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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119965  Advanced Diploma in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Business Management Training College (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced 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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 1212/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-22   2029-11-22  

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 Advanced Diploma in Business Management is to facilitate specialised business management knowledge and skills. This qualification is designed to equip qualifying learners with in-depth knowledge of strategic business management, principles, and skills with a focus on business ethics and corporate social responsibility. The qualification will enable specialised continuous professional development for business managers through business thinking and critical evaluation skills by applying methodology, principles, and theories of the business management discipline.

Furthermore, this qualification is designed to empower the qualifying learner to coordinate and contribute to the management of the core business management functions in line with best practices and quality standards relating to marketing, financial, human resource, and operational activities.
The qualifying learner will be able to pursue relevant careers and positions, including:
  • Business Analyst.
  • Operations Manager.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Manager.
  • Operations Manager.
  • Marketing Manager.
  • Compliance Officer.
  • Management Consultant.
  • Public Relations Manager.

    Rationale:
    This qualification meets the needs of the country and various business sectors by integrating aspects of strategic management, business ethics and corporate social responsibility, and human resources into various aspects of the qualification content.

    A recent study identified a significant need for business ethics in South African organisations (Groenewald & Vorster, 2019). Furthermore, consultations with business leaders highlighted a growing need for business schools to integrate business ethics into the curriculum. For this reason, the qualification aims to develop ethical business managers that do not only value the importance of ethics but can apply and understand the importance of business ethics as a sustainable business strategy.

    The purpose of including ethics in this qualification is to facilitate integration across disciplines, as "an integration mechanism for the business curriculum as a whole, and as a legitimate place for alternative thinking" (Arce & Gentile, 2015, p. 536).

    The qualification provides entry-level vocational or professional preparation or specialisation studies for bachelor's degree graduates. 
    		•

