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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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: |
Diploma in Operations Management |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
119068 | Diploma in Operations Management | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
University of South Africa | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
- | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Diploma (Min 360) | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Generic Management | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Registered" |
SAQA 158/22 | 2022-04-21 | 2025-04-21 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2026-04-21 | 2031-04-21 |
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 Diploma in Operations Management is to allow qualifying learners to enter a formal entry-level qualification within the field of operations management. In this qualification, learners will explore strategies on how to manage aspects related to operations and supply chain in the manufacturing and services industries. Learners would be able to develop skills and competencies on how to ensure an organisation becomes more productive, efficient, and effective across the value chain as an Operations Manager. The field of operations management is changing continually as economies change, and the qualifying graduate in this qualification will be able to advise middle to senior managers on issues relating to Capacity Planning, Forecasting, Quality, Process Analysis and Project Management. This is important to ensure the qualifying learners will be able to apply the theoretical constructs of operations management in real-life work situations through simulations and case studies. The labour-intensive nature of some industries and the various skills levels in Operations Management will provide employment opportunities for many South Africans with varying degrees of skills development. Learners will also be equipped with the necessary entrepreneurial skills to establish their own businesses. Qualifying learners will be able to: Rationale: The updated technologies and processes such as the Industrial Revolution 4.0 development has rendered many qualifications outdated. Although the discipline of operations management originated in manufacturing, the elements of the discipline forms part of many sectors and disciplines. Industry and other institution's partners formed part of a market survey and confirmed the need for the introduction of the qualification and knowledge areas. The qualification aims to introduce and assess critical operations management elements that will be based on a simulated work environment to better equip learners with hands-on knowledge that can be implemented in their work environments. Manufacturing is South Africa's fourth-largest industry, contributing 14% to the gross domestic product (GDP). The food and beverage division is the most important player in the industry, contributing 25% to total manufacturing activity, (The Department of Trade and Industry, 14 January 2021). Manufacturing accounts for about 11% of the total South African workforce, down from 14% in 2008. Based on a predominant manufacturing base within the operations management sector, a vocational qualification is best suited for the South African environment. The learner intake will target individuals who are interested in pursuing a career in operations management and related aspects. The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of employees in the services and manufacturing sectors who seek entry into higher educational qualifications after matriculation. It is designed to provide a simulated environment for learners to gain insight into how theory is applied in practice, which should increase the employability of learners. The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of the service and manufacturing sectors for employees with the appropriate critical, analytical, and organisational skills. The qualification content covers a variety of applicable subject matter such as safety and environmental management, green operations management and contemporary operations trends that, as mentioned, apply to various disciplines and sectors. In addition, learners will be better prepared to deal with a volatile external environment and be better prepared for employment. The following stakeholders were consulted in the design of the qualification: |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to 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: RPL for exemption of modules: RPL for credit: Entry Requirements: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualification Framework Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 132 Credits. Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 228 Credits. |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Apply a range of intervention techniques and strategies at the operational and tactical levels in organisations towards optimising productivity and the quality of life.
2. Apply Operations Management techniques and management decisions at operational and tactical levels in service and manufacturing organisations. 3. Design operational management systems responsive to the environment (DfE) field where green technology and innovation are key factors. 4. Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage the administrative aspects of business and the office environment, including the application of management principles within the business context to manage the effectiveness of individuals in an organisation. 5. Demonstrate an understanding of how to manage human resources under their control constructively, to contribute to organisational goal achievement and the Human Resources (HR) effort. 6. Demonstrate an understanding of the multidisciplinary nature of safety management and develop competencies (knowledge, skill, norms, and values) of safety, and subsequently apply safety management to create a safe working environment in organisations. 7. Demonstrate an understanding of general and strategic management and apply the competence and skills related to management principles to execute the role of the manager in the organisation. 8. Demonstrate knowledge of the main areas of project management and the dynamic nature of the environment within which they occur in the workplace to give an overview of the project management processes supported with project integration principles. 9. Apply techniques and management decisions at the operational and tactical level of service and manufacturing industries initiating improved productivity and the standard of living. This will enable the learners to manage the systems and processes for creating products and services needed by the organisation. 10. Demonstrate knowledge of the production and purchasing function in the broader strategic management context to enable the learners to evaluate the working of the production and purchasing function in organisations and further implement some of the most important production and purchasing principles. 