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: |
National Certificate: Project Management |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
58395 | National Certificate: Project Management | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
SGB Project Management | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
SERVICES - Services Sector Education and Training Authority | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
National Certificate | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Project Management | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 120 | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | Regular-Unit Stds Based |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered" |
SAQA 06120/18 | 2018-07-01 | 2023-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 |
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 is replaced by: |
Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
101869 | Occupational Certificate: Project Manager | Not Applicable | NQF Level 05 | 240 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop in learners the following competencies to enable them to operate effectively as project managers of small to moderately complex projects. A learner completing this qualification is able to: > Operating in a project context in a variety of routine and non-routine contexts, under general supervision. > Selecting from a wide choice of procedures ranging from standard and non-standard. > Taking full responsibility for the nature, quantity and quality of output. > Taking responsibility for group output as required/possible. > Showing possession of a wide range of scholastic and/or technical skills applicable in the field of Project Management. > Demonstrating of a broad knowledge base of project management with substantial depth in some areas. The use of the term project manager is widespread and inconsistent in interpretation. In some organisations, project manager is a position with the title, while in others, it is a temporary assignment. Whether a full-time position or a part-time assignment, the term Project Manager is linked with a wide variety of responsibilities: Regardless of the range of responsibilities, project managers at the threshold level of competence are expected to produce essentially the same result outputs and outcomes that are acceptable to relevant stakeholders. However, increasing complexity requires additional competence skills and judgement ability. The purpose of this qualification is to address the project and general threshold competencies required to manage simple to moderately complex projects. A Project Manager who is competent at managing a project at NQF Level 5 may not be able to produce the expected results in the context of a higher level competency project (NQF Level 6). The Global Project Management Standards Initiative has developed an approach to differentiating projects based on their management complexity. This is used as input to the specification of the South African project management qualifications and standards. A project manager operating at NQF Level 5 may act as a full time manager or be involved in the product design and development work as well as the project management work. i.e technical specialist and project manager. They tend to be hands on often with little or no administrative support in the project management processes and resultant outcomes. Typically, the organisation will have set up expectations and rules and procedures to be used on the project before it is given to the project manager. The project manager may well be working with a more senior person with regard to interfaces with clients and stakeholders, gate reviews and closure of the project. Their projects are of a simple to moderately complex nature, the ranges below describe this further: Simple to moderately complex project can be defined as a project that has: This qualification is intended for people with prior work experience and/or an NQF Level 4 qualification in Project Management. The learners accessing this qualification will be working in or with project management teams or using a project approach to their business. These projects may be technical projects, business projects, public sector projects or community development projects and will cut across a range of economic sectors. This qualification is also of value to learners running their own business, as Project Management is an integral component of any business system. Qualifying learners working on a project will have the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to function more effectively and in a professional manner, add value to their job and enhance their ability to follow and implement policies and procedures. On achieving the competencies, included in this Qualification, the learners may advance further into Project Management, Project Support Services or General Management within an organisation, across all sectors. Rationale: This National Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 5 supports the development and recognition of project management skills in every sector. In South Africa there is a widespread need for skilled personnel to work as team members, team leaders, project managers and support specialists to projects. Projects vary in their size and complexity. This qualification focuses on the core project specific skills required to manage or support small to moderately complex projects. It does not encompass all of the skills required but provides a solid foundation of the minimum set of skills needed. The development of project management skills has historically been undertaken on the job and through short courses. There is still resistance to long learning programmes. This Certificate provides one building block in a series of qualifications that an individual or company can utilise to develop project management competence, in conjunction with application in the workplace, over a period of years. Many people do not work full time as a project manager and this qualification supports the needs of such individuals and the types of projects that they are managing. It also supports the development of core competence which can be supplemented by further study and utilisation of other qualifications at the same NQF level or a higher level. The Project industry is integrated in the global business environment and skilled practitioners are required to meet the demands of both community and the industry, providing significant benefits to individuals, global corporations, government and the country. The Qualification gives accessibility and flexibility to the unemployed and employed. The level of flexibility reflects the multiple job roles, organisational requirements and the changing technological nature of the industry and also allows the individual to work towards a nationally recognised Qualification. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
Recognition of Prior Learning: Learners may access this Qualification in terms of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), which is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited ETQA and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor, subject to the terms of the model decided upon by the relevant ETQA. Access to the Qualification: To access the qualification a learner must be competent in: |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
Fundamental Component:
Core Component: Elective Component: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Conduct effective communication, while working on a project.
