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:

Higher Certificate in Event Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
84686	Higher Certificate in Event Management
ORIGINATOR
The Independent Institute of Education (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
Higher Certificate	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Generic Management
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	123	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	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	2020-01-08
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2021-01-08		2024-01-08

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:

The purpose of this qualification is to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills and attributes required of an event manager, which includes a balanced combination of:

Event planning.

Event conducting.

Public relations.

Communication.

Marketing.

Project management.

Information technology.

The competencies captured in this qualification will provide the learner with the necessary competencies to enter the workplace and take up positions such as:

Event co-ordinator.

Events manager.

Event project manager.

Conference organiser.

Conference producer.

Assistant venue manager.

Learners successfully mastering the competencies in this qualification will be able to contribute to the broader society by providing sound management for a broad range of events in various industries and sectors.

The qualifying learner will be capable of:

Demonstrating an ability to present and communicate information reliably, coherently and appropriately in a variety of contexts.

Applying knowledge of public relations in managing an event.

Demonstrating knowledge of the processes, logistics and methods used to design, plan, co-ordinate and execute an event to given specifications or criteria.

Applying the principles of event management to the logistical design, planning, co-ordinating and conducting of an event.

Applying business principles and ethical practice in a professional business environment.

Applying basic project management principles and practices to manage an event.

Demonstrating knowledge of foundational marketing concepts as they apply to the events management sector.

Rationale:

This qualification meets the needs of the sector by providing event management specialists who have the ability and skills to plan, coordinate and conduct a broad range of events in various industries and sectors.

The typical learners attempting this qualification would migrate from the schooling system with the necessary admission requirements, or would already be active in the workplace. This qualification, due to its adherence to the requirements of the HEQF, will allow the learner access to further learning in the same or a related field.

This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes that has the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with workplace applicable competencies, and which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in the events management industry.

This qualification achieves the objectives of the NQF by facilitating access to and mobility and progression within education, enhancing the quality of education, accelerating the redress of past unfair discrimination in education and contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the nation at large.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:

Communication in the language of learning and teaching of the institution at NQF Level 4.

Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning:

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Care will be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up this option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

Recognition of Prior Learning may also be used by learners who do not meet the minimum criteria for admission to gain access to the qualification.

Access to the Qualification:

This qualification may be accessed by learners who have/are:

Successfully completed the National Senior Certificate with the relevant admission requirements.
OR

Successfully completed the National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4 with the relevant admission requirements.
OR

Over the age of 23 with the relevant work experience.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

To be awarded the qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 123 credits at NQF Level 5.

The following learning modules all at NQF Level 5 are compulsory:

Business Communication C, 10 Credits.

Business Practice and Entrepreneurship, 5 Credits.

Event Planning and Co-ordination, 12 Credits.

Event Management 1A, 10 Credits.

End User Computing, 20 Credits.

Event Execution, 12 Credits.

Event Management 1B, 10 Credits.

Introduction to Project Management, 9 Credits.

Marketing Principles, 7 Credits.

Public Relations 1A, 10 Credits.

Public Relations 1B, 10 Credits.

Work Integrated Learning, 8 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Present and communicate information reliably, coherently and appropriately in a variety of contexts.

2. Apply knowledge of public relations in managing an event.

3. Demonstrate knowledge of the processes, logistics and methods used to design, plan, co-ordinate and execute an event to given specifications or criteria.

4. Apply the principles of event management to the logistical design, planning, co-ordinating and conducting of an event.

