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:

Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117928	Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management
ORIGINATOR
CTU Training Solutions
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Project Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-11-20	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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management is designed to provide opportunities for qualifying incumbents to access positions in middle to senior management in project management and administration within various fields of business and economic environments. The qualification will develop a well-rounded learner with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of project management and enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context.

This qualification comprises an in-depth study of vital project management principles and techniques. A range of modules allows learners to integrate knowledge and skills such as project planning, cost, quality, management, risk and IT software towards achieving a comprehensive overview of the effective and efficient management of projects. The qualification requires the execution of learning content in a specific order in line with the national and international accepted body of knowledge (PMBOK) linked to effective and efficient project management, to create a model forming a knowledge foundation towards progressive modules. The combination of modules included in this qualification aims to develop a learner who can support organisations in executing strategies, mitigating risks, defining budgets and scope towards achieving successful outputs. The qualification seeks to close that gap by producing graduates who can apply knowledge and skills that will support successful project outcomes and bottom-line growth.

Rationale
The National Scarce Skills List (2014) compiled by the Department of Higher Education identifies the need for project management skills and competencies as the fifth-highest scarce skill currently being experienced within the South African business and economic environment. The demand for project managers is not limited to a specific sector or workplace as most organisations pursue their strategies through the implementation of projects. This is evident in an article by the Project Management Institute (2015) which states that global senior executives ranked project management as critical in their ability to deliver success and remain competitive.

The need for project managers can be found in the field of business, banking, engineering and IT as all institutions in the new economy practice project management. Professional bodies like the Association of Project Management South Africa (APMSA) expressed the need for fundamental learning qualifications to prepare incumbents for a career in project management. The aim of such learning qualifications should be to develop a deepened understanding of the project and general management tools, techniques and best-practice methodologies. It should include a fundamental understanding of business and wealth creation processes as well as a thorough understanding of the context within which organisations operate.

Projects are diverse, so a wide range of competencies is required to manage them and other similar systems and qualifications. This qualification aims to provide the knowledge and skills required for an individual to conduct projects successfully; be an effective project team member or team leader; undertake a range of project management tasks such as planning and execution of projects or sub-projects; understand and consider internal and external organisational environments in managing projects effectively. The necessity to obtain knowledge and develop practical skills and competencies is reiterated by the International Project Management Association (IPMA) (2015), stating that formal training should create a project manager with extended competencies.

The current economic downturn only heightens the value of project management and requires expert project managers that can initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control and successfully close projects to assist modern-day institutions to accomplish goals.

Possible career opportunities for learners include Junior project manager, Project administrator, Project coordinator, Senior project manager, Project analyst, IT project manager, Financial project manager, Risk manager, Project consultant, Portfolio manager and Project specialist.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied for by learners who do not meet the admission criteria. Learners may gain admission to the qualification through an RPL route and this qualification may be obtained in part through the accumulation of credits for the Recognition of Prior Learning.

Selected learners will be granted access to the qualification without the pre-requisite academic learning through:

Examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).

Interviews to establish readiness, maturity and academic abilities.

The entrance test to establish whether prior learning is of a standard to manage the qualification.

Letters of recommendation from colleagues or peers.

RPL for credit exemption.

In select cases, the credit will be granted for prior certificated learning at South African higher education institutions following an established practice. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award and the outcomes of the modules concerned.

Learners who wish to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning must do so following the RPL policy of the institution.

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

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
Or

National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's studies.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 375 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits:

Business Management 1A, 10 Credits.

Business Management 1B, 10 Credits.

Project Management 1A, 10 Credits.

Project Management 1B, 10 Credits.

IT Software Project Management 1A, 10 Credits.

IT Software Project Management 1B, 10 Credits.

Finance in Project Management 1A, 10 Credits.

Finance in Project Management 1B, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 170 Credits:

Project Communication Management 1A, 11 Credits.

Project Communication Management 1B, 11 Credits.

Macro-Economic Environment, 10 Credits.

Micro Economic Environment, 10 Credits.

Business Management 2A, 15 Credits.

Business Management 2B, 15 Credits.

Project Management 2A, 15 Credits.

Project Management 2B, 15 Credits.

IT Software Project Management 2A, 12 Credits.

IT Software Project Management 2B, 12 Credits.

Finance in Project Management 2A, 10 Credits.

Finance in Project Management 2B, 10 Credits.

Information Systems 2A, 12 Credits.

Information Systems 2B, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 125 Credits:

Project Management 3A, 15 Credits.

Project Management 3B, 15 credits.

