SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
121690	Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - SERVICES SETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Occupational Cert	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Human Resources
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	134	Not Applicable	NQF Level 06	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1121/24	2024-01-30	2029-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30		2033-01-30

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
80426	National Certificate: Generic Management: Franchising	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	162	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Franchise Manager.

A Franchise Manager maintains relationships with and supports franchise partners, develops and maintains guidelines on franchisor policies and procedures and provides training, communicates promotions and other relevant information, evaluates franchisee performance and works with franchisees to continuously improve operations. A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: critical analysis, problem solving, decision making, analytical, synthesis, communication, systematic and technical.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Plan, set up and maintain the franchisee relationship.

Oversee and evaluate franchising business performance.

Develop and maintain business growth and improvement plans.

Manage training and communication on franchising requirements and products.

Rationale:
The development of this qualification was supported by the Franchise Association of South Africa. The franchise business model plays an important role within the economy and more businesses are exploring the opportunity to franchise. In South Africa, in 2017, there were approximately 630 franchise systems totalling 39 000 franchise outlets. At that point, they contributed 12.5% to the economy and provided work for 325 000 people. This tendency is bound to expand considering that only 6.5% of South Africa's SMEs were franchised, compared to 30% in developed economies in the world. Franchisees are also embedded in their local communities through their local supply chains. The sustainability of the franchise system depends largely on competent Franchise Managers at both franchisor and franchisee level. Competent Franchise Managers will thus benefit the sector, society and the economy as proper management ensures economic sustainability of the franchise.

Typical learners to this qualification include both new entrants into the sector and already employed people who aspire to grow within a franchise business system or outlet. In addition, people who plan to grow their business by franchising, are potential learners to this qualification.

Learners will benefit from this qualification as successful completion will contribute to the full development of the learner by providing recognition, career progression and mobility within any franchise sector of the economy. As this qualification relates to business management, it allows for career progression opportunities and further studies in other areas of specialisation within the business management environment (where possible, examples of other areas of specialisation providing learning pathways may be given).

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for access to a qualification
Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules
Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements:
An NQF Level 4 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules

121906-000-00-KM-01, Business Ethics and Etiquette, Level 4, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-02, Workplace Dynamics, Level 4, 2 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-03, Leadership and Management Principles, Level 5, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-04, Risk Management Theory, Level 5, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-05, Franchise Contractual and Legal Relationships, Level 6, 9 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-06, Operations and Systems Planning Processes, Level 6, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-07, Managing and Monitoring Performance of a Franchise, Level 6, 15 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-08, Financial Management Theory, Level 6, 8 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-09, Theory of Growing a Business, Level 6, 9 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-10, Theory of Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Level 6, 10 Credits.

121906-000-00-KM-11, Marketing and Training, Level 6, 5 Credits.
Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 74

Practical Skill Modules

121906-000-00-PM-01 Interpret Contractual Agreements and Develop Implementation Guidelines, Level 6, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-02, Develop Operational and Evaluation Guidelines, Level 6, 5 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-03, Evaluate Business Compliance, Level 6, 3 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-04, Develop Financial Plans and Analyse Financial Performance, Level 6, 5 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-05, Evaluate Business Performance, Level 6, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-06, Develop and Evaluate Business Growth Opportunities, Level 6, 3 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-07, Conduct Market Research, Level 6, 3 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-08, Manage Training Provision, Level 6, 3 Credits.

121906-000-00-PM-09, Manage Communication Processes, Level 6, 2 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 32

Work Experience Modules

121906-000-00-WM-01, Processes for the Maintenance of Franchisee Contractual Framework, Level 6, 8 Credits.

121906-000-00-WM-02, Processes for Evaluating Franchise Performance, Level 6, 8 Credits.

121906-000-00-WM-03, Processes for Identifying Business Growth Opportunities, Level 6, 4 Credits.

121906-000-00-WM-04, Communication and Training Processes Related to Franchise Requirements, Level 6, 8 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 28

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Establish and maintain franchise relationships, applying legislative requirements and processes.
2. Evaluate and analyse the performance of the franchise system and related processes.
3. Develop business growth and improvement plans using appropriate methods, procedures and techniques.
4. Establish processes to communicate and maintain franchise requirements, products and relationships.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ELO 1: Establish and maintain franchise relationships, applying legislative requirements and processes.

Discuss, analyse and interpret requirements of the franchise's legal and contract environment to enhance franchise relationships.

Identify, discuss and evaluate operational and evaluation requirements.

Develop and review operational and evaluation guidelines.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
ELO2: Evaluate and analyse the performance of the franchise system and related processes.

