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 Project Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
118666	Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
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		Generic Management
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 0333/25	2025-07-10	2028-07-10
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10		2032-07-10

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is to prepare project management professionals in the South African industry to manage complex projects and programmes within a greater organizational portfolio. The qualification will further capacitate the South African industry with highly knowledgeable and competent project managers with the ability to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and close projects of various complexities within an area of expertise in any organisation.

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

Provide input on strategic decisions in organisations, based on their acquisition of knowledge, skills, tools, and techniques in a project, programme, and portfolio management.

Research and apply advanced project management techniques in the organizational context to improve project performance.

Think critically and by strengthening and deepening their knowledge of aligning project management methodology with business and corporate strategy and goals.

The qualification draws meta-knowledge from the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) which is an internationally accepted Project Management standard. The qualification consists of three components, namely Technical, Leadership and Strategic, and Business Management aspects. The talent triangle was determined after interviewing many industry experts (PMI, 2015) regarding the kind of knowledge, skills and attributes that should be included to make professionals more efficient. This resonates with findings from alumni and industrial advisory as well as employers. The qualification will offer the following modules to address the above-mentioned industry expectations:

1. Technical Project Management
Candidates should have technical knowledge of the project activities. The following subjects address this expectation:

Agile Project Management.

Project Management Information Systems.

Project and Programme Process.

2. Leadership:
Good leadership skills are critical for the above components to be built into the project, hence the need for leadership skills to be developed.
Most projects have been found to fail due to a lack of proper leadership skills. Project Leadership will contribute to the development of leadership skills; these skills help in developing a vision for team members and inspire them to achieve the project targets Project Leadership will incorporate the following soft skills:

Motivational skills.

Negotiation skills.

Conflicting resolution skills.

Team building and development skills.

3. Strategic and Business Management:
Strategic and business management helps candidates to analyse business decisions before implementing them. The following subjects address this:

Procurement and Contract Management.

Project Management Research Methods.

Project Financing.

The qualification will provide a progression route for learners from the Advanced Diploma in Project Management (to the envisaged Master's and Doctoral Degrees. The qualification will utilise a blended learning approach that focuses on a shift from an instruction paradigm that is more teacher-centred, to a construction paradigm that is more learner-centred (Carnell, 2007:27). A blended learning approach will allow learners to learn more flexibly and independently with learning technologies and the University learner management system (LMS). The qualification will be offered part-time for working professionals and blended learning will be especially suitable for these learners.

Rationale:
In 'projectized' organizations, organizations arrange their activities into programs or portfolios and implement them through the projects. Project management is currently being utilised in most industries that include engineering, Information Technology, manufacturing amongst others. Across the globe in general and South Africa in particular, there's a widening gap between employers' need for skilled project management workers and the availability of professionals to fill those roles. This trend, introduced in PMI's first talent gap analysis completed in 2008, has grown and even outpaced the projections in the second analysis completed in 2012. Several catalysts have been attributed to the growth in the gap such as:

A dramatic increase in the number of jobs requiring project-oriented skills.

Attrition rates, including professionals retiring from the workforce.

A significant uptick in demand for project talent, especially in rapidly developing economies such as South Africa.

The National Development Plan-2030 (2011) and Skills Education Training Authorities (SETA) (2012) identified project management as a scarce skill. Project Management is rapidly evolving and is characterized by a paucity of contemporary project management skills, tools, and techniques in managing complex projects. Enhanced knowledge and skills to manage complex projects in the technologically changing environment is thus indispensable and the qualification is aimed at addressing the scarce skills. Most of the existing personnel in project management roles do not currently meet the registration requirements with project management professional bodies and fail to pass the much sought after and globally accredited and acclaimed Project Management Institute (PMI) professional examinations certifications. As a result, the claim is that practitioners are not strictly adhering to the codes of conduct as prescribed by professional bodies such as PMI and Project Management South Africa (PMSA). Thus, the introduction of this qualification will go a long way to address this skills shortage and to provide the required educational knowledge that is required as a pre-requisite to sit for professional PMI examinations. The National Planning Commission's Diagnostic Report (2011) identified the need to improve and maintain the national infrastructure as well as the improvement of the public health system. Most of the envisaged improvements are based on projects and the project management methodology. The qualification will thus help provide the necessary training for much-needed skills and successful implementation of these projects. The successful completion of this qualification will allow graduates to register with the professional bodies and be governed by the appropriate codes of conduct. By incorporating the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK), professional requirements would be included in the new qualification.

