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: 

Bachelor of Construction Management: Built Environment 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
48700  Bachelor of Construction Management: Built Environment 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Building Construction 
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 First Degree  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Physical Planning, Design and Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Regular-Unit Stds Based 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 0480/09  2009-07-01  2012-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2013-06-30   2018-06-30  

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 principal purposes of the Qualification are to:
  • Provide learners with qualifying-level knowledge, skills and competence appropriate to a vocation as a Construction Manager
  • Equip learners with a foundation for further intellectual development and opportunities for gainful employment and rewarding contributions to society
  • Provide learners with the ability to solve well defined and frequently encountered problems using well established procedures and techniques
  • Contribute towards meeting the prerequisites for professional registration

    This Qualification will provide the construction management and related professions in South Africa with graduates who possess contextually specific fundamental skills, thereby facilitating upliftment, empowerment and transformation.

    The relation between this Qualification and the principles of the National Qualifications framework (NQF) is indicated in the following:

    NQF Principles relating to the Bachelor Degree in Construction Management:
  • Recognition of Prior learning: Allows for Recognition of Prior Learning, especially as a means of career advancement;
  • Articulation/Progression: Forms part of a Learning Pathway of whole Qualifications for Construction Management;
  • Life-Long learning: The purpose of this Qualification is to produce learners who are prepared for and understand the principles of life-long learning and critical citizenship.

    Rationale for the qualification:

    This Qualification denotes competence in the application of fundamental expertise in the theory and practice of construction management relating to the management of the construction production process on one or more construction sites incorporating different construction disciplines

    The Bachelor Degree in Construction Management is for persons who:
  • Desire to study towards a vocation in the Construction Management profession.
  • Meet the admittance requirements as candidates for the qualification, or the appropriate Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) requirements
  • Satisfy the requirements for the award of the qualification
  • Desire to undertake post-graduate study leading to the enhancement of their Qualification

    This Qualification is intended to assist all relevant stakeholders and role-players, such as potential employers operating in the Built Environment or other fields related to physical planning and construction, curriculum developers and providers of learning programmes, all education and training bodies and relevant moderators as well as learners and their parents, to understand the criteria determining the level and the outcomes associated with the Bachelor Degree in Construction Management.

    This qualification is bound by fundamental, discipline-specific knowledge and has been developed by consensus on the complexity of learning and competencies to be acquired by learners undertaking the programme of study, who will be empowered to build learning programmes with a view to articulate towards other Qualifications associated with the Built Environment

    The Bachelor Degree in Construction Management can serve as the prerequisite Qualification needed for entry to the programme leading to the award of the Honours Degree in Construction Management at NQF level 7 and contributes towards meeting the requirements for professional registration.

    The learning pathway for Construction Management, consists of the following Qualifications:
  • NQF level 2: National Certificate in the Supervision of Construction Teams;
  • NQF level 4: National Certificate in the Supervision of Construction Processes;
  • NQF level 5: National Certificate/Diploma in the Management of Construction Processes;
  • NQF level 6: Bachelors Degree in Construction Management; and
  • NQF level 7: Bachelors Degree (Honours) in Construction Management

    This Qualification will contribute towards the development of a community of competent Construction Managers and is essential for social and economic transformation, empowerment and upliftment within the context of the Built Environment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Reading and writing proficiency in English
  • Proficiency in algebra, geometry and trigonometry
  • Demonstrable knowledge and skills in at least three other discrete subject areas such as, but not limited to, Physical Science, Biology, Geography, History, Economics, Technical Drawing, Woodwork, Metalwork, Information Technology; all at a level equivalent to that required for the award of a Grade 12 or equivalent certificate with university exemption.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

    Persons desiring entrance to the programme leading to this Qualification are:
  • Advised, assisted and supported (portfolio compilation, orientation to required levels of competence, substantiation of their claims regarding prior skills/experience, planning of progression)
  • Evaluated and assessed in accordance with their claims regarding prior skills and experience gained (portfolio review, implementation of assessment/evaluation methods, recommendations arising from the assessment/evaluation processes) provided with quality management/assurance objectives to support the achievement of competence leading to the award of the Qualification (assessment of competence in respect of required outcomes, auditing, approval, recommendation, reporting). 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, Credits and Learning Components assigned to Qualification:

    There will be a minimum of 360 credits awarded for the qualification.

    It is required that students must satisfy minimum standards in core skills including: scientific reasoning; communication skills in the context of a science discipline or sub-field; numeracy; and computer skills. These competencies are fundamental to achieving the purpose of this Qualification. In addition, for programmes of learning for this Qualification, due consideration should be given to the learner's depth and breadth of knowledge. It is important that breadth is achieved through the appreciation of a scientific discipline different in content and method from the one in which the learner will specialise.

