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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119545  Bachelor of Commerce in Operations 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
National First Degree  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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  SAQA 0910/22  2022-08-04  2025-08-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-08-04   2031-08-04  

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 Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management is to provide current and prospective operations managers with theoretical knowledge to manage effectively and efficiently within an operational environment, and to provide input up to a strategic level within such an environment. This will be achieved by providing enough theoretical knowledge and by providing opportunities, both in the learning environment and in the assessment process, to demonstrate the application of this knowledge within a business context.

The qualification offers entry-level operational skills, knowledge, and skills necessary for a middle-level line manager. The qualification focuses on strategic issues such as strategic management with a special emphasis on the knowledge required for strategic operations management. The second focus aims to assist learners to understand and to stay abreast of the very rapidly changing field of information technology, artificial intelligence, and robotics and the impact that the latest developments in information technology are having on the very nature and structure of operations management. This clearly has a direct bearing on the ability of the business to participate as a global player, and a learner from this qualification should not only be knowledgeable about the latest trends in these fields, at the time of qualification, but should also be equipped to keep up-to-date with the evolving changes.
In addition to preparing learners for the workplace, the qualification also provides learners with a theoretical academic foundation for them to pursue further studies.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Understand and apply fundamental management knowledge and skills in an operations environment.
  • Implement quality management processes in such environments.
  • Be familiar with and be able to guide employees in the basic areas of operations management, and quality management including statistical process control, just in time (JIT) and material requirement planning (MRP), and risk and occupational health, safety, and environmental issues.
  • Demonstrate the basics of operations management at branch, national and international levels.
  • Apply the very latest information on the role of information systems in the management of production, warehousing, inventory management, and automation.
  • Provide a meaningful and value-adding contribution to the strategic management and corporate governance of a large national South African company.

    With the rapidly changing nature of the business environment, particularly in the field of information technology, an important exit level outcome of this qualification will be the demonstrated ability of the learner to keep up to date with these changes and to access current information in this changing environment.

    While the first two years of study will provide a solid theoretical foundation for a practicing manager, the exit level outcomes of the third year will match the level descriptors appropriate to an NQF Level 7 qualification. The emphasis of the assessment at this level will be on the ability to "review, consolidate, analyse and synthesize information, with sound reasoning, in order to investigate complex problems and to propose feasible solutions" related to the fields of study. This will be based on the knowledge frameworks studied in the lower levels of the qualification. The qualification has also been designed to be applicable in a wider range of applications. As such the qualification provides a good foundation in the fields of general management and supply chain management in addition to the specific field of operations management. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7 totalling 384 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5,100 Credits:
  • Management Principles and Techniques, 20 Credits.
  • Cost and Management Accounting, 20 Credits.
  • Operations Management, 20 Credits.
  • Quality Management, 20 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety, 20 Credits.