The graduate may exit to be a project administrator, project coordinator, or project manager. As the project management profession continues to develop, this qualification will provide the learners with graduate attributes and the necessary knowledge base to successfully practise as project managers in a dynamic field. A large proportion of existing project managers have no formal training in Project Management and hence the need to fulfil this gap by offering a formalised course at the postgraduate level. There is also growing recognition of Project Management as a professional field as evidenced by the wide application of PMBOK and Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE2) and other project management knowledge areas in many organisations.

In this new era, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), has initiated a digital transformation across industries, including the project management profession. To achieve competitive advantages, organizations must now utilize technology and data for strategy development, project execution, and delivery. Adopting Industry 4.0 is not just a matter of new technologies and/or tools and/or production methods but implies changes in all management aspects, not only at an internal level but also in relationships with stakeholders of the ecosystem in which the organization operates. Industry 4.0 has brought many careers to transform and businesses to change as well. One of those careers is the industry 4.0 project manager that gets another dimension with the coming of Industry 4.0. Traditional project management strategies need to be transformed in the fourth industrialization because it is a challenging job with a lot of variations. Transformations include digitization and automation of manufacturing operations, connecting various machines with multiple software platforms and interconnecting departments within the production environment, collecting and analysing big data stream, providing data to partners such as suppliers and machine builders, monitoring predictive maintenance and cloud platforms, and virtual and augmented reality (Moon Kham, 2018). The Qualification seeks to address the demands of Industry 4.0 by introducing the subject Project Information Management System 5 which looks at introducing learners to the current project management software on the market.

This qualification intends to further strengthen links with industry. Throughout their studies, learners will:

Explore case study-based projects to solve complex PM problems that are inspired by real-world scenarios, crafted in collaboration with our industry partners.

Solve a workplace-based project, applying their specialised PM knowledge holistically, to solve a concrete problem that is relevant to their profession.

Work collaboratively in teams while exercising self-reflection and accountability for personal gains.

Be exposed to state-of-the-art software and technology, as is used in the workplace and in research to complete project simulation, analysis, implementation and monitoring of tasks.

Cover relevant contemporary PM and interpersonal capabilities necessary for them to move into senior professional positions.

This qualification will provide a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience and application. The Research Report provide learners with an opportunity to integrate theory with practice as they work on real industry project related problems. Since the primary learner intake is working professionals, this will require the building of strong partnerships with employers to not only successfully complete the Research Report, but also promote the expansion of workplace training opportunities for PM, engage in activities that promote the practice of PM and contribute to the advancement and skill development of professionals who work in the PM discipline.
The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is in line with the White Paper for Post School Education and Training since it aims to meet the national development needs by expanding learner access and success through the development in the Government identified scarce skills areas of Project Management.

The employers require the following designations:

Project Managers: the person ultimately responsible for the project; authorized to spend budget and assign resources to realise project goals.

Programme Managers: responsible for programmes, coordinating several related projects to achieve a common goal.

Project Coordinators: a role weaker than a project manager; they may assign project resources but are not authorised to spend funds.

Project Expeditors: a role weaker than a project coordinator; reports on project progress without authority to assign resources or spend funds.

Project Planners: they maintain schedules and keep project resources on track, provide regular project updates to project directors, and maintain contact with staff to monitor job progress.

The qualification is designed to equip the graduate to be able to operate in the above-mentioned roles. Lower-level designations such as Project Coordinators, Expeditors and Planners will be able to improve their skills and are potential candidates for the programme if they meet the entry requirements. Consultation with industry partners and alumni, as well as information retrieved from job advertisements and questionnaires distributed to working professionals and alumni, indicated that the following aspects should be addressed in the qualification in Project Management:

Leading projects from inception to completion within the traditional and emerging methodologies such as Agile, Scrum etc;

Facilitating project planning sessions with internal stakeholders to determine the scope and objectives of each project.

Working with business stakeholders to establish project performance goals.

Designing project plans, developing timelines, identifying project milestones, and tracking performance against performance goals.

Identifying, tracking, and working with others to resolve project issues.

Monitoring and communicating project status to project team.

Planning and monitoring project and programme budgets,

Managing project risk, maintaining project notes, databases, and other records.

Monitoring measures and communicating with Project Sponsor and other stakeholders on the status of specific projects and assignments

Identifying and assigning appropriate resources to accomplish various project tasks.

