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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Operations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
115547  Master of Operations Management 
ORIGINATOR
Nelson Mandela University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  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 Master of Operations Management aims to develop intellectual and professional skills and provides the learner with the opportunity to show evidence of independent and original scientific work. This qualification will further provide the learner with the opportunity to display competence in the application of relevant research methodology. And also the proper written and oral communication of the research process and findings and to reflect on the research process and outcomes.

The qualification will provide qualifying learners with a more in-depth knowledge base, focusing on a higher and strategic level in the operations management discipline.

Rationale:
The qualification provides a path for developing new knowledge in the field, which will also be a contribution to higher education. Furthermore, learners from this qualification moving into Doctoral studies can be developed as future supervisors within this field.

Furthermore, it will provide the learners with the ability to apply that knowledge, skills, and values to make a meaningful contribution to the economy and national development by ensuring optimal utilisation of resources. This qualification aims to meet higher-level industry needs for operations managers and employees at similar levels in all sectors. This qualification will prepare learners for leadership positions and senior operations management roles in service and manufacturing organisations in the private and public areas.

The rationale of this qualification is to provide learners from related disciplines to specialise in this field with problem-solving, innovation and research skills. The Master Operations Management follows the Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Operations Management. Operations management fills a strategic role in the operational efficiency of manufacturing as well as the service industry. Included in the tasks of operations, managers are the essential components of quality enhancement and assurance, Lean, supply chain management, increased productivity, cost reduction and flexibility improvements. Operations management, therefore, focuses on systematically increasing operating and quality performance, reducing costs, increasing reliability, and improving cycle time to market.

This qualification will provide entry to a Doctorate in Operations Management. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who do not meet the admission requirements are required to demonstrate to the satisfaction of the institution that they have a qualification plus suitable experiential- or work-based learning.

The experience must be similar to the entry-level of the Master of Science in Operational Management. Such learners may be considered for admission through RPL after assessment via a Portfolio of Evidence of prior learning. Learners who, after such assessment, are deemed to have sufficient potential but need further academic development, may be required to broaden their curriculum by enrolling for introductory modules before admission or parallel modules after admission. This would be done according to the institution's RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Technology in Operations Management, Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.
  • Dissertation, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Engage in independent research and present findings in the form of a structured dissertation on a problem or need related to Operations Management.
    2. Conduct research in Operations Management.
    3. Produce a conference paper or journal article on the research outcome. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Execute a successful research project in the field of Operations Management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Adhere to the minimum criteria for a dissertation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Adhere to the minimum criteria for a conference paper or journal article.

    Integrated Assessment:
  • Assess the Master's dissertation for applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
  • Country: Spain.
  • Institution: Obs Business School.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Operations Management.

    The Spanish qualification provides learners with skills development, skills and knowledge acquisition in line with the new challenges that the globalised world requires new leadership. Supply chains are no longer a cost centre, to become a driver of competitive advantage for businesses, via value-added services, flexibility in adapting to the changing environment and innovation. Learners will:
  • Develop skills and competencies that enable leading and managing multi-functional and multicultural teams of high performance.
  • Develop a sound trading strategy to collect the maximum consistency with the plan of other functional areas of the company.
  • Design, manage and control critical business processes through the domain of continuous improvement techniques, either in industrial or service companies.
  • Train effectively in the development process of negotiating with suppliers and customers.
  • Develop analytical and problem-solving capabilities inherent in a supply chain, which should operate in an uncertain and changing environment.
  • Strengthen technologies to increase the value of the processes that directly affect the value proposition of the companies.
  • Country: Germany.
  • Institution: Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (Kit).
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Production and Operations.

    The Master of Science in Production and Operations taught at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) focuses on production processes, information technology, logistics, and human factors. Learners will be qualified to optimise the efficiency of value-added processes within the operation of production and service systems. The qualifying learner of the Master of Science in Production and Operations can analyse and optimise the efficiency of value-added processes within the operation of production and service systems. Production technology and supply chain topics shape the future of the manufacturing industry. Significant developments in the context of Industry 4.0 need highly qualified engineers with comprehensive knowledge of state-of-the-art technology and methods to realise innovative concepts. Only a multidisciplinary approach can meet the requirements of today's interconnected flow of data, products, and money in production and logistics. Enables engineers to analyse, understand, and manage operations of a manufacturing or service organisation, especially in a global context.
  • Country: United Kingdom.
  • Institution: Newcastle University.
  • Qualification Title: Master of Science in Operations Management.

    This Master of Science in Operations Management Dual Award engages learners with the study of operations management. Learners will explore different business environments and cultural contexts. The qualification will suit those looking to develop the necessary specialist knowledge and skills to pursue careers in operations management; technology management; supply chain management; general management and consulting. Learners will learn how to: analyse operations functions in different countries; understand various institutional environments and develop a sharp eye for operations management within multinational enterprises. Learners will apply the knowledge and understanding to: improve business performance; develop operations strategies and organise competitive advantages in technology-intensive industries. The qualification will enhance the learners' employability for operations management roles within international, multinational or transnational companies. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Cognate Master's qualifications, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Operations Research, NQF Level 10. 
    		•

    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. Nelson Mandela University 


    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.