    Electives Modules, Level 5, 20 Credits (Select one module):
  • Logistics Management, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 96 Credits:
  • Operations Management 2, 24 Credits.
  • Quality Management 2 or SPC, 24 Credits.
  • Occupational Health and Safety, 24 Credits.
  • Incident Management, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 6, 24 Credits (Select one module):
  • Human Resource Management 2, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Project Management, 24 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management, 24 Credits.
  • Purchasing Practice, 24 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits
  • Operations Management, 24 Credits.
  • Quality Management 3 or Six Sigma, 24 Credits.
  • Strategic Management and Corporate Governance, 24 Credits.
  • Business Research, 24 Credits.
  • Information Systems in Operations Management, 24 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 7, 24 Credits (Select one module):
  • Human Resource Management, 24 Credit.
  • Occupational Health and Safety, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the Operations Management field of practice, and their suitability to specific investigations; and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
    3. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of business operations and cost management, including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline, or practice; and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to accounting practices in an organization.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to apply Human Resource practices in an organization.
    5. Demonstrate the ability to develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use; and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to practice wider disaster management strategies including the drawing up of procedures and protocols and the proactive implementation of these in order prevent or minimize the consequences of an incident.
    7. Demonstrate the ability to initialize a logistics management plan.
    8. Apply knowledge to analyse the latest trends and practices in operations management as well as the factors that impact on the operations.
    9. Demonstrate the ability to apply all aspects of Operations Management in an organisation.
    10. Implement Occupational Health and Safety procedures and Risk Management in a workplace.
    11. Demonstrate the detailed knowledge of project management in Operations Management.
    12. Demonstrate the ability to apply appropriate purchasing practice methods.
    13. Determine total quality management monitoring and evaluation systems.
    14. Demonstrate the ability to manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
    15. Apply the Supply Chain processes and procedures in Operations Management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply theoretical or practical knowledge to submit a research report pertaining to the analysis of the contemporary operations management environment.
  • Produce a research report for a business.
  • Analyze a detailed business-related case study.
  • Apply theoretical knowledge learned to real industry scenarios.
  • Recommend relevant measures required to solve industry problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Describe the different applications of research using a range of examples.
  • Explain the features of the two main research paradigms.
  • Identify areas for research in an organization or community.
  • Formulate a problem statement.
  • Develop research questions or hypotheses.
  • Construct a relevance tree to identify research areas and key words.
  • Provide a list of possible sources to use in a literature search.
  • Conduct a literature review and select appropriate information.
  • Use the Harvard system of referencing.
  • Compare the different research methodologies and select appropriate data collection methods.
  • Explain a sampling frame and the selection of samples.
  • Design appropriate data collection instruments.
  • Explain the concepts of validity, reliability and generalizability.
  • Define the limitations and delimitations of a research project.
  • Explain ethical considerations in business research.
  • Collect data according to a research design, capture, organize and present data using text, tables, charts, and graphs.
  • Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and make relevant statistical inferences.
  • Explain the implications of the research and identify any weaknesses of the research, thereby suggesting what future actions are required.
  • Reflect on the value of the research process for organizations and the community.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and understand the basic concepts of Cost and Management Accounting.
  • Apply the principles of inventory control and determine the value of inventory.
  • Implement all aspects of an economic order quantity (EOQ) inventory management system.
  • Analyse and apply various methods of labor remuneration and the functions required for efficient labor administration.
  • Calculate the labour recovery rate and differentiate between direct and indirect labour.
  • Explain and apply the effect of the learning curve.
  • Identify overheads, both fixed variable and semi-variable components.
  • Determine, apply, and analyse overhead allocation.
  • Distinguish between budgeted, applied, and actual overheads.
  • Perform a primary and secondary allocation of manufacturing over-heads and record all accounting entries in respect of overheads.
  • Calculate the overhead allocation rate per cost production, under- and over applied overheads.
  • Calculate equivalent units in an enterprise using a first-in-first-out method or a weighted average cost method.
  • Determine the profit of a task or job and deal with over- or under-applied overheads.
  • Distinguish between process and job costing and describe the function of a job costing card.
