SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117886  Diploma in Business 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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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   2033-06-30  

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
84906  Diploma in Business Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  365  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes required of a business manager, which includes a balanced combination of strategic management, administrative management, business communication, business marketing, bookkeeping and accounting, entrepreneurship and information systems.

The competencies captured in this qualification will provide the learner with a wide range of career options, such as:
  • Administration management.
  • Credit/debtors control.
  • Finance.
  • Marketing.

    Learners successfully mastering the competencies in this qualification will be able to contribute to the broader society by providing sound business management skills in both a formal and an entrepreneurial environment.

    The qualifying learner will:
  • Have an understanding of business management in a South African context.
  • Be able to generate a strategic plan for an organisation or new business enterprise using analytical tools and processes.
  • Have an understanding of the challenges regarding business management in a culturally diverse society.
  • Be able to apply appropriate and effective communication skills in a business management environment.
  • Be able to manage the information needs of the organisation so that timely, relevant and accurate information is available at all levels to make meaningful business decisions.
  • Be able to apply bookkeeping and accounting systems and processes in an organisation or business enterprise.

    Rationale:

    This qualification meets the needs of the sector by capacitating learners with a range of relevant skills and experience, through work-based learning, to enter the business management field. The qualification opens up opportunities for the individual to productively apply acquired business aptitudes within existing organisations or to the start of new ventures.

    The typical learners attempting this qualification would migrate from the schooling system with the necessary admission requirements, and/or would already be active in the workplace. This qualification will allow the learner access to further learning in the same or a related field.

    This qualification achieves the objectives of the NQF by facilitating access to and mobility and progression within education, enhancing the quality of education, accelerating the redress of past unfair and contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Learning Assumed To Be In Place:

    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication in the language of learning and teaching of the institution at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 3.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining the qualification.

    Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

    Recognition Prior Learning may also be used to grant admission to a learner who does not meet the minimum admission criteria.

    Access to the Qualification:

    There is an open access to this qualification for learners who have:
  • Successfully completed the National Senior Certificate granting admission to diploma study.
    OR
  • Successfully completed the National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting admission to diploma study.
    OR
  • Successfully completed a related qualification at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    To be awarded the qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 365 credits, as detailed below.

    All the modules are compulsory.

    Modules at NQF Level 5 (120 credits):
  • Business Communication 122, 15 Credits.
  • Information Administration Systems 122, 25 Credits.
  • Business Management 112, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship 112, 15 Credits.
  • Administrative Management 113, 30 Credits.
  • Bookkeeping and Accounting 122, 20 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6 (185 credits):
  • Entrepreneurship 212, 15 Credits.
  • Information Administration Systems 221, 10 Credits.
  • Administrative Management 212, 20 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour 21, 15 Credits.
  • Business Marketing 212, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Management 212, 20 Credits.
  • Bookkeeping and Accounting 222, 20 Credits.
  • Business Legal Practice 313, 25 Credits.
  • Industry Experience 323, 40 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 7 (60 credits):
  • Information Administration Systems 322, 15 Credits.
  • Strategic Management 312, 15 Credits.
  • Consumer Behaviour 312, 15 Credits.
  • Bookkeeping and Accounting 322, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of business management in a South African context.

    2. Generate a strategic plan for an organisation or new business enterprise using analytical tools and processes.

    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the challenges regarding business management in a culturally diverse society.

    4. Apply appropriate and effective communication skills in a business management environment.

    5. Manage the information needs of the organisation so that timely, relevant and accurate information is available at all levels to make meaningful business decisions.

