SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Leadership

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
122348	Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Leadership
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA 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
Postgraduate 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 08	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0724/24	2024-06-04	2027-06-04
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04		2031-06-04

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 Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Leadership is to develop the knowledge and skills required to satisfy the globally and locally acknowledged essential outcomes for a career in this field. The qualification will focus on the development of digital literacy skills needed to lead company innovation using new and emerging technologies. The qualification also focuses on the consequences, efficacy, and administration of digitalisation in organisations. Learners will be able to increase their knowledge of traditional business procedures and strategies and be able to perform their business functions for a firm, as well as use technology to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their business duties.

The qualification is intended for the:

Management professionals who want to advance their careers and focus on the acquisition of knowledge required for managing digital technologies that serve company goals.

Executives and professionals working in the e-commerce industry who are interested in honing their digital leadership skills will be among the typical learners.

Entrepreneurs working with e-commerce solutions.

Junior managers who have demonstrated leadership abilities and wish to expedite their professional advancement into general digital management positions. These junior managers should be young, entry-level, or middle-level in their management experience and have a desire to advance their careers.

Learners coming from a wide variety of academic fields who are interested in gaining a more in-depth understanding of how digital processes influence day-to-day living and transform the general management of enterprises.

Information Technology and digital technology professionals who wish to move into management roles and expand their knowledge on digital transformation to create an understanding of the technology that will drive and manage the change and adoption of new technologies, as well as senior managers who require a greater level of understanding and skill as pertains to digital technologies in relation to management and leadership.

The qualification will explore current and comprehensive leadership challenges associated with the successful implementation of online systems and technology in business, as well as the development and deployment of new technologies for digital leadership. This includes new technology companies and applications, as well as organisations that are attempting to integrate digital platforms into their commercial operations. Learners will be well-equipped to provide value to their current employers, pursue further education in this field, or work as entrepreneurs or industry consultants.

Learners will examine the theory and practice of Digital Leadership through the application of technical and managerial principles. This qualification will equip learners with knowledge applicable to a variety of real-world business scenarios, of which they are likely to face many. Learners will be able to work at entry-level and mid-level management roles in both private and public sector organisations and may therefore be a force for good with their ethical and effective digitisation portfolio leadership skills. The qualification will enable learners to evaluate and apply a range of management and technology frameworks in the South African and international business environment within digital contexts.

On the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:

Explain digital ethics principles, concepts, and processes in modern business.

Interpret digital culture in the digital business environment.

Interpret digital technology fundamentals and techniques to inform digital strategy development in an ethical and professional manner.

Examine relevant digital business, conceptual and analytical frameworks to analyse problems within different business and development management conditions.

Analyse digital data in an organisation to gain a competitive advantage as a leader in the digital world.

Analyse relevant strategic decision-making, concepts, and processes within a digital environment.

Analyse digital trends, platforms, technologies, and business models that force companies to undergo a digital transformation while evaluating potential dangers and possibilities.

Evaluate digital transformation in a digital leadership environment.

Graduates will possess the following attributes:

Be digitally literate.

Communicate and collaborate effectively in digital space.

Develop and grow organisations to evolve into the Digital Leadership environment.

Manage digital identity, reputation, and well-being of the organisation.

With this qualification, learners would be able to pursue a career in the changing business climate, as they would be able to use technology to communicate and perform business activities in a developing Digital Leadership environment. For learners to make wise business decisions and to confidently advance in their careers, the qualification is designed to guarantee that they have a full knowledge of the business environment, including management, finances, and project management. The focus of the qualification will be on providing learners with fundamental ideas and theories which can be applied to professional practice in a range of fields of work, postgraduate study, or corporate environments. Learners will become acquainted with the application of Digital Leadership principles and strategies using various information technologies.

The career paths overlap between business and technology, particularly from a strategic perspective, as well as organisation requirements to use technology more wisely. Among the jobs held by learners are, but are not limited to:

Entrepreneurs.

