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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
118464  Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Lyceum College (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-11-18  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 primary purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management is to equip learners with an in-depth theoretical and practical knowledge understanding of the most important areas of the business management field.
The qualification will prepare learners for the field of general business management and administration to be successful middle and senior managers. This is done through enhancing their management skills and knowledge as well as providing them with a solid academic grounding.

The qualification is designed to respond and address the scarce skills shortage published by the Department of Higher Education and produce graduates who can meaningfully contribute to the economy. The impact for South African industry /commerce is to provide businesses with competent, well-educated managers with a thorough understanding of their work, an ability to critically analyse information, as well as the ability to make informed, meaningful, practical decisions. The qualification will enable them to be effective middle and senior managers and successfully compete in a business environment.

The qualification addresses both soft and hard skills necessary to succeed in both a professional and academic career. The combination of soft and hard skills are gained in each module as the outcomes are covered providing specific knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the management world at a mid to senior level. Graduates can work across sectors and industries and apply their skills sets to a range of workplace management and administration scenarios.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be to:
  • Evaluate and apply fundamental business principles and assess their impact on decision making.
  • Access, process and manage information within the complexities of the current world of work.
  • Analyse the integrated management of resources and processes in a business context.
  • Solve a workplace-based project, applying specialized knowledge holistically, to solve a concrete problem relevant to the business field.
  • Identify, apply, or transfer appropriate standard procedures, processes, or techniques to unfamiliar problems in a specialised field, discipline, or practice.
  • Work collaboratively in teams while exercising self-reflection and accountability for personal gains.
    The qualification will facilitate career transitions to middle and senior management positions; thereby providing an academic conduit to pursue further areas of study in the field of business management and administration, specifically the Master of Business Administration.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is intended to provide the necessary skills and knowledge for individuals aspiring towards management positions. Corporates require competent managers at various levels who understand several business principles across functional business administration levels.

    The qualification provides learners with a thorough understanding of the relevant concepts, theories and practices in this field of commerce, as well as skills to apply these concepts, theories and practices in actual, real-world situations. Learners would be expected to demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in an area at the forefront of the commerce field as well as to demonstrate the ability to interrogate multiple sources of knowledge in an area of specialisation (commerce) and to evaluate knowledge and processes of knowledge production.

    Furthermore, the qualification will provide learners with further learning and employment opportunities by making them more marketable to employers as a result of their upskilling. The impact for South African industry or commerce is to provide businesses with competent, well-educated managers with a thorough understanding of their work, as well as the ability to make informed, meaningful, practical decisions. The learner would be required to demonstrate an understanding of the complexities, uncertainties, procedures, processes, or techniques within the business environment. Higher-level problem solving as a specialised skill set is required within this discipline.

    The benefit from this for South Africa as a whole would be the upskilling and educating citizens who will be able to make a valuable contribution to society and national projects. The qualification aims to produce suitably skilled learners in the industry in addressing the needs of the stakeholders. Successful learners will contribute to the social and economic transformation of South Africa in that they will become effective managers in both the private and public sectors.

    In addition, the qualification has been developed to respond and address the national scarce skills published in the Department of Higher Education and Training's (DHET) National Scarce Skills List, which identifies the "Top 100 Occupations in Demand". The list includes the following:
  • Director (Enterprise / Organisation).
  • Corporate General Manager.
  • Project Manager.
  • Sales and Marketing Manager.
  • Supply and Distribution Manager.
  • Logistics Manager.
  • Small Business Manager.
  • Operations Manager (Non-Manufacturing).
  • Logistics Manager.
  • Retail Manager (General).

    These 'occupations in demand' refer to "occupations that show relatively strong employment growth or are experiencing shortages in the labour market" (DHET, 2018). To address these skills shortages and the gaps in the supply of suitably qualified graduates, the qualification is will equip individuals who possess technical and/or professional competencies with the managerial acumen that is required to take up many management positions. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes informal, and non-formal learning and work experience.

    The institution may recognize other forms of prior learning as equivalent to the prescribed minimum admission requirements and may recognize other forms of prior learning for entry to or granting advanced standing in given qualifications.

    Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to the qualification may be awarded some or all of the credits towards the qualification.
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all of the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all of the learning outcomes of the qualification as a whole.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Operations, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,100 Credits:
  • Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Technology and Information Management, 10 Credits.
  • Strategic Management, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing and Sales Management, 10 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits (Select one module).
  • Advanced Human Resources Management, 20 Credits.
    or
  • Advanced Project Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively in the business management and administration context using various modes of communication in both written and oral presentations.
    2. Identify, analyse, and apply principles of business management and administration to real-life case studies and problems.
    3. Collect, evaluate, and utilise business management and administration information in the decision-making process.
    4. Identify and understand connections between economic, social and political factors affecting the management of businesses in the 21st century.
    5. Work effectively with others as a member of a management team at various levels of management.
    6. Manage the process and assess the implications for self, business and systems and the different methods of intervention in business management and administration systems and situations.
    7. Evaluate and apply economics, strategic decision making, human resources, information technology, finance and marketing theories and principles in decision making.
    8. Explore and apply general business management competencies to solve complex business problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Create various types of business-related documents using numerous tools.
  • Communicate both written and spoken work effectively.
  • Obtain data from research and incorporate meaningfully for decision-making purposes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify needs, opportunities and strategies of business administration that may be applied to real-life situations.
  • Analyse, review and evaluation of complex problems related to business administration against sometimes contradicting areas of specialisation.
  • Business management skills are applied across specialised fields in the business administration context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate information gathered for logical decision making.
  • Critically review organisational strategies using established frameworks.
  • Identify and analyse real-world scenarios using theory-driven arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Identify and resolve socio-economic challenges in Southern Africa impacting business and management.
  • Evaluate and address global challenges impacting business and management.
  • Examine, analyse and review the contextual relationship between economic, political and legal contexts including governance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Work effectively as part of a team relating to managerial decision making and reasoning.
  • Manage relationships at various management levels.
  • Manage ideas, insights and viewpoints with acceptable sensitivity and engage with others in work and in, business administration and other managerial work environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Critically self-assess abilities and areas of improvement for personal development within business administration
  • Take responsibility for self-development.
  • Manage team dynamics using different systems in varying situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Analyse and apply resource allocation and process management in a business administration context.
  • Identify and analyse management-related challenges spanning business administration specialisation areas.
  • Explore and apply business management skills across specialised fields in the business administration context.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Evaluate and apply general management skills across specialised fields in the business administration context.
  • Manage and lead work in teams to achieve desired results.
  • Apply researched theories and frameworks to influence decision making. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The outcomes, entry requirements, duration modules, degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification have been favourably compared to similar qualifications from the following institutions:

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: Auckland University of Technology
    Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate in Business Administration.
    Credits: 120.
    Duration:
    One to one-and-half years full-time, two-to-four years part-time basis.
    Entry requirements:
    A bachelor's degree and three years' work experience. Proficiency in English is also required.
    Purpose:
    The qualification is a part-time qualification intended for senior managers, professionals, and administrators. It is designed to shape and enhance managerial capabilities and improve their decision-making abilities in an ever-changing global context. The qualification provides advanced knowledge and skills in business essential for learners to pursue personal, professional goals and postgraduate studies.
    Qualification structure:
    Similar to the new qualification, the qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Business in Society; Organisations and Culture,
  • Contemporary Marketing.
  • Financial Management.
  • Technologies, and Compliance.
  • Supply Chain Management.
  • Contemporary Marketing.
  • Cybersecurity Techniques and Regulation.
  • Business in a Changing World

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Graduate in Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration should demonstrate:
  • Advanced knowledge of business management professional practice.
  • Ability to reflect to deepen self-knowledge and that of others.
  • Affinity to synthesis important ethical, social, environmental and sustainability aspects as they apply to business.
  • Critical thinking, reasoning, judgement, analysis, and integration.
  • Ability to apply theory to current business practices.
  • Capability to produce high-quality business presentations and documents.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: University of Technology Sydney
    Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Business Administration.
    Credits: 48 credits
    Duration: One-year, full-time or two years on a part-time basis
    Purpose:
    The qualification covers the major areas of business administration to shape the senior managers of the future. The qualification emphasizes self and team development essential for careers within the business administration field.
    Entry Requirements:
    A bachelor's degree, or an equivalent or higher qualification, or submitted other evidence of general and professional qualifications. Proficiency in English is also required. Learners are offered a maximum of five exemptions into the programme. Learners are also considered via the RPL process

    Qualification structure:
    Similar to the new qualification, the qualification consists of the following compulsory modules.
  • Leading People and Change.
  • Accounting and Financial Reports.
  • Marketing Decision Making.
  • Financial Management.
  • Leading People and Change.
  • Accounting and Financial Reports.
  • Marketing Decision Making.
  • Financial Management.

    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Upon completion of the Graduate Diploma in Business Administration, learners are expected to:
  • Manage own time and processes effectively by prioritising competing demands to achieve personal goals (Manage self).
  • Apply systems thinking to understand complex system behaviour, including interactions between components and with other systems (social, cultural, legislative, environmental, business).
  • Apply decision-making methodologies to evaluate solutions for efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability.
  • Reflect on personal and professional experiences to engage in independent development beyond formal education for lifelong learning.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and behaviours to operate effectively in culturally diverse workplaces and a changing global environment.

    Comparison:
    The institutions and the specific qualifications offered, which are identified above are comparable to the South African qualification. The identified qualifications are very similar to the South African qualification as they all target the same learner outcomes and impact. There are strong business management and administration themes throughout with a focus on producing commercially minded learners. The duration, level and Exit Level Outcomes are similar.

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted reveal that this qualification compares favourably with international business management and administration qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.