  • Make the accounting entries in respect of the cost of material, labour, and manufacturing overheads in a job costing system.
  • Calculate the manufacturing unit cost in a job costing system, calculate the profit or loss of a job and draw up contract accounts.
  • Discuss the different methods that can be applied to calculate the profit for construction projects.
  • Calculate the total estimated profit of a construction project and equivalent completed units.
  • Calculate profit or loss at the end of an accounting period according to the various methods of profit determination.
  • Draw up a process cost report for a single product using multiple processes and complete a cost report of a process receiving transfers.
  • Explain different ways of using manufacturing resources in a production process.
  • Compile a process cost report using the weighted average and First-In, First Out (FIFO) methods in valuating opening inventory.
  • Explain how unit costs will increase when adding additional material and labor to a process.
  • Calculate the current period's equivalent unit costs using the weighted average and FIFO methods.
  • Explain the various stages where wastage can occur in a production process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Describe various organisational structures and discuss their respective merits and demerits.
  • Describe job analysis and job design processes and techniques.
  • Conduct the recruitment, selection, placement, and induction processes.
  • Conduct performance management assessments and apply techniques to optimise organisational performance.
  • Assess and improve upon personal career management and development as well as for subordinates.
  • Describe the process of job evaluation and explain how it links into a compensation plan for an organisation.
  • Describe the factors influencing the growth of employee benefits and health and safety issues in the work environment.
  • Describe the relationship between quality assurance, total quality management (TQM) and compensation systems in an organisation.
  • Describe the difference between the role of the Institute of People Management (IPM) and the South African Board of People Practice (SABPP) in the HR profession in South Africa.
  • Identify the national challenges facing Human resource management (HRM) in South Africa and apply Legislation relating to Human Resource Management.
  • Develop and implement recruitment, selection, induction, health and safety, dismissal, grievance, and skills development policies.
  • Explain the legislative requirements of the Employment Equity Act.
  • Design a model for your own company to guide managers when carrying out a selection process.
  • Discuss the strategies and skills required for the effective management of diversity and staff retention.
  • Suggest strategies for staff motivation and the development of organizational leaders.
  • Apply leadership theories to organizational situations.
  • Recommend a systematic plan for selecting and implementing human resources information system (HRIS) in an organisation.
  • Compare various systems and their impact on organizational renewal and change.
  • Compile a development plan for an HR practitioner of the future.
  • Discuss how the HR department can use talent management to improve the effectiveness of an organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explore the history of information technology (IT) and its impact on operations and supply chain management.
  • Describe the benefits and the contribution IT has to business operations management.
  • Describe how technology can improve flexibility and productivity in an operations environment.
  • Provide a detailed explanation of the role of IT in the integration of operations management into the process of order tracking and coordination in production and a service environment.
  • Describe the impact of IT systems in the fields of purchasing, inventory management and warehousing and their impact on production and operations.
  • Describe the impact of IT systems on customer or supplier relationships and on service, and product processes.
  • Provide an overview of cloud technology and its impact on product lifecycle management and on business in general.
  • Analyse the impact of digital supply networks on the functions of traditional supply chains.
  • Research the processes that are currently in place that will affect the role of operations management in the future.
  • Describe the effect that this disruption will have on a current business.
  • Assess the impact of lean and flexible operations management as a tool for business growth.
  • Analyse the impact of artificial intelligence on the future of enterprises in general and supply chain management.
  • Describe the impact on the business, and operations, of such technologies as 3D printing.
  • Discuss the concept of a "fourth industrial revolution".
  • Identify how new technology and software developments are going to impact the functioning of businesses in general and on operations management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Examine and apply the key concepts of incident management to develop and implement an incident management plan for an organisation.
  • Identify and evaluate an incident to respond in accordance with the established plan and protocols, including the identification of relevant.
  • Apply a well-developed incident management plan by taking steps to isolate and secure the scene of the incident, access and secure any evidence relevant to the cause of the incident and conducting an initial assessment.
  • Evaluate an incident, select and apply the appropriate procedures as identified in the incident management plan including the establishment of a command post and the identification and mobilization of required support structures.
