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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Management, 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
121216  Higher Certificate in Management, 
ORIGINATOR
Academic Institute of Excellence (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
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Project Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0920/23  2023-11-14  2026-11-14 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2027-11-14   2030-11-14  

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 Higher Certificate in Management is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills, and attributes to function as a junior manager within a business. Learners will be able to apply the management skills of a junior manager as a vocation. The qualification will further enhance their ability to access further learning within the field of management and are provided with a range of career opportunities within the world of business work, be it manufacturing or as a professional service-driven business.

The qualification is designed to provide opportunities to develop functional skills in finance, marketing, and operations management. The qualification emphasizes the development of management skills, with particular attention to managing people and leadership.

On completion of the qualification qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Apply the integrated knowledge and management theories as they relate to business structure.
  • Examine the relationship between business and Human Resources, related labour law and business imperatives behind Talent Management to give effect to organisational strategy.
  • Implement basic marketing principles in a business unit to give effect to a marketing strategy.
  • Use knowledge of financial management principles to perform financial functions in a business unit.
  • Apply knowledge of the business value chain to plan, organize and control the purchasing and logistics function in a business unit.
  • Explore the need for using an effective Information Management System (IMS) in a business setting and implement a basic IMS.
  • Analyse the business operations and the transformation models, classification systems and aspects of planning and control to maintain quality standards in operations.

    Rationale:
    The Department of Higher Education and Training National Scarce Skills List (2020) identified several occupations wherein management knowledge and skills are essential. Examples include manufacturing manager, sales and marketing manager, supply and distribution manager, human resource manager, corporate general manager, project, or programme manager, information, and communications technology (ICT) project manager etc. A need for generic management skills across a wide spectrum of disciplines is required. The qualification is designed to enable learners to acquire the knowledge, skills, attributes, and values required to operate confidentially in and respond to the managerial challenges of the South African socio-economic context.

    This qualification is geared towards developing management skills that are essential for business functioning, both on a strategic and operational level. The qualification reflects the needs of the business industry by preparing learners for entry positions to strengthen managerial competencies within a variety of institutions. Management is essential for effective business functioning.

    This qualification provides an opportunity to discover the world of management and to instil fundamental principles to serve incumbents in any field of business in an entry-level junior management role.

    The qualification offers the following fundamental concepts related to the role of Junior Manager:
  • Foundational theoretical knowledge principles common to the role of a Junior Manager.
  • Practical skill required to improve the efficiency and productivity of a small business unit.

    The qualification will address the demand for learners without university exemption to formally study management to enter the profession. It is anticipated that qualifying learners will be able to present their accumulated credits for admission to the Bachelor's degree in a cognate field. The qualification provides learners with the required competencies to be employed in various entry-level managerial roles in various economic sectors as well as to follow different career opportunities as an entry qualification to higher-level qualifications.

    Competence in this qualification can assist learners in entering a Continuous Professional Development programme at several Professional Bodies where Managers can become certified Practitioners in their profession such as Business Advisors, Office Professionals and Professional Municipal Managers. 
    		•

    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 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.

    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:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without Matriculation exemption.
    Or
  • Relevant qualification, NQF Level 4 in a cognate field of study.