2. Plan the project. 3. Execute and control the project. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
1.
2. 3. Intergrated Asessment: Competencies may be developed through a combination of informal and formal learning, self-learning, training programmes and work based application. Providers should conduct diagnostic and formative assessment. Formative, continuous and diagnostic assessments should also take place in the work place. The learner should be able to assess their progress and determine readiness for a final summative assessment against this Qualification. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably linked. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the Unit Standards should be integrated. Assessment of Communication and Mathematical Literacy should be conducted in conjunction with other aspects and should use authentic Project Operational contexts wherever possible. A variety of methods must be used in assessment and tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies, role-plays and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment. The term 'Integrated Assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. Groups of standards may also be assessed together. Assessment should ensure that all specific outcomes, embedded knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated. The assessment of the critical cross-field outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of specific outcomes and embedded knowledge. The final summative assessment for the qualification should be undertaken under the direction of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance (ETQA) body. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
Project Management is a discipline that crosses all sectors. During the last 15 years there has been increased advocacy for treating Project Management as a profession with associated self-regulation. Collaboration between professional bodies, academia, some governments (e.g. UK, Japan and China), qualification authorities and a wide range of interested parties resulted in a growth of globally recognised best practices, standards and qualifications. The application of Project Management is seen to be within the management and administration/support roles in organisations. The majority of the training and qualifications offered are at NQF level 5 or above. Whilst most of the training is mainly of the short course nature there is an increasing number of leading global universities offering Masters in Project Management.
Internationally, few qualifications exist that are equivalent to this qualification. Currently the NEPAD and SADC regions, other than South Africa, rarely use an independent Project Management qualification. If a qualification is used it is most likely to be from the UK (PRINCE2 or Information Systems Examining Board (ISEB) or Association for Project Management (APM)), from the Project Management Institute (PMI) or as part of a programme from a university or a donor. In the developing countries individuals wishing to acquire Project Management related skills are linking with global initiatives from donors, or to PRINCE2 from the UK government and/or to professional bodies such as Project Management Institute (PMI), Association for Project Management (APM) and International Project Management Association (IPMA). A common trend for global companies is to utilise qualifications from PMI, APM or the PRINCE2 set (UK) in conjunction with own qualifications and career path. Consequently these combined qualifications are introduced to a country that previously had none or limited local training in Project Management. In Africa the development of Project Management capacity is primarily driven by individuals and some large global corporations. It is a common practice for individuals to join an international professional body and later to use its qualifications. There are 55 Chapters of PMI across the world including in some African countries like Egypt, Lebanon, Nigeria and South Africa. For this qualification the currently available standards were referenced as well as our subject expert's knowledge of developments in the Project Management sector. A global project established with the support of the key institutions across the world including SAQA, the Services SETA and Project Management South Africa (PMSA). Members of the Project Management SGB have been participating in the project, which is developing global performance standards for project management personnel. The intent was to produce models that can be used anywhere in the world as a reference for performance assessment and as a tool to map qualifications. The Global Level 1 set of standards have been used to map to this qualification. An output from the global project is a detailed analysis of a range of standards. This analysis has been used when developing this qualification. It is too detailed to report here but information from the project can be accessed on the website www.globalPMstandards.org. Several of the subject experts who contributed to this qualification are contributors to international research, literature, standards and qualifications and several also deliver training in many countries. South Africa is recognised by other countries as one of the leaders in project management standards and training. This NQF 5 National Certificate utilises internationally recognised best practices and standards in Project Management. It provides an entry point to further learning for NQF levels 5 and 6 and above or for international qualifications in Project or General Management. Countries which are recognised as leaders in Project Management training include the USA, Canada, UK, European Countries, South Africa and Australia. Qualifications and standards that have been referenced include the following qualifications: > Project Management Professional (PMP). > Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM). > Business Services Training Package Project Management Competency. > Standards AQF Level 5. These are detailed below. Innovation & Business Skills Australia; SAQA: > Saqa Title: > Develop an integrated project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Establish a project or project phase and its processes for a simple to moderately complex project. > Monitor and control the execution of the