  • Analyse and apply relevant legislation and the safety precautions, preventative action and protective actions required when dealing with dangerous and hazardous materials related to a particular work or operational environment.
  • Evaluate and apply appropriate methods when closing an incident and professionally communicate the outcomes of an incident when preparing a close-out report on an incident.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Define logistics management, scope of logistics management, the activity mix, and the genesis of logistics management.
  • Apply pricing and packaging arrangements must be explained.
  • Assess and forecast logistics customer services.
  • Illustrate understanding of the processing of information systems, transportation systems, and storage and handling system.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Describe the nine main tasks of a manager.
  • Suggest principles or guidelines that could be usefully applied to make the enterprise more effective.
  • Indicate the dynamic nature of management work by showing the interaction between management tasks and the performance of tasks at specific levels of management.
  • Discuss the importance of each business function for achieving the objectives of the organisation.
  • Formulate a self-development qualification based on priority areas in personal skills and organisational skills.
  • Plan and utilise time effectively.
  • Manage stress and carry out relaxation exercises.
  • Develop and implement a strategic plan for an organisation.
  • Use techniques to define and solve problems.
  • Briefly describe management science (mathematical) techniques.
  • Apply techniques to improve the availability and utilisation of physical resources in the organisation.
  • Make decisions based on financial information.
  • Develop guidelines for working with people in groups and creating conditions, which may enhance motivation, cooperation, and teamwork.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Identify and explain the main components of production planning and control in an organisation.
  • Discuss the steps that should be followed, in sequence, when planning and organising a production task.
  • Identify and explain blockages in interpersonal communications and what can be done to overcome them.
  • Apply the various approaches or techniques of scheduling available to management to facilitate improvement.
  • Compare and contrast these approaches and indicate how they may be used jointly to facilitate change.
  • Identify suitable applications in production/operations management that could be computerised.
  • Analyse the trends in manufacturing processes and some recent innovations in manufacturing technology.
  • Discuss the relationship between waiting lines, plant layout and bottlenecks as well as standards, incentives, and payment systems.
  • Describe the relationship between job design and the quality of work life.
  • Describe the process of monitoring a production schedule (production control).
  • Apply qualification evaluation and review techniques (PERT).
  • Apply the concepts of the non-time phased inventory system including the periodic reorder system and the reorder point inventory system.
  • Describe the range of options regarding capacity planning including on-site expansion, the establishment of new branches and the relocation of the business.
  • Discuss the changes necessary in operations and production systems resulting from the changes that result in the management of inventory.
  • Evaluate the effective utilisation of production inventories.
  • Describe and discuss Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) as a radical improvement process.
  • Identify and describe some of the most successful implementations of Total Quality Management (TQM) and explain the failure of some companies to succeed and survive.
  • Analyse the operational and supply chain strategies of a business in terms of the levels of risk, efficiency, and sustainability of the business.
  • Evaluate the impact of e-supply chain management and explain the impact it does or can have on overall business performance.
  • Describe the similarities and the differences between JIT and MRI and the impact that modern IT systems are having on the management and integration of these systems in an operations environment.
  • Describe the changes that will come about regarding the nature of work, the skills set of employable workers and the demands of the future regarding recruitment and retention of scarce skills in a rapidly changing work environment.
  • Speculate with some logical justification on the changing nature of work over the next five years with particular emphasis on the global impact of the fourth industrial revolution.
  • Evaluate the effects of down-sizing or right-sizing of the workforce which may be the result of many of the changes in the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Apply the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related legislations to ensure full compliance at the workplace.
  • Develop and implement an occupational health and safety policy for the workplace.
  • Identify risk issues and implement a full risk assessment for an organisation.
  • Describe other risk management process frameworks.
  • Develop targets and objectives and draft appropriate targets and objectives for the workplace.
  • Consolidate relevant existing information about a process and its management.
  • Identify and apply the four specific tasks involved in structuring.
  • Develop diagrams, fault trees and event trees.
  • Formulate contingency plans and tactics.
  • Manage crises and respond to disasters.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Describe the Project Management System.
  • Analyse and discuss the requirements for a successful project team.
  • Explain all the activities necessary for project execution.
  • List the documents required to monitor and control project work.
  • Analyse activity sequences, activity durations, and resource requirements.
