SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Certificate in Project Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118002	Higher Certificate in Project Management
ORIGINATOR
Felix Higher Education (FHE)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Project Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	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 purpose of the Higher Certificate in Project Management is to provide learners with theoretical and practical knowledge, as well as applied skills appropriate to an NQF Level 5 qualification in the discipline of project management. The design of the qualification is consonant with the level descriptors and corresponding competencies. This is achieved by ensuring that the desired outcomes of the various modules which constitute the qualification are aligned to the corresponding level descriptors and applied competencies. The assessment criteria for the various modules also reflects this alignment.

The qualification is aimed at those employed within the business and other related sectors. Learners will develop key skills and competencies and apply these to perform their work duties effectively during the project life cycle, to create a unique product or service. The qualification aims to develop project management skills in the business and related sectors, to promote effective service delivery and national economic development. The qualification is suitable for:

An individual who wishes to enter a junior or middle management position.

An individual who has achieved another qualification in an applied area of practice but needs a more business-oriented project management qualification that is relevant to his/her career goals.

An employed person wishing to enhance and develop his/her skills and knowledge with a qualification in project management.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to:

Understand the nature, principles and content of project management;

Utilise appropriate techniques to communicate effectively as a project manager to all project stakeholders;

Use information technology effectively to manage a project; Develop a project management plan; Execute, monitor and control a project;

Effectively manage contemporary issues in project management.

Rationale:
The qualification is intended to provide access to higher education for those who choose careers in the broad field of business, commerce and management. The qualification provides an opportunity for individuals who have not attained a degree or diploma level pass in Grade 12, to enter higher education. More specifically, it provides an opportunity for graduation into higher education from further education, for individuals with a SETA-accredited Level 4 and Level 5 or equivalent qualification in the banking and business sector, to gain valuable knowledge and insights, skills and attitudes and values (graduate attributes) into project management practice.

The access to higher education provided by this qualification will have a significant positive influence on the capabilities of current and aspiring project management practitioners who may not have a formal qualification or those who aspire to enter the sphere of project management and pursue a career in project management.

The qualification is diverse in its content and style and is academically challenging through the inclusion of relevant legislation, theories, good practice examples and exercises. It intends to strike a balance in the qualification of both the conceptual (knowledge) and contextual (practical) aspects of the learning experience.

Workers are increasingly conscious of a workforce context which is influenced by, for example, challenging national and international economic conditions; the increasingly wider application of technology especially in the business and related sectors; the impact of online services and the recent high retrenchments in all sectors increased unemployment to 29% and the lack of available skills in project management.

The business sector and related services staff recognise that sound project management is a necessary tool in a business for high-quality service delivery. Consequently, current learners at the institution have expressed the desire to continue their studies in higher education through seeking relevant knowledge to support and respond to their work environments which are increasingly in flux. Project management skills are in demand in all sectors and there is a critical need for competent practitioners who can work as project co-ordinators, project leaders and project managers.

The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a great need for staff that are qualified and able to perform across the key areas of project management. Employees must be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers.

It also allows Recognition of Prior Learning for current project management practitioners and supports their career development. The qualification takes into account the current situation in which there is an increasing need for education and training in project management at entry-level and middle management level for those who are in employment in the business sector and related sectors.

The qualification will primarily provide access to higher education for persons wishing to pursue or further their careers in the business and related sectors. The qualification will promote due diligence, accountability, professionalism, values-based ethics, and sustainability within the supervisory and management during a project life cycle. This is necessary for promoting the national imperatives of high service delivery and which would more generally support national economic development and entrepreneurial efforts.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution recognises the importance that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring access and participation. In this process, learners must be able to demonstrate the necessary skills acquired through life or work experience and non-formal education to allow for access and study purposes at a post-school level. Implementing the Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, the RPL assessment process focuses on ways of evaluating the learner's lifelong and life-wide experiences (formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria conducted by a trained RPL assessor.

Recognition of Prior Learning takes account of:
Formal study;

Age;

Work experience;

Studies that were undertaken for personal gain/interest;

Company or government-based training;

Industry-based mentorship;

Working with experts in the field;

Internships; and

Other relevant life experience.