Discuss, evaluate and analyse franchise systems and related processes.

Compare, evaluate and analyse franchise operations performance against operations manual standards.

Discuss and apply financial analysis concepts and principles in the context of franchise performance.

Discuss, analyse and apply costs and costing concepts and principles in the context of financial performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
ELO 3: Develop business growth and improvement plans using appropriate methods, procedures and techniques.

Discuss, compare, analyse and apply business growth and improvement methods and techniques.

Develop business growth and improvement proposals based on market research and feasibility examinations.

Evaluate and analyse business growth and improvement plans against service performance and sales.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
ELO 4: Establish processes to communicate and maintain franchise requirements, products and relationships.

Develop and implement communication and training strategy within available budget.

Develop, implement and maintain communication systems and processes in the context of franchising.

Develop, implement and maintain training plan and processes in the context of franchising.

Discuss and apply customer relationship management principles in the context of franchising.

Integrated Assessment:
Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the Integrated External Summative Assessment.

Summative Assessment
An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. The external integrated summative assessment will be conducted through a theoretical assessment, responding to scenarios and the evaluation of practical tasks on selected modules using relevant checklists at an approved assessment site in a simulated environment (where relevant) and conducted by assessors registered with the relevant AQP.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

In most countries, franchise management specific qualifications and qualifications are limited to post-graduate level and require a general management degree as entry requirement. Two exceptions could, however, be identified in the two countries selected, one in Australia and another one in the United Kingdom.

Australia
The Customer Service Institute of Australia, Bella Vista, New South Wales, offers the Diploma of Franchising. This qualification is at Level 6 and is delivered over a year. Entry requirement is a year-12 Certificate or equivalent qualification.

Subjects include:

Establish a franchise operation.

Manage a franchise operation.

Manage establishment of new sites or regions.

Manage relationships with franchisees.

Manage closure of a franchise.

Manage budgets and financial plans.

Lead and manage team effectiveness.

Implement and monitor marketing activities.

Similarities
The Australian Diploma is similar to the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager in terms of the content covered, level and duration. All modules covered by the Australian Diploma are also coved by the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager.

Differences
The Australian Diploma differs from the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager only in terms of structure as it does not include a work experience component as part of the qualification.

United Kingdom (UK)
The Quality Franchise Association offers Verified Franchising Professional (VFP) qualification, which is recognised by The Institute of Leadership and Management-(TILM) recognised foundation qualification for business franchising. Over the four modules which make up the VFP foundation qualification, leaners gain an understanding of franchising from establishing the brand identity, through to running a pilot operation and the importance of an operations manual. The qualification makes reference to documentation required within franchising, including videos and examples in order to bolster your knowledge.

Upon completion the learner will be able to use the VFP and TILM post-nominal. The qualifying learner will have 12-month membership of the TILM and the opportunity to take a diploma qualification which advances his/her knowledge within franchising even further.

The Verified Franchise Professional qualification consists of four modules:

Module 1: Basics of Franchising
Topics: History of Franchise, Franchise relationship, Roles and responsibilities, Franchise Ethics, Unspoken code of conduct, Intellectual property and branding.

Module 2: Marketing and Branding Consistency
Topics: Aligned vision and mission, Importance of pilot operation, Brand management, Marketing within a franchise, Compliance audit and benchmarking.

Module 3: Franchisee Profiling, Training and Site Logistics
Topics: Types of franchises, Franchise business models: Franchisor - Franchisee, Franchisor support promise, Franchisee profiling, Franchisee training, Site selection.

Module 4: Documentation, Planning and Legal
Topics: Recruiting franchisees, Franchisee documentation, Budgets, Gearing ratio and affordability, Business plan, Marketing plan.

Similarities
The Verified Franchising Professional qualification is similar to the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager in terms of the purpose, topics, content and level of complexity.

Differences
The Verified Franchising Professional differs from the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager as it not packaged as a formal qualification and duration is not specified.

Conclusion
The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Franchise Manager compares favourably with the Australian Diploma in terms of duration, level and content and United Kingdom's Verified Franchising Professional qualification in terms of the purpose, topics, content and level of complexity.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Manager, NQF Level 6.

Diploma in Supply Chain and Logistics Management, NQF Level 6.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Executive, NQF Level 7.

Diagonal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of a statement of results and statement of work experience as well as proof of successful completion of all the subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:
None

Criteria for the accreditation of providers
Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website.

The curriculum title and code are: Franchise Manager: 121906-000-00-00.

Encompassed Trade:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:
None

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
Services SETA.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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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