SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Diploma: Management Studies 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36084  Diploma: Management Studies 
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
National Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  240  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 2663/05  2006-07-01  2009-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30   2014-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Diploma in Management Studies is a post-graduate qualification that enables learners with a commercial background and managerial experience to further develop their functional and reflective competencies in management related disciplines such as marketing, finance and human resources management.

The programme aims to develop an in-depth integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of specific qualitative and quantitative issues in management.
The qualification is directed towards learners having a commerce or management
qualification occupying middle and senior management positions and aspiring towards executive positions. It also provides for the accomplishment of advanced quantitative skills in management finance, operations management and management science.

Rationale for the qualification

The Diploma in Management Studies
  • Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development in management for social and economic development
  • Empowers learners with advanced management skills and competencies necessary to function and progress in corporate and business environments
  • Attempts to satisfy the demand for high-level managerial and professional skills
  • Provides learners with the opportunity to continue towards the attainment of a Masters Degree in Business Administration
  • Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are in employment
  • Promotes the development of research capacity to enhance technological improvement and social development. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    This qualification assumes that:
  • The learner is competent in the language of instruction of the programme
  • The learner possesses knowledge of basic statistics
  • The learner is able to work independently
  • The learner is able to conduct basic research
  • The learner has obtained the general theoretical, practical, professional and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF level 6
  • The learner has completed the MANCOSA Certificate in Management Studies programme or its equivalent


    Recognition of prior learning

    This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:
    1. 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 an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV)
    2. Such `non-standard` candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/ companies.
    3. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating `non-standard` applicants include:

    a. the applicants` motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies;

    b. job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references;

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

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

    e. the clarity of the applicant`s educational goals and objectives;

    f. the extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme.

    Where prior learning is recognized for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of `specific` credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended programme leads.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    An award of the Management College of Southern Africa (MANCOSA) will be conferred when the following conditions are satisfied:

    1. The candidate was an enrolled and registered student of or at the College at the time of his or her assessment for an award and was not in debt to the College;

    2. Details of the candidate`s full name, date of birth, sex, programme and award have been registered by the College;

    3. It has been confirmed that the candidate has completed a programme of study approved by the Academic Board as leading to the award being recommended;

    4. The award has been recommended by a Board of Examiners convened, constituted and acting under regulations approved by the Academic Board and including members approved as external examiners for the programme;

    5. The recommendation of the award has been signed by the Chair of the Board of Examiners and by the Examinations Officer, confirming that the assessments have been carried out in accordance with the College`s requirements. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    A learner attaining the Diploma in Management Studies will be able to:
  • Apply management principles in a work-based context
  • Apply quantitative methodologies in making work-based decisions
  • Utilise technology to solve work-based problems and communicate effectively
  • Display research skills in conducting and applying the results of business research
  • Display leadership in a work environment
  • Display entrepreneurial behaviour.
  • Solve marketing problems
  • Develop operations strategies in a manufacturing context
  • Manage financial risk
  • Develop strategic focus in a corporate environment
  • Apply human resource management principles


    1. Module title : Marketing Management

    Credit points : 20

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Explain the interface between marketing management and the environment
  • Distinguish the composition of the marketing environment
  • Analyse marketing opportunities
  • Indicate how markets are segmented.
  • Suggest factors that should be considered when selecting a target market
  • Describe positioning methods that marketers can pursue in practice
  • Define the steps in the marketing planning process and develop integrated plans
  • Develop appropriate marketing strategies
  • Differentiate between different types of competition.


    2. Module title : Operations Management

    Credit points : 20

    At the end of this module the learner will be able to:
  • Describe the nature and scope of operations management functions
  • Assess the requirements for making decisions related to each part of the operations function
  • Make effective managerial decisions in order to ensure that effective utilisation of resources is achieved
  • Analyse how operations management decisions can influence the overall strategic objectives of an organisation
  • Explain how effective operations strategies are developed.

    3. Module title : Managerial Finance

    Credit Points : 20

    At the end of this module the learner will be able to:
  • Account for uncertainty and risk when calculating future cash flows and appraising investment projects, including acquisitions and mergers
  • Calculate the cost of capital of an organisation
  • Evaluate the significance of the long-term capital structure of a business, and the management of its working capital
  • Appreciate the problems of exchange and interest rate fluctuations and how they may be minimised
  • Demonstrate the importance of financial strategy in setting and carrying out overall corporate objectives.

