SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
124089	Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management
ORIGINATOR
MANCOSA Pty (Ltd)
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
National First Degree	Field 11 - Services		Transport, Operations and Logistics
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	360	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 0931/25	2025-04-17	2028-04-17
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-04-17		2034-04-17

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 Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management qualification is to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and traits to achieve exceptional performance in the domain of supply chain and operations management. The curriculum has been specifically developed to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the complete processes that regulate the movement of products and services, including sourcing, production, and distribution. Additionally, it aims to cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities. Graduates will benefit from the completion of this qualification, as they demonstrate proficiency as competent professionals who possess the ability to make valuable contributions to the achievement of organisational objectives within a dynamic and constantly changing global supply chain environment.

Since there is a growing need for technology in the supply chain industry, technology plays a larger role in supply chain operations, and learners become familiar with the most recent developments and trends in fields including automation, data analytics, supply chain software, and e-commerce. The learners will investigate how technology can be used to increase the supply chain's adaptability and efficiency. Thus, making the qualification more technologically efficient and fitting in with the evolution of the supply chain industry. Learners will have a comprehensive understanding of supply chain and operations management principles, strategies, and best practices upon completion of the qualification. They will be capable of analysing complex business scenarios, identifying inefficiencies, and proposing innovative solutions. Graduates will enter the workforce with a competitive advantage and be prepared to face the challenges of dynamic supply chains and operations environments.

Employers will benefit from employing graduates who possess a unique blend of business acumen and specialised knowledge, which will enable organisations to leverage the graduate's knowledge to streamline operations, optimise processes, and improve overall organisational efficiency. With a workforce capable of navigating the complexities of global supply chains, organisations will experience enhanced risk management, decreased operational costs, and increased customer satisfaction. Graduates will contribute to sector growth by facilitating the seamless flow of products and services, driving innovation, and bolstering the resilience of supply chains.

The learner will possess the following attributes upon completion of the qualification:

Problem-solving by solving real-world problems

Teamwork that involves collaborating and working effectively in a team

Ethical competency by making professional and ethical decisions

Technologically innovative by applying trend-oriented and emerging technologies

Creative thinking by applying innovative problem-solving

Flexible thinking by exhibiting flexibility and adaptability

The curriculum is designed to appeal to a wide range of learners who are interested in obtaining a quality qualification in the field of supply chain and operations management. The anticipated learner cohort comprises individuals who have recently completed their secondary education, working professionals who aim to enhance their skills or shift their career trajectory towards this particular field, and learners who are seeking a high-quality education that is applicable to real-world contexts.

Upon completion of the qualification qualifying learner will be able to:

Understand supply chain management dynamics and the role of operations management within the supply chain.

Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to implement contemporary operations and quality management tools and techniques in managing the supply chain and operational challenges faced by the industry.

Analyse multiple sources of knowledge on business management models and principles to align the workplace to current global business trends in the field of supply chain management

Examine business and digital information systems to test supply chain efficacy

Evaluate appropriate supply chain management models, tools, and frameworks to solve supply chain problems and devise operational improvements within the industry

Appraise frameworks that enable effective and ethical decisions on supply chain management and operations management principles

Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions:

Supply Chain Manager

Operations Manager

Procurement Officer

Inventory Manager

Supply Chain Consultant

Production Planner

Warehouse Foreman

Rationale:
The qualification is crafted to cater to the ever-changing needs of the contemporary business environment. The successful operation of any organisation in the present interconnected global economy relies heavily on the efficient and effective management of supply chains and the operations thereof. The need for a qualification in the field of supply chain and operations management is based on the growing importance of supply chain management, as supply chains have become increasingly complex due to factors such as globalisation, outsourcing, and technological advancements.

Managing these intricate networks within the supply chain requires professionals who possess the knowledge and skills to optimise operations, mitigate risks, and enhance overall supply chain performance. Manavalan and Jayakrishna (2019) opine that effective supply chain management has become essential for firms in the modern international economic environment. The necessity for specialised education and training in this subject has arisen because of the realisation of the importance of supply chain and operations management in fostering an organisation's success.

Taking the above into consideration, the qualification aims to meet the needs of the sector, thereby benefiting the economy. According to Attaran (2020), there is a growing demand for qualified supply chain professionals who have a strong foundation in both operations and supply chain management as organisations strive to streamline their supply chain processes and achieve competitive advantages.