In addition to providing access, academic credits may be granted for RPL when, in the judgment of the institution's Admission and Selection Committee, the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of a specific module for which credit is applied. It is important to remember that the Committee will focus on the quality and not the quantity of prior learning and/or experience.

A Portfolio of Evidence (PoE) will be obtained from the learner and evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor.

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

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:

Fundamentals of Project Management, 20 Credits.

Communication in Project Management, 20 Credits.

Information Technology for Project Management, 20 Credits.

Project Management Process, 20 Credits.

Monitoring and Controlling Projects, 20 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Understand the nature and principles of project management.
2. Utilise appropriate techniques and skills to communicate effectively to all project stakeholders.
3. Use information technology effectively to manage a project.
4. Develop a project management plan.
5. Execute, monitor and control a project.
6. Manage contemporary issues in project management effectively.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Understand the nature and principles of project management.

Demonstrate understanding of the nature and content of project management, what a project is and how to apply the fundamental concepts that are relevant to a project and project management.

Explain how a project is co-ordinated and monitored in the context of its characteristics, interrelated processes and activities during its life cycle.

Select an appropriate project management methodology in the context of the organisation's strategy and capability.

Align project management principles and strategies to the organisational strategy.

Demonstrate good corporate governance and business ethics to reach the stated goals and objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Explain the process of communication, and apply communication principles during the project life cycle.

Plan and apply appropriate communication methods and techniques in both oral and written communication to targeted audiences.

Prepare and implement a communication plan based on the needs of the project.

Use appropriate communication and social skills to enhance interpersonal interaction during the project life cycle.

Respect different cultures, religions, ethnic groups and gender issues when communicating about a project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Apply effective management skills when using information technology in a project management environment and the principles of workplace safety during the use of information technology.

Show an understanding of basic industry-related software solutions to resolve information and communications technology (ICT) problems.

Demonstrate an understanding of the use of hardware by showing its technical requirements and operational functions.

Evaluate the internet and multi-media applications used in organisational information systems and during the project life cycle for their strengths and limitations.

Manage digital security risks by implementing governing guidelines and expecting the project team to use information technology ethically to protect the organisation and the project against any risks.

Evaluate the types and roles of information systems within the organisational setting, regarding operational, management and strategic requirements for the project in terms of functional and technological characteristics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Apply an appropriate model, techniques and tools and ensure compliance with and legal requirements when developing a project plan.

Align the project management plan with the organisational strategy and assigned costs to ensure that financial accountability is practised.

Include cost-time solutions that focus on reducing (crashing) activities on the critical path to shorten the overall duration of the project in the project management plan.

Specify and cost risk prevention activities, resources and planned responses in the required format.

Develop and approve an integrated project management plan according to project management criteria and organisational procedures.

Evaluate the project management plan, and make appropriate recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Execute project work according to the project requirements, the project management plan, legal requirements and agreed procedures.

Measure performance and apply preventative and corrective actions in line with the project plan and procedures communicated to stakeholders in the required format and time frame.

Apply appropriate tools and techniques to support project risk management.

Evaluate risks and recommend lessons learned to better manage future risks.

Evaluate the project upon completion and implement a well-planned project closure plan and process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Identify and manage changes in the project environment are identified and managed following the project management plan and agreed on procedures.

Discuss the differences in opinions that exist between and project manager and project leader are discussed in the context of their responsibilities.

Apply the principles of good leadership traits and emotional intelligence to influence successful thinking and actions.

Apply different types of leadership approaches and skills to effectively manage situational factors that affect the planning, implementation and closure of a project.

Discuss the relationship between the project, program, and portfolio management and the contributions they each make to project success with how a blend of specific knowledge, skills and competence is applied.

Assess the organisational need for a project programme and portfolio manager and use an appropriate management approach to link and implement a project according to the strategic objectives of an organisation.

Show an understanding of Agile Project Management methodology such as the Scrum approach.

Integrated Assessment:
Two assessment methods form the core of the institution's Assessment Policy, namely assignments (Formative Assessment) and invigilated assessment/exam (Summative Assessment). For each module, learners are required to submit a minimum/at least one assignment and participate in an invigilated exam. At the higher certificate level, learners are required to achieve a sub-minimum of 40% for each assessment component and an average of 50% in the final combined mark to be awarded the credit for the module.