  • Explain how to create a project cost budget.
  • Use quality assurance mechanisms to improve a project management plan.
  • Compile a report on the performance of the project.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12:
  • Discuss the purchasing process as part of materials management.
  • Compile a purchasing plan.
  • Adhere to guidelines of best practice when buying specific materials, components, supplies or equipment.
  • Evaluate the performance of suppliers, monitor, and develop a potential source of suppliers.
  • Identify and apply a suitable negotiation strategy and tactics to obtain the best price from a supplier.
  • Administer the purchasing activities of expediting, receiving, inspecting, certifying, and cost reduction.
  • Develop and implement strategies based on the supply chain concept.
  • Monitor and report on the critical requirements of a purchase contract.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13:
  • Follow specific stages of implementing a Quality Control (QC) qualification.
  • Demonstrate the ability to satisfy the requirements of quality of design to meet customer needs.
  • Develop a quality policy in an organisation.
  • Design and apply routine quality procedures to make the inspection of incoming material more cost-effective.
  • Apply the technique of Quality Circles to improve quality.
  • Prepare a plan to convince management of the benefits of implementing an ISO 9001 qualification.
  • Describe in broad outline the field of Statistical Process Control (SPC) and its place in the implementation of a quality management system in a business.
  • Produce a cumulative frequency (Ogive) diagram.
  • Use histograms to visually represent and interpret variation.
  • Build a control chart from a run chart by including a central line, warning lines and upper and lower control limits.
  • Select or describe a proper subgroup size to ensure a meaningful data collection scheme and explain why the final SPC chart is only as good as the data sampling plan used to collect the data.
  • Apply and interpret the X bar chart for typical applications as well as for multiteam and auto-correlated processes.
  • Identify and describe a range of management tools that are used within the Six Sigma framework to implement the above methodologies.
  • Apply the ideas of a range of quality "gurus" in developing a framework for total quality management (TQM).
  • Apply the SPC in a variety of production and operational environments.
  • Discuss the process, application, and outcomes of implementing a six-sigma approach and lean manufacturing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 14:
  • Apply strategic problem-solving techniques and corporate governance.
  • Discuss the different types of business objectives and strategies.
  • Apply strategy techniques such as SWOT, portfolio analysis and competitive analysis.
  • Forecast future events or results at an acceptable level of accuracy.
  • Analyse or audit the current or planned operations of an organisation to make improvements.
  • Re-design or adapt the structure of an organisation to the requirements of its strategy.
  • Develop guidelines that can be used to evaluate the environmental strategy of an organisation.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of operational planning in an organisation and implement the control process in the organisation.
  • Apply techniques to define a problem or generate alternative solutions.
  • Discuss the concept of sustainable development within the framework of strategy and performance of the business.
  • Discuss the importance of the King III and King IV reports regarding the role of senior management in any business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 15:
  • Describe the difference in level of authority between a typical logistics manager and a typical supply chain manager in an organization.
  • Describe and explain the concepts of postponement and speculation regarding the supply chain.
  • Explain how speed (time to market) can be used as a competitive advantage and the impact this has on the implementation of supply chain management.
  • Provide practical examples of the eight business processes and /or analyse an existing supply chain in terms of these business processes.
  • Differentiate between the management of physical and technical elements in the supply chain and the management of behavioural aspects of the supply chain.
  • Describe the role of manufacturing in the supply chain management.
  • Provide an overview of information technology driven manufacturing planning and control (MPC) systems.
  • Discuss the difference between independent and dependent demand and identify the sources of demand.
  • Explain the difference between push and pull systems for replacing stock in a distribution centre.
  • Discuss how warehousing can help reduce total transportation costs.
  • Explain the importance of quality systems and productivity in the supply chain environment.
  • Examine the role of information technology in increasing supply chain efficiencies.
  • Identify the challenges of managing supply chains on a global scale.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the examiner should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies. A variety of methods must therefore be used in assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Simulation, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. Examiners should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. In the assessment strategy, competence must be demonstrated and is assessed through a variety of options.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment is designed to ensure that it supports the teaching and learning process; provides constructive feedback to the learner on his/her progress; it helps to make decisions on the readiness of learners to complete their summative assessment. It is developmental in nature, and does not award credits/certification.