5. Apply business principles and ethical practice in a professional business environment.

6. Apply basic project management principles and practices to manage an event.

7. Apply foundational marketing concepts in the events management sector.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

The qualification addresses all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

1.1 Business communication discourses and formats are used effectively and professionally to communicate information in a reliable and coherent format.
1.2 Presentation, interpersonal communication and business communication skills are demonstrated in an events management context.
1.3 The effective use of a personal computer and associated understanding of relevant software packages is demonstrated in a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

2.1 A description is given of the various tools used in the conducting of public relations.
2.2 Knowledge of the fundamental principles, techniques and functions of public relations is demonstrated in an events management context.
2.3 The fundamentals, functions and techniques of public relations are applied to managing an event.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

3.1 An explanation is given of the management areas and skills specifically related to an event.
3.2 The management contribution to an event is evaluated to given specifications and criteria.
3.3 Budgeting and costing knowledge and skills are applied to the events operations and logistics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

4.1 The skills for designing, planning, co-ordinating and conducting of an event are applied to given specifications or criteria.
4.2 Supplier planning and partnership management is demonstrated during events.
4.3 The appropriate technologies are applied during event management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

5.1 A foundational knowledge of business principles and practices is demonstrated in a business environment.
5.2 The foundational knowledge of managing small business operations is applied in the event management sector.
5.3 Business opportunities are explored in the event management sector.
5.4 Knowledge of establishing and growing a small business is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

6.1 Different phases and processes of project management are demonstrated in an events management context.
6.2 The basic principles of project management are applied in the context of event management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

7.1 The knowledge of foundational marketing concepts is demonstrated as they apply to the events management sector.
7.2 The ability to identify relevant marketing techniques and plans is demonstrated for events or an events management business.

Integrated Assessment:

Integrated Assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning so as to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes.

Formative assessment will be applied continually throughout the progress of the individual learning outcomes and/or modules.

Summative assessment will be applied of completion of the curriculum to ensure the achievement of each learning outcome and/or module.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The IIE Higher Certificate: Event Management (IIE HCEM) was compared to qualifications, outcomes and purposes for Event Management in higher education institutions in:

The United Kingdom.

Dubai.

Canada.

Australia.

A direct comparison of the Title, Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria was undertaken with each. It seems that the many of the international Event Management qualifications are pitched at Degree and Postgraduate level and many of those that are at Certificate level are often graduate certificates that are aimed at candidates who have work experience. The qualifications that have been selected are the most closely aligned in terms of their being year-long qualifications with comparable learning outcomes. The international qualifications with which this qualification was compared have the same themes and purposes as this qualification but seem to offer it more compartmentally. Thus, although the content is similar, the structure of the qualification differs.

United Kingdom:

The Open University (OU) of the United Kingdom has a distance learning Diploma in Event Planning that matches favourably with the IIE HCEM. The modules Event Planning and Typical Work Activities link to the IIE HCEM Event Planning and Co-ordination and Event Execution modules in terms of content covered. As previously stated, the overseas institutions tend to teach in a more compartmentalised manner Hence, modules 4 (Planned Events), 5 (Planning and Timeline Process), 6 (Administering events) and 7 (Planning and Programming) all align with the IIE qualification, except that the IIE qualification has grouped this into 3 subject areas, namely, event planning and coordination, event execution and event management. This is a similar case with OU's modules 9 (Checklists), 10 (Booking accommodation), 11 (Bar staff) 12 (Hiring a band) 14 (theme and recreational activities), which the IIE qualification collectively covers as part of event execution. Module 8 (What do you do when things go wrong) and 13 (Tradeshows and exhibitions) is covered within the IIE HCEM Public Relations modules. The IIE qualification thus compares favourably to the OU qualification. However, the one aspect of the OU Diploma that the IIE HCEM does not cover is staff and recruitment but the IIE HCEM covers Project Management and Marketing which is a different angle in terms of ancillary modules.

