SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Diploma in Project Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
117951	Advanced Diploma in Project Management
ORIGINATOR
Stellenbosch Graduate Institute (Pty) Ltd
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered		EXCO 0821/24	2020-12-04	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 Advanced Diploma in Project Management is aimed at professional preparation for prospective Degree or Diploma learners and to offer an intensive, focused and applied specialisation which meets the requirements for project managers in the labour market.
The purpose of the qualification is to enable learners to develop a deep understanding of project management through understanding the role of the project manager, being able to analyse requirements, execute sound project management practices, comply with standards and manage the project using different project management methodologies.
This qualification is therefore particularly suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice theory and methodology in project management.

This qualification is designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in the project management, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

The practitioner develops applied competence throughout the qualification through consideration of real-world cases, simulations and integrated assessments targeting real-world environments. Graduates will have attributes that include acting as professional, ethical and competent project managers that are capable of communicating, collaborating and innovating in diverse contexts.

Rationale:
The qualification was borne out of consideration that it would serve the needs of the 4th industrial revolution and the country envisioned in the National Development Plan (NDP) (2012). Project management at the level that the qualification offers is required in South Africa and project management is noted as an essential skill in the NDP and the National Infrastructure Plan (2012).

The NDP specifically states that there is a lack of effective project preparation and project management skills, including thorough feasibility work that causes service delivery backlogs, poorly conceptualised projects, and failure to spend allocated budgets.
South Africa currently has massive planned major infrastructure projects worth billions of rands and these types of projects will require capable project managers that are competent in advanced project management disciplines.

The qualification is modelled on the Individual Competence Baseline of the International Project Management Association that does not prescribe a methodology for executing project management but focuses on building the competencies required for a successful project, qualification and portfolio management.

The rationale for the qualification is to enable a project manager to have the required baseline competence in the domains of people management, practice management in the areas of project, qualification and portfolio management and perspective which is aimed at linking the initiatives of the project to the required achievement of the project goal.
Employers and learners are responding to the need for a qualification that allows for a deeper understanding of the requirements of project management. The need for this qualification comes as there are an increasing plethora of project management methodologies and to move beyond this to focus on the competencies to support the ongoing development of a capable project manager that can operate at an advanced level. The need for technical skills and project implementation remain relevant and is recognised as a critical component of continued transformation.

There is an interest in this type of qualification in multiple sectors, most notably technology, infrastructure, financial services and the service sector. A person that completes this qualification would be able to operate as an independent project manager in these and other industries.
The learner will benefit from a lifelong specialist and professional skill that is widely recognised and that will enable the skills required in the execution of strategic objectives of an employer organisation. Employers will benefit from learners that have a deep understanding of the project management context, environment and execution at all levels. The economy benefits from the efficient and ethical use of resources by capable project managers that deliver positive societal outcomes through the project approach.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The number of learners admitted and requirements for RPL will align with the requirements of the HEQSF and the policies of the institution at all times. A person may gain access and exemption based on prior learning in line with the credit accumulation and transfer policy of the institution.

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

Diploma in Project Management or related fields, NQF Level 6.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits:

The Project Environment, 20 Credits.

Project Systems and Requirements Analysis, 20 Credits.

Project Planning, 20 Credits.

Project Execution, 20 Credits.

Project Performance, 20 Credits.

Project Phases, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Strategically analyse the role of the project manager in establishing, managing and transforming organisations and systems.
2. Apply systems design and integration perspectives to manage projects within complex systems.
3. Systematically analyse establishment, requirements, plans, the progress of projects and evaluate and proposed improvement areas of projects in all phases of project delivery.
4. Contribute sound project management practices to the development of project organisations, processes, systems and solutions in different industries.
5. Comply with legal, legislative, governance, quality and ethical standards when implementing, managing and improving project environments.
6. Propose project delivery mechanisms in the context of qualification management and portfolio management requirements using different project management methodologies.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Define, evaluate and structure the role of a project manager concerning the competencies of a project manager, in various applied organisational contexts (legal, financial, managerial) and industries.

Identify and discuss the role of the project manager in establishing, managing and transforming organisations and systems.

Describe the change in the role of the project manager over the steps in a project and the phases of a project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Develop a project design in line with design thinking principles.

Apply systems theory to integration and design problems for projects.

Demonstrate the use of projects in organisations to improve and change complex systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Develop an approach and guideline for implementation that can be used for establishing, analysing requirements, planning, managing progress, evaluating and improving projects that take into consideration different project management best practices.