    6. Apply bookkeeping and accounting systems and processes in an organisation or business enterprise.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    This qualification develops all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The basic principles, concepts, theories and best practices of business management are explained within a South African context.
    1.2 Contemporary management approaches and challenges are analysed both within South African and international contexts.
    1.3 The nature of functional management in co-ordinating the various activities designed to achieve predetermined goals is analysed within a business environment.
    1.4 The added value of sound business practices in a free-market economy is analysed.
    1.5 The basic principles, concepts and theories of marketing are explained within a business management context.
    1.6 Relevant South African legislation and legal practices pertaining to the business environment are analysed in order to determine the role of the management function in ensuring compliance therewith.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 The basic principles, ethics, concepts and theories of strategic management are analysed within the business context.
    2.2 An environmental analysis is conducted in order to determine strategic positioning of an organisation both locally and internationally.
    2.3 Strategic business goals and strategies are formulated based on the environmental analysis.
    2.4 A functional business plan is generated, which is derived from the strategic business goals and strategy.
    2.5 The role of a business plan as a management tool to ensure success and sustainable growth is analysed within the business context.
    2.6 The interplay between different components of a functional business plan are analysed from a management perspective.
    2.7 The basic principles, concepts and theories of entrepreneurship are applied in order to determine new business opportunities.
    2.8 The processes of starting a new venture within a South African context are analysed for incorporation in a strategic plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Working with others, teamwork and group dynamics are analysed within a business management context.
    3.2 Theories and approaches to leadership and organisations are analysed within a business management context.
    3.3 Cultural diversity in the workplace is analysed within a business management context.
    3.4 Organisational structure and culture are analysed within a business management context.
    3.5 Ethics are analysed within a business management context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The requirements of appropriate, effective and efficient communication are explained and applied in various business contexts.
    4.2 Information technology as a communication tool is used appropriate to the environment and context of the business.
    4.3 The dynamics, processes and features of group communication are analysed in various business contexts.
    4.4 Presentations are conducted in various business contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Information on contemporary business management is obtained for analytical purposes.
    5.2 Available information systems are analysed for appropriateness.
    5.3 The management information system within an organisation is analysed in order to determine its effectiveness regarding problem solving and decision making.
    5.4 An information system for an organisation is developed which supports and improves office administration, procedure, productivity and workflow.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 The basic concepts and principals of financial accounting are applied.
    > Range: Sales, credit purchase, adjustments of the income and expense accounts and payment and receipt transactions.
    6.2 The financial year-end procedures are performed for a business entity.
    6.3 Financial statements are analysed using ratio analysis.
    6.4 Appropriate financial software is used in a business context.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the learning pathway of the individual learning outcomes and/or modules. Summative assessment will be applied to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module. Integrated assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning so as to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes. 

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares well with industry standards and requirements on a national and international level. This is mainly achieved through extensive research and input for the outline of the qualification.

    This qualification has certain features which are not common to similar qualifications. For example it maintains a balance between theoretical knowledge and the opportunity to apply knowledge in a variety of business contexts. It also features the inclusion of entrepreneurship studies.

    In many countries, institutions that offer management courses have a Degree as an entry level qualification, with the possibility of the learner, in many cases, being able to pursue a Masters in Business Administration. However, this qualification compares favourably with what many institutions call Executive Development Programmes. These constitute a series of high level Short Courses, designed to meet the needs of the individuals who will be junior managers.

    United Kingdom:

    The School of Management of Cranfield University in the United Kingdom offers a series of two to three week intensive short courses that cover a number of competencies offered by this qualification. The Developing General Management Potential programme is designed to accelerate the early development of promising managerial careers and allows a manager to develop his/her visibility, credibility and maturity. The manager will make a wider business contribution through personal development and the acquisition of managerial knowledge. The programme has an unconventional design with a strong personal development focus. Managerial knowledge is translated into action through a powerful development process emphasising personal contribution, style and impact.

    The programme challenges the manager to:
  • Realise her/his own organisational leadership capability and influence.
  • Add managerial value without formal authority and power.

    Some of the specific competencies that a learner will acquire during the course are:
  • Make the transition from an operational into a managerial role.
  • Develop a wider perspective on management and business.
  • Become better informed about management thinking.
  • Understand the politics and social dynamics of organisations.
  • Challenge the status quo in constructive ways.
  • Differentiate between good and bad managerial practice.
  • Creating change through pockets of good practice.

    Some of the specific areas of focus that overlap with this qualification are:
  • Developing managerial potential: Understanding managerial roles; distinguishing between managerial and operational contributions; assessing and developing individual management style and impact.
  • Organisational culture and change: Exploring how different ways of thinking affect managerial contribution; determining the role of individual managers in organisational change; creating change through pockets of good practice.
  • Leadership and teamwork: Understanding the roles of leadership and management; applying the concept of leadership at all levels; understanding how to develop as a leader from within the organisation; appraising the use of teams in organisations; exploring the role of the individual in teams.
  • Finance and management accounting: Understanding and using financial information; ratio analysis; managing the budgetary process; investment appraisal; interpreting corporate finance issues.