    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 which is applicable with 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:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Business Management in Accounting, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • A relevant qualification in the related field, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits.
  • Strategic Business Management, 15 credits.
  • Strategic Human Resource Management, 15 Credits.
  • Operations Management, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
  • Ethics and Social Responsibility, 15 Credits.
  • Management Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 30 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate understanding of the role of business operations in achieving corporate social responsibility goals by evaluating strategic objectives and stakeholder expectations.
    2. Apply strategic human resource management principles and practices to design jobs that promote creativity and innovation.
    3. Demonstrate a critical understanding of creating and delivering innovative products or services by explaining the role of human resources, operational capacity, and the supply chain to satisfy the needs of customers and the strategic goals of the organisation.
    4. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of marketing strategies by evaluating competitive positions to promote appropriate strategic marketing decisions to ensure that marketing objectives are aligned with business strategies.
    5. Analyse the relationship between cost and volume by applying relevant financial analysis techniques to determine the profitable cost structure for an organisation.
    6. Develop a corporate governance framework for managing business ethics and corporate social responsibility that incorporates strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of research methodology by describing qualitative and quantitative research methodology to distinguish between the major forms of academic research. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Investigate and evaluate an organisation's strategic position and produce an internal and external strategic management report for managerial decision-making by applying appropriate evaluation strategies, models, and processes.
  • Investigate and evaluate different business strategies by comparing, contrasting, and matching business strategies or a combination of strategies to achieve long-term strategic and financial objectives.
  • Analyse the business environment to identify business opportunities and threats to develop responsive business strategies that comply with good governance and strong ethical principles.
  • Motivate the selection of a business strategy or combination of strategies for competing in various markets by referring to relevant behavioural, political, ethical, and social responsibility considerations that impact strategy analysis and choice.
  • Identify and analyse a range of contemporary managerial issues, including corporate sustainability and ethics by investigating the impact that these issues may have on strategy implementation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate the relationship between an organisation's human resource strategy and its business management strategy by taking on a customer-orientated approach to facilitate the implications of the economy, the composition of the labour force, and ethical considerations for organisational sustainability.
  • Discuss various ways of eliminating labour surpluses and avoiding shortages.
  • Analyse an organisation's structure and workflow processes to determine to what extent jobs need to be redefined.
  • Evaluate the different human resource management (HRM) issues and practices associated with various strategies by investigating the possibility of implementing job rotation, job enlargement and work teams.
  • Develop and manage human resource management policies and practices to align with an organisation's business strategies.
  • Discuss ethical issues and challenges in human resource management and make recommendations for best practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Differentiate and discuss the input, transformation, and output processes involved in creating and delivering innovative products or services.
  • Discuss the importance of aligning operational and organisational strategies by focusing on the dimensions of quality to drive value for a business.
  • Evaluate the role of human resources in operations management by discussing HR roles and job design to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between strategic goals, human resources, and business operations.
  • Evaluate the capacity requirements for creating and delivering a product or service by applying appropriate forecasting methods to motivate appropriate methods for meeting demands.
  • Identify and evaluate the quality requirements of a product or service by examining the quality expectations of customers and the organisation's strategic objectives.
  • Evaluate and measure the market share and industry growth factors of an identified business and critically compare the limitations of each forecasting tool and technique to make accurate predictions and choose an appropriate strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss marketing information relevant to an organisation by evaluating market research to interpret the needs and expectations of a target market.
  • Develop pricing strategies for a product or service by evaluating market information and applying appropriate pricing methods to align the pricing strategy with the strategic marketing objectives.
  • Create an innovative marketing promotion by incorporating digital marketing and social media techniques to ensure that the strategic marketing objectives are met while applying relevant ethical marketing considerations.
  • Integrate and apply market information to align the marketing strategy with the business strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify and evaluate various costs by classifying and calculating variable, fixed and stepped costs for a business operation or unit using various methods to demonstrate a reflexive understanding of cost and management accounting concepts.
  • Evaluate and select the most appropriate costing system for a business operation or unit by comparing various costing systems to optimise financial information for decision-making.
  • Analyse the relationship between cost and volume by applying relevant financial analysis techniques to determine the profitable cost structure for an organisation.
  • Motivate an appropriate pricing strategy by comparing various pricing techniques to achieve financial and strategic objectives.
  • Develop a comprehensive budget for a business operation or unit by applying sound accounting principles and techniques to optimise financial information for decision-making.
  • Examine the social- and environmental performance of an identified organisation to ensure sound financial governance principles in developing a corporate governance framework
  • Evaluate and apply cost, pricing, and budgeting strategies to achieve organisational objectives.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Discuss contemporary ethical issues and challenges in business management and recommend best practices.
  • Investigate how ethics is deeply embedded in business at both the macro, meso and micro levels of economic activity.
  • Evaluate corporate social responsibility issues that may impact strategic business objectives.
  • Evaluate and identify ethical and sustainability issues related to the successful implementation of business strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Plan, develop and produce a research report by applying relevant business research principles and analytical techniques and present findings and conclusions using appropriate academic discourse on a contemporary business issue.
  • Select a suitable research topic by conducting literature research to contextualise and frame a research problem.
  • Compile a research proposal by applying relevant research methodologies to outline the significance of the research and intent.
  • Conduct research by collecting, analysing, and interpreting data according to the selected research design and methodology to produce a research report.
  • Identity and report research bias and relevant ethical considerations to produce trustworthy research findings.
  • Produce a research report with relevant findings, limitations and recommendations that meet the requirement of a scientific document and academic style.

    Integrated Assessment
    An integrated summative assessment is completed after completing all formative and summative assessments for the programme in the form of a final integrated summative assessment (FISA). In this qualification, the final integrated summative assessment takes place in the form of a research project. This integrated assessment assures overall applied competence for the relevant exit-level outcomes, ensuring that the learning experience is coherent and in line with the overall purpose of the qualification. It also requires learners to reflect on the learning that took place while completing the project.

    Summative assessment carries a weighting of 25% towards the final course average. The Integrated Summative Assessment is designed to assess learners across all levels of Bloom's Taxonomy.
  • Learners must submit the final research project within six months of research topic approval. Learners will receive recommendations during this period from their supervisor. These recommendations are inclusive of the normal study fees.
  • The research project carries a formal weighting of 25%.

    Upon successful completion of the research project, learners are required to attend a panel interview.
    All assessment instruments, formative assessments, summative assessments, and the project must adhere to the rules and standards as indicated in the institutions' assessment policy.

    Formative assignments are mostly knowledge-based and aim to prepare learners for a summative assessment.
    Summative assessments are used to evaluate learning at the end of a module and subject. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Cambridge International Qualifications (CIQ) (Professional awarding organisation incorporated in the UK and its subsidiary of Westford Education Group which is in higher education.
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma in International Business Management
    The qualification aims to expand learners' leadership skills by providing them with a holistic view of today's complex business landscape.
    Advanced Diploma in International Business Management is at CIQ Level 7 with 120 credits.