IT Software Project Management 3A, 12 Credits.

IT Software Project Management 3B, 12 Credits.

Business Law, 12 Credits.

Organisational Studies 3A, 12 Credits.

Organisational Studies 3B, 12 Credits.

Research Methodology related to Project Management, 15 Credits.

Project Management Research Paper, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Explain the principles, standards and phases applicable to project management.
2. Demonstrate an understanding and application of key project management processes inclusive of planning, implementation, monitoring and control.
3. Illustrate the vital importance of high-performance teams in achieving effective and efficient project management results.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the spectrum of risks in the external and internal environments that may impact on project execution.
5. Demonstrate general knowledge pertaining to management theory and practices.
6. Demonstrate and apply management practices and processes to a project management environment.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to use various software packages to promote effective and efficient project management.
8. Use information systems to support the management of projects.
9. Demonstrate knowledge of financial management within a project management environment.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of socio-economic environments that influence projects.
11. Demonstrate knowledge of business, labour, procurement and contract law and its implications to a project environment.
12. Communicate effectively and professionally in a project environment.
13. Research topics related to project management, using a research method appropriate to the topic and organise this information in a report.
14. Apply scientific knowledge and ways of thinking to societal issues related to project management, taking into account ethical and cultural considerations.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Define a project and its attributes.

Explain the principles and practices of project management.

Describe project management methodologies inclusive of their characteristics and limitations.

Analyse critical success factors for project management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Apply the project management life cycle using applicable examples from a selected environment to ensure the successful execution of a project.

Explain and apply the elements involved in creating a project plan inclusive of setting project objectives, providing work breakdown structure and identifying resource requirements in line with recognised standards.

Determine the planned resource utilisation of a project.

Perform steps in the project control process inclusive of how it will be monitored and corrective action be taken to ensure successful completion.

Identify and describe the application of tools and techniques to plan and control quality within a project.

Discuss, using applicable examples, processes and methods of monitoring and controlling projects.

Explain the context and requirements of project evaluation.

Describe project closure and various factors that may influence project success.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify organisational and people factors that will affect the successful implementation of a project.

Describe the importance of team growth, performance setting and appraisal.

Discuss the necessity of conflict and negotiation skills in developing and maintaining high-performance teams.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Explain the importance of managing time as a project risk factor.

Conduct a qualitative and quantitative risk analysis using various techniques to determine probability and scale of risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Describe the nature of management theory and the evolution thereof.

Explain contemporary management issues within a project management environment.

Present an understanding of planning, organising, leading and control as key management functions inclusive of its processes and areas of application.

Describe ethics, social responsibility and corporate governance as contemporary management issues.

Explain contemporary management issues within a project management environment.

Describe various leadership and management styles and differentiate between leadership and management.

Discuss marketing and the importance of marketing management within a project environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Discuss the relationship between various business functions and the management of projects in organisations.

Explain the application of key planning strategies to develop goals and objectives as the foundation for project development.

Identify reasons for businesses and various types of businesses in which projects are executed.

Recognise the important role of psychological climate dimensions in organisations about the effective management of a project.

Describe leadership and management styles and the application thereof to a project environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Define the role and scope of ICT in effective project management.

Differentiate between different types of project management software packages.

Select and explore project management software packages ideal for various types and scopes of projects.

Investigate the use of the virtual environment as a tool to manage project information.

Identify software-related problems, their effect on the execution of projects and possible solutions to minimise risk.

Describe the use of technology tools during the planning, implementation, monitoring, control and evaluation of various types of projects.

Control the execution of projects using relevant documentation available via project management information systems (PMIS).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Analyse technical environments to design and implement advanced technical systems towards improved project management.

Analyse information system problems and their impact on the successful execution of projects.

Design, develop and implement information system infrastructure to support project management execution.

Explain the flow of project information, using a practical example of an information system infrastructure.

Explain the importance of information as part of decision-making during the planning, implementation, control and evaluation of projects.

Discuss the value of knowledge management to improve project execution efficiently.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

Analyse the financial management environment of the organisation and its impact on projects.

Indicate how the financial status of an organisation will influence effective project execution.

Discuss various financial instruments.

Conduct project cost management.

Apply the concept of project life cycle costing and costing accuracy.

Conduct cost/benefit analysis throughout a project life cycle.

Discuss procurement as a key component of managing project finances.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

Explain the main environmental influences on an organisation and the degree of change in strategies that may impact on project scope and management.

Analyse the socio-economic and political environment in which an organisation operates and the implications thereof on its strategic focus.

Describe the influence of organisational culture on the social environment within which projects are executed.