Assignments will where appropriate, assess the learners' ability to apply theory to practice. In the Higher Certificate qualification, relevant articles, scenarios, mini projects and mini case studies will be used to assess the learner's ability in a more practical and applied way. Examination questions will assess the mastery of concepts, interpretation, theoretical underpinnings, problem solving and application.

Internal and external moderation/examination:
Since all the modules in the qualification are at an exit level, all assessments will be externally examined and moderated. The external examination will be conducted by peers from other higher education institutions offering similar qualifications. Moderation will also be undertaken to ensure inter-alia, validity and reliability of the assessment process.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Victoria University, Graduate Certificate in Project Management, Melbourne, Australia:
The Graduate Certificate of Project Management is designed to meet the needs of current or potential project managers in the industry. Advanced principles and techniques for project management and project team roles are taught.

This qualification includes the latest project management methods, trending across the various industries. This qualification is underpinned by the internationally recognised A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK� Guide).

Course structure and units:

Fundamentals of Project Management.

Project Planning and Control.

Project Governance.

Project Management and People.

Elective Units (Select 2):

Project Program and Portfolio Management.

Project Management.

Practice:

Project Management and Information Technology.

Project Procurement Management.

Project Stakeholder Management.

Project Risk Management.

Project Investment Analysis.

Project Construction Management.

Similarities:
The two qualifications are very much similar in purpose since both qualifications aim to provide fundamental knowledge in the field of Project Management by emphasizing key areas of Project Management namely: Information Technology, Communication, Project Management Process, Project Monitoring and Controlling. Career paths offered by these two qualifications are similar as they focus on the roles that would support wider project operations as contracts officers, project administrators, quality officers and small business operators. Individuals in these roles might be members of a project team, with no direct responsibility for the overall project outcomes. The entry requirements for both qualifications are also similar as they both tend to attract school leavers (Grade 12). In both qualifications, no certificates are issued for an early exit from the qualification, and a certificate of completion is only issued once all assessment criteria are complied with.

The University of Texas at Austin, Online Project Management Certificate Program USA, Texas:
The Online Project Management Certificate Program is intended to introduce learners to the essential skills and processes of project management that are recommended by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the leading not-for-profit Professional Membership association for Project Management professionals.

This qualification covers:

Introduction to Project Management.

Initiating.

Planning.

Executing.

Monitoring and Controlling.

Project Closeout.

Similarities:
The international Project Management Certificate Program like the south African qualification is offered via the online mode of study. Although both qualifications are aligned to the Project Management Book of Knowledge, however, there is a degree of variation in the depth of the curriculum covered. Both qualifications focus on the following knowledge areas: Fundamentals of Project management, Project Management Process, Monitoring and Controlling Projects, Planning etc.

Country: Kenya
Institution: Mount Kenya University
Programme: Certificate in Project management
Purpose of the Qualification:
The qualification has been designed to satisfy the specifications of project planning concerning the generic knowledge and requirements providing players in project planning services at the lower levels. The business sector is growing and there is the growing gap in the manpower requirements at such levels. Therefore, learners who complete this qualification will have a good understanding of project planning. The products of the qualification will in effect counter the rapid increase in the demand for trained personnel in project planning.

Similarities:
Mount Kenya Universities Certificate in Project management and the South African qualification both aims to provide fundamental knowledge in the field of Project Management by emphasizing key areas of Project Management namely: roles and responsibilities of the project office, project manager, Information Technology, Communication, Project Management Process, Project Monitoring and Controlling. Both qualifications offer entry-level job prospects with roles that would support wider project operations as Project Coordinators, Project Administrators, Small Business Operators. Individuals in these roles might be members of a project team, with no direct responsibility for the overall project outcomes. The entry requirements for both qualifications are also similar as they both tend to attract school leavers. A certificate of completion is only issued once all assessment criteria are met for both the qualifications.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Business Management, Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Advanced Certificate in Project Management, Level 6.

Diploma in Project Management, Level 6.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management, Level 7.

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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