    The exit level outcomes have been grouped into Fundamental, Core and Elective learning components.

    The credit allocation is according to the following:

    Knowledge area & Minimum Credits:

    Fundamental:
  • Statistical techniques for business and research applications, mathematical systems for commercial applications and construction information technology systems - 45 credits.

    Core:
  • Generic construction management competencies - 216 credits.

    Elective:
  • Building Construction Technology - 20 credits;
  • Civil Engineering Construction Technology - 30 credits;
  • Mechanical Engineering Construction Technology - 30 credits;
  • Electrical Engineering Construction Technology - 30 credits;
  • General/Specialisation - 20 credits.

    In order to be awarded the Qualification, the learner has to prove competence on all the Fundamental & Core learning outcomes, as well as Elective learning outcomes from at least two Construction Technology Domains and any other Electives of the learner's choice in order to ensure a minimum of 360 credits.

    It will be the prerogative of the educational institution to determine whether a Bachelors Degree or/and Bachelors of Science Degree will be offered and to tailor make learning provision accordingly.

    The qualification can either be offered as a whole qualification and/or as a unit standard based qualification. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Typically, a programme leading to the award of the Bachelor Degree in Construction Management aims to develop graduates who will posses fundamental, demonstrable and context specific skills and competencies.

    Exit level outcomes are linked to the award of the Qualification following successful completion of the full programme (taking into account that core knowledge related to construction management is appropriately represented in the learning programme). However, learners are awarded credits for each individual programme component, which on completion, meets the stated assessment criteria. These credits support learners' portability, mobility and articulation.

    Bachelor of Construction Management qualifying learners are competent to:

    (i) Demonstrate familiarity with and display knowledge and understanding of the content, theory and scholarly positions related to construction management practice and procedure at a fundamental level.

    (ii) Demonstrate systematic, well-rounded knowledge and an ability to question basic assumptions related to core theory, practice and basic methodology used in construction management and other disciplines operating in the Built Environment

    (iii) Display competence in fundamental modes of inquiry employed in the practise of construction management and other disciplines operating in the Built Environment, in response to well defined and frequently encountered problems

    (iv) Analyse and locate the principles and performance of own work within current practice related to the Built Environment professions and the construction industry

    (v) Interpret a wide range of domain-related, well-defined and frequently encountered issues by applying various systems of enquiry appropriate to the discipline of construction management and its allied professions

    (vi) Construct debate and argument around well-defined and frequently encountered information and situations, to demonstrate competence in interpretation and explanation of such information, etc

    (vii) Prepare written reports in response to well-defined briefs and within specific fundamental parameters.

    (viii) Tender, schedule and manage construction projects according to industry norms.


    (a) Exit level outcomes relating to Fundamental learning:

    On completion of this Qualification learners will be capable of:

    (i) Communicate effectively with Built Environment audiences and the community at large using both oral and written skills.

    (ii) Display critical awareness of the impact of Built Environment activity on society and the environment and the skill to exercise appropriate judgement in the provision of professional services

    (iii) Demonstrate competence in working effectively as individuals and in teams in construction project environments by showing leadership potential and performing critical support functions.

    (iv) Display awareness of the need to
  • Act professionally and ethically,
  • Take responsibility for those actions
  • Accept accountability for those actions
  • Exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience

    (v) Demonstrate competence in the implementation of quantitative methods, finance, technology, management and law, from first principles, to solving well-defined and frequently encountered problems within the context of the Built Environment.

    (vi) Demonstrate competence in the implementation of procedural analysis of well-defined and frequently encountered problems occurring within the Built Environment related to systems, products or processes.

    (vii) Demonstrate competence in undertaking and completing investigations and data analysis in the construction sector.

    (viii) Demonstrate competence in the use and application of appropriate problem-solving methods, skills and tools (which include the use of computer packages) for computation, analysis and handling of information in the Built Environment.


    (b) Exit level outcomes relating to Core learning:

    Learners will be capable of performing specific construction management functions related to:

    (ix) Manage tender and contractual documents for construction projects.
    (x) Implement construction management of construction.
    (xi) Prepare and conducted construction project cost estimates according to scheduled resource requirements.
    (xii) Execute and manage construction project financial resources according to project requirements.
    (xiii) Implement and manage construction processes in building projects and associated infrastructure according to project plan.
    (xiv) Implement health and safety matters according to work procedures.
    (xv) Communicate production problems, financial and contractual matters, as well as construction assembly with construction and property professionals according to sector norms.