The qualification further aims to fulfil this demand by providing graduates with the necessary expertise for the supply chain industry, resulting in a benefit to society. The field of supply chain and operations management is constantly evolving due to new industry standards, best practices, and technologies regularly emerging. A dedicated qualification in this area ensures that professionals are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills, enabling individuals to adapt to the changing landscape and thereby make informed decisions (2022). The qualification will benefit the sector, as organisations including DHL, Engen Oil, FNB, Makro, Samsung, Toyota, Transnet, Unilever, Woolworths, Mondi group, SITA (State Information Technology) and Sea Harvest offer bursaries and employment opportunities within the supply chain and operations management field. The willingness of these organisations to offer bursaries and employment opportunities indicates a great demand for and a link to the labour market.

The qualification's curriculum has been significantly enriched by the collaborative engagement of professionals associated with the Professional Body for Supply Chain Management (SAPICS), a prominent professional body dedicated to advancing supply chain and operations management expertise. These individuals are industry and academic experts who were contracted to be a part of the Programme Advisory Committee (PAC), and three of these individuals are SAPICS board members. The appointed Internal Programme Coordinator for the Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management qualification is also a SAPICS board member. The advice from these professionals, who bring a wealth of practical experience and strategic perspectives, ensures that the qualification seamlessly aligns with the evolving demands of the field. Drawing upon the extensive knowledge and industry insights of SAPICS members, the advice was implemented such that the curriculum was tailored to reflect the latest advancements, global best practices, and real-world challenges in supply chain management. The SAPICS members' contributions have been instrumental in shaping a curriculum that not only imparts theoretical foundations but also integrates practical applications, thereby preparing learners to excel in the dynamic and competitive realm of supply chain and operations management.

The increasing globalisation of organisations and involvement in complex networks of suppliers, distributors, and customers has led to a growing need for personnel who possess the skills to effectively optimise these operations. According to market research, there exists a notable disparity between the availability of proficient individuals and the requirements of diverse sectors such as manufacturing and e-commerce. Furthermore, the perturbations induced by recent occurrences, like the COVID-19 pandemic, have brought to the forefront the susceptibility of worldwide supply chains, underscoring the significance of individuals with the ability to oversee hazards, guarantee adaptability, and sustain seamless functioning in demanding conditions. Employers are actively searching for individuals who have acquired a distinctive combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a profound comprehension of the complexities inherent in supply chain and operations management (2021)

The proposed qualification has been developed to cater to the escalating demand for proficient individuals in a progressively intricate corporate landscape. By addressing the goals of learners, meeting the demands of stakeholders, and aligning with the expectations of employers, this qualification will assume a crucial role in fostering the development of future leaders in the field of supply chain and operations management. These leaders will possess the ability to stimulate innovation, enhance efficiency, and promote sustainability within enterprises on a global scale.

The Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain and Operations Management qualification will be beneficial to individuals in the below fields and those who want to find employment as listed below:

Supply Chain Manager

Operations Manager

Procurement Officer

Inventory Manager

Supply Chain Consultant

Production Planner

Warehouse Foreman.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning are measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements.

The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria.

RPL Process
The RPL committee, which comprises of Admissions and Selections Academics, shall meet and make determinations regarding all RPL applications that are before the committee for decisions and recommendations regarding entry into the qualifications which prospective RPL candidates have applied for. The decisions are communicated by the Admissions and Selections Administrator to Learner Advisors within 24 hours of the committee meeting.

The RPL process focuses on establishing whether the learner has acquired competence in the following areas:

Basic theoretical knowledge

Practical competence

Reflective competence

Applied competence

The applicant will be required to:

Submit all relevant and appropriate certificates for short courses or trainings (formally, informally, or non-formal) completed to support the motivation to be accepted for the qualification through RPL and as evidence of continuous assessment and learning.

Produce a letter from the Human Resources (HR) Department for relevant and appropriate short courses or trainings (formally, informally, or non-formal) completed to support the motivation to be accepted for the qualification through RPL and as evidence of continuous assessment and learning for those who are not in possession of certificates

Sign a Declaration to confirm English Language and IT proficiency.

All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL.

It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes.

Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating non-standard applicants include:

the applicant's motivation.

job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references, linked to a portfolio of evidence

the nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.

details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.

the clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives; the extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor studies.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
Or

Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 5.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Levels 5, 6, and 7, totalling 360 credits.

Compulsory module, Level 5, 120 Credits:

Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.

Microeconomic Essentials, 15 Credits.

Business Mathematics, 15 Credits.

End User Computing or Digital Transformation in the Business Environment, 15 Credits.

Principles of Operations Management, 15 Credits.

Macroeconomic Essentials, 15 Credits.

Financial Reporting and Analysis, 15 Credits.

Introduction to Functional Areas of Management, 15 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 6, 120 Credits:

Operations Management Techniques, 15 Credits.

Supply Chain Management Principles, 15 Credits.

Intermediate Microeconomics, 15 Credits.

Business Law, 15 Credits.

