SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

National Higher Certificate: Explosives Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
62420	National Higher Certificate: Explosives Management
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa
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 Higher Certificate	Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology		Manufacturing and Assembly
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 5	Level N/A: 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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose

A person acquiring this qualification will be able to apply elementary explosives technologies during manufacturing processes in the explosives environment. A person with this qualification is able to supervise limited manufacturing processes, apply principles of quality control and solve management problems on middle management level.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within explosive material manufacturing fraternity by providing recognition, further mobility and transportability within the chemical and related manufacturing fields.
The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the progression and economic growth within the manufacturing fraternity.

This qualification will allow a person to advance to learning such as the National Diploma: Explosives Management, NQF 6 or related qualifications.

Rationale

This qualification reflects the workplace-based need of employers and employees within the explosives and armaments industry as well as the Departments of Defence, Labour and Minerals and Energy, both now and for the future.
The survival of the industry depended for a long time on the transfer of knowledge and skills from one skilled person within the industry to another. To run the risk of just a few people having all the knowledge and skills is an unhealthy affair. The Explosives Industry in South Africa provides employment to thousands of people and generates many millions of rand of income each year and is therefore an important role player in the overall economic picture of the country.

The range of typical learners is individuals on middle management level that wants to that wants to advance their career, personal development by specializing in management related disciplines and explosives applications. Learners are individuals from a middle management background that needs to apply explosives technologies, principles of quality control, supervision of research and development and be able solve management problems on middle management level.

A qualifying learner could operate as a valuable leader within the explosives manufacturing processes. This will provide valuable training, embedded knowledge and fundamental experience towards a career within the explosives and ammunition industry. Career options such as technicians, product-, process-, manufacturing-, research and development supervisors or quality controllers will be beneficial to an individual and also to the economy/ industry.

This qualification provides the learner with accessibility to be employed within the explosives and ammunition manufacturing and related industries and will be providing portability and articulation possibilities within the manufacturing and engineering contexts.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

A knowledge, comprehension and application of language, mathematics, natural science or technology on NQF 4. A FETC qualification with exposure to explosive operations would be beneficial.

Recognition of prior learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. A learner wishing to be assessed towards this qualification may arrange to do so without attending any further training or education. The assessor and the learner will jointly decide on the most appropriate method to be taken.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

Level, total credits, required credits and learning components assigned to the qualifications.

NC: Explosives Management at level 5, 120 credits:

Fundamentals: 40 credits, level 5

Communication I: 18 credits, level 5

End-user computing I :22 credits, level 4

Core: 48 credits, level 5

Management I: 20 credits, level 5

Explosives I: 28 credits, level 5

Electives: 32 credits, level 5

Financial techniques I: 32 credits, level 5

Total: 120 credits, level 5

National Higher Certificate: Explosive Management at level 5, 120 credits:

Fundamentals: 50 credits, level 5

Economics I: 26 credits, level 5

Quality Management I: 24 credits, level 5

Core: 50 credits, level 5

Management II: 24 credits, level 5

Explosives II: 26 credits, level 5

Electives: 20 credits, level 5

Business Management I: 20 credits, level 5

Total: 120 credits, level 5

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

Exit level outcome 1

Communicate effectively by using language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations.

Exit level outcome 2

Produce business documents using a computer and appropriate software programmes.

Exit level outcome 3

Apply financial and management accounting principles for analyses for decision making purposes.

Exit level outcome 4

Interpret and use knowledge regarding explosives technologies, explosive accessories, applications and standard services and measuring apparatus within the explosives environment.

Exit level outcome 5

Manage resources for the effective and efficient achievements of enterprise goals.

The first 5 exit level outcomes culminate into 120 credits supporting the National Certificate: Explosives Management Level 5. These exit points provide the learner the opportunity to leave with a certificate on NQF 5 and provide access into the National Higher Certificate: Explosives Management Level 5.