    RULES OF COMBINATION
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 132 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 132 Credits:
  • Management Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Human Resource Development and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing, Decision Making and Communication, 25 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 25 Credits.
  • Purchasing and Logistics, 12 Credits.
  • Information Technology, 20 Credits.
  • Organisation and Production, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and an informed understanding of management theories as they relate to business structure.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between business and human resources, related labour law and business imperatives behind talent management to give effect to organisational strategy.
    3. Implement basic marketing principles in a business unit to give effect to a marketing strategy.
    4. Use knowledge of financial management principles to perform financial functions in a business unit.
    5. Apply knowledge of the business value chain to plan, organize and control the purchasing and logistics function in a business unit.
    6. Understand the need for using an effective Information Management System (IMS) in a business setting and implement a basic IMS.
    7. Demonstrate understanding of business operations and the relation to transformation models, classification systems and aspects of planning and control to maintain quality standards in operations. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain the effective management practices and functions in different organisational structures with reference to the value they bring to a business.
  • Discuss the concept of plan, organize, lead and control and purposefully apply to activities in a business unit.
  • Explore entrepreneurship and its value to a business.
  • Differentiate between the concepts of ethics, governance, and compliance with law, in the context of operating a business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain the function of Human Resources (HR) in a business and the application of HR-specific legislation.
  • Apply Human Resource planning in a business unit.
  • Discuss recruitment and selection as talent management imperatives and the methods of retaining talent in an organisation.
  • Discuss Human resource development and its part in the talent management process.
  • Explain and apply labour legislation and its role in a business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Define the concept of marketing, the components of a marketing process, market research and the role of marketing in business management processes.
  • Create an integrated marketing strategy based on sound decision-making processes.
  • Identify and apply the standard market research methodology.
  • Communicate the processes used to make decisions in marketing.
  • Discuss the product positioning and classification, consumer behaviour and approaches to market segmentation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Discuss the underlying principles and role of financial management in a business setting and compare them to financial functions.
  • Apply the concepts related to effective and efficient financial management.
  • Explain the objectives of financial management in a business.
  • Manage the assets of a business.
  • Define and explain the concepts and use of budgeting in a business and create a budget for a small business.
  • Assess the impact of financial planning and control in a business.
  • Discuss the various investment opportunities.
  • Apply the standard and prescribed ethical practice in financial management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe the purposes and functions of purchasing and logistics in a business.
  • Compare the primary and secondary activities of purchasing and logistics.
  • Discuss the role of a Purchasing and Logistics Manager as integral to the purchasing and supply function in a business.
  • Discuss the different approaches to inventory management.
  • Apply a variety of different inventory management systems.
  • Analyse the different approaches to and criteria for the selection and management of suppliers.
  • Explain the concept of making quality assurance decisions as a function of purchase and supply.
  • Discuss and apply different decision-making considerations during the planning, organising, and controlling of the purchasing and logistics function.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Contrast data and information.
  • Describe the need for information management and the types of information systems.
  • Explain the links between management levels and information systems.
  • Describe the characteristics and requirements of an Information Management System (IMS) to evaluate a basic system.
  • Compare the concept of data integration and different models.
  • Analyse a variety of data integration techniques.
  • Propose different methods to integrate data into an IMS.
  • Explain the quality assurance and quality control of an IMS.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Discuss and explain the role, advantages, and performance objectives of operations management in a business.
  • Discuss the elements and characteristics of the transformation model as applied in different processes of the model in business.
  • Discuss the classification system used to classify process types for manufacturers and service providers.
  • Explain the differences between the layout and flow of manufacturing and service provisions.
  • Motivate the effect of technology, job design and work organisation on different process types.
  • Identify aspects involved in the operations planning and control process.
  • Explain and suggest the requirements to align, manage and improve business and operations strategies to manufacture or deliver products. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    A favourable comparison was made between the qualification and similar qualifications at the same level in other countries, offered at public and private institutions.

    Country: Scotland
    Institution: West College Scotland
    Qualification Title: Level 5 in Management and Leadership
    NQF Level Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), Level 5
    Credits: 53
    Duration: One year full time
    Entry Requirements:
    No prior knowledge, understanding, skills or qualifications are required before learners register for this qualification.

    Purpose:
    The qualification provides a broader knowledge of skills to help learners be more effective in specific management areas, with increased focus on the areas that are most appropriate to the role and organisation. The primary role of a practising or aspiring manager and leader is to lead and manage individuals and teams to deliver aims and objectives in line with organisational strategy.

    On successful completion of a Level 5 Qualification in Management and Leadership, several progression opportunities become available:
  • Enhance the professional status by upgrading the CMI membership.
  • Progress to other qualifications at the same level (e.g. from Level 5 Award to Level 5 Certificate etc.).
  • Progress to other qualifications at the next level (e.g. from Level 5 Certificate to Level 6 or 7 Certificate).
  • Apply to become a Chartered Manager.

    Learners who are aspiring to a management role may progress to roles such as:
  • Operations Manager.
  • Divisional Manager.
  • Departmental Manager.
  • Regional Manager.
  • Specialist Manager.

    Successful completion of a Higher National Certificate (HNC) allows applicants to apply for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in the same subject. It may also be possible to progress to Year One or Year Two of a university degree programme with suitable grades from an HNC.