Differentiate between the requirements of projects that are in a start-up, execution and close-out phases and critically review the role of the project manager in each of these phases.

Demonstrate the application of appropriate methods for leadership, establishment, requirements analysis, planning, performance management, monitoring and evaluation and change management in all project phases.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Assess different project management practices and comment on their applicability in an applied context.

Compare and contrast different project organisations, processes and systems.

Evaluate how different organisations implement project management regarding industry-specific practices.

Demonstrate the baseline competence in people management, practice management in the areas of project, qualification and portfolio management required of a project manager.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Develop a personal and project code of ethics that takes into consideration the role of the project manager as a leader of the project team and their individual and collective responsibility to stakeholders, clients, their team and the broader context of a project.

Evaluate project scenarios from compliance, legislative, legal, governance and ethical standpoints and be able to recommend solutions that prioritise high ethical standards.

Consider the unique issues that may arise in different stages and phases of a project from a legal, legislative, governance, quality and ethical viewpoint.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Compare and contrast different project management and portfolio management methodologies through identifying their main components, processes & methods and where and when they are applied.

Describe the significance of project management concerning different qualification and portfolio management methodologies.

Design an end to end project delivery mechanism for a specific and applied project environment.

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments are done following the assessment policies of the institution.

Each module has:

Tests and assignments (50%).

Marks are allocated for completion of course-related activities (20%).

One summative assessment (30%).

Assignments are industry-related and applied and will require research and application of concepts to case study and real-world environments.

Learners must achieve the pass mark in all three categories of assessment. (i.e. cannot exclude the summative assessment in favour of completing all other activities, or not complete classwork and only pass the exam).

Exams are written in according to the examination policy of the institution and a learner must pass all modules to complete the qualification.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Advanced Diploma in Project Management has been designed based on the International Project Management Association standard for competency, which is published as the Individual Competence Baseline. The base standard has been compiled by 150 practitioners and thought leaders representing project management bodies in 70 countries. This qualification is aligned with Levels C and D of the ICB. As such, the competency requirements are robust and transportable to many environments.

Dublin Business School in Ireland offers an Online Diploma in Project Management. This qualification deals with the major stages of a project namely initiation, planning, execution, controlling and close-out of the project and the learner can:

Explain the characteristics of organisational approaches to project management.

Understand the core competencies required to make an effective project manager including communication, leadership, motivation, negotiation and team-building skills.

Understand the concepts of stakeholders, success criteria and critical success factors in the context of projects.

Evaluate the importance of effective management of the project life cycle.

Be able to apply methods, tools and techniques for planning, monitoring and controlling projects and for managing risk.

Create a project plan.

Understand the various roles and the importance of the project office.

The South African institution's qualification compares well against this qualification and addresses all elements.

Colorado State University in the USA offers a Bachelor's Degree in Project Management online with 120 Credits focusing on the core knowledge of project management in which 15 Credits are industry-specific knowledge, and this qualification enables the learner to develop theoretical application knowledge, as well as the soft skills associated with leadership in project management. Coursework focuses on the following career-driven topics that real-world project managers deal with regularly in the field.

Contracts.

Asset procurement.

Risk.

Project planning.

Scheduling.

Monitoring.

Control.

Earned value methods.

Project quality management.

The learner will also learn to utilise the personal traits possessed that draws them to project management; leadership, communication, and team building as they relate to the project management knowledge areas.

The South African qualification addresses all the major areas including contracting, asset management, risk management, project planning, scheduling, monitoring, controlling, earned value and quality management as well as the leadership and competency-based aspects. The Colorada State University learner would complete an additional 120 Credits on other courses for a 240-Credit degree level, which augurs well with the South African requirement to complete an NQF Level 6 or equivalent to support the Advanced Diploma in Project Management.

Bond University in Australia offers a two year Bachelor of Project Management qualification that specifically addresses business law, sustainable and responsible business, managing projects, accounting, business systems and processes, socialising process change, professional practice and standards and then add the specific disciplines of project management (i.e. scope, quality, procurement, communications, risk, stakeholder, schedule, cost, resource and integration management).

The South African qualification addresses all these topics in an integrated and applied way and compares well in its scope of addressing project management. The key difference would be that this qualification focuses on the project financial environment and project-level cost management, and the concept of sustainable and responsible business is integrated into all aspects of the qualification.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Business Management, Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management, 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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