    Formative assessment methods include:
  • Self-assessment activities in the learning materials.
  • Case studies.
  • Knowledge tests.
  • Report writing and other generic management formats.
  • Basic research and project-based assignments.
  • Contact sessions - interaction.

    Formative assessment is useful in terms of assessment of critical cross-field outcomes, as these are often difficult to assess by means of summative assessments. Gaps in terms of knowledge and abilities can be identified in individuals at this stage and appropriate action. At-risk learners are identified and are offered additional assistance in a range of possible interventions. The institution will where possible, actively assist learners to form study groups. These micro-sessions will facilitate learning in a group context. The assignments, which are submitted, have a weighting towards the final examination mark.

    Summative Assessment
    Summative assessment occurs at the end of each study cycle of learning and is used to determine whether the learner is competent in the required knowledge and skills. Summative assessments will be conducted on a continuous basis throughout the learning experience. Summative assessment makes a judgment about achievement. Learner-readiness determines whether the learner will qualify for his/her examinations. Learners are required to complete and submit assignments to write examinations. Examiners should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Summative assessment includes:
  • Formal written examinations, where applicable, oral assessments.
  • Tests.
  • Assignments.

    Summative assessment is used to determine progress to the next level of study and as exit level assessment at the conclusion of the degree in three forms. Assignments are completed within a specified time frame and submitted for assessment.
  • Two assignments are submitted for each subject, which combined make up 40% of the final mark.
  • Submission of the assignment/s by the due date is a pre-requisite for admission into the examination.

    Final Examination
  • Each learner may choose between two opportunities to write a final examination for each subject and in each case if the learner fails, one additional opportunity. The examination makes up 60% of the final mark.
  • A sub-minimum mark of 50% applies to the examination.
  • If a learner fails a final examination, the learner has the option of re-submitting a new assignment.

    Summative assessments are moderated per module of learning, for all learners to be fairly assessed against the planned outcomes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the similar qualifications offered by the following countries.

    Country: New Zealand.
    Institution: University of Auckland.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Operations and Supply Chain Management.
    Credits: 360 Credit Points.
    Duration: Three years.

    Similarities:
    The University of Auckland (UA) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.

    Duration and Credits:
    Both the (UA) and (SA) qualifications are offered over a period of three-years full time and they carry a weighting of a minimum of 360 credits.

    Entry Requirements:
    Both the UA and SA qualifications require applicants who have obtained:
  • National Certificate of Educational Achievement (NCEA) Level 3.
  • Approved subjects: 14 credits in each of three approved subjects at Level 3.
  • Literacy requirement: 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing.
  • Numeracy requirement: 10 credits at Level 1 or above.

    Purpose:
    Operations and Supply Chain Management deals with understanding and integrating business processes within and between organisations. The UA and SA qualifications will enable learners to use technologically sophisticated methods to solve business problems related to the journey of products and services from the manufacturer or provider to the end customer. Learners will gain an understanding of the techniques required for managing and improving the integration of design, resources, processes, and customer requirements.

    Similarities:
    Exit Level Outcomes:
    Upon completion of the UA and SA qualifications, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Fostering greater collaboration between customers and suppliers.
  • Increasing focus on sustainability and ethical integrity in supply chains.
  • Managing and mitigating supply chain risks.
  • Understanding the implications of new technologies on the supply chain, including automation and blockchain applications.
  • Better understanding of the total cost and service implications of alternate ports of entry, to help improve. > Supply chain costs and performance.
  • Adopting a demand-driven focus to manage demand more efficiently.
  • Seeking cost improvements around inventory management, logistics operations, material management. and manufacturing costs.
  • Cashing in on the economic benefits to be gained from outsourcing all or part of a supply chain operation
  • Growing the e-commerce sector.

    Both the UA and SA qualifications consist of the following similar compulsory modules.
  • Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Business Process Design.
  • Project Management.
  • Operations and Supply Chain Strategy.
  • Business Logistics.
  • Quality Management.
  • Strategic Procurement.

    Articulation:
    Both the UA and the SA qualifications are articulating to Bachelor Honours qualification in the related field.
  • Bachelor of Commerce (Honours).
  • Master of Commerce.
  • Doctor of Philosophy.

    Differences:
    The UA qualification offers only compulsory modules, while the SA qualification offers compulsory and elective modules.

    Country: Hong Kong.
    Institution: University of Hong Kong.
    Qualification: Bachelor of Business Administration.
    Duration: Four-years full time.
    Credits: 240.
    Similarities:
    The University of Hong Kong (UHK) qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification in the following criteria.

    Entry Requirements:
    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) with only two grades: "Attained (A)" and "Not Attained (NA)", the University has decided that the University Entrance Requirements for HKDSE candidates in 2024 and onwards will be:
  • English Language Level 3.
  • Chinese Language Level 3.
  • Mathematics Level 3.
  • Citizenship and Social Development Attained (A)

    For Non-Chinese Speaking (NCS) Applicants.
  • NCS applicants (both school and non-school) to submit Alternative Qualifications in Chinese Language (ACL), i.e., GCSE / GCE etc. for consideration to satisfy the general Chinese Language requirement.
  • If NCS applicants submit more than one ACL and / or have HKDSE Chinese Language result, the best result will be considered.

