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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Development 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122452  Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Development 
ORIGINATOR
University of Johannesburg 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Public Administration 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 10  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 Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Development is to develop advanced specialised and interdisciplinary knowledge and skills in innovation to harness solutions to developmental challenges. The qualification is designed to establish applied conceptual, theoretical, and analytical skills, enabling learners to blend and synthesise different disciplinary tools to address problems. Through the thesis and research articles, learners will show evidence of independent and original scientific work in the field.

Qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Design, develop, propose, and model new approaches to innovation and development that are original, creative, or innovative, and that extend existing knowledge in the discipline.
  • Apply in-depth knowledge and high levels of theoretical understanding to a defined research problem.
  • Make an original academic contribution in the discipline within the academic, professional and/or defined ethical parameters.
  • Conduct and report on independent research using appropriate innovation and development discourses.

    Rationale:
    The qualification is based on the premise that innovation is the main engine driving and steering the development trajectory. The qualification will therefore produce learners who understand the role of innovation and technological change in creating and addressing various development problems in the process of the structural transformation of society. The multi-disciplinary qualification will link professional, industry and policy insights with academic theory in studying innovation.

    There is growing recognition of the importance of innovation for the development of countries, including in Africa. However, innovation is commonly related to disruptive and technology-intensive activities that emulate those present in more advanced economies. There is a need for the qualification that enables a better understanding of the complex forms in which innovation takes place in African countries, often combining tech-intensive with low-tech incremental improvements, and how these innovation activities can be promoted and made relevant for the economic and social development of African societies.

    The management of technological innovation is one of the most important challenges facing businesses today. Innovation has become the fundamental driver of competitiveness for firms of all sizes in virtually all business sectors and nations.
    The qualification will integrate professional, industry and policy insights with academic theory in studying innovation. The qualification will inform policy interventions and produce the next generation of scholars, practitioners and policymakers who will study further and promote innovation relevant to their communities.

    Applicants will be drawn from persons in possession of an appropriate Master's degree in a relevant field, including development studies, economics, and broader social science fields. People working in development or related areas in possession of relevant natural science degrees will also be eligible. 
    		•

    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.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Master of Management in Technology and Innovation, NQF level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Business Administration, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.
    Or
  • Master of Development Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at NQF Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Module, Level 10, 360 Credits:
  • Thesis, 360 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate research capability at the forefront of the discipline.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to design, develop, propose, and model new approaches to innovation and development that are original, creative, or innovative, and that extend existing knowledge in the discipline.
    3. Apply expertise, critical knowledge, and high levels of theoretical understanding to a defined research problem.
    4. Make an original academic contribution in the discipline within the academic, professional and/or defined ethical parameters.
    5. Conduct and report on independent research using appropriate innovation and development discourses. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conceptualize new research initiatives.
  • Identify, address, and manage emerging ethical issues.
  • Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership, management of research and research development in management.
  • Operate independently and take full responsibility for work.
  • Design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems independently.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critique and synthesize the required methods, procedures, and enquiring techniques relevant to the management of technology, the management of innovation and the management of people domains into innovative product/process solutions.
  • Integrate technology, innovation and people concepts within newly defined managerial leadership contexts.
  • Develop new methods, techniques, processes, and systems in original, creative, innovative, and sophisticated contexts.
  • Apply expertise knowledge and theory in critically thoughtful ways to address complex theoretical problems.
  • Implement advanced processes of ethical decision-making.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply current and emerging knowledge and theories to new contexts in the innovative and development context.
  • Interrogate, expand, and redefine existing knowledge boundaries and practices and create responses to problems.
  • Challenge complexities and contradictions in the knowledge base.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4.
  • Create new knowledge or practice.
  • Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge.
  • Contribute to knowledge production in Management.
  • Provide a unique contribution to the discipline and research leadership within a field or across disciplines. The thesis provides evidence of unique contribution/s to the discipline.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Review and synthesise important terms, rules, and concepts against the background of existing management of technology, management of innovation and management of people frameworks.
  • Accurately and creatively apply expertise knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex problems in unfamiliar contexts.
  • Research leadership within a field of Innovation and Development or across disciplines.
  • Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity, adaptability, and intellectual independence.
  • Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis.
  • Produce substantial, independent, in-depth, and publishable work which meets international standards.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment is implemented according to the prescribed institution's Higher Degrees and Postgraduate Studies Policy. Integrated assessment is appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. A variety of methods are used in assessments and a variety of tools and activities are utilised to ensure the appropriateness of the assessment to the context in which the learner is working. During integrated assessments, the assessor makes use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods to assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    Formative assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment is provided through, seminar presentations and learner/supervisor consultations.
    Summative assessment:
    The summative assessment processes are as follows:
  • Learners submit a thesis after meeting all requirements for submission.
  • The thesis is sent to examiners with instructions to examiners and an assessment schedule.
  • Examination reports and assessment schedule received from examiners.
  • Examination reports and assessment results serve at the Faculty's Postgraduate Assessment Committee.
  • Faculty's Postgraduate Assessment Committee notes results or in a case of conflicting reports, advises on alternative options.
  • Corrections made to the satisfaction of the supervisor and re-submit with supervisor approval.
  • Results serve and are ratified by the Faculty's Higher Degrees Committee.
  • Results serve and are noted or approved by the Senate Higher Degrees Committee. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Although there are many doctoral degrees world-wide, offering various qualifications in the field of Innovation, none of them focuses specifically on the interactions between innovation and developmental issues.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Name of the Institution: University of Bristol
    Name of the qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
    Duration: Four years full-time