    (c) Exit level outcomes relating to Elective learning:

    The Elective learning component would be determined by the learner's chosen area of specialization and the chosen institution. Such areas of specialization might, for example, include any of the following: mining, low-income housing, mechanical and electrical services, and civil engineering. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Exit level Outcomes will be judged by the following associated assessment criteria:

    (a) Assessment criteria relating to Fundamental learning:

    Outcomes will be judged by the following criteria:

    (i) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following skills:
  • Production of documents and reports according to industry norms.
  • Delivery of an oral presentation that appropriately describes a well defined and frequently encountered Built Environment problem.
  • Proposal of solutions to the well defined and frequently encountered problem supported by methodology to achieve the proposed solution.

    (ii) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the following:
  • Implementation of solutions that benefit society in equitable ways that improve the quality of life in the Built Environment.
  • Implementation of economically viable solutions which take cognisance of the need for protection of the environment.

    (iii) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in implementing solutions to well defined and frequently encountered problems in the Built Environment, supported by demonstration of:
  • Own contribution to the achievement of those solutions in the Built Environment;
  • Benefits of interaction with others in achieving those solutions in the Built Environment; and
  • Successful interaction with communities affected by construction.

    (iv) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in exercising:
  • Ethics in the workplace; and
  • Codes of professional conduct

    (v) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in the implementation of
  • Quantitative data analysis of the Built Environment; as well as
  • Qualitative data analysis of the Built Environment, and provide
    solutions to a variety of well defined and frequently encountered problems within the context of the Built Environment

    (vi) Qualifying learners will be required to implement solutions to well defined and frequently encountered problems within the context of the Built Environment, which are successful in terms of being:
  • Fit for purpose;
  • Innovative; and
  • Economically viable.

    (vii) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate competence in translating well defined and frequently encountered problems within the context of the Built Environment into well-planned solutions devised to provide data that are
  • Quantitative; and
  • Qualitative,
    and that are capable of being analysed to provide solutions.

    (viii) Qualifying learners will be required to demonstrate a
  • Good working knowledge of analytical methods; and a
  • High level of computer literacy.


    (b) Assessment criteria relating to Core learning:

    Outcomes will be judged by the following criteria:

    Learners will be required to demonstrate fundamental competence in dealing with issues and problems related to the following aspects of the construction sector:
  • Financial management and scheduling handled according to project plan;
  • Legal considerations are implemented according to industry norms and requirements ;
  • Appropriate technology is assembled and used in terms of the job specifications; and
  • Assembly and production is maintained and controlled according to project plan.


    (c) Assessment criteria relating to Elective learning:

    Outcomes will be judged by learners' ability to apply the core construction management learning in the chosen area(s) of specialization, examples of which are provided in category (c) of the Exit Level Outcomes.

    Integrated assessment:

    Learning and assessment are integrated throughout the programme. Continuous formative assessment is applied to ensure that learners receive feedback on their progress towards the achievement of specific learning outcomes. Summative assessment concerned with the evaluation of the learning achievements relative to the exit-level outcomes of the qualification includes "overall integrated assessment" which evaluates the learner's ability to combine the various components and modules of the broader scope of knowledge, skills, competencies and attitudes represented by the exit-level outcomes, as a whole or as individual component-processes of the overall learning experience leading to the Qualification

    (i) A variety of assessment methods are combined to collect evidence of
  • Exit level outcomes having been attained
  • Competence to apply the integrated knowledge, skills and values/attitudes gained from the learning programme leading to the award of the Qualification

    (ii) The combination of assessment methods may include
  • Adjudication of portfolios
  • Evaluation of simulations (group and individual)
  • Assessment of assignments and tutorials (group and individual)
  • Work-place assessment
  • Written examinations
  • Evaluation of reports and essays
  • Oral examinations and interviews
  • Assessment of competence achieved relative to exit, general and specific outcomes associated with the Qualification 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The quality of this Qualification is subject to a 5-yearly process of international accreditation and is ranked amongst similar, sought-after Qualifications within the context of the Built Environment (certificates/diplomas/degrees) awarded by tertiary institutions e.g. Australia, Hong Kong, Kenya, New Zealand, Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

    Chartered Institute of Building - U.K.
    The "Bachelors Degree in Construction Management" has been benchmarked against the BTEC - NVQ "Construction Contracts Management" Qualification, level 4. Benchmarking was done at Qualification and Unit Standard level. Benchmarking at Unit Standard level was done parallel with the development of the individual Unit Standards in the South African Qualification. The Chartered Institute of Building recognises the NVQ level 4 qualification as an entry-level qualification for membership at Incorporated member status.

    New Zealand Qualifications Authority:
    The "Bachelors Degree in Construction Management" was benchmarked against the "National Diploma in Construction Management" at NZQF level 5.

    The NZQF Qualification also includes two domains, i.e. construction management and construction technology.