Business Transformation Leader.

Managers.

Team Leader.

E-commerce Entrepreneur.

Business Leader.

Project Manager.

Digital Business Leader.

E-commerce Project Manager.

Business Systems Analyst.

E-Business Manager.

Rationale:
According to Forbes (2021), the workforce in South Africa will need a high degree of digital proficiency as well as 21st-century life skills, including scientific, digital, financial, and cultural fluency. The qualification is intended to address the growing need for digital skills demand. The qualification is designed to help learners deal with and be flexible in a rapidly changing environment. It will also enable them to be future-proof leaders in the digital world.

By utilising cutting-edge digital technology, digital leadership focuses on boosting organisational competitiveness to achieve corporate sustainability and growth (Waldron, 2021). It is crucial for organisations to hire individuals who can conceptualise digital technologies and use them in meaningful ways in a data-driven environment (Deloitte, 2020). The demand for digitalisation across a range of industries and businesses supports the need for appropriate qualifications which will provide graduate learners with the theoretical and practical knowledge and skills to develop reliable, long-lasting solutions. According to Deloitte (2020), there is potential and demand for additional digitally-driven innovations across many sectors in Africa.

Adapting to increasingly digital market environments and taking advantage of digital technologies to improve operations and drive new customer value are important goals for every contemporary business. As a result, companies need to make the necessary changes to adapt their organisation to a digital environment (Forbes, 2021). With society becoming more and more reliant on technology, it is incumbent upon leaders to harness the power of digital technologies to create business cultures that are transparent, relevant, meaningful, engaging, and inspiring.

Learners will be able to apply digital strategies, run digital campaigns, and assess digital data through the relevant modules, which will help them succeed in this digital leadership climate. The qualification will equip learners to make substantive meaningful contributions to the National Development Plan (South African Government, 2022). This covers the expansion of subject-matter experts (SMEs), ethical business conduct, the application of technology to improve corporate performance, as well as personal growth, self-management, soft management, and critical thinking in the context of digital leadership. This specialised knowledge will not only help learners develop in their careers and stay current but also allow for a variety of articulation pathways.

Digital technology is constantly evolving and is one of the fastest-growing industries creating significant career opportunities for learners. In accordance with the objectives of the National Development Plan, the qualification will provide solutions to the most important issues facing the nation (South African Government, 2022). Learners who aspire to be leaders in the corporate world, middle and senior managers, or entrepreneurs will benefit from the design of the qualification since it equips them with the digital leadership abilities necessary for the process of digital business transformation. The qualification will make significant contributions to the National Development Plan. This includes expanding the number of subject matter experts (SMEs) using technology to improve business performance, self-management, soft management, and critical thinking in the context of digital leadership. This specialised knowledge will not only help learners develop in their careers and stay current but also allow for a variety of articulation opportunities.

Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities are developed through the content and related evaluation interventions. With this strategy, it is ensured that learners reach their maximum potential and make valuable contributions to their organisations.
The qualification will respond to the rapidly evolving needs of the corporate environment in the digital world. According to the National Development Plan: Vision for 2030, the e-strategy collaborations between state, industry, and academia will also create innovation systems, including software and applications incubators, local content and multimedia hubs, and research and development networks (South African Government, 2022). The exit level outcomes are in line with the National Development Plan. The qualification will allow learners to have the relevant entrepreneurial skills to contribute to their success in their careers and to have a positive impact on the economy.

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:

Advanced Diploma in Adaptive Leadership, NQF level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in General Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Management, NQF level 7.
Or

Advanced Diploma in Organisational Leadership, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Management Leadership, NQF level 7.
Or

Bachelor of Commerce in Management Sciences, NQF level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 8, 120 Credits:

Digital leadership, 15 Credits.

Business Strategy for a Digital Environment, 15 Credits.

Digital Technology Fundamentals, 15 Credits.

Digital Business Analytics, 15 Credits.