Use of various technologies and operating in technologically rich environments.

Contracts Management, negotiations, and discussions.

Therefore, this qualification will enable graduates to contribute to their fields of practice (Young, 2009), as well as their preparation for broader roles in the development of South African society (CHE, 2011). It will provide learners with the disciplinary knowledge that underpins professional practice (Beck & Young, 2005), as well as facilitate the acquisition of specific skills and knowledge for competent practice (Wheelahan, 2010). The expected majority of learners on this qualification will be working professionals and therefore it will be offered full-time with flexible part-time options to accommodate this demographic. This will involve a mix of face-to-face and online learning and will address the learning needs of this learner profile, such as learning through practice, inquiry, production, discussion, and collaboration. Blended learning can accommodate a variety of learning experiences both on- and off-campus, with a varying amount of 'distance' between learners and lecturers. The institution faces an increasing need to incorporate a blended educational model to adapt to changing and often unpredictable times.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of a qualification for access and/or for credits against a part thereof as described in the institutional guidelines. This is to give flexible access to the qualification for the profile of the targeted learners, namely working professionals. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/ or formal learning.

The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a departmental unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements.

RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to higher education learning qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

RPL for Access:
Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:

Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.
OR

Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.

In instances where RPL is applied for the purposes of access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

RPL for credits:
Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to a qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:

Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio 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.
OR

Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

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

Advanced Diploma in Project Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Business Administration in Project Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Technology in Project Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor's degree in a cognitive field, NQF level 7 with an average of 60% in the final year subjects.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:

Project and Programme Process, 15 Credits.

Procurement and Contract Management, 15 Credits.

Project Leadership, 15 Credits.

Agile Project Management, 15 Credits.

Project Financing, 15 Credits.

Project Management Information Systems, 15 Credits.

Project Management Research Methods, 15 Credits.

Research Capstone Project, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Conceptualize the interrelationships between the developmental stages, including the sub-processes and apply the appropriate tools and techniques required at each stage of programme and project management.
2. Conduct budgeting, costing and controls during the project lifecycle based on relevant data using appropriate project management tools, techniques, and software.
3. Facilitate the ethical procurement monitoring and control of resources throughout the project lifecycle.
4. Apply leadership techniques and interrogate the use of appropriate practices for motivating and leading teams given a project situation that may involve multicultural, intergenerational, hierarchical, or virtual teams.
5. Utilise current Project Management Software to plan, analyse and manage projects by effectively supporting the modelling, design, and execution of project tasks as well as management decisions and project performance measures.
6. Explore and execute modern methodologies of Agile Project management (APM) to the phases of a project lifecycle using the various methodologies of APM to create a step-by-step approach to maximize customer value while minimizing waste.
7. Identify a real-world project management problem and plan, manage and present: a literature review based on the problem identified; a comprehensive research plan/proposal; design of data gathering tool as a prelude to an integrated, assessable enquiry-based research report demonstrating an understanding of the research process in relation to the enquiry and how to access, process and manage information in interrogating the identified practice-based problem.
8. Provide a research report and related academic journal/conference output of research activities that documents the ethical and professional execution of all phases of a work directed research-oriented Project Management capstone project addressing a research question or practical real-world problem. This includes an overview of relevant literature perspectives, a critical account of research design skills and techniques employed in gathering and analyzing the data, and solutions to the identified problem/s that can be implemented and used in practice.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Investigate the evolution of project management- its origin, historical development, business environment, status, and its contribution to organizational development.

Design, analyse and demonstrate understanding of programme management - its rationale, relationship with portfolio and projects, the practical allocation of projects into programmes (including selection criteria), its effects on the business` organogram and its process.

Explore and document project management processes - the vertical articulation from the organization`s vision to project vision, the purpose, the process, sub-processes, constraints, and the stage gates.

Given a case study, examine the different programme and project management tools and techniques that apply at different stages of a project life cycle.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Explore and justify how a given project can achieve various business strategies in dimensions such as funding, revenue, profit, market share, and sustainability.

Apply the principles of project costing and budget control for successful project execution.

Analyse various models for the project, programme, and portfolio analysis to determine the viability of projects in the context of the organization, and, based on this analysis, recommend the appropriate points throughout the project life cycle where there should be a decision to proceed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Evaluate common contract and labour issues that can impact projects through the regulatory environment, and recommend how project managers can use various tools, methods, and approaches to accommodate these constraints positively throughout the project.

