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:

Certificate: Production Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
59021	Certificate: Production Management
ORIGINATOR
Production Management Institute of Southern Africa (PMI)
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 Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 06120/18	2018-07-01	2018-12-31
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31		2022-12-31

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 replaces:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
49734	Certificate: Production Management	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	120	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:

The purpose and overall outcome of the qualification is to provide learners who are either already in manufacturing industry or who wish to find employment in manufacturing industry, with the knowledge of the principles that underlie the disciplines necessary for effective management of the operating system.

This purpose is achieved by providing the learners with exposure to the principles, concepts and techniques which aid in the management of the production process, the management of the employees reporting to them and the attainment of the quality objectives of the organisation. The learners are also exposed to the disciplines of logistics and financial management at a level consistent with their position. The components, Applied Mathematics and Information Technology serve to enhance the learner's ability to use mathematical concepts in practice and to utilise modern information technology effectively in the workplace to communicate and perform calculations.

The purpose of the qualification is consistent with the principles that underpin the National Skills Development Strategy in that it:

Provides a further phase in lifelong learning for employees/prospective employees in the Manufacturing Sector of the economy allowing them to aspire to junior or middle management positions.

Provides access to study in the Higher Education band of the NQF for previously disadvantaged learners employed in manufacturing industry thus promoting equity.

Provides a demand-led programme that meets the needs of the Manufacturing Sector.

Fosters skills development in the formal economy for productivity and employability.

Rationale:

A need has been identified in manufacturing industry for a qualification that equips employees at a junior level or those who aspire to become junior managers, with a holistic view of the production function and with knowledge of the principles and concepts that inform their daily activities over a range of disciplines. This need follows from the recognition that the junior manager is a key figure in the effective and efficient attainment of the organisation's objectives.

The Certificate in Production Management constitutes such a qualification in that, while it considers the field of study Production Management to be a core field, it also provides insights into the fields of Human Resource Management, Quality Management, Logistics Management and Financial Management at a level appropriate to the work of the junior manager.

Knowledge of the principles and concepts that underlie these fields of study is essential for the junior manager to understand the contribution that they make to the effective management of the production function within manufacturing industry.

The programme contributes to both regional and national goals by:

Providing access to knowledge and skills for individuals who have been disadvantaged in their access to higher education raising the skills level of the region and the nation.

Providing expertise in the management of organisations across a broad range of industries aiding in the improvement of the productivity of these industries and contributing to national competitiveness.

Providing the learners with a pathway to achieving their potential thus contributing to thenational goal of promoting life-long learning.

Accommodating the recognition of prior learning ensuring that the national goals of equityand fairness in access to higher learning are addressed.

The combination of theory and practice together with project work ensures that the learning is applied and that the learner is equipped with learning skills.

The use of group work and a reflection on the experience of working in a team enhances the learners understanding of working with others.

The qualification is primarily designed to provide access for learners already employed in manufacturing industry but is also open to other categories of learner.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The learner is assumed to be familiar with a manufacturing environment either through his/her employment in such an environment or through the successful completion of the Certificate in Operations Management Principles (NQF Level 4) or an equivalent qualification.

Competence in communication and mathematics equivalent to NQF Level 4 or above is expected. Such competence may be demonstrated through the possession of a formal qualification, assessment or through Recognition of Prior Learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

Prior learning is recognised on a component-by-component basis or in terms of the overall qualification. Any prior learning has to be valid, authentic, relevant, sufficiently recent and at an appropriate level before it will be recognised as fulfilling the requirements for admission to the qualification or as a basis for exemption from a specific component of the qualification.

The Institute must be satisfied that the qualifications, either formal, informal or non-formal, when combined with work experience, represent competence against the assessment criteria listed in paragraph 8. In any event the maximum level of exemption from components of the qualification by virtue of prior learning is 40 %.

Access to the qualification:

Learners entering this qualification will normally be employed in manufacturing industry at or below junior management level who have attained a matriculation exemption.

However, other categories of learners can access the qualification provided they meet the requirements given in paragraph 7-"Learning assumed to be in place".

Junior managers in this context are those at the first level of management in an organisation who have other employees reporting to them. Typical job titles include, but are not limited to; "Team leader" or "Supervisor".

Access may be obtained through Recognition of Prior Learning.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Levels and credits:

The Certificate in Production Management requires one (1) year of study and consists of 120 credits at NQF Level 5 distributed as follows:

Fundamental: 30 credits.

Core: 90 credits.

There are no electives associated with this qualification.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. The learner can demonstrate understanding of the role and tasks of the production/operations manager.

2. The learner can demonstrate understanding of the basic principles of Human Resource Management in a production environment.

3. The learner can demonstrate knowledge of the main theories and techniques of quality assurance.

4. The learner can demonstrate understanding of the basics of business accounting.

5. The learner can demonstrate understanding of the role of logistics in a production environment.

6. The learner can demonstrate the ability to utilise appropriate mathematical techniques to solve production problems.

7. The learner can demonstrate computer literacy.

8. The learner can demonstrate the ability to identify, investigate and report on, a workplace problem and propose a solution.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes (CCFO):

"Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made" is achieved:

The emphasis on application of the theory in the learners' work environment to solve problems ensures that this CCFO is met.

"Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community":

The use of group tasks helps to ensure that this outcome is achieved.

"Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively":

The structure of the qualification is such as to help meet this outcome.

"Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information":

Specific Outcome 8 forces learners to meet this outcome.

"Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation":

The structure of the qualification requires the learners to make formal and informal presentations both orally and in writing.

"Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others":

The issue of occupational health and safety is specifically addressed in the Human Resources Component and ensures that this CCFO is addressed.

"Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation":

This CCFO is directly addressed in the Production Management 1 and Logistics 1 components.

"Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively":

The variety of teaching and learning strategies utilised in the qualification contribute towards meeting this CCFO.

"Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities":

Not directly addressed.

"Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts":

Not directly addressed.

"Exploring education and career opportunities":

The possibility of pursuing other educational activities subsequent to completing this qualification encourages learners to explore education and career opportunities.

"Developing entrepreneurial abilities":

Not directly addressed.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

The role and tasks of the production/operations function in the organisation is described.

The location of a production facility is critically assessed.

The layout of a workplace is critically assessed and suggestions for its improvement are formulated.

The capacity of a production unit is calculated under a variety of conditions.

The techniques of work study are utilised to improve the productivity of the workplace.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Knowledge of the theories underlying motivation is demonstrated and their application in the workplace is described.

Knowledge of critical aspects of Labour Law is demonstrated and their implications in the workplace are discussed.

Knowledge of relevant Health and Safety legislation is demonstrated and its practical application is discussed.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

The principles of the main theories of quality assurance are discussed and applied to the workplace.

Workplace data is collected and presented in a variety of formats such as control charts and p-charts. The significance of the data is explained.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Basic accounting documents such as the balance sheet, profit and loss statement and income statement are drawn up for a representative organisation.

A simple product costing is compiled.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

The supply chain of the organisation is described and analysed.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Volumes and areas of simple shapes are calculated.

Linear and quadratic equations are solved and their application in workplace situations identified.

Simple graphs are constructed using data from the workplace.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Simple written communication such as letters and memoranda are generated using MSWord and circulated using electronic mail.

Workplace -related calculations are performed using MSExcel.

A presentation is constructed using MSPowerpoint.

Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

A workplace problem is identified, data collected and analysed and a solution proposed.

Integrated Assessment:

Even though the nature of the qualification is essentially academic and theoretical the emphasis in the tasks and assignments is on the integration of the theory with actual practice. The tasks encourage the learners to integrate theory and practice and to reflect on the application of the theory in their own work environment.

Each of the components of the qualification have a number of tasks associated with them. The tasks vary in number and complexity depending on the characteristics of the component.

The tasks constitute the prime formative assessment mechanism and can be either individual or group tasks. Group tasks are incorporated to provide practice in working effectively as a team. They include a presentation element which develops the ability to communicate effectively utilising a range of techniques.

Examinations are the prime summative assessment method.

The examinations assess the learners` understanding of the theoretical learning (Foundational Competence). The tasks and assignments provide a means to assess the learners` ability to apply the theory to real workplace situations (Practical Competence) and the workplace project (Specific Outcome 8) provides a means to assess the learners` ability to reflect on what they have learned and test the learning in a real context (Reflexive Competence).

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Every effort is made to ensure the International Comparability of the Certificate in Production Management. Internationally accepted texts are used in each of the components and best practice in South African and international manufacturing organisations are accessed through the academic and industry representatives on the Academic Board.

Comparison with the Certificate in Production Management of the Institute of Operations Management (UK) revealed that the qualification is more comprehensive in scope that the qualification. Comparison with the Production/Operations Management qualifications offered by the University of Canterbury (NZ) revealed the same phenomenon.

Furthermore, the comparisons mentioned above reveal clearly that South Africa is ahead of the rest of the world in its alignment of production management qualifications with the competencies required of a production manager. These competencies were identified from research conducted in the United States of America, Canada and the United Kingdom.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

The Certificate in Production Management articulates with other qualifications in the field of production/operations management and with qualifications in any of the disciplines studied in the Certificate both horizontally and vertically.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation of the work of learners occurs at the exit point from each component when the written scripts or practical exercises have been assessed. Following generally accepted practice the moderator is required to examine either 15 % or 15 of the scripts, whichever is the greater number paying particular attention to borderline scripts. The moderator is required to submit a report identifying any aspects that require attention.

The assessed and moderated scripts are subject to scrutiny by the Regional Subject Boards of the Institute. These Boards are charged with the responsibility of considering the assessors' and moderators' reports and referring any issues that need attention to the relevant person. They are also responsible for convening learner disciplinary hearings if required and making decisions on any special circumstance that affect an individual learner or groups of learners.

Moderators must be qualified at or above the level of the qualification, must have subject expertise on a theoretical and practical level and should preferably be registered as assessors and/or moderators with a relevant ETQA.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2009; 2012; 2015.

NOTES

This qualification replaces qualification 49734, "Certificate: Production Management", Level 5, 120 credits.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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