Supply Chain Management Systems, 15 Credits.

Principles of Project Management, 15 Credits.

Intermediate Macroeconomics, 15 Credits.

Business Statistics, 15 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 7, 120 Credits:

Strategic Operations Management, 15 Credits.

Business Analytics in the Supply Chain, 15 Credits.

Supply Chain Management Strategies, 15 Credits.

Risks in Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.

Supply Chain Relationship Management and Enterprise Planning, 15 Credits.

Integration and Alignment in Current Supply Chain Systems, Credits.

Lean Manufacturing in Operations, 15 Credits.

Smart Manufacturing Management, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Apply understanding of the supply chain management dynamics and the role of operations management within the supply chain.
2. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to implement contemporary operations and quality management tools and techniques in managing the supply chain and operational challenges faced by the industry.
3. Analyse multiple sources of knowledge on business management models and principles to align the workplace to current global business trends in the field of supply chain management.
4. Examine business and digital information systems to test supply chain efficacy.
5. Evaluate appropriate supply chain management models, tools, and frameworks to solve supply chain problems and devise operational improvements within the industry.
6. Appraise frameworks that enable effective and ethical decisions on supply chain management and operations management principles.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Explore critical concepts in supply chain management and operations management, including economics, technology, manufacturing, production management, planning and its importance and develop an understanding of supply chain and operations management within a business context.

Examine supply chain dynamics and the role of operational impact to understand the entire process of the organisation's supply chain.

Analyse operational impact to understand supply chain processes, procedures, and practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Explore contemporary technological advancements to understand operational challenges faced by the industry.

Explain the transformation process to understand an organisation's goods and services processes.

Evaluate the efficacy of production and operational processes within the supply chain and operations management industry

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify international supply chain operations, including the use of management information systems, inventory management, purchasing management systems, and electronic communications to understand the use of technology in industrial management and optimisation.

Establish the role of international trade agreements and organisations, tariffs and trade barriers, and the impact of globalisation on supply chain management to understand the fundamental principles and concepts of global trade within the supply chain operations context.

Examine strategy formulation and decision making in supply chain management and operations.

Analyse and interpret information to facilitate strategy formulation and decision making in both fields of supply chain and operations management.

Explain ethical and corporate governance issues based on organisational value systems and alignment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Discuss data analysis techniques to achieve optimal supply chain management performance

Evaluate supply chain-related business information systems to accurately assess supply chain design options for consideration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Explore the latest technology, including the fourth industrial revolution, the internet of things, blockchain and the relevant solutions.

Adopt and improve supply chain and operational performance and processes.

Analyse theoretical and best practices to understand national and international supply chain management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Define the role of international trade agreements, tariffs and trade barriers in supply chain management to understand the fundamental principles of global trade and apply ethical understanding in solving import and export challenges.

Explain relevant legal and regulatory requirements to develop a comprehensive understanding of the supply chain and operation industry.

Investigate risk management and contingency planning to find and control related risks within the industry.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
The method of assessment for all three years of study, all modules incorporate formative and an online summative assessment:

Year 1 focuses on foundational knowledge with assessments in knowledge checks, case studies, and comprehensive online exams.
Year 2 and Year 3 assessments evolve to include more complex essays, projects, and presentations tailored to develop higher-order skills and real-world application.

Assessments at different NQF Levels
The institution recognises the evolving educational needs of a diverse student body both nationally and internationally. With significant advancements in education technology that support student success, the institution has aligned its strategy with global trends by transitioning from distance to online education. This strategic shift is reflected in the revised Assessment Strategy, which adheres to the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012) and the SAQA's National Policy (2014). Below is a detailed rationale and structure for our assessments pitched at NQF levels 5, 6, and 7.

Formative Assessment:

Case studies

Online examination

Short Essays

Online exams.

Summative Assessment:

Projects

Presentation

All modules are assessed using formative assessments and an online summative assessment.
To pass a module, the following requirements must be met:

an average of 50% across Formative Assessment 1 and 2

a final combined mark of 50% is required

entrance to the Summative assessment is dependent on meeting the sub-minimum requirements of the formative assessments for each semester.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Country: Canada
Name of Institution: Concordia University
Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Supply Chain Operations Management
Duration: three years

Entry requirement:

High School: B overall, B in math
Or

International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma
Or
A-levels

Purpose/Rationale:
As a Supply Chain Operations Management major, the learner will study the entire supply chain and its components. The learner will learn how to organise resources, labour, material, money, and time model supply chains using forecasting and production planning. Effectively manage scheduling, inventory, logistics and technology; make smart decisions, assess risks, manage projects, and do trade-off analyses. The learner will learn by seeing current and leading-edge supply chain practices in action. This will enable a learner to examine case studies, play simulation games, go on field trips, and listen to guest speakers from industry and business. The knowledge the learner gains through the Supply Chain Operations Management qualification will position the learner to become an asset in the business world.