    The qualification aims to develop an awareness of the challenges confronted by organisations and to equip learners with the means to solve problems.
    The qualification aims to enhance learners' forward-thinking abilities and to prepare them for leading managerial positions.
    This qualification gives the learner with in-depth knowledge at a strategic level in an international context. Successful learners will develop an ability to work in Senior Managerial, Strategic roles with multi-national organisations.

    Compulsory core modules:
  • International Human Resource Management, 20 credits.
  • Operations Management, 20 credits.
  • Strategic Change Management, 20 credits.
  • International Marketing Management, 20 credits.
  • Strategic Management and Leadership, 20 credits.
  • Management Accoutring and Finance, 20 credits.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are at Level 7 with 120 credits.
  • Both the UK and SA qualifications are designed to equip qualifying learners with in-depth knowledge of strategic business management.
  • Both qualifications have the following similar modules:
  • International Human Resource Management.
  • Operations Management.
  • Strategic Change Management.
  • International Marketing Management.
  • Management Accounting and Finance.

    Country: United Kingdom (UK)
    Institution: The Westford University College
    Qualification Title: Higher National Diploma in Business (HNDB)
    The purpose of the HNDB is to enable learners to continue their education through applied learning and to advance their careers in business.
    Duration: 2 years
    Credits: 240

    The qualification is meant to explore the creative capacity of learners through a focused curriculum that prepares them for future degree-level studies and industry work. The curriculum promotes experiential learning through group projects, practical assignments, and class partnerships to better mirror the real-world workplace.

    The qualification is designed to prepare learners to be professionals and self-reflective individuals capable of meeting the needs of employers in the business sector and adapting to a constantly changing environment.

    Compulsory modules:
  • Business and the Business Environment.
  • Marketing Essentials.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Management & Operations.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Managing a Successful Business Project.
  • Sales Management.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Innovation and Commercialisation.
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Research Project.

    The qualification equips learners with the necessary skills to excel in a business management career. The qualification focuses on developing strategic business management skills and teaches sound business practices and values that foster ethical conduct in business.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are designed to develop strategic business management and business ethics skills.
    The following UK modules are similar to the SA qualification:
  • Marketing Essentials.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Management & Operations.
  • Management Accounting.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Research Project.

    Differences:
  • The UK qualification is offered in two years with a weighting of 240 Credits, and the SA qualification is offered in one year with a weighting of 120 credits.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Australian Professional Skills Institute
    Qualification Title: Advanced Diploma of Business
    Duration: 1 year

    Admission
  • Learners must have completed a minimum of Year 12 schooling or equivalent.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Apply critical thinking for complex problem solving
  • Manage organisational finances.
  • Develop and implement business plans.
  • Lead corporate social responsibility.
  • Review organisational digital strategy.

    Elective Modules:
  • Manage knowledge and information.
  • Lead and manage organisational change.
  • Manage innovation and continuous improvement.
  • Communicate with influence.
  • Provide leadership across the organisation.

    Assessment:
    A range of assessment strategies is used.
    Assessment will be through a combination of classroom-based and work-placement tasks. Classroom-based assessment includes but is not limited to:
  • Classroom Exercises.
  • Assignments.
  • Practical Demonstrations.
  • Group Activities.
  • Projects.
  • Verbal and/or written questions.
    Continuous assessment may be based on competencies and marks, or a combination of both.

    Potential Career Outcome.
  • Executive Manager.
  • Office Manager.
  • Customer Service Manager.
  • Sales Manager.
  • Sales Manager.
  • Operations Manager.
  • Program Coordinator.
  • Project Officer.

    Similarities:
  • In both qualifications learners can gain access through the RPL.
  • Both qualifications are assessed through formative and summative assessments.
  • Both qualifications have similar career options in the business.

    Differences:
  • The admission requirement for the Australian qualification is a minimum of Year 12 schooling, whereas the entry requirement for the SA qualification is a diploma.
  • The Australian qualification has both compulsory and elective modules, and the SA qualification has only compulsory modules. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in General Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma: Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. Business Management Training College (Pty) Ltd 


    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.