SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117865	Advanced Diploma in Management
ORIGINATOR
Stadio (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 7	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-09-29	2027-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30		2032-06-30

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
79586	Advanced Diploma in Management	Level 7	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The intention of the Advanced Diploma in Management is to enhance and enrich the knowledge and skills that are required in all sub-sectors of management; to release the potential of people; and to provide opportunities for people to move up the value chain and between the different sectors of the economy. It is particularly suitable for continuing professional development.

The Advanced Diploma in Management should produce knowledgeable, intellectually skilled individuals who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within the organisation. It should provide the means for current individuals in the general management field to receive recognition of prior learning and to upgrade their skills and knowledge base.

The qualification is structured in such a way that it exposes individuals to a set of core competences to give a broad understanding of general and public management. The electives allow for a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology.

Rationale:

The Advanced Diploma in Management is designed to provide the graduate with a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in the field of general management. It provides intellectual enrichment and enhances flexibility in the light of changing circumstances.

The qualification is offered as an open distance learning programme. As a force contributing to social and economic development, open and distance learning is fast becoming an accepted and indispensable part of the mainstream of educational systems in both developed and developing countries, with particular emphasis for the latter. The terms open learning and distance education represent approaches that focus on opening access to education and training provision, freeing learners from the constraints of time and place, and offering flexible learning opportunities to individuals and groups of learners. Open and distance learning is one of the most rapidly growing fields of education, and its potential impact on all education delivery systems has been greatly accentuated through the development of Internet-based information technologies, and in particular the World Wide Web. In 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) document: A Policy Framework for Education and Training outlined a vision of a future well-designed and quality distance education system based on the principles of open learning. For Southern Business School the open distance learning context and the importance of this mode of learning is paramount in our endeavour to meet the needs of learners and stakeholders.

Investing in education is critical to economic and social development in Africa, especially in providing Africans with greater opportunities for personal and collective advancement. The Programme for the Transformation on Higher Education: Education White Paper 3 (Department of Education, 1997) is very clear with regard to the importance of training effective managers, especially with the view of addressing the imbalances of the past - the following are direct quotes from the document): "There is a chronic mismatch between the output of higher education and the needs of a modernizing economy. In particular, there is a shortage of highly trained graduates in fields such as science, engineering, technology and commerce (largely as a result of discriminatory practices that have limited the access of black and women learners), and this has been detrimental to social and economic development." "...higher education must provide education and training to develop the skills and innovations necessary for national development and successful participation in the global economy." "Human resource development: The mobilisation of human talent and potential through lifelong learning to contribute to the social, economic, cultural and intellectual life of a rapidly changing society." "Production, acquisition and application of new knowledge: national growth and competitiveness is dependent on continuous technological improvement and innovation, driven by a well-organised, vibrant research and development system which integrates the research and training capacity of higher education with the needs of industry and of social reconstruction." There is a clearly defined goal to further the development of managers and management on national level. Southern Business School, as a provider of open distance learning, focuses especially on national needs and, in line with our mission statement, specifically on the need for quality, accessible, and recognised education in the field of management.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

A learner should be able to:

Demonstrate efficiency in English language skills.

Demonstrate efficiency in numeracy skills at NQF Level 5.

Take responsibility for their studies and progress within the learning environment.

Undertake self evaluation.

Analyse information.

Give a comprehendible presentation.

Demonstrate fundamental understanding of general management and business principles.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible, if the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this Qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow:

For accelerated access to further learning.

Gaining of credits towards any of the Exit Level Outcomes in this qualification.

All recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA) and must be conducted by a registered work-place assessor. Identified outcomes may have been acquired in a range of economic sectors and these will be considered as appropriate where the candidate provides evidence of the applicability of that learning to this qualification.

Access to the qualification:

Learners registering for this qualification should already have achieved the Diploma in Management, NQF Level 6 or an appropriate Diploma or Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

The Advanced Diploma in Management is a 120 Credit qualification at NQF Level 7. The exit level outcomes have been grouped into fundamental, core and elective components.

Fundamental:

Management: 5 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Research Methodology: 5 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Core:

Management: 20 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Leadership: 25 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Research Methodology: 20 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Electives: Select any three of the following:

Labour law: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Labour relations: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Financial management: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Human resource development: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Human resource management: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Organisational behaviour: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Project management: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Public management: 15 Credits at NQF Level 7.

Learning Components; Number of credits allocated; NQF Level:

Fundamentals; 10 Credits; NQF Level 7.

Core; 65 Credits; NQF Level 7.

Elective; 45 Credits; NQF Level 7.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes Research Methodology:

Prepare a research proposal and illustrate advanced understanding of research in an organisation.

Exit Level Outcomes Management:

Generate, explore and consider options relating to strategic management in an organisation.