    Entry requirements
  • Master of Philosophy: An upper second-class degree or international equivalent.

    The qualification allows researchers to conduct a longer research project under supervision that culminates in a thesis which significantly contributes to knowledge and defends it before a panel of experts in the field.

    Graduates of the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship have moved into a variety of roles in the profit and not-for-profit sectors. Current learners are planning on entrepreneurial careers, such as developing new business startups or in large businesses as intrapreneurs. Research learners may also choose to develop a career in academia.

    Similarities:
  • The University of Bristol (UB) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Master's Degree in the relevant field.
  • Both qualifications culminate in a thesis which makes a significant contribution to knowledge and defend it before a panel of experts in the field.
  • The purpose and rationale of the UB qualification are similar to that of the SA qualification.

    Difference:
  • The UB qualification is offered over four years of full-time studies whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years of full-time study.

    Country: United States of America
    Name of institution: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Name of the qualification: Doctor of Technological Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management
    Duration: 5 years full time
    Entry Requirements
  • Master's degree in the relevant field or equivalent

    Purpose:
    The purpose of the qualification is to address the challenges and realize the promise associated with creating products and businesses from scientific research and technological innovation. The qualification espouses an interdisciplinary approach to successfully managing the complexities associated with technological innovation, product development, and entrepreneurship.

    The objective of the qualification is to train scholars capable of advancing the research frontier in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic management.
    The qualification embraces two areas: the organization, development, and commercialization of technology-based innovation in existing firms; and the formation, development, and growth of technology-based new enterprises. Learners can integrate these areas into their studies or approach them as distinct elements.

    Learners must complete their coursework and methodology requirements. Module selection is made under the guidance of faculty in the learner's research group. Theses are either book-style chapters or separate essays. The final step before achieving the doctorate is a public defence seminar, which is open to the MIT Sloan community.

    Similarities:
  • The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the South African (SA) qualifications require learners who completed a Master's degree in the relevant field.
  • The purpose of MIT and SA qualifications is to train scholars capable of advancing the research frontier in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and strategic management.
  • Both qualifications culminate into a thesis.

    Differences:
  • The MIT qualification takes five years of full-time study whereas the SA qualification takes three years of full-time study.
  • The MIT qualification consists of both coursework and thesis while the SA qualification consists of thesis and no coursework.

    Country: Malaysia
    Institution: INTI International University
    Qualification Title: Doctor of Philosophy in Innovation and Technology
    Duration: 3 years fulltime
    Entry Requirements: A recognised Master's degree.

    Purpose:
    The qualification enables learners to integrate multiple specialities that are essential to innovation initiatives in the value chain. These specialities include creativity, the ability to harness collective intelligence, and the capability of adding value creation in various fields. The qualification also aims to facilitate knowledge creation in the field of innovation and technology and hence, create better solutions for global challenges.

    Learners will achieve a high standard of communication skills, critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, information management skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset in the field of innovation and technology.

    Qualification Structure.
  • Research Methodology.
  • Proposal Defence.
  • Research Thesis Supervision.
  • Viva Voce in the final year.
  • Thesis comparable to Thesis.

    Similarities:
  • The INTI International University (INTI) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered over three years of full-time study.
  • Both qualifications require learners who completed a Master's degree in the relevant field.
  • The INTI and SA qualifications prepare learners with the latest data analytic and modelling tools which will enable them to manage the huge amount of data and convert it into useful information.
  • Graduates of both qualifications will be able to contribute professionally as leaders in innovation and technology in academic and workplace organisations.
  • Both qualifications culminated into the Thesis. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF level 10.
  • Doctor of Management, NQF level 10.
  • Doctor of Management in Technology and Innovation, NQF level 10.
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Management Sciences, NQF level 10. 
    		•

    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. University of Johannesburg 


    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.