    Instead, which has campuses in Europe (Paris) and Singapore, offers several management programmes of a short duration. The following is a brief comparison of their programmes. They offer an Advanced Management Programme, an International Executive Programme and a Management Acceleration Programme. From the description of the programmes it would seem that some of the competencies of the National Certificate: Generic Management (NQF Level 5) are similar to those in the Management Acceleration Programme, with the International Executive Programme reflecting more or less the competencies of the NQF Level 6 in Generic Management, a qualification currently under construction.

    The Management Acceleration Programme (MAP) is for those who are in their early stages of their careers as managers, with approximately five years of work experience. The programme is to help high-potential executives and future leaders move up the chain of authority and responsibility.

    Acting as a navigation tool for early career high-potential executives, MAP equips them with a general management perspective. It broadens their general business knowledge, deepens competence in key functional disciplines and expands leadership skills through coaching. Framed by the crucial concept of value-based management, participants learn how to create and capture value while forging a community with international like-minded high potentials.

    India:

    The Indian School of Business (ISB), one of the top performing business schools in the world, does not have structured Certificates or Diplomas in management. Their minimal qualification is an undergraduate Degree. However, the Centre for Executive Education at the ISB provides a range of short courses for managers who are already employed but who wish to move up the management chain. These short courses take place on an ongoing basis. There is no indication if these short courses are part of a structured programme. The courses revolve around, inter alia, Strategic Thinking, Leadership Skills, Marketing Strategies and Strategic Talent Management.

    Uganda:

    Makerere University in Uganda offers Executive Development Programmes for the public. The Division exists to develop and equip participants from different organisations with creative and imaginative skills to attack business challenges in the environment and enable organisations to take on competition. The Division conducts tailor-made (in-house) training programmes and Research and Consultancy Extension services that are intended to enhance skills and improve business performance.

    There is no indication that these training programmes are part of a structured programme. The following aspects offered resonate with the competencies in the National Certificate: Generic Management at NQF Level 5 have been selected:
  • Managing the Operations of Micro-Finance Institutions.
  • Capital Markets Operations.
  • Commercial Bank Portfolio Management.
  • Financial Management.
  • Managing Budgets.
  • Marketing for Financial Institutions.
  • Corporate Governance.
  • Re-engineering the Organisation.
  • Change Management.
  • The Legal Business Concept.
  • Market and Marketing Research.
  • Effective Management of Retail Businesses.
  • Focus on Management for Young Executives.
  • Effective Communication and Negotiation Skills.
  • Effective Human Resource Management.
  • Customer Care Service.
  • Effective Management Skills.
  • Effective Leadership Skills for Senior Executives.
  • Training of Trainers.
  • Results Oriented Management.
  • Strategic Planning and Management.
  • Project Planning and Management I.
  • Performance Appraisal.

    However, Makerere University also offers Certificates and Diplomas - similar to the ones in South Africa - in the Faculty of Management. Details of two programmes - the Certificate and Diploma in Business Administration - are available. These qualifications resemble the South African versions in the sense that the Certificate is offered over a one-year period and the Diploma over a two-year period. The Faculty of Management offers the following qualifications related to generic management:
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management.
  • Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.
  • Diploma in Local Government Administration Management.
  • Diploma in Local Government Finance Management.
  • Certificate in Business Administration.

    In conclusion, most institutions used for comparison in the course of this exercise do not offer Certificates and Diplomas in the field of management. Their minimum is a first Degree. However, some institutions offer Certificates and Diplomas. In terms of management qualifications, there also seems to be a focus on the Master in Business Administration and the first Degree is seen as a stepping stone towards that qualification. In many cases, Executive Development Programmes are offered for those who are already employed. This qualification is targeted mainly at that category. Seen from that point of view this qualification has much more content and structure than all the others that formed part of this study. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • This qualification may articulate horizontally with any relevant cognate qualification at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification may articulate vertically with any relevant cognate qualification at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation of assessments will be overseen by the relevant Quality Council.

    Internal and external moderation will be conducted by moderators appointed by the provider.

    Both internal and external moderators must be in possession of an appropriate qualification at least at one level higher than this qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    This qualification is now offered by Stadio (Pty) Ltd, and no longer by Prestige Academy (Pty) Ltd - 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 


    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.