Exit Level Outcomes Leadership:

Critically analyse and illustrate advanced understanding of leadership in the business environment.

Exit Level Outcomes Electives (Labour law, labour relations, financial management, human resource development, human resource management, organisational behaviour, project management, and public management):

Demonstrate advanced understanding of - and the ability to critically analyse any three of the following managerial aspects from a strategic perspective: Labour law, labour relations, financial management, human resource development, human resource management, organisational behaviour, project management, and public management.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Research:

Research methodology concepts and processes are described with reference to research in the business environment and the role of ethics and communication in research analysed.

A research proposal is produced.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Management:

Strategic management concepts are applied to critically analyse, apply, review, evaluate and control appropriately selected strategies within the framework of a strategic management process in the organisation

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Leadership:

Detailed analysis of the leadership concept in context leads to the generation, exploration, consideration and decisions regarding a variety of leadership theory and models.

Quality management and its relation to leadership are critically analysed.

The relationship between leadership and change is critically analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Labour Law:

The employment contract, dismissal, labour practices, dispute resolution, collective labour law, freedom of association, and the rights of organisations and employees are analysed, described and assessed against current legislation and case studies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Labour Relations:

Labour relations are contextualised and an advanced understanding of the external relations context and statutory employment relations in South Africa illustrated.

The roles of a number of important players in the employment relations context are critically analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Financial Management:

The role and environment of managerial finance is described.

Financial statements analysed.

Cash flow and financial planning, the time value of money, the relationship between risk and return, stock valuation, capital budgeting and cash flow principles, capital budgeting techniques, risks and refinements in capital budgeting, the cost of capital, leveraging and capital structure, working capital and current assets management, current liabilities management, and international managerial finance are described and analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Human Resource Development:

The current human resource development environment is analysed with reference to relevant legislation and the learning organisation

A learning needs analysis is described and conducted, followed by the planning, organising and evaluation of appropriate human resource interventions

The relationship between quality management and human resource development is analysed

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Human Resource Management:

The strategic role of human resource management in a changing environment and as a catalyst for gaining a competitive advantage for the organisation is described and evaluated.

The relationship between leadership, intellectual capital, flexible patterns of work, technology, the international environment and human resource management is described and considered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Organisational Behaviour:

Organisational behaviour in a diverse global context is discussed.

The foundations of individual and group behaviour are analysed.

The role of communication, organisational structure, work design and technology, and organisational culture in influencing organisational behaviour is comprehensively examined.

The relationship between organisational change and stress management is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Project Management:

Key project management concepts and tools are analysed.

Project management approaches and methodologies are compared.

Project implementation approaches are differentiated.

Project management control measures are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes for Public Sector Management:

Governance and public management, its scope, role and structure is analysed.

The strategic leadership role of public managers is analysed in the context of strategic public management and service delivery strategies and mechanisms.

The future of public management is considered.

Associated Assessment Criteria:

The very nature of this qualification requires the learner to demonstrate competency in the English language as used in business, basic numeracy as required for elementary bookkeeping calculations, budgeting, pricing etc; management of self and interaction with others as well as an appreciation of the inter-relationship between the various business functions, and the role of both small, micro, medium and large enterprises in the development of the economy. Integrated assessment methods will therefore encompass all of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

Integrated Assessment:

Because assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, an integrated assessment approach is incorporated into the Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the exit level outcomes should be integrated.

Integrated assessment of these criteria will be achieved by a variety of strategies, including written examinations, individual projects and assignments. Learners are required to demonstrate an ability to consider a range of options and make decisions in mathematical finance, as well as to under-stand, reflect and critically evaluate the fundamental issues as they pertain to the work place or professional environment.

Assessment should ensure that all outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field out-comes are assessed. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Reference was made to comparable qualifications in South Africa and other countries - including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada. These countries were selected due to the similarities in terms of their higher education structure as well as the successes they achieve in the field of business.

South Africa:

The qualification is similar to the Advanced Diploma: Management offered by the South African Institute of Management. However, the Advanced Diploma in Management offered by Southern Business School offers a wider scope of electives and a specific focus on leadership that do not form part of the qualification offered by the South African Institute of Management. The qualification is structured as follows: Fundamental: Business Law; Economics, Management Practice. Core: Management Strategy, Management Research, Management Research Project. Electives (select one): Human Resource Strategy, Marketing Strategy, Credit Management Strategy, IT Management Strategy and Corporate Finance.

The Advanced Diploma in Management offered by the University of the Western Cape provides students with a broad understanding of the functional areas of management or a more focused expertise in Finance or Financial Planning. This qualification offers a range of options coupled to the core components of Business Finance, Marketing Management, Operations Management, Principles of Management and Business, Business Communications and Information Systems and Technology. Electives include Advanced Marketing, Business Law for SMEs and Economics for Managers, Employee Management, Employment Law, Financial Accounting 1, Financial Management, Principles of Management Accounting, Project Management, Quantitative Analysis, SME Management, Strategic Management, and World Class Manufacturing.