Exit level outcome 6

Utilise the properties and performances of primary high explosives, secondary high explosives and propellants appropriately for manufacturing and application purposes.

Range: Propellant manufacturing processes refer to granulation, re-crystallisation, casting, pressing, extrusion, cutting, stabilisation -, distillation processes and the use of absorption towers and X-ray machines.
Propellants may refer to single base, double base, triple base, rocket, composite and ball powders.

Exit level outcome 7

Apply basic economic concepts, understand market mechanisms and recognize production related factors, by using graphs and models.

Exit level outcome 8

Manage resources for effective and efficient achievements of tactical enterprise goals.

Exit level outcome 9

Apply quality and configuration management principles in the working environment.

Exit level outcome 10

Develop an understanding of the basic business and economic principles by identify and justify the relationship between business and economic principles.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 1

Read professional and academic texts with effective comprehension.

Write effectively structured texts / documents needed in professional and academic situations; and edit and revise texts / documents to improve their readability, grammar, and communicative effectiveness.

Apply generic speaking and listening skills in workplace contexts.
> Range: Generic speaking and listening skills refer to participating effectively in meetings, prepare for and participate in job interviews, use the telephone effectively and make effective presentations.

Produce a range of documents for workplace communication.
> Range: Workplace communication refer to business writing, planning, researching, drafting, revising, editing and proof-reading by producing letters, memorandums, fax and e-mail messages, proposals, articles for in-house publications and the press releases.

Use various motivational and memory-sharpening strategies in dealing with texts / documents.

Making notes from texts of various length in point or expanded form.

Appling negotiation and conflict resolution techniques appropriately.

Using strategies and techniques used needed for analysis and decision-making.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 2

Operate and use a personal computer in the workplace.

Managing electronic files, internet and e-mail applications.

Produce professional documents using word processing and spreadsheet applications.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 3

Read income statements, balance sheets and cash flow statements in the world of work.

Analyse and interpret financial statements in terms of overall financial performance and use the results of such analyses for decision making purposes.

Analyse and interpret the annual financial statements of entities.
> Range: Specific ratios are correctly calculated and conclusions drawn order to assess the profitability, liquidity, solvency and the future prospects of the entity.

Prepare operational and capital budgets.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 4

Demonstrate an understanding of the basic concepts, definitions and applications of various types of explosives by defining concepts and differentiating between different types of explosives.

Identify and solve problems regarding the incorrect applications of explosives within the world of work.

Select and combine the appropriate explosives accessories for prescribed applications, during manufacturing, storage and transport according to the explosive functionalities.
> Range: Explosive accessories may refer to detonating cord, safety fuse, igniter cords, shock tubes (nonel), delay elements or boosters.

Identify and select appropriate parameters for operating and maintaining of standard services and measuring apparatus in explosives plants.
> Range: Services may refer to vacuum and steam.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 5

Work objectives are set, agreed and updated in conjunction with individuals and teams.

Organise, allocate, monitor and control resources to achieve operational objectives.

Manage and develop people to contribute constructively to the achievement of goals of the enterprise.

Integrate the understanding of self development to improve performance.

Demonstrate the theories and methods to create, maintain and enhance effective working relationships.

Analyse theories and applications for working methodologies as a team member, being part of a group or organisation.

Determining criteria and specifications for recruitment and selection of quality staff.

The identification of individual and team development needs.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 6

Demonstrate an understanding and solve related problems regarding the supervision of manufacturing, transporting and storage of primary high explosives, secondary high explosives and propellants.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information regarding the filling of ammunition items with primary high explosives, secondary high explosives and propellants.

The ability to work effectively with production personnel and other technically qualified people during manufacturing, result reporting and the development of projects.

Designated development and production tasks need to be performed within time limits using the equipment effectively.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 7

Demonstrate an understating in constructing a macro-economic model.

Integrate the fiscal and monetary models into one sustainable model and then apply the model in an analysis of the external business environment.

