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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: |
| Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 84947 | Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| MANCOSA 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 | ||
| Postgraduate Diploma | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Generic Management | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 120 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 08 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 2027-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-30 | 2031-06-30 | |||
| 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 Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification is a critical qualification designed to address the evolving needs of the modern business landscape within South Africa. It offers advanced training in key management areas to prepare professionals for leadership roles, equipping them with the skills to navigate complex business environments and contribute to organisational sustainability and growth. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the purpose statement, detailing the national, professional, and career contexts, as well as the specific outcomes expected from learners upon completion of the qualification.
The qualification is positioned within a broader national and professional context where businesses are facing unprecedented challenges and opportunities due to globalisation, technological innovation, and socio-economic changes. The qualification responds directly to these needs, ensuring that business leaders and managers are equipped with the necessary skills to thrive in such dynamic environments. In the context of South Africa's development goals, there is a pressing need for qualified business professionals who can lead organisations in ways that contribute to economic growth, job creation, and social transformation. The qualification aligns with national imperatives to enhance the quality of management education and produce leaders capable of responding to the unique challenges faced by South African businesses, such as economic inequality, unemployment, and the need for sustainable development. The qualification also supports South Africa's global competitiveness by fostering leaders who can operate in a global business context while understanding local complexities. In the professional realm, businesses require leaders who can navigate complexities in decision-making, financial planning, and strategic management (BizCommunity, 2024). The qualification addresses the growing demand for managers who possess both practical skills and strategic foresight. The qualification is highly relevant for professionals in industries such as finance, consulting, operations, and human resources, where there is an increasing demand for middle- to senior-level managers who can lead teams, drive innovation, and ensure business sustainability (Daily Investor, 2024). The qualification offers modules in areas such as Strategic Management, Human Resource Development, and Marketing, each providing practical and theoretical knowledge crucial for managerial success. From a career perspective, the qualification provides learners with a pathway to senior management roles across various sectors. It is specifically designed for professionals who aspire to enhance their career prospects, either by advancing in their current organisations or transitioning into leadership roles in new industries (Shekhar, 2023). The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification equips learners with the skills necessary to pursue roles such as business managers, business consultants, financial analysts, and entrepreneurs. By providing advanced knowledge in areas like business strategy, decision-making, and organisational behaviour, the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification ensures that graduates are prepared to lead their organisations in achieving growth and sustainability, both locally and globally. The purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with advanced skills in business management that will enable them to assume leadership roles in their organisations. With the current skills needs and the scarcity of qualifications in business management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes (Varghese, 2024). The below qualification graduate attributes align to the institution's Graduate Attributes of industry demands, Ethical principles, global perspectives, innovation and creativity, cultural diversity awareness, critical thinking abilities, technological literacy and leadership potential. With this in mind, the qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the learner will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the qualification: The purpose of the qualification is encapsulated in the qualification's exit-level outcomes, which align to the South African Qualifications Authority National Qualifications Framework competencies for an NQF Level 8 qualification. Upon completion of the qualification graduates will be able to: Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire towards the following positions: In conclusion, the qualification is a critical qualification that addresses the growing need for advanced business management skills in a rapidly changing global environment. Through its comprehensive curriculum and focus on real-world application, the qualification equips learners with the knowledge, skills, and attributes necessary to lead organisations, solve complex business challenges, and contribute to the broader economy. Graduates of the qualification will be well-positioned to take on leadership roles, drive organisational success, and foster sustainable growth in both local and international markets. Rationale: The dynamic and constantly evolving global business landscape necessitates the development of managers who can navigate complexities, embrace innovation, and ensure organisational sustainability. Traditional business management practices often fall short in dealing with rapid market shifts, technological advancements, and increasing competition (Jones and George, 2020). According to Talwar, Dhir, and Tarjanne (2021), employers are increasingly seeking professionals with a unique combination of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and a deep understanding of the complexities within businesses. This qualification is designed to fill this gap by equipping learners with advanced knowledge and competencies that can be applied across various business sectors. This need for the qualification was identified due to the growing demand for middle- and senior-level managers who possess not just foundational business knowledge, but also the ability to apply strategic, financial, operational, and human resource management skills in complex and multicultural environments (Northouse, 2021). Moreover, businesses are increasingly seeking managers who can think critically, lead change, and make decisions that drive both short- and long-term growth. (Talwar, Dhir, and Tarjanne, 2021). The qualification was developed to meet these demands, focusing on providing advanced education that aligns with industry needs and enhances the capabilities of business professionals. After conducting a thorough search on the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) database, we confirm that there is no similar qualification currently registered on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). This indicates that the qualification proposed is unique, with no direct equivalent or duplicate registered, ensuring that it fills a gap in the existing