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme is designed for learners who wish to pursue a career in entrepreneurship, design and innovation, finance, human resource management, information systems, and analytics, or marketing. It combines strong functional training with intensive exposure to communication skills, computer applications, plus other social sciences and/or science subjects. In the second year of the qualification, learners can choose to major in:
  • Entrepreneurship, Design, and Innovation.
  • Finance.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Information Systems and Analytics.
  • Marketing.
  • Financial Accounting, 6 Credits.
  • Introductory Microeconomic, 6 Credits.

    Statistics requirement (Choose one of the following modules):
  • Analysis of Economic Data, 6 Credits.
  • Business Statistics, 6 Credits.
  • Introductory Statistics, 6 Credits.
  • Corporate Finance, 6 Credits.
  • Business Programming, 6 Credits.
  • Management Information Systems, 6 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Analytics, 6 Credits.
  • Decision and Risk Analysis, 6 Credits.
  • Principles of Management, 6 Credits.
  • Database Management, 6 Credits.
  • Operations Management, 6 Credits.
  • Digital Innovation (Capstone course), Credits.

    Elective Modules
  • Project Management, 12 Credits.
  • Data Visualization and Visual Analytics, 12 Credits
  • Web and Social Media Technology, 12 Credits.

    Similarities:
    Both the UHK and the SA qualifications have compulsory and elective modules.
    The HK qualification is comparable with the SA qualification in modules, they offer similar modules such as project management, operations management, and corporate finance.

    Similar to the SA qualification, learners shall be assessed for each of the modules s for which they have registered, and assessment may be conducted in any one or any combination of the following manners: written examinations or tests, continuous assessment of performance, laboratory work, fieldwork, research, or project reports, or in any other manner as specified in the syllabuses.

    Differences:
  • The UHK qualification is offered over a period of four years full time, while the SA qualification is offered over a period of three years full time.
  • The UHK qualification carries a weighting of 240 credits whereas the SA qualification has 384 credits.

    Country: United States of America.
    Institution: Northwood University.
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Operations and Supply Chain Management.
    Duration: Four year.
    Credits: 123.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Cumulative high school and/or college GPA.
  • ACT Composite Score and/or SAT Critical Reading + Math Score.
  • Extracurricular activities, community involvement and work experience.

    Purpose:
    The qualification will develop learners in supply chain management, purchasing management, project management, quality management, business process management, inventory control specialist, logistics analyst and supply chain analysis.

    Year One:
  • Principles of Management, 3 Credits.
  • Phil of American Life and Business, 3 Credits.
  • Business Productivity Software, 3 Credits.
  • Finite Math or MTH 1150 College Algebra, 3 Credits.
  • Introduction to Operations Management, 3 Credits.
  • Student Success Seminar, 3 Credits.
  • Principles of Marketing, 3 Credits.
  • Principles of Microeconomics, 3 Credits.
  • Statistics I, 3 Credits.
  • Business Process Management, 3 Credits.
  • Composition I, 3 Credits.
  • Student Leadership Seminar, 1 Credit.

    Year Two:
  • Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 3 Credits.
  • Principles of Macroeconomics, 3 Credits.
  • Composition II, 3 Credits.
  • Statistics II, 3 Credits.
  • ERP Business Applications, 3 Credits.
  • Blueprint for Success, 1 Credit.
  • Fundamentals of Managerial Accounting, 3 Credits.
  • Foundations of the Modern World I, 3 Credits.
  • Speech, 3 Credits.
  • Environmental Science, 3 Credits.
  • Statistics for Quality Engineering, 3 Credits.

    Year Three:
  • Financial Management, 3 Credits.
  • Foundations of the Modern World II, 3 Credits.
  • Introduction to Data Science, 3 Credits.
  • Purchasing, 3 Credits.
  • Introduction to American Government, 3 Credits.
  • Business Law I, 3 Credits.
  • Ethics, 3 Credits.
  • PSY or SOC Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management, 3 Credits.
  • Project Management, 3 Credits.

