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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Commerce in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
124669  Master of Commerce in Supply Chain Management 
ORIGINATOR
IMM Graduate School of Marketing (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
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Procurement 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0633/25  2025-07-10  2028-07-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2029-07-10   2032-07-10  

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 Master of Commerce in Supply Chain qualification is to enable learners to establish an academic platform for rigorous engagement with unique features, opportunities, and challenges related to supply chains in the contemporary global, pan-African, and local South African market environments.

This qualification aims to enable learners to apply scientific and industry-related research principles underpinned by their insight and experience in professional practice at an advanced level. It will consist entirely of a proposal and a dissertation. This requires learners to identify a supply chain-related topic/research problem within the pan-African environment. By focusing on supply chain-related issues on the African continent, the qualification aims to fill significant knowledge gaps related to supply chains in a complex, multi-faceted African economy.

Furthermore, the qualification will enable learners to produce knowledge, specifically aimed at solving real-world global and local challenges relating to economic integration and the critical role of supply chains. The learners will be positioned to specifically contribute to the body of knowledge related to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the critical role supply chains play in integration and continental economic and social development.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Communicate conclusions and reasoning clearly to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
  • Demonstrate self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems.
  • Act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks.
  • Continue to advance knowledge, understanding and skills relevant to a particular profession.
  • Identify unanswered questions or unsolved problems in the area of interest to design research questions that will extend understanding.
  • Carry out rigorous research that will demonstrate innovation or professional expertise and extend general knowledge of the theory related to the topic or question.
  • Act ethically and with a clear understanding of the social and environmental consequences of their discipline, research and any associated application.

    Rationale:
    This qualification aims to address contemporary challenges in the global African market environments, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. It recognises the evolving dynamics of the African environment and emphasises the importance of supply chains for the effective functioning of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The qualification aims to conduct research critical to understanding the pivotal role of supply chains in the success of AfCFTA. The qualifications seek to address knowledge deficiencies through academic research, providing advantages to the broader economic sector, society, and the continental economy. The qualification will deepen understanding of supply chains, particularly in the unique African context. Enhances Africa's productive economy, fosters regional economic integrations, and supports initiatives like AfCFTA.

    The qualification targets a diverse audience, including African professionals and learners with backgrounds in Supply Chain, Management Sciences, Commerce, Marketing, and Social Sciences. The qualification highlights the potential for a Social Science background to benefit from policy-related research in African integration. The qualification outlines the learning pathway, allowing Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management qualifying learners to progress to the Master's level and potentially pursue a Doctorate. The collaboration with significant stakeholders, such as Supply Chain Africa, was held to ensure industry relevance. This qualification envisages graduates operating in diverse roles, including positions in governments, private sector businesses, multinational corporations, regional and global organisations, academic institutions, and research sectors. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has systems and mechanisms to evaluate and acknowledge prior learning. The methods in place are to choose potential RPL candidates, as well as the staff and resources needed to support these learners during the RPL procedure.

    The RPL process entails the identification, documentation, assessment and evaluation of prior learning in relation to predetermined learning outcomes, so learners' prior learning will be acknowledged for admission into the Master's programme.

    The RPL process involves portfolio building, attendance of knowledge enhancement workshops, presentations and or demonstrations, and if applicants are successful, they can be admitted into the qualification in the following academic year.

    A maximum of 10% of a cohort of learners in a programme will be admitted through an RPL process.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in International Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Any other related field at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9, totalling 180 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 9, 180 Credits:
  • Research Proposal and Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate the ability to apply specialist knowledge of supply chain-related issues to engage with and critique current supply chain research practice.
    2. Demonstrate the ability to design, select and apply appropriate and creative methods and techniques to engage with advanced supply chain-related research to investigate complex supply chain problems.
    3. Design and implement a strategy for processing and managing information to conduct a comprehensive review of current research in the area of the supply chain to produce significant insights.
    4. Apply a wide range of specialised skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing, and applying quantitative and qualitative research methodologies, and implement an appropriate enquiry process for the study area/issue/topic.
    5. Communicate and defend ideas and products of research in an area of supply chain specialisation.
    6. Apply ethical principles in the research, and understand the implications of complex moral issues in gathering data and intelligence, reporting on this, and implementing supply chain-related strategies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically apply relevant supply chain theory and application within an organisation or industry.
  • Practically apply advanced skills to gather data and marketing intelligence related to supply chain challenges or opportunities.
  • Discuss theories and their relation to the supply chain within the organisation or industry sector.
  • Integrate supply chain research results with decision-making processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply research methodologies and techniques to supply chain and related management fields to identify complex problems.
  • Examine the real-world impact of a solution or insight, and formulate research questions and hypotheses.
  • Identify, conceptualise, and implement an appropriate research design to investigate a supply chain problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Investigate information sources to identify literature relevant to the research question.
  • Review leading research to form a theoretical framework for exploring a complex supply chain problem.
  • Apply advanced and specialised skills to critically engage with relevant research and write an integrated literature review.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production, research design theories, research approaches, data sources and data types in the supply chain research environment.
  • Apply and produce an appropriate research design to address a complex supply chain problem.
  • Engage with and critique current supply chain research methods and practices, select and implement an appropriate method or combination of methods to address a supply chain problem.
  • Apply different techniques to collect and analyse supply chain information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Utilise advanced research, analytical and writing techniques to defend ideas in a topic of specialisation.
  • Analyse and present information on a specialist topic in a prescribed format.
  • Compile and produce a whole dissertation in which innovative supply chain findings and recommendations are reported.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify, understand and apply ethical aspects of research and other ethical issues in the supply chain field.
  • Critically contribute to developing and implementing ethical standards within supply chain research practice.
  • Analyse the role of ethics in the contemporary business world and within the context of corporate governance. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification compares favourably with the following qualifications:
    Country: Kenya
    Institution: University of Nairobi (UN)
    Qualification: Master of Science in Supply Chain Management.
    Duration: two years full-time.

