SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117365	Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering
ORIGINATOR
North West 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
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	2020-07-30	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:
The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering is to provide a bridging mechanism for learners from other fields of engineering, such as Mechanical, Chemical and Civil engineering. They require insight and practical training in the field of Industrial Engineering to improve the quality and effectiveness of day to day work. Although the nature of the Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering PGDip (Industrial Engineering) is interdisciplinary, it will serve to strengthen and deepen the learners' knowledge in the particular field of Industrial Engineering. Moreover, the qualification provides training for learners to undertake continuous improvement activities.

Rationale:
Three years of consultations and advisory meetings revealed that many practising engineers and engineering technicians (with relevant years of experience) eventually find themselves dealing with Industrial Engineering problems. This predicament is ascribed to, amongst others, inadequate exposure at the undergraduate level to Industrial Engineering knowledge and an absence of suitable training opportunities in the work environment. There is a gap in know-how on how to evaluate and resolve these types of problems correctly. These learners often have a solid background in engineering activity and possess the problem-solving attitude required in any Industrial Engineering undergraduate qualification. However, they often lack specialised knowledge of the appropriate Industrial Engineering theories and practical tools. Also, a significant number of these prospective learners are interested in further postgraduate education but not necessarily with a focus on research. Thus, a postgraduate diploma provides a gateway to accommodate these individuals.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners that completed at least one year of Bachelor of Science studies with a proven success record and positive results in the Engineering test may enrol in the qualification. Recognition will be given to modules passed that form part of the qualification, or are equivalent to outcomes of other modules in the qualification. Learners will be required to progress as per usual after that. The same applies to learners entering the University from other tertiary institutions. Note that recognition of prior learning may be provided for the qualification's credits. Learners who wish to enrol after obtaining an equivalent Bachelor of Technology qualification are required to start at the first-year level.

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

Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Science in Engineering related studies, NQF Level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Technology in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 96 Credits:

Industrial Thinking and Philosophies, 24 Credits.

Math, Science and Technology for Industrial Engineers, 12 Credits.

Operational Management and Supervision, 12 Credits.

Statistical Quality Control, 12 Credits.

Business Process Re-Engineering, 12 Credits.

Operational Excellence, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, 24 Credits (Choose/Select two):

Decision Support Systems, 12 Credits.

Discrete Event Simulation, 12 Credits.

Logistics Planning, 12 Credits.

Initiative Management, 12 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate integrated and applied knowledge of and engagement in various sub-disciplines of Industrial Engineering and critical understanding and application of the theory, methods and techniques relevant to the field of Industrial Engineering and Operations Management.
2. Critically interrogate multiple sources of knowledge such as case studies, journal articles and other supplementary references of expertise within the discipline of Industrial Engineering, and critically evaluate and review that expertise and how to produce knowledge to address specific problems that they encounter within their working environment.
3. Select, apply and critically judge the effectiveness of the implementation of a range of appropriate industrial analysis, design methodologies, and intervention techniques to make workplace improvements.
4. Effectively implement Industrial Engineering techniques to bring about operational excellence.
5. Conduct oneself ethically and professionally in a workplace environment with a specific focus on acknowledging one's competencies in a given problematic situation.
6. Analyse, select and effectively apply carefully supervised industrial thinking method of enquiry to reflect on and then address complex operational or abstract strategic problems and contribute to positive change within the practice.
7. Communicate effectively in a variety of formats (oral, written, visual and electronic) to diverse audiences and for various workplace purposes.
8. Interact and collaborate effectively with others, and to work as part of a team, in diverse social, cultural and professional contexts.
9. Work independently, utilise resources effectively and exercise initiative.
10. Articulate a clear vision and goals and to motivate others to achieve them.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Integrate, understand and apply the given field of knowledge with particular focus on the specialisation of the diploma in operations management.

Compare different theories in terms in terms of Industrial Engineering and its applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Explore case studies, journal articles and supplementary sources of knowledge that develop their ability to research and find the knowledge needed to tackle specific problems facing their work environment.