11. Demonstrate knowledge of quality theory and the application of quality management in terms of quality control, quality assurance and Total Quality Management (TQM), by managing and utilizing the teachings, methods, and tools to prevent errors (waste) and improve performance internal to the organisation. 12. Demonstrate quantitative analysis through modelling to solve operations management related problems in the workplace. 13. Demonstrate an understanding of how to apply principles of quality management systems and requirements for the implementation and control of quality management systems, as well as the improvement of the organisation's processes in documenting its quality initiatives. 14. Apply supply chain and purchasing management and will be empowered to apply purchasing and supply activities within selected fields. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14: INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT: Integrated Assessment at the level of the qualification provides an opportunity for learners to show that they can integrate concepts, ideas and actions across this qualification to achieve competence that is grounded and coherent with the purpose of this qualification. Integrated assessment will show how already demonstrated competence in individual areas can be linked and applied for the achievement of a holistic outcome as described in the Exit Level Outcomes. Integrated Assessment will judge the quality of the observable performance, and the quality of the reasoning that lies behind it. Assessments tools will encourage learners to give an account of the thinking and decision-making that underpin their demonstrated performance. Integrated assessment allows learners to demonstrate applied competence and uses a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Formative assessment: Formative assessment involves integrated types of assessment, used to inform learners about their progress continuously throughout the whole year. Formative assessments will include: Summative assessment: The formative assessments in each module culminate into an integrated written assignment, which must be submitted for assessment purposes. Upon submission of the assignment, the learner gets entry into the examination (summative assessment). The assessments for this qualification will follow the 20/80 weighted ratio. The formative assessments account for 20% and the summative assessments account for 80% of the final mark. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
Although there is value in conducting an international comparison, the unique setting of the local environment in which the proposed qualification is to be offered, must also be considered. The qualification was compared to the following international institutions offering similar qualifications.
Country: Spain Institution: Bircham International University Qualification Title: Operations Management Diploma Entry Requirements: Purpose/Rationale: Operation Management deals with the latest changes happening within the corporate sector. A diploma in Operation Management covers the contemporary and modern challenges faced in the business world. Learners are prepared in becoming the best version of themselves in handling the daily activities in the corporate world. It introduces learners to the varying concepts and the latest models applicable in its workings. The qualification enables aspirants in developing their competence in them improving their productivity and proficiency in the chosen career path. The applicability of operations as a field is widely prevalent in all major sectors whether manufacturing or service. For building their career in this ever-growing field of operations, learners should have in them the traits of honesty, integrity with major expertise in the planning and scheduling field for learners who aim in becoming managers in the corporate sector and businesses. A diploma in Operation Management is a lucrative field for learners who aim in becoming managers in the corporate sector and businesses. After the completion of the qualification, the applicants can opt for careers in financial institutions, News and Media, Manufacturing industries, transportation companies, Hospitality industry and related fields. The qualification aids in preparing learners industry ready through extensive training and knowledge of the niche sectors. The learners can handle functions carried out within organizations, with seeking employment in areas of Consultations, Financial Institutions, IT firms, News and Media, Retail, Real Estate, industries dealing in the construction business, manufacturing, and transportation. The job types open for learners to explore include Executive, Management Trainee, Account Manager, Operations Manager, Security Officer, Online Media Analyst and other such. The qualification provides an analytical approach to solving problems in production and operations management. It examines quantitative methods for designing and analyzing manufacturing operations, simulation of manufacturing operations, and recent issues in manufacturing including just-in-time production, synchronous manufacturing, and agile manufacturing. It also covers current competitiveness-enhancing techniques like continuous improvement, benchmarking, and business process re-engineering. Qualification structure: The curriculum introduces the concepts of the supply chain, inventory, scheduling and planning of the data. Diploma in Operation Management learners is imbibed with a critical understanding of the subject through practice conducted in the form of presentations, projects, case studies, and discussions. Accordingly, they are imbibed with the concepts of managing projects, the classical concepts applied in business thus preparing them in becoming the best versions of managers in future. Courses list (each subject account for 3 academic credits): Curriculum 12 modules 1 BIU Earned Credit = 1 USA Semester Credit (15 hours of learning) = 1 ECTS Credit (30 hours of study). Similarities: Differences: Country: Mauritius Institution: University of Mauritius Qualification Title: Production and Operations Management Credits: 102 Year One - Continuous assessment only Curriculum: Nineteen required modules over three years. Year One: 34 Credits. Year Two: 34 Credits Year Three: 34 Credits: Similarities: On conducting the international comparative analysis, it was found that amongst American and European universities, offerings are degree qualifications, as opposed to diploma qualifications. Differences: Country: New Zealand Institution: Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec) Qualification Title: Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management. Similarities: The South African qualification compares favourably to Wintec's Graduate Diploma in Operations and Production Management. Differences: Conclusion: This qualification compares very well with the qualifications cited in this comparability exercise in terms of entry requirements, purpose, rationale duration and the qualification structure. They are all designed to prepare learners to be competent and efficient Operations Managers and employees. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: |
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. |