Analyze the points where information and information systems may be vulnerable to certain threats, or where stakeholders' privacy may be impacted through the handling of information and recommend best practices for maintaining protection of data integrity, access, and privacy throughout the project.

Analyse the contracts, assess the way each deals with various procurement issues, and recommend how the contract can be an instrument through which the project manager can better coordinate and manage project resources ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Develop a vision for team members and inspire them to achieve the target and manage resources (equipment, man, machine, money, etc) including legal aspects of project management and communications throughout the project lifecycle.

Demonstrate how teams are assigned and communicate using virtual platforms such as Office 365 and MS Project and describe the impact on the traditional stages of team development, especially with reference to multicultural, intergenerational, hierarchical, or virtual teams.

Analyse the nature, interest, communication, and impact of stakeholder groups on project performance.

Evaluate the importance of ethics and professionalism in every aspect of the project's operation and examine the factors that influence moral conduct.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Appraise the features, advantages, and disadvantages of typical PMIS, from simple spreadsheets to enterprise systems, and demonstrate which project contexts may be best suited for certain types of projects and the reasons.

Critically review and evaluate IT tools, techniques and methodologies that impact the successful implementation of projects and specify the PM technology characteristics/features necessary to execute computer-based execution of PM.

Demonstrate how collaboration and communication tools that are provided in PMIS can be used in various types of projects and defend the best practices in the use of these tools.

Critically review methodologies, techniques and tools that underpin the successful implementation of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems through SAP project management software.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Differentiate between classic and agile project approaches, assess the deliverables and contexts best suited to each approach, and apply these principles to enhance customer satisfaction by optimising resource usage.

Evaluate examples of projects using agile project management techniques to improve due date performance.

Review what, why, when and who of agile project management and explore in detail how to prepare a workflow that streamlines resource wastage.

Analyse Agile Estimation Processes in project management executed in a dynamic environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Demonstrate understanding of the research process in relation to the enquiry, and of how to access, process and manage information in interrogating an identified problem.

Formulate a clear and concise research problem statement relevant to the topic and field of study and develop an appropriate research tool to help in solving the identified problem

Prepare and present a proposed plan for an integrated, inquiry-based research project for a real-world Project Management problem.

Develop data collecting instruments appropriated for a given or identified real-world problem to facilitate the acquisition of relevant data and identify a suitable data analysis approach.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

Solve a project management problem that is inspired and crafted in collaboration with industry partners and communicate the research results convincingly to a range of audiences.

Produce a research report or portfolio of evidence of research activities that documents the ethical and professional execution of all phases of the research process.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

According to the Project Management Institute, (PMI, 2017), the Project Manager Knowledge Competence relates to what the project manager knows about the application of processes, tools, and techniques for project activities while the Project Manager Performance Competence focuses on how the project manager applies project management knowledge to meet the project requirements. This qualification is aligned and draws meta-knowledge from the PMI's Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) which is an internationally accepted Project Management standard. The Project Manager Personal Competence relates to how the project manager behaves when performing activities within the project environment, their attitudes, and core personality characteristics.

The qualification is further aligned with the Australian model as proposed by Bredillet, Conboy, Davidson and Walker (2013)

This qualification is aligned and draws meta-knowledge from the Project Management Institute (PMI)'s Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK) which is an internationally accepted Project Management standard. The qualification is further aligned with the Australian model as proposed by Bredillet, Conboy, Davidson and Walker (2013)

Several international qualifications from leading Project Management training providers were compared with the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management. The following elements have been considered:

Access requirements.

Duration of studies.

Level of studies.

Credits.

Purpose.

Qualification structure.

Country: Australia
Institution: Victoria University
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management.
Entry requirements:

Entry into the program is open to applicants with a first degree in any discipline.
Or

Applicants with a degree in a cognate discipline, an area of management eg. Construction Management, Business Management, Information Systems, Logistics and Supply Chain Management or a similar field of management) may apply for credits against specific coursework units.

Applicants with vocational education qualification and at least two years of work experience in the project management field, can enter the course upon the completion of the Graduate Certificate in Project Management.
Rationale:
The qualification equips learners with current principles and keeps them up to speed with practices of project management and it is offered at the same level as the South African qualification. Similar to the South African qualification, the Victoria University qualification is underpinned by PMBOK.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following compulsory modules which are the same as the South African qualification and elective modules:
Compulsory Modules, 48 Credits.