Develop an articulated theoretical view on the forces of economic growth, employment, inflation and external stability.

Identify global trends and challenges that firms face in an integrated world and understand the implications of such changes on business.

Understand how world markets, production and finances are linked together.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 8

Tactical policies, plans and performance measures for management approval developed.

Develop organizational structures to optimize operations.

Tactical systems and methodologies are determined.

Identify and describe the appropriate leadership theories and models for a context.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 9

Perform established Quality Assurance and Quality Control procedures under supervision, to ensure that processes remain within designated limits.

Quality control charts are constructed and interpreted.

Data from measurements and analyses has to be organised, analysed and critically evaluated using computers when necessary.

Results has to be communicated effectively both verbally and in written reports.

Compliance with the health and safety legislation, good laboratory and manufacturing practice and established workplace safety protocols will ensure that science and technology is used effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

Integration of related systems including quality systems is crucial in interpreting and assessing of results and identifying problems in the workplace.

Application of configuration management during the life cycle of explosives containing items.

Assessment criteria associated with exit level outcome 10

Develop an understanding of the basic business and economic principles by identify and justify the relationship between business and economic principles.

Describe, position and justify that the enterprise is a need satisfying institution within an economic system.

Identify and assess the factors that influence the establishment of an enterprise and recommend a suitable place.

Distinguish between and among the different forms of enterprises and recommend a suitable form of enterprise.

Create, maintain and enhance a culture of entrepreneurship.

Demonstrate an understanding of corporate entrepreneurship and innovation.

Integrated assessment

The applied competence (practical, foundational and reflexive competencies) of this qualification will be achieved if a candidate is able to achieve all the exit level outcomes of this qualification.

Identifying and solving problems, team work, organising one-self, using of applied science, the implication of actions and reactions in the world as a set of related systems must be assessed during any combination of practical, foundational and reflexive competencies. Assessment methods and tools are developed to determine the integration of applied knowledge and skills.

A detailed portfolio of evidence is required to prove practical, applied and foundational competencies of the learner.
Assessors and moderators should develop and conduct their own integrated assessment by making use of a range of formative and summative assessment methods. Assessors should assess and give credit for evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.
During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and should assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies, that includes specific and critical cross-field outcomes.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Benchmarking was done against international standards and qualifications from the NVQ from Britain, New Zealand Qualification Authority, the American Qualification Curriculum and Assessment Authority Frameworks and the US Manufacturing Skills Standards

No direct comparable qualification could be found, the closest were a New Zealand's qualification National Certificate in Extraction Industries Level 2-4 (Land operations using explosives). Given South Africa's competitive edge and leader in this field world wide, it explains why no other related qualifications were found.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Vertical articulation within the Explosives Management range of qualifications:

National Higher Certificate: Explosives NQF 5,

National Diploma: Explosives Management NQF 6 and

B Tech: Explosives Management NQF 7.

Horizontal articulation into other National Diploma's or B Tech Degrees specialising in management is possible.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this qualification must be registered and appointed by the provider Technikon according to existing moderation guidelines of the HEQC.

Any institution offering learning of this qualification must be accredited as a provider with the relevant HEQC.

Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the HEQC, according to the HEQC policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation;

Moderation should also validate the achievement of competencies and assessment processes as described in exit level outcomes and integrated assessment options as described in the qualification.

For explosives related subjects the appointment of a moderator should be done in consultation with the National Institute of Explosives Technology (NIXT).

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

For an applicant to register as an assessor, the applicant needs:

Interpersonal skills, subject matter expertise and assessment experience.
The assessor needs to be competent in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes. The subject matter experience must be well developed within the field of explosive operations and quality assurance practices.

The assessor must have completed:

A similar qualification or from the same family of qualifications, at or above NQF 8, or

Six years' management experience in the field of explosives.

The subject matter experience of the assessor can be established by recognition of prior learning.

Assessors need to be registered with the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance Body.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015.

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.	University of South Africa