Critically evaluate the application of various pieces of knowledge related to Industrial Engineering in terms of their working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply the knowledge to the work environment through the work-based learning portion of the Diploma.

Apply the learnt methods and procedures.

Conduct consultations with workplace mentor and lecturing staff to expand their responsibilities to include areas that are unfamiliar to the student to develop them optimally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply the knowledge learnt in the work environment and report on it in various formats (reports, interviews assignments and reflection logs).

Show creativity and impact of the solutions to developed problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Engage in discussions regarding the responsibility attached to the developed knowledge as well as the typical professional expectations of an Industrial Engineer.

Illustrate the development of identity and ethics related to an Industrial Engineering professional.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Review and process various forms of academic knowledge (case studies, journal articles, class notes and other reading material).

Consult library services and other electronic databases to source and process information that assist them in developing better solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Collect, process, summarise and present information in a meaningful and timely fashion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Understand the system perspective relating to the knowledge acquired (and how it fits together).

Engage with employer and academic staff to further understand one's developing role within the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Take ownership over the learning activities, including internalising and critically analysing them.

Critically reflect on activities performed to showcase personal development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Take ownership of the solutions developed.

Take responsibility for the implementation, which requires articulating clear goals and creating positive energy to implement the improvement.

Integrated Assessment:
This qualification will make use of both formative and summative assessment in most modules. In modules where project work is the primary focus exceptions are made (as documented here).

In the case of a typical engineering module consisting of theoretical and practical parts, the assessment will be as follows:

Formative assessment: The Faculty grades a series of tutorial tests or class tests or laboratory sessions with the intent of providing feedback to learners with regards to their mastery of the material under consideration. Typically, these assessments take place in tutorial periods and as such rarely exceed 30 minutes.

Summative assessment: The Faculty uses semester tests to assess the level of competency learners achieved with regards to the application of the subject matter. At least a single semester test much be written (typically in the middle of the semester), although a weighted average of more than one test is also acceptable. Practical tests are also included there as a form of summative assessment.

Practical assessment: In the case of a module with a practical component, learners must successfully complete the practical assignment. Such assignment typically involved practical work (circuit construction, simulation, experimentation, etc.) and a form of reporting on said work. Acceptable forms of reporting are technical reports, laboratory reports, oral presentation or small interviews.

The qualification requires a combination of summative assessments (at least 3) for the generation of the participation mark. A sub-minimum requirement of 50% holds for all practical assessments.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The International Engineering Alliance (IEA) ensures comparability and mobility in the engineering profession. The IEA structure consists of three (3) Accords, Washington, the Sydney and the Dublin. These are three multi-lateral agreements between groups of jurisdictional agencies responsible for accreditation or recognition of tertiary-level engineering qualifications within their jurisdictions who been have chosen to work collectively to assist the mobility of Engineering Practitioners (i.e. Professional Engineers, Engineering Technologists and Engineering Technicians) holding suitable qualifications. The signatories are committed to development and recognition of good practice in Engineering Education intended to assist growing globalisation of mutual recognition of Engineering qualifications. The equivalence of this whole qualification standard is ensured through the Sydney Accord.

This qualification compares favourably with international Postgraduate diplomas such as the Graduate Diploma in Engineering Science with a specialisation in Manufacturing Engineering and Management from the University of South Wales (UNSW Sydney) in Australia and the Graduate Diploma in Engineering Management from the University of Ottawa in Canada.

Conclusion:
The content and structure of the PGDip (Industrial Engineering) have similarities to other international Postgraduate diplomas in engineering management, operations management and manufacturing engineering. These qualifications seek to create articulation opportunities, bridging the gap between Postgraduate qualifications and the needs of the learners who wish to articulate into these qualifications. The content of these international diplomas will, therefore, typically vary depending on the identified gaps that need to be bridged.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical Engineering, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Engineering in Chemical Engineering, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Engineering, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering, NQF Level 9.

Master of Engineering in Engineering 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.	North West University