    4. Module title : Strategic Management

    Credit points : 20

    At the end of this module the learner will be able to:
  • Explain the concept, nature and process of Strategic Management
  • Describe the techniques of analysis, choice and implementation
  • Analyse the relevant macro-economic issues that determine the companies future business make-up
  • Formulate a strategic vision of what an organisations future make-up will be
  • Craft a corporate strategy to achieve the desired outcomes.

    5. Module title : Research methods

    Credit points : 20

    At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Explain the assumptions, logic and methods of science and how they are used to study management related issues
  • Distinguish the various research paradigms, methods and design
  • Display knowledge of the role of theories and hypotheses in the research process
  • Identify and define operational variables
  • Determine appropriate statistical analyses and draw appropriate conclusions
  • Explain the importance of independent enquiry, life-long learning and research-based learning ideals.

    6. Module title : Human Resources Management

    Credit points : 20
  • At the end of the module the learner will be able to:
  • Define the sphere of responsibility of human resource management
  • Contextualise the role of human resource management
  • Explain the relationship between a human resource strategy and business strategy
  • Analyse flows of employees into and out of organisations
  • Draw up a Human Resources plan
  • Describe the recruitment and selection process
  • Undertake training needs analyses
  • Develop an appropriate compensation system for a small enterprise
  • Differentiate between various performance appraisal techniques
  • Determine basic benefits and services for employees
  • Explain the impact of labour legislation in the human resource environment of the organisation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
  • Management theory and principles are applied in a work-based context
  • Quantitative methodologies are used to solve work-based problems
  • Research is conducted
  • Appropriate technology is utilised in various communication modes

    Assessment is based on:
  • The use of work based assignments to test the application of management principles in an organisation
  • The use of quantitative techniques to solve work based problems and interpretation of their implications on the decision making process
  • The use of information technology, networks and web browsers to obtain work related information and communicate with peers
  • The use of research methods in solving work based problems
  • The ability to proactively initiate tasks within the organisation through leadership and entrepreneurship.


    Integrated assessment

    Assessment centres around
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts of each module.
  • The application of Management theory to a practical context
  • The methods of research used and its relation to theory
  • The balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification
  • The development of the leadership and entrepreneurial capabilities of the learner
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas

    The Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.
    These assessment methods include :
  • Case studies
  • Report writing
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination
  • Research and work based assignments
  • Self assessments activities in the course material 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    MANCOSA was established in the post 1994 period with the view of addressing the critical shortage of access to management education in South Africa. Between 1995 and 2000 MANC0SA was engaged in providing Private Higher Education to South Africans in association with its former partner the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College a College of the University of Brunel, in the United Kingdom.

    The Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College is listed as an accredited state recognised institution in the United Kingdom. During this 5-year period MANCOSA successfully delivered tuition and academic and administrative support to students enrolled on the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College, Diploma in Management Studies Programme.

    The outcomes and assessment criteria, the degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification has been benchmarked against MANCOSA`S former international partner, the Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College and best national and international practice.

    This Programme has also been accredited by the Namibian Qualifications Authority (NQA) 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
  • This qualification builds on Diploma and degree programmes from related and other sectors of the economy and relevant experience as well as the MANCOSA Certificate in Management Studies programme
  • The MANCOSA Diploma in Management Studies programme articulates vertically into the MANCOSA Master of Business Administration : General
  • The Diploma in Management Studies Programme also provides articulation with Postgraduate Management Programmes at other Higher education institutions
  • The expertise acquired doing this qualification in full or in part can be measured against requirements of other qualifications at MANCOSA or other institutions to obtain credits for specific modules. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    External examiners and moderators are appointed to validate the students examination and final assessments. The Examinations Board is the final decision making body that is responsible for the awarding of the qualification. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must :
  • Generally have a Higher Education qualification at least one level higher than the course being assessed
  • be appropriately qualified and experienced as assessors
  • Generally be the tutor responsible for that particular module
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to the programme.

    The following criteria is used for appointing external examiners and moderators :
  • Their experience of examining this programme or its equivalent
  • Their independence from MANCOSA and from the programmes team
  • Their expertise in the subject area
  • Their scholastic contribution to the field

    External examiners and moderators are required to have a qualification at least 1 level higher than the programme being assessed. They also require at least 2 years experience lecturing in this programme or its equivalent. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006. 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.