    Entry requirements:
    The following or their equivalents shall be admissible:
  • A holder of at least an Upper Second-Class Honors degree or its equivalent in non-classified degrees.
    Or
  • A holder of Lower Second-Class Honors or its equivalent with at least two (2) years of relevant work experience.
    Or
    A holder of Lower Second-Class Honors or its equivalent, plus a post-graduate degree in a relevant area of study.
    Or
  • A holder of a pass degree with at least five (5) years of relevant work experience.
    Or
  • Any other qualification accepted by the Senate as equivalent to any of the above.

    Rationale
    The qualification provides advanced knowledge and skills necessary to equip the learners with the tools required to help them manage organisations efficiently and effectively. There is generally a lack of sufficient expertise in the area, especially in the developing world. The situation is no different in Kenya. Due to this, there is a need to train skilled people to be more specialised in the Supply Chain Management domain. The qualification is designed to impart the necessary knowledge and specialised skills required to solve complex supply chain issues affecting both local and global business environments.

    Upon completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to:
  • Apply knowledge of issues and approaches in key generic and specific areas of Supply Chain Management.
  • Evaluate critically Supply Chains in both local and global business environments.
  • Design a supply chain strategy for an organisation.
  • Apply professionalism and ethical behaviour for a business and be socially aware of Strategic issues and problems in Supply Chain Management.
  • Apply knowledge and skills of emerging and contemporary issues in Supply Chain Management with an emphasis on Sustainable Supply Chain Management practices.

    The assessment is as follows:
  • Each module shall be examined through a two-hour written examination paper at the end of each semester.
  • The final written examination shall account for fifty percent (50%) of the marks in each course, while continuous assessment shall account for the remaining fifty percent (50%).
  • The pass mark for each course shall be fifty percent (50%).
  • Candidates who fail to satisfy the examiners in any course unit may, on the recommendation of the School Board of Examiners and approval by Senate, be allowed to take supplementary examinations.
  • Candidates shall be required to submit a supervised research project for examination at least three weeks before the end of the semester in which it is to be examined.
  • For purposes of examination regulations, the Research Project shall be considered to be equivalent to five (5) courses.

    Similarities:
  • University of Nairobi (UN) and South African (SA) qualifications require learners who have completed a Bachelor's honours degree.
  • UN and SA qualifications share comparable outcomes, aimed at providing learners with the necessary skills and moral principles for the business.

    Difference:
  • The University of UN qualification is offered for two years, while the SA qualification is offered for one year full-time.
  • UN qualification is coursework-based, and the SA qualification is a full dissertation.

    Country: Ghana
    Institution: University of Ghana (UG)
    Qualification title: Procurement and Supply Chain Management (MSC)
    Duration: One year full-time.

    Rationale:
    The MSc Procurement and Supply Chain Management qualification aims to develop participants' needed skills and competencies in public and private sector organisations' procurement and supply chain management policies. This qualification, which is housed by the Public Administration and Health Services Management Department, has been developed in response to requests from the school's key stakeholders, especially the Civil Service, the Public Procurement Authority, and the Ghana Health Service, as well as the identification of skills gaps across the African continent. The structure of the qualification's modules is as follows:

    Qualification structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Research Methods
  • Strategic Procurement Management
  • Advanced Operations and Supply Chain Management
  • Global Logistics Strategy and Design
  • Global Procurement and Supply Chain Management
  • Sustainable and Ethical Procurement
  • Procurement Law

    Electives
  • Healthcare Supply Chain Management
  • Finance for Procurement Managers
  • Project Management
  • International Trade
  • Supplier Relationship Development and Management
  • Supply Chain Risk Management
  • Supply Market Analysis and Due Diligence
  • Strategic Human Resource Development and Ethical Leadership
  • Research Seminar
  • Dissertation

    Similarities:
  • The University of Ghana (UG) and the South African (SA) qualifications share a similar purpose/rationale, which is to provide learners with the skills and expertise needed.
  • Both qualifications are offered for one year full-time.

    Difference:
  • University of Ghana (UG) qualification offers coursework, while the South African (SA) qualification offers a Research Proposal and Dissertation. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both specific vertical and horizontal articulation.
    Horizontal:
  • Master's qualification in a cognate field, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical:
  • Doctor of Management Sciences in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 10.

    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. IMM Graduate School of Marketing (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.