    The NZQF Qualification however only relates to the Building Construction discipline, where as the South African Qualification is aimed at equipping the learner to manage multi-disciplinary projects. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This Qualification provides career-path advancement articulation options leading to the award of a variety of Honours Qualifications within the context of the Built Environment.

    Learners will also have career path articulation options, leading to a variety of other Degrees in fields such as Project Management, Quantity Surveying, Housing Development, Information Technology. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation and accreditation options include:
  • Peer review (academic - interdisciplinary)
  • Peer review (work-place practitioners - interdisciplinary)
  • Accreditation of qualifications by statutory Councils (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions, in terms of the Project and Construction Management Professions Act No 48 of 2000) and international institutions (e.g. Chartered Institute of Building International and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, both domiciled England). The actual accreditation process will vary depending upon the specific requirements of the accrediting body. Typically it will involve the submission of external examiners reports, interim accreditation visits by appointed external moderators, and a main accreditation visit every five years.
  • Assessment of competence by external, statutory Councils (South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions, in terms of the Project and Construction Management Professions Act No 48 of 2000)
  • Assessment of competence by international institutions (e.g. Chartered Institute of Building International and Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, both domiciled England) 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Examiners/assessors are appointed in a manner which is consistent with the quality assurance system of the institution. 

    NOTES 
    Specified requirements:

    Specified requirements include legal and legislative specific requirements and are contained in one or more of the following documents:

    Legal:

    Act 1:The Project and Construction Management Professions Act 2000 (No 48 of 2000)
    Act 2: The Council for the Built Environment Act 2000 (No 43 of 2000)
    Act 3: The Occupational Health and Safety Act 1993 (No 85 of 1993)
    Act 4: The Compensation for Occupational Injuries and Diseases Act 1993 (No 130 of 1993)
    Act 5: South African Qualifications Authority Act 1995 (No 58 of 1995)
    Act 6: The Skills Development Act 1998 (No 97 of 1998)
    Act 7: Natural Scientific Professions Act (No 27 of 2003)
    Act 8: Natural Environment Management Protected Areas Act (No 57 of 2003)
    Act 9: Environmental Conservation Act (no 73 of 1989)

    Occupational Health & Safety Act: Construction Regulations published in Government Gazette No 25207, Regulation Gazette 7721, 18 July 2003.

    Specifications, agreements and policies and procedures: South African Bureau of Standards Specifications as applicable. 

    UNIT STANDARDS: 
      ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
    Core  14473  Develop and produce computer aided drawings  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
    Core  14426  Read, interpret and use construction drawings and specifications  Level 4  NQF Level 04  10 
    Core  15137  Apply contract documentation  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  15144  Develop and manage quality systems and procedures on a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  15142  Establish and maintain relationships with construction role players  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  5 
    Core  15161  Initiate testing and interpret test/lab results in civil construction  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  4 
    Core  15146  Manage construction project administration  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  15141  Manage construction resources  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Core  15148  Manage financial aspects of a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  15136  Manage health and safety on a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  6 
    Core  15143  Manage human resources on a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  15162  Manage labour intensive construction projects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  8 
    Core  15139  Manage productivity on a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  15145  Prepare for a construction project  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  15149  Survey and set out construction work areas  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  15 
    Core  15147  Tender for construction projects  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  12 
    Core  15138  Understand and apply structural principles  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  7 
    Core  115199  Administer construction projects  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 
    Core  115196  Establish, implement and control procurement processes  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
    Core  115445  Interpret and implement contracts  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  7 
    Core  115444  Manage construction organizational assets  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 
    Core  115449  Manage construction projects  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
    Core  114656  Manage environment initiatives on a construction project  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  6 
    Core  115443  Measure construction quantities  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  16 
    Fundamental  115453  Understand and apply mathematical systems for commercial applications  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  18 
    Fundamental  115448  Understand and apply statistical techniques for business and research applications  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  18 
    Fundamental  115198  Understand and implement construction information technology systems  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  9 
    Elective  12996  Record, analyse and prepare cost information  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  10 
    Elective  115446  Develop a business vision and strategy  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  20 
    Elective  115442  Understand and apply building construction technology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  20 
    Elective  115454  Understand and apply Civil Engineering construction technology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  30 
    Elective  115456  Understand and apply electrical construction technology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  30 
    Elective  115447  Understand and apply mechanical construction technology  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  30 
    Elective  115451  Demonstrate an understanding of the management of construction projects in an international environment  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  15 
    Elective  115455  Understand and apply property development principles  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  9 
    Elective  115452  Understand and apply Tunnelling technology and limited Mining operations techniques  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  20 
    Elective  115450  Understand and integrate construction project management principles  Level 7  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L7  20 


    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.