project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Coordinate closure of a simple to moderately complex project. > Develop a project scope statement for a simple to moderately complex project. > Determine the work required to accomplish the objectives and organise the scope of a simple to moderately complex project. > Produce an optimised work and resource schedule for a simple to moderately complex project. > Develop a project cost management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Encourage team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks. > Conduct a project or business meeting. > Manage stakeholder relations on a simple to moderately complex project. > Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project. > Manage procurement for a simple to moderately complex project. United Kingdom: Global: > SAQA Standard Title: > Manage stakeholder relations on a simple to moderately complex project. > Conduct a project or business meeting. > Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks. > Conduct a project or business meeting. > Develop a project scope statement for a simple to moderately complex project. > Determine the work required to accomplish the objectives and organise the scope of a simple to moderately complex project. > Produce an optimised work and resource schedule for a simple to moderately complex project. > Develop a project cost management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project. > Develop an integrated project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Establish a project or project phase and its processes for a simple to moderately complex project. > Monitor and control the execution of the project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project. > Manage procurement for a simple to moderately complex project. > Monitor and control the execution of the project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project. > Coordinate closure of a simple to moderately complex project. International standards/knowledge that have been referenced include: > Professionalism and Ethics: > Legal requirements. > Communications. > Conflict of interest. > Ethnic and cultural norms. > PMP® code of ethics. Project Management is developing as a profession and there are several bodies around the world that provide research, standards and qualifications for the field. This qualification has been benchmarked against a wide range of standards and qualifications and provided to several international bodies for comparison purposes. In addition, references were made to the following professional bodies or Training Authorities, delivering qualifications or advice on learning in this area: The following International standards have been referenced: |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
Horizontal articulation is possible with:
Vertical articulation is possible with: |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant should:
|
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. |
NOTES |
Exit point for learners who do not complete the Qualification:
|
UNIT STANDARDS: |
ID | UNIT STANDARD TITLE | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | CREDITS | |
Core | 243811 | Determine the work required to accomplish the objectives and organise the scope of a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Core | 243813 | Develop a project cost management plan for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 243824 | Develop an integrated Project Management plan for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Core | 243820 | Develop an optimised work and resource schedule for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 243980 | Manage risks on a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 6 |
Core | 243815 | Manage stakeholder relations on a project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Core | 243812 | Monitor and control the execution of the project management plan for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Fundamental | 115823 | Gather and manage information for decision-making | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 115789 | Sustain oral interaction across a wide range of contexts and critically evaluate spoken texts | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Fundamental | 115790 | Write and present for a wide range of purposes, audiences and contexts | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 242668 | Demonstrate knowledge and application of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, 85 of 1993 (OHSA) (as amended) and the responsibilities of management in terms of the Act | Level 4 | NQF Level 04 | 4 |
Elective | 119350 | Apply accounting principles and procedures in the preparation of reports and decision making | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 15 |
Elective | 115821 | Apply business financial practices | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 119342 | Apply knowledge of ethical principles, standards and professional conduct in public sector management and administration | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 243819 | Coordinate the closure of a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 8 |
Elective | 243823 | Develop a preliminary project scope statement for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 12 |
Elective | 243817 | Develop a project risk management plan for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 7 |
Elective | 15224 | Empower team members through recognising strengths, encouraging participation in decision making and delegating tasks | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
Elective | 243814 | Establish a project or project phase and its processes for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 14 |
Elective | 243821 | Manage the procurement process for a simple to moderately complex project | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 10 |
Elective | 115835 | Operate in a professional manner utilising trouble shooting techniques while applying creative thinking processes | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 5 |
Elective | 115817 | Provide and respond to feedback | Level 5 | Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5 | 4 |
LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement. |
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. |