Digital Transformation, 15 Credits.

Embracing the Digital Culture, 15 Credits.

Digital Ethics in Modern Business, 15 Credits.

Security in the Digital Space, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit Level Outcomes
1. Demonstrate the ability to explain digital ethics principles, concepts, and processes in modern business.
2. Demonstrate the ability to interpret digital culture in the digital business environment.
3. Demonstrate the ability to interpret digital technology fundamentals and techniques to inform digital strategy development in an ethical and professional manner.
4. Demonstrate the ability to examine the relevant digital business, conceptual and analytical frameworks to analyse problems within different business and development management conditions.
5. Demonstrate the ability to analyse digital data in an organisation to gain a competitive advantage as a leader in the digital world.
6. Demonstrate the ability to analyse relevant strategic decision-making, concepts, and processes within a digital environment.
7. Demonstrate the ability to analyse digital trends, platforms, technologies, and business models that force companies to undergo a digital transformation while evaluating potential dangers and possibilities.
8. Demonstrate the ability to evaluate digital transformation in a digital leadership environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The following Associated Assessment Criteria are assessed in an integrated manner across all the Exit Level Outcomes:

Examine and apply the digital ethics principles, concepts, and processes within modern business contexts.

Explore the digital ethics principles and concepts to address their relevance in the modern business world.

Interpret and evaluate the digital culture within the digital business world.

Develop and evaluate the digital culture and strategies in the digital business environment.

Apply the Digital Technology Fundamentals and techniques to inform digital strategy development.

Analyse the Digital Technology Fundamentals and evaluate the success of digital business activities.

Examine and apply digital business concepts and frameworks to different business and development management conditions.

Evaluate and contextualise digital business concepts and frameworks to other areas/functions of the organisation.

Apply digital disruption and transformation tools in the digital leadership environment.

Analyse the digital business data to improve business in the digital world.

Explore the purposes, and benefits of data analytics to gain a competitive advantage.

Analyse relevant strategic decision-making concepts and processes within a digital environment.

Develop and apply the new concepts for digital leadership within a digital environment.

Evaluate the leadership strategies to improve business in the digital environment.

Analyse and apply the digital trends, platforms, technologies, and business models to the digital transformation.

Examine the business models, adapt, and evaluate the potential dangers and mitigate risk.

Evaluate and apply digital transformation in a digital leadership environment.

Interpret and contextualise digital transformation to other areas or functions of the organisation.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: United Kingdom
Name of Institution: University of Warwick
Name of Programme: Executive Diploma in Digital Leadership
Duration: 12 months
Entry Requirements:

Applications are encouraged from a wide cross-section of industry sectors, both commercial and non-profit/public sector, and business functions.

Applications are welcomed from candidates who can demonstrate that their experience and responsibilities will allow them to take an active part in discussions and benefit fully from the programme.

Successful applicants are expected to have at least 5 years of management experience that reflects the contribution and impact they have made as a leader in their career so far.

Purpose:
The Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Leadership is designed for business leaders and senior managers who want to develop a successful strategic roadmap in their organisation and to lead and seize opportunities in the digital age. Strategic thinking has promoted strategies based on competitor analysis of close-sector rivals. The impacts of digital transformation are so broad that the most disruptive competition is likely to come from outside and from businesses in which executives may have an incomplete understanding.

The qualification has a strong focus on personal development and action learning. Supported by a range of highly effective personal development tools, the outcome is for learners to understand their leadership approach and future potential.

Assessment:
Learners will be required to complete written assessments, plus a further strategic project. All assignments are designed to be directly related to their organisational context and challenges. To obtain the qualification, learners will need to attend all four taught modules and pass the assessment in each module and their project.

Qualification structure:

Business Impacts of Artificial Intelligence is comparable to Digital Transformation

Platform Strategy.

Leading Digital Transformation is comparable to Digital Transformation.

Business Analytics for Executives is comparable to Digital leadership.

Applied Project.