Qualification structure:

Modules:

Marketing Management

Production and Operations Management, comparable to Operations Management Techniques

Business Analytics, comparable to Business Analytics in the Supply Chain

Managerial Accounting

Business Finance

Business Law and Ethics, comparable to Business Law

Business Analytics

Ethics, Business Sustainability, and Social Responsibility

Financial Accounting, comparable to Financial Reporting and Analysis

Production and Operations Management, comparable to Strategic Operations Management

Learning Outcomes:

Relevant enterprise resource planning modules with advanced planning and scheduling functionalities are introduced to illustrate the integration and coordination issues in supply chain planning and control

Relevant enterprise resource planning modules are introduced, and logistics games are played to illustrate the integration and coordination issues in supply chain logistics

Experimental design and analysis techniques are used in designing scenarios and analysing the outcomes, which are also studied from a wider strategic business perspective

The emphasis is on modelling issues and interpretation of solutions using optimisation software packages

Similarities:
The Concordia University (CU) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed a senior school qualification.

Both qualifications consist of similar content areas such as supply chain planning and controlling, supply chain models for operations management.

Both qualifications compare favourably in terms of admission requirements in terms of English language proficiency.

Both qualifications offer the opportunity for admission through Recognition of Prior Learning, contingent upon the submission of substantiating evidence and letters of intent.

Both qualifications share similar modules, such as Production and Operations Management, Operations Management Techniques, Business Analytics, Business Analytics in the Supply Chain, Financial Accounting, Financial Reporting and Analysis
Production and Operations Management, and Strategic Operations.

The SA qualification aims to provide learners with the necessary knowledge, abilities, and traits to achieve exceptional performance in the domain of supply chain and operations management.

Similarly, the CU learner will study the entire supply chain and its components and learn how to organise resources, labour, material, money, and time model supply chains using forecasting and production planning.

Differences:

The CU qualification entails the completion of a total of 90 to 120 credits, while the SA qualification necessitates the attainment of a total of 360 credits.

The CU qualification spans a duration of three to four years of full-time study, whereas the SA qualification is structured to accommodate three years of full-time study.

Country: United States
Name of Institution: East Tennessee State University
Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management
Duration: Four years
Entry requirements:

High school Diploma

Purpose of Qualification:
The Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management qualification reinforces analytical skills, leadership knowledge, and strategic thinking. This skill set enables learners to analyse complex business problems with modern technology to manage supply chains effectively in a wide range of companies and industries. This qualification provides learners with the fundamentals and expertise needed to build and advance their supply chain careers. The qualification also affords learners in-depth and specialised knowledge of emerging innovative topics in supply chain management (e.g., analytics, optimisation, entrepreneurship, etc.). Consequently, learners graduating from the Bachelor of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management qualification have a major competitive advantage in today's job market.

Qualification Structure:
Learning Outcomes:

Presents implementation and configuration issues in contemporary Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and other enterprise-scale information systems.

Application of Strategic frameworks associated with cross-functional/ inter-firm integration of supply chain processes, including sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and marketing for the creation of superior customer value.

Examines strategic supply management, the cash-to-cash / pay to procure (P2P) cycle, and supplier relationship management.

Introduce and apply descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive data analytics methods in different supply chain functions such as customer segmentation, supplier relationship management, production management, inventory control, service management, purchase, online service management and demand planning.

Modules:

Information systems Implementation

Strategic Supply Chain Management

Sourcing Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Analytics

Similarities:

The East Tennessee State University (ETU) and the South African (SA) qualifications both accept learners who have completed high school qualifications.

Both qualifications consist of similar modules such as Information systems implementation, strategic supply chain management, sourcing supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Strategies and supply chain analytics.

The ETU qualification reinforces analytical skills, leadership knowledge, and strategic thinking. This skill set enables learners to analyse complex business problems with modern technology to manage supply chains effectively in a wide range of companies and industries.

Similarly, the SA qualification aims to cultivate essential skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership capabilities. Graduates will benefit from the completion of this qualification, as they demonstrate proficiency as competent professionals who possess the ability to make valuable contributions to the achievement of organisational objectives within a dynamic and constantly changing global supply chain environment.

Differences:

The ETU qualification consists of 120 credits, whereas the SA qualification consists of 360 credits.

The ETU qualification duration is four years, whereas the SA qualification is offered over three years.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Business Administration in Project and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

Bachelor of Commerce in International Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Public Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal Articulation

Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Executive, NQF Level 7.

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.

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