Principles of Project Management Unit, 12 Credits

Project Planning and Control, 12 Credits

Project Governance-Credits, 12 Credits

Project Management and People, 12 Credits.

Elective Moules, 48 Credits (Select four modules). Learners without a degree in a cognate discipline must select EPM5500 and EPM5530.
Semester 1 units (Select any two modules from the following):

Fundamentals of Project Management, 12 Credits.

Project Programme and Portfolio Management, 12 Credits.

Project Management and Information Technology, 12 Credits.

Project Risk Management, 12 Credits.

Project Construction Management, 12 Credits.
AND
Semester 2 units (Select any two modules from the following):

Sustainable Project Management, 12 Credits

Project Management Practice, 12 Credits

Project Procurement Management, 12 Credits

Facility Life Cycle Costing, 12 Credits

Project Stakeholder Management, 12 Credits

Project Investment Analysis, 12 Credits

Country: New Zealand
Institution: Southern Institute of Technology
Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Project Management
Entry requirements:

Bachelor's Degree relevant to the qualification.
Or

An equivalent certified qualification at an equivalent standard.
Purpose/Rationale:
The qualification aims to provide learners with theoretical and applied knowledge in Project Management, which can be used in professional practice or further advanced study in this area.

Qualification Structure:
This qualification covers all aspects of Project Management, including strategic management, contemporary issues, relationships, influence, and leadership, plus three elective papers. Knowledge gained is then applied through a choice of a dissertation or internship.
Comparison:
This qualification compares very well with the two qualifications cited above in that they are all equipping learners with a comprehensive knowledge base and applied expertise in the Project Management profession.

Country: Australia
Institution: Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT)
Duration: one-year full time and a two-year part time.
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma of Project Management
Purpose/Rationale:
Similar to the South African qualification, the qualification is designed for professionals currently working or looking to work in the field of project management. It is based on the PMBOK and the PRINCE2 methodology. The qualification is particularly relevant for professionals looking to take the next step in their career.

Qualification structure:
The qualification consists of the following compulsory subjects/modules:

Introduction to Project Management, 12 Credits.

Project Management Techniques, 12 Credits.

Project Design for Quality, 12 Credits

Managing Project Teams, 12 Credits

Evaluating and Managing Project Risk, 12 Credits

Project Financial Management and Appraisal, 12 Credits.

Project Initiation Management, 12 Credits

Information and Technology Management, 12 Credits

Country: India
Institution: University of Hyderabad
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management
Duration: a one-year.
Entry requirements:

any Graduate Degree
Or

Appropriate Advanced Diploma.
Purpose:
This qualification is aimed at project managers who wish to enhance and develop their project management skills and knowledge, enabling them to perform their roles and responsibilities more successfully in the workplace.

Qualification Structure:
The qualification comprises the following compulsory modules which are the same ad the South African qualification:
Compulsory Modules:

Managerial Economics & Planning.

Principles of Management.

Accounting & Financial Management.

Principles of Marketing Management.

Human Resources Management.

Project Appraisal & Management.

Project Finance & Implementation.

Project Work.

Similarities:
The duration for similar qualifications was typically one to two years, part-time as they focussed on working professionals. It shares a similar rationale/purpose and content.
Learners who enrol for the Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management will benefit in the following ways:

It equips them with critical skills required to structure PM governance, strategy, and operations to manage projects in a competitive, ever-changing environment and in this way improve their employability.

It builds on sophisticated and powerful new technologies that are central to successful and sustainable programmes for business processes as well as management methods. It will allow learners an opportunity to broaden their scope of both IT and business knowledge to manage projects effectively.

It provides learners with the opportunity to design projects plans that are sustainable and efficient.

It offers learners an opportunity to network with fellow professionals.

Solve complex Project Management Problems at a higher level.

Keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends in the field of Project Management and improving employability.

Differences:
The comparison exercise revealed that the South African qualification is unique in that it is built around the following ten project management knowledge areas.

Procurement.

Quality.

Time.

Human Resources.

Risk.

Integration.

Scope.

Cost.

Stakeholder Management.

Communication Management.

Conclusion:
The above comparisons demonstrate that this qualification compares well with the chosen qualifications in terms of content relating to PM and process innovation as well as the inclusion of a work-related project addressing complex project-related problems and drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the PM field of practice and the management discipline.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Project Management NQF Level 8

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Marketing, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Science in Project Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Project Leadership and Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Science in Quantity Surveying and Project Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 9.

Master of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Business Management, 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