education offerings on the NQF. The qualification focuses on key functional areas of business management that are vital for organisational success. Modules such as Strategic Management, Information and Knowledge Management, Human Resource Development, and Marketing Management, which are all critical components that meet the current and future needs of businesses. These modules will be delivered through the distance mode education. In keeping with the institution mission of providing affordable and accessible qualifications, the use of the supported distance learning method is well suited to accomplish the objectives of the qualification. Additionally, the qualification ensures that graduates possess the ability to apply their skills in dynamic settings, contributing to the sustainability and competitiveness of their organisations. By including practical examples within the curriculum, industry-aligned assessments, and case studies, the qualification prepares learners for real-world challenges. For instance, the incorporation of E-Business and Technology in Business in the curriculum addresses the growing digital transformation that companies are facing. A dedicated qualification in the area of business management ensures that professionals are equipped with up-to-date knowledge and skills, enabling individuals to adapt to the changing landscape thereby making informed decisions (Helo and Hao, 2022). Thus, the qualification is structured to meet the sector's demand for digitally literate, adaptive, and strategically minded leaders who can drive businesses forward in an increasingly competitive global market. Learners will gain advanced management skills, including strategic decision-making, financial planning, and leadership capabilities. These skills will not only enhance their employability but also equip them to take on more significant roles within their organisations, contributing to both personal and professional growth. The qualification emphasises real-world application, ensuring that learners can confidently address challenges in various business contexts. On a societal level, the qualification contributes to the development of skilled leaders who can positively impact businesses, communities, and the broader economy. By fostering a deeper understanding of ethical business practices and sustainability, the qualification encourages learners to make decisions that benefit society as a whole, promoting ethical leadership and corporate responsibility. The qualification is targeted at a diverse range of learners, primarily those already working in or aspiring to occupy managerial and leadership roles. Typical learners include individuals with undergraduate qualifications in business or related fields, as well as professionals from other disciplines who seek to transition into business management roles. Graduates of this qualification will play a key role in driving organisational performance, innovation, and growth. By equipping learners with the ability to think critically and strategically, the qualification prepares them to contribute to economic stability and development. Businesses will benefit from having managers who can navigate complex environments, improve operational efficiency, and lead teams effectively, ultimately fostering stronger, more competitive companies (Daft, 2021). As such, graduates of the qualification will be well-prepared for a variety of positions across multiple sectors, including roles such as: This qualification prepares learners for positions in both the public and private sectors, ranging from small to large multinational enterprises, and across industries such as finance, marketing, human resources, and operations management. Furthermore, the qualification is positioned at NQF Level 8, making it an ideal qualification for individuals looking to enhance their existing skills and pursue more specialised roles in business management. It serves as a bridge between undergraduate studies and more advanced qualifications such as the Master of Business Administration qualification. This learning pathway allows for progression in academic and professional careers, giving learners the tools to either enter the workforce at a higher level or continue their studies at a master's level. The qualification structure, which includes a blend of core business management modules and elective subjects such as Entrepreneurial Dynamics and Business Ethics, offers learners the flexibility to specialise in areas that align with their career goals. The pathway enables learners to not only deepen their understanding of business concepts but also to develop expertise in key areas that are highly sought after by employers. In summary, the qualification addresses a clear need for advanced management education in a rapidly changing global environment. Through its industry-aligned curriculum, practical applications, and focus on key business functions, the qualification equips learners with the tools to succeed in management roles, benefiting not only themselves but also the organisations, society, and economy they serve. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning is measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements. The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria. RPL Process: Learners are required to submit an RPL application and the MANCOSA RPL committee shall meet and provide outcomes regarding all RPL applications that are presented before the committee for decisions and recommendations regarding entry into the qualifications which prospective RPL candidates have applied for. The decisions are communicated by the committee to the relevant stakeholders in the enrolment department. The RPL process focuses on establishing whether the student has acquired competence in the following areas: The RPL applicant must: Undergraduate Qualifications: A minimum of 3 years of related work experience. Postgraduate Diplomas: A minimum of 4 years of related work experience. Honours Qualifications: A minimum of 5 years of related work experience. Master's Qualifications: A minimum of 8 years of relevant work experience. Or For all Master's qualifications- Submit a signed Recommendation letter written by a reputable person to be provided as an endorsement of the Applicants qualities, capabilities, performance and suitability for the qualification NB: If the applicant's highest accredited qualification has been completed within 5 years to date of the application period, the applicant has to articulate onto the appropriate qualification All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. RPL for access: Assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework required. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning. All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes Entry Requirements: Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory modules, Level 8, 105 Credits Elective modules, Level 8, 15 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Understand the challenges and opportunities that are created by the cultural and ethnic diversity in Southern Africa.
2. Apply advanced management principles and theories in a variety of organisational settings. 3. Apply the use of technology to business functions and an integrated e-business economy. 4. Effectively analyse the financial implications of business decisions. 5. Create a strategic perspective with respect to organisational decision-making. 6. Develop a multi-disciplinary and global view of business problems and situations. 7. Recommend strategic solutions to business problems, through the application of appropriate research methodologies and the scientific collection and analysis of literature and data