Describe changes in demand and supply and the influence thereof on long term projects.
Investigate the impact of global and government policies on business operations and the influence on effective project execution.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:

Describe the role of labour law and its implications for managing projects.

Define generic terms and conditions related to contracting.

Describe human resource contracting processes and methods.

Explain contracting related to procurement within the project scope.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:

Communicate project information in a coherent format applicable using professional business communication formats.

Recognise the importance of establishing effective communication in the project system.

Apply various communication methods and channels such as face to face discussions, letters, memos, meetings, presentations and electronic media to communicate project information.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:

Collect and record data accurately, truthfully and in appropriate formats.

Conduct appropriate forms of enquiry by applying standard procedures within the discipline such as experimental or computational techniques, or deductive reasoning.

Analyse data and scientific evidence and from such analysis construct valid arguments and conclusions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:

Apply knowledge of theory to particular real-world contexts.

Design appropriate procedures for generating relevant information, including selecting and applying such with due concern for bias and any ethical or safety considerations.

Compile a detailed project plan using own knowledge and skills.

Integrated Assessment:
Overall marks consist of two sets of marks, i.e. formative and summative. Generally, the formative and summative marks respectively contribute 50% towards the overall mark (Academic Guidelines to Higher Education Learners Policy, 2010). Each module offered at each of the levels indicated will be examined in the form of a written examination, examination equivalent assignment or an oral examination.

Formative assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the teaching and learning process. It is designed to support the teaching and learning process and is developmental. It is a learning opportunity that assists in planning future learning, which indicates learners' strengths and weaknesses and provides feedback to the learners. The formative assessments are made up of assignments. These count 50% toward the final mark. The Academic Guidelines to Higher Education Learners Policy (2010) states that formative assessment will be done by group activities, individual activities, assignments, theories, tests, etc.

Summative assessment refers to assessment that is used for making a judgement about the achievement of outcomes. Such assessments are carried out at the end of a module. Summative assessment on learning qualifications at the institution is normally in the form of traditional examination.

The examination could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 50% towards the final mark. Each module offered at each of the levels indicated will be summatively assessed (Academic Guidelines to Higher Education Students Policy, 2010).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Bellevue University in the United State offers a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management aimed to prepare learners to manage and lead project teams across a spectrum of business environments. The degree is approved by the Project Management Institute and includes modules related to fundamentals of project management, business communication, project leadership, cost and quality, project risk management procurement and applied project management. Similar to this qualification, the proposed Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management also include detail about the fundamentals of project management, project management implementation components and business communication. The application of project management is covered in the project management research paper module offered during the final year of the proposed qualification.

The Colorado Technical University offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration - Project Management. The qualification is designed to help learners prepare for the responsibility of the planning, executing and supporting a range of projects in businesses. The degree offers a balance between business fundamentals with real-world project management principles, tools and techniques. Modules included in the qualification relate to organisational leadership, project risk management, contract and procurement, project quality assurance, project scheduling and cost and HR project management. Though this is a 180 credit qualification, there are similarities with the South African qualification. All the components offered in the Colorado Technical University qualification are included in the project management modules (year 1-3) of the South African qualification. As with the Colorado Technical University qualification, this qualification also aims to provide learners with a wide scope of project management within various business environments.

Columbia Southern University's College of Business offers a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Project Management. Learners graduating from this qualification are equipped with knowledge of business theories, policies and procedures and are prepared to assume a responsible position within the business industry. They are taught skills related to decision-making, problem-solving and leadership. Their view is that effective project managers get the job done on time and within budget whilst meeting exact expectations. The Degree, therefore, focuses on teaching learners the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve the above. Modules included in the qualification relate to introduction to business, principles of accounting, business law, financial management, information systems management, leadership, business ethics and human resource management. Similar to this qualification, there are various principles and knowledge of project management in its project management modules, and also offers learners the opportunity to learn knowledge and skills related to financial management, business law and business management principles.

The University of Sydney offers a Bachelor of Project Management as a three-year Degree. Learners enrolling for this Degree can select to specialise in civil engineering science, built environment or software engineering science. Learners enrol for similar modules related to introduction to project management, project-based organisational behaviour, project finance, project quality management, project risk management and negotiation and contracting whilst specialising in their specific area of interest. Though the South African qualification does not offer a specialisation field, it covers topics similar to the qualification offered by the University of Sydney. Also, it includes a strong ICT component to prepare project management practitioners for using technology towards improved project management practices.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Bachelor of Administration Honours in Management, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Business Management and Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.

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.

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