United Kingdom:

The Level 7 Advanced Professional Diploma in Management Studies offered by the Brighton School of Business and Management comprises 9 modules, similar to those offered in this qualification. The qualification consists of 9 compulsory modules, namely: Advanced Professional Development, Managing Change in Organisations, Management Research - Project and Presentation, Strategic Planning and Implementation, Leadership of Your Organisation, Managing Finance for Strategic Managers, Strategic Marketing Management, Quality and Systems Management, Human Resources Planning and Development.

Canada:

Thompson Rivers University offers the Advanced Diploma in Management to students with a minimum of two years relevant work experience and 60 post-secondary credits. This qualification emphasises leadership and critical cross-field outcomes such as communication skills are integrated into the qualification. The core components of the qualification are Management Accounting, Financial Management, Open Thinking, Analytical Decision Making, Open Communication, Leadership Fundamentals, Marketing for Managers, Strategic Human Resource Management, Contemporary Leadership, Business Law, Business and Society or Effective Leadership or approved equivalent, Leading Projects to Success or approved equivalent. The electives are Transition and New Beginnings, Leading Projects to Success, E-Business in a Competitive Environment, and Effective Leadership.

Australia:

Victoria University's Advanced Diploma in Management is a postgraduate programme consisting of the core units Manage Organisational Change, Provide Leadership across the Organisation, Develop and Implement Strategic Plans, Elective Units include Manage Finances, Develop a Systematic Approach to Managing OHS, Establish and Maintain Strategic Networks, Manage People Performance, Manage Innovation and Continuous Improvement, Manage Application of Project Integrative Processes, Manage Risk.

The Open Polytechnic Advanced Diploma in management is aimed at senior management and en-try requirements state the successful completion of the Diploma in Management. The qualification consists of two core courses (Applied Management, Leadership). Applicants must select one of Quality management, Strategic management or Project Management and five of Management Accounting, Business Ethics, Managing People, Employment Relations, Marketing, Operations management, or Managing Change.

Conclusion:
Taking all these different qualifications into consideration, it is evident that all the exit level outcomes of this qualification are in line with the requirements of other countries, although the Advanced Diploma exists in many forms and permutations. The focus of most qualifications is on strategic management and/or leadership, with electives allowing for the addressing of specific aspects in management. Furthermore these qualifications require a prior qualification at graduate level and the duration of the qualification is one year.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The qualification will be registered as an Advanced Diploma on NQF Level 7. As such, it should provide vertical and horizontal external articulation possibilities with all public and private higher education institutions that offer comparable studies at NQF Levels 6 and 7. Comparable programmes are offered locally by the South African Institute of Management, the University of the Western Cape, and the University of Stellenbosch. Learners will also gain vertical access to the Bachelor of Business Administration degree or a cognate postgraduate diploma.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing or moderating a learner against this qualification must be registered as an assessor or moderator by SBS and must be in possession of a qualification at least one level above the level of this qualification.

All assessment tasks, whether formative or summative, are subject to moderation. For formative and summative assessment tasks, at least 10% of all assessment tasks are externally moderated. For summative assessment, where more than one marker is involved, at least 50% of the final marks are moderated via a system of internal moderation, before being externally moderated. For summative assessment external moderators on the Advanced Diploma in Management are appointed to examine at least 60% of the credits at the exit level at which the qualification is awarded. External moderators must be independent experts in their fields with qualifications at least one level above the qualification being examined External moderators are approved by the Academic Committee and are responsible to the Academic Committee. External moderators are provided with documentation on the curriculum and all relevant assessments and guidelines and a format to assist in the completion of their reports. Completed external moderators reports are re-turned to the lecturer concerned and to the Academic Head.

Where problems are raised, these are discussed with the lecturer concerned and the Academic Head ensures that agreed improvements are effected.

External moderators have the right to adjust marks and they are required to approve the final marks list for the qualification concerned. They are also asked to comment on:
> The validity of the assessment instruments in relation to the specified learning outcomes, ideally prior to their implementation, (there should be a suitable range of different assessment methods to ensure that all outcomes are validly assessed).
> The quality of student performance and the standard of student attainment across the spectrum of results in relation to the learning outcomes, international academic/professional standards and relevant generic qualification standards.
> The reliability of the marking process.
> The quality of feedback given to students.
> Any concerns or irregularities with respect to the observation of institutional/professional regulations.

NOTES

This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Southern Business School - effective 29 September 2020

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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.	Stadio (Pty) Ltd