    Qualification structure:
  • Principles of Management and Leadership in an Organisational Context compares with Management Theory.
  • Principles of Developing, Managing and Leading Individuals and Teams to Achieve Success compares with Human Resource Development and Management
  • Managing Stakeholder Relationship
  • Managing Projects to Achieve Results.
  • Managing Change compares with Management Theory
  • Creating and Delivering Operational Plans compares with Management Theory
  • Managing Finance compares with Financial Management
  • Using Reflective Practice to Inform Personal and Professional Development. compares with Human Resource Development and Management
  • Optimise the use of technology compares with Information Technology
  • Manage product and/or service development compares with Organisation and Production
  • Manage strategic marketing activities compares with Marketing, Decision Making and Communication
  • Manage knowledge in an organisation compares with Information Technology
  • Recruitment, selection, and induction practice compares with Human Resource Development and Management
  • Manage information systems compares with Information Technology
  • Manage a tendering process compares with Purchasing and Logistics
  • Manage physical resources compares with Purchasing and Logistics
  • Manage the impact of work activities on the environment compares with Human Resource Development and Management
  • Prepare for and support quality audits.
  • Conduct quality audits
  • Manage a budget compares with Financial Management
  • Manage a project.

    Assessment:
    Assessment is normally via practical work-based assignments provided by the Approved Centre. This ensures learners minimise time away from work and that they undertake work study which is relevant to their own organisation's context.

    Similarities:
  • The West College Scotland (WCS) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications are registered at Level 5 on the NQF/ RQF.
  • The WCS and SA qualifications aim to enhance leadership abilities and managerial skills at an entry-level, equipping individuals with the necessary knowledge and expertise to excel in leadership and management roles.
  • Both qualifications share the same compulsory modules.
  • Both qualifications progress to a Diploma and/or Bachelor's degree.

    Differences:
  • The WCS qualification has 53 credits value while the SA qualification has 124 credits.
  • The WCS qualification does not require a formal qualification for the entry requirements while the SA qualification requires an applicant who holds the National Senior Certificate.
  • The WCS qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules whereas the SA qualification consists of compulsory modules and no electives.

    Country: New Zealand
    Institution: University of Waikato
    Qualification Title: Certificate in Management
    NQF Level: New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) Level 5
    Credits: 120
    Duration: One year

    Entry requirements:
  • University entrance through the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA), or equivalent.

    Purpose:
    This one-year Certificate is available to students who wish to gain an introductory qualification in management and can be the start of a bachelor's degree.
    A Certificate in Management is similar to completing the first year of a bachelor's degree at a university. It is a great way to gain an introductory qualification and can propel learners towards future success.

    Qualification structure:
    The qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules.

    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Management compares with Management Theory
  • Accounting for Management
  • Business Economics and the New Zealand Economy
  • Introduction to Finance compares with Financial Management
  • Digital Business and Supply Chain Management compares with Purchasing and Logistics
  • Fundamentals of Successful Marketing compares with Marketing, Decision Making and Communication

    Elective Modules (Select two modules from the following options):
  • Accounting
  • Agribusiness
  • Digital Business
  • Economics
  • Finance compares with Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management compares with Human Resource Development and Management
  • International Management
  • Leadership Communication compares with Marketing, Decision Making and Communication
  • Management compares with Management Theory
  • Marketing compares with Marketing, Decision Making and Communication
  • Public Relations
  • Strategic Management
  • Supply Chain Management compares with Purchasing and Logistics
  • Tourism and Hospitality Management

    Candidates must gain 120 points at 100 level or above in the Certificate fields, including at least six papers in subjects listed within the field of Management, plus two elective papers in any subject offered at the University of Waikato. Candidates must gain at least 90 points in one field.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Waikato (UoW) and South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications have a minimum of 120 Credits and are registered at Level 5.
  • Both qualifications require applicants who completed the NCEA/National Senior Certificate, or equivalent.
  • The UoW and SA qualifications will provide the broad knowledge and skills needed in the industry and to progress along a career path for learners who wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of the industry so that they can become knowledge workers and/or practitioners in management.
  • The UoW and SA qualifications share similar modules.

    Differences:
    The UoW qualification consists of both compulsory and elective modules while the SA qualification consists of only compulsory modules and no elective modules.

    Conclusion:
    The comparison exercise has shown that there are similarities between the SA qualification and international qualifications in terms of the NQF levels, credits, purpose, entry requirements, exit level outcomes, modules, and articulation. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in General Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Management and Leadership, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Management Development, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Management Practice, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Marketing Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Office Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Operations Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Practice Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 5.
  • Higher Certificate in Public Management, NQF Level 5.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Human Resource Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Operations Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Public Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.

    Diagonal Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: General Manager Public Service, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    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. Academic Institute of Excellence (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.