Similarities:

The University of Warwick (UW) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over one year.

Both qualifications consist of a similar purpose, content, and learning outcomes since they focus on business leaders and senior managers who want to develop a successful strategic roadmap in their organisation and to lead and seize opportunities in a digital age.

Both qualifications target learners of a similar background and work experience.

The UW and SA qualifications consist of similar compulsory modules.

Both qualifications consist of similar assessment methods.

Differences:

The UW applicants are expected to have at least five (5) years of management experience that reflects the contribution and impact they have made as a leader in their career whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma in a cognate field.

The UW qualification also uses a bespoke distance learning platform, an Inter-modular support for the distance learning delivery mode whereas the SA qualification uses the contact mode of delivery and not distance learning.

On completion of the UW qualification, the learner will be eligible to receive credits towards the Master of Business Administration whereas the SA qualification articulates to a Master's degree and does not offer credit accumulation transfer to another qualification.

Country: Singapore
Name of Institution: Boston University
Qualification Title: Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Strategy, Leadership, and Innovation
Duration: 7 months
Entry Requirements:

A Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in a related discipline conducted in English.

Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to help learners master digital skills and lead in today's rapidly changing economy. Graduates will master key aspects of digital transformation and leadership from platform strategy and production management to innovation and data analytics.

In today's fast-evolving global digital economy, businesses need people with the knowledge and skills to navigate and take the lead in digital transformation, driving growth and value in areas ranging from customer experience to operational excellence and business innovation. Graduates may be able to pursue the remaining requirements for the completion of the Master of Science in Digital Innovation.

Assessment:
Learners will be required to complete assessments which may include examinations, online quizzes, written assessments, projects, and case studies.

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

Compulsory Modules:

Digital Transformation Strategy and Leadership comparable to Digital Transformation and Digital Leadership.

Digital Product Management and Individual Leadership comparable to Digital leadership

Digital Platform Strategy and Organisational Leadership comparable to Digital leadership and Business Strategy for a Digital Environment

Digital Innovation through Experimentation and Social Media Success comparable to Digital Technology Fundamentals.

Digital Business Analytics and Social Media comparable to Digital Business Analytics.

Similarities:

The Boston University (BU) and the South African (SA) qualifications require applicants who completed a Bachelor's degree in a cognate field.

Both qualifications consist of similar content and learning outcomes.

Both qualifications focus on business leaders and senior managers who want to develop a successful strategic roadmap in their organisation and to lead and seize opportunities in a digital age.

The BU and SA qualifications have a strong focus on personal development and action learning and target learners of a similar background and work experience.

Both qualifications consist of the compulsory modules.

Both qualifications consist of similar assessment strategies.

Differences:

The BU qualification requires applicants to be at least 21 years old or 30 years old with at least five (5) years of professional, entrepreneurial, leadership and/or management experience or IELTS 6.0, Workplace Literacy (WPL) Level 7 or equivalent whereas the SA qualification requires learners who completed the Bachelor's degree or the Advanced Diploma.

The BU qualification is offered over seven (7) months of full-time study whereas the SA qualification is offered over one year of full-time study.

The BU offers experiential learning whereas the SA qualification includes simulated learning experiences through case studies, practical example applications and think points.
The SA qualification compares favourably with the two international institutions in terms of learning outcomes, assessment criteria, and content.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Digital Media, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Arts Honours in Design Leadership, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Business, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Digital Strategy, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Management, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 8.

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Leadership, NQF Level 8.

Vertical Articulation:

Master of Arts in Digital Media, NQF Level 9.

Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Strategic Brand Leadership, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies, NQF Level 9.

Master of Commerce in Leadership in Performance and Change, NQF Level 9.

Master of Management in Executive Leadership, NQF Level 9.

Master of Social Science in Critical Leadership Studies, NQF Level 9.

Diagonal Articulation
There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification.

MODERATION OPTIONS

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.	MANCOSA Pty (Ltd)