institution are exempted from sitting for Board Exams. The teaching, learning and assessment aspects incorporate applied approaches whereby learners are actively and interactively involved in the learning process, giving them the comparative edge in the Labour Relations Management discipline. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The qualification may be granted, according to policies governing higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal courses provided they can 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.

The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process may be used to credit learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of the workplace and work-integrated learning. Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment. They may be required to provide a portfolio of evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

The institution will use the principles of RPL to assess two broad kinds of prior learning for credit:
  • Recognition of prior accredited learning. (Formal RPL) The current qualification can be completed through recognition of unit standards, modules or qualifications obtained at accredited institutions.
  • Recognition of prior experiential learning. (Work experience, Informal, Non-formal) Recognition of prior experiential learning (work experience) is based on the principle of matching previous learning with the learning outcomes of a target qualification and by this means, 'translating' the prior learning into the 'levels and credits' of the qualification framework in the formal system. This refers to learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or life experience.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 126 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8:
  • Labour Relations Management 1, 10 Credits.
  • Labour Relations Management 2, 10 Credits.
  • Labour Economics 1, 10 Credits.
  • Labour Economics 2, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Labour Law 1, 10 Credits.
  • Advanced Labour Law 2, 10 Credits.
  • Project Management 1, 8 Credits.
  • Project Management 2, 8 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour 1, 10 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour 2, 10 Credits.
  • Research Project in Labour Relations Management, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply competencies in assisting with the development and implementation of a labour relations strategy for an organisation.
    2. Strategically manage and develop effective workplace relations.
    3. Contribute to the development of employment policies and structures in the workplace or sector.
    4. Apply labour relations strategies to ensure the achievement of business goals.
    5. Evaluate and monitor labour market trends.
    6. Engage in related research to address workplace problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply advanced integrated knowledge, specific skills and competencies to investigate, interpret, plan, develop and implement labour relations strategies for organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Interrogate organisational communication, theories, models, principles and macro sources of knowledge for strategically managing and developing a productive workplace.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply and demonstrate advanced knowledge, contributing to the development of employment policies and structures in the workplace or sector on a national and global level.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Integrate and apply strategic labour management principles and practice, specific knowledge of policies and legislation and labour relations strategies to ensure the achievement of business goals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Evaluate, monitor and critique labour market complexities and trends which can include but not limited to organisational behaviour, culture and diversity, labour supply, demand and management, disputes, wages and costs, trade unions, unfair labour practice, etc.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Conduct related research to address workplace problems to design, manage and execute a project within the South African labour markets.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment: A combination of assessment tools (tests, individual and group assignments, presentations, case studies and projects) are utilised to monitor learner progress continuously. Feedback is provided within seven working days, and underperforming learners are provided with an opportunity to be re-assessed after receiving detailed feedback and recommendations for improvement.

    Summative assessment: An integrated portfolio is used at the end of a semester to evaluate the achievement of learning outcomes. Unsuccessful learners have a second opportunity to submit the portfolio. All summative assessments are moderated externally.

    This qualification consists of several modules. Apart from advanced labour law which is assessed through formative activities and a summative examination at the end of each semester, all other modules are CASS evaluated continuously through various activities that entail but are not limited to tests, assignments, case studies and presentations. The weighting of the multiple assessment activities and the number of activities executed in each module are individually tailored to the specific modules according to the module requirements; and are not universal.

    In this qualification, we applied assessments whereby students must demonstrate practical and reflective competencies. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International Comparability: Institution 1:
    Country: Zimbabwe.
    Institution: Zimbabwe Open University.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, Industrial and Labour Relations Management.

    Qualification NQF levels, total credits and duration:
    28 Credits, one-year full time.

    Minimum Entry requirements:
    Prospective learners who hold ZIMCHE accredited Diplomas (2 years) and/or Advanced/Higher National Diplomas in a relevant field in addition to 5 'O' Levels including English Language will be admitted to the qualification at year two and year three respectively.

    Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs):
    The BCom Human Resources in Labour Relations Management learners will have in-depth knowledge of the Labour Relations field. They can design and implement Labour Relations procedures and processes in the organisation. Learners will be able to ensure workforce stability and productivity in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria:
    A multi-dimensional approach is used to assess the learners':
  • Knowledge.
  • Abilities.
  • Thinking processes.
  • Metacognition.
  • Affect.

    This Associated Assessment Criteria is accompanied by the cognitive approach to assessment where learners are assessed on their:
  • Application and use of knowledge.
  • Assessment integrated with learning and training.
  • Integrated and cross-disciplinary assessment.

    Assessment includes assessment by the lecturer(s) and peer-assessment resulting in a statement of what the learner has achieved (research conclusions, procedures, and processes).

    Assessment criteria are discussed with the learners resulting in co-operative learning and products, as well as the development of collaborative skills (group discussions, group assignments).

    Authentic testing takes place where the learners have to use the knowledge in simulated "real-life" meaningful contexts and explicit criteria for assessment (case studies, simulations, and role-play). The final assessment is summative. Examinations are set by internal examiners and are marking following relevant memoranda.

    External examiners and moderators are contracted for all exit level assessments. An independent report is submitted to the Dean of the Faculty on the standards, effectiveness and relevancy of the assessment procedure as used.

    Programme Design:
    The labour relations qualification at the Zimbabwe Open University consists of the following modules whose specific content and descriptions are not available.
  • Business Research Methods.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management.
  • Globalisation and Industrial Relations.
  • Reward Management.
  • Research Project.
  • Labour Law.
  • Entrepreneurship and Business Management.

    Similarities and/or differences in practices and standards:
    At the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) Labour Relations Management is offered to learners pursuing a Bachelors' Degree in Human Resource Management, Industrial and Labour Relations Management. Thus, unlike in South Africa where it is a full qualification, at ZOU, it is part of the BCom qualification.

    Though ZOU offers Labour Relations Management as part of their BCom qualification, both this qualification and the ZOU qualification are similar and address the same Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) concerning Labour Relations Management.

    International Comparability: Institution 2:
    Country: Australia.
    Institution: University of South Australia.
    Qualification: Management of Industrial Relations Course.

    Qualification NQF levels, total credits and duration:
    3hrs over ten weeks.

    Minimum Entry requirements:
    Successful completion of 54 units.

    Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs):
    To gain a comprehensive understanding of the history, stakeholders and their inter-relationships, laws and current practices in industrial relations in Australia.

    Associated Assessment Criteria:
    Learners doing this course at the University of South Australia are required to write a 2000-word essay, and this constitutes 40% of the final mark. They are also required to write a 3-hour summative examination at the end of the course. This counts 60%.

    Programme Design:
    Learners who do this course at the University of South Australia are exposed to modules as follows:
  • Theoretical explanations of patterns, practices and institutions of industrial relations.
  • Evolution of industrial relations in Australia.
  • Management strategy in industrial relations.
  • Employee organisation, strategy and behaviour.
  • Institutions and practices of the workplace, regulation.
  • Arbitration, enterprise bargaining, individual employment contracts, and the mechanisms used to create enforceable industrial instruments.
  • Historical, economic, political and social context of industrial relations.

    Similarities and/or differences in practices and standards:
    VUT versus University of South Australia (UNISA):
    At the University of South Australia (UNISA), Labour Relations Management is dubbed as Management of Industrial Relations. It is conducted as a short course for ten weeks.

    While this qualification is fully-fledged, at the University of Southern Australia, it is a short course offered to those who already qualify for Human Resource Management. However, like the institution's qualification, the UNISA course equips the learners with the ability to develop and apply labour relations policies and strategies. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Labour Relations Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Management Sciences in Labour Relations Management, 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.