    Year Four:
  • Organisational Behaviour, 3 Credits.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Relations or Advanced Studies in English or Second Year Language Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Business Elective, 3 Credits.
  • Statistics for Continuous Improvement, 3 Credits.
  • Lean Six Sigma, 3 Credits.

    Country: Canada.
    Institution: University of Alberta (U of A) University of Calgary.
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management.
    Duration: Four Years.
    Credits: 80 Units.
    Entry Requirements:
    There is no direct entry from high school into the Bachelor of Commerce program. Learners must first complete a year of university level study and take courses in English, Economics, Mathematics and Statistics. Admission is competitive based on performance in the required courses and a learner's overall academic record.
    Students applying for admission from high school must show that they have successfully completed following five academic subjects.
  • English Language Arts 30-1
  • Mathematics 30-1
  • Two of: Aboriginal Studies 30 (5-credits), Biology 30, Chemistry 30, CTS Computing Science 30 Level (5-credits), Language or Language and Culture Courses at the 30 level, Mathematics 31, Physics 30, Science 30, Social Studies 30-1
    Additional admission details
  • Equivalent International Baccalaureate (IB), Advanced Placement (AP) courses or previously completed SAT2 subject tests are accepted.
  • Only one of Art, Dance, Drama or Music can be used in calculating the admission average

    Purpose:
    Operations management oversees all activities directly related to making a product or providing a service. Operations Management professionals provide a critical function for organizations, analysing data and behaviour to optimize processes, manage resources, and improve profitability and service. The qualification will introduce learners to operations management concepts, provide an understanding of systems for continuous improvement and introduce analytical aids for managerial decision-making. Qualified learners will be prepared for global career opportunities in the areas of operations management, process improvement, quality assurance and more. The qualification can also be used as a stepping-stone to graduate studies or another professional degree such as law, medicine, veterinary medicine, or education.

    In studying Operations Management, learners will learn to use computer models, mathematics, process analysis, and business analytics to interpret data and make business decisions. Learners will also develop analytical and problem-solving skills that are useful in a wide variety of everyday situations.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.
    Year One and Two:
  • Introduction to Operations and Supply Chain Management, 3 Units.
  • Fundamentals of Operations and Supply Chain Management, 3 Units.
  • Production and Materials Management, 3 Units.
  • Managing Quality in Products and Services, 3 Units.
  • Service Operations Management, 3 Units.
  • Project Management, 3 Units.
  • Computer Simulation for Business, 3 Units.
  • Field Investigation in Operations and Supply Chain Management, 3 Units.
  • Prescriptive Models in Business Analytics, 3 Units.
  • Predictive Models in Business Analytics, 3 Units.
  • Business Data Visualization, 3 Units.
  • Selected Topics in Operations Management, 3 Units.

    Year Three and Four:
  • Operations Management, 3 Units.
  • Predictive Analytics in Business, 3 Units.
  • Operations Planning and Supply Chain Management, 3 Units.
  • Quality in Products and Services, 3 Units.
  • Project Procurement and Logistics, 3 Units.
  • Selected Topics in Operations Management, 3 Units.
  • Operations and Supply Chain Integration, 3 Units.
  • Decision-Making for Outcome Optimization, 3 Units.
  • Simulation of Operational Systems, 3 Units.
  • Inventory Management, 3 Units.
  • Optimization, 3 Units.
  • Markov Decision Processes, 3 Units.
  • Advanced Seminar in Operations Management, 3 Units.

    Assessment:
    Learners will complete formal presentations, live projects, group projects and various case studies during the qualification.

    Conclusion and Comparison:
    The comparison revealed that the South African qualification compares favourably to similar international qualifications management internationally. The international comparison exhibits common traits in these degree programmes, for example, the degrees provide learners with theoretical knowledge and opportunities, both in the learning environment and in the assessment process, to demonstrate the application of this knowledge within a business context. The degree programmes embrace the rapidly changing business environment, particularly in the field of information and communication technology (ICT). Modules that will keep the learners abreast with the adoption of ICT in operations management are part of the degree programmes. 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
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    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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