Dubai:

Another qualification that compares favourably is the Executive Certificate in Event Management at Middlesex University in Dubai. The intended purpose of this certificate is similar to that of the IIE HCEM. The objectives of the Middlesex qualification postulates that it is linked to the creation and delivery of events across a wide spectrum and like the IIE HCEM, it looks at the planning and marketing aspects of events. Similarly, it focuses on both theory and practical aspects of Event Management within the structure of the qualification. This qualification is made up of five components all of which compare favourably to the IIE HCEM. Additionally, the IIE HCEM covers End User Computing, Business Communication, Marketing and Business Practice and Entrepreneurship. Middlesex University's Event Planning module has similar outcomes to the outcomes of the Event Planning and Co-ordination module in the IIE HCEM. The module Middlesex University refers to as Operational Planning is characterised by Event Design, Pre Production and Sponsorship. These areas are covered in the Event Management and Event Execution modules of the IIE HCEM. The Middlesex Executive Certificate has a professional portfolio and the IIE HCEM has a Work Integrated Learning module, which requires compiling a portfolio based on a simulated scenario of an event as discussed in the experiential learning component and thus links to the beginning stages of building a professional portfolio.

Canada:

Niagara College in Canada has a one-year Graduate Certificate in Event Management which compares favourably to the IIE HCEM. This Certificate has a module called Event Marketing which, like the IIE HCEM Marketing module, covers marketing approaches to event management. Niagara's is somewhat more event focused than the IIE HCEM Marketing module but on the whole, the outcomes of this graduate certificate and the IIE HCEM qualification are common for event marketing. Like many of the other international qualifications the Niagara College Certificate has more compartmentalised modules, where 'Events' is broken down into specific tools and functions of the industry, such as Event Planning, Event Logistics, Sponsorship, Event Budgets and Costing and Event Preparation. All these areas are covered within the IIE HCEM and additionally the IIE HCEM also offers Introduction to Project Management, End User Computing, Business Communication and Business Practice and Entrepreneurship. The Niagara Graduate Certificate has a module called Independent Project, which requires students to plan and promote an event and as such aligns with the IIE HCEM's above mentioned Work Integrated Learning module.

Australia:

The University of Technology of Sydney (UTS) has a Graduate Certificate in Event Management conducted over a year that is similarly aligned with the IIE HCEM. Its purpose is very similar in that it covers key theory concepts and issues impacting on the management of the events, which closely aligns with the IIE HCEM. While subjects have different names, in general the alignment is favourable when looking at module outcomes. The UTS Graduate Certificate has a module called Event Creation, which focuses on creating, developing and implementing events. This compares favourably to the IIE HCEM Event Planning and Co-ordination and Event Execution as well as aspects of the Work integrated Learning on the IIE HCEM. The module, Event Management, focuses on Event Project Management and assessing the event. The IIE HCEM module explores event evaluation and the project management of the event as well. As a result, the IIE HCEM module seems to be more in depth in this area, looking at staff management as well as the financial aspect and budgeting. The subject UTS has called Event Concepts and Contexts gives an overview of the sector and its history, which is comparable to the introductory part of the module on the IIE HCEM, Event Planning and Co-ordination. This module in the UTS qualification looks at external environments and policy regulation, which aligns with the Event Management module in the IIE HCEM. In the IIE HCEM module Event Execution there is a section on Risk Management related to an event. The UTS qualification has an entire module devoted to this called Event Risk Management. It also looks at reviewing the event, which the IIE HCEM terms evaluation.

In conclusion, the content of the IIE Higher Certificate: Event Management is in line with international practices. Additionally, subjects such as Project Management, Business Practice and Entrepreneurship, End User Computing and Business Communication are often omitted from international qualifications, but have been included in the IIE HCEM because of their value to practising Event Managers. The approach of balancing theory and practice is also vital to the success of students and this is reflected both in international qualifications and in the HCEM proposed by IIE.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows for Horizontal as well as Vertical Articulation to other institutions which may present similar qualifications.

This qualification may articulate horizontally with any relevant cognate qualification at NQF Level 5.

This qualification may articulate vertically with any relevant cognate qualification at NQF Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Moderation of assessments will be overseen by the relevant Quality Council.

Internal and external moderation must be conducted by moderators appointed by the provider and accredited through the relevant Quality Council.

Both internal and external moderators must be in possession of an appropriate qualification, as well as relevant and current expertise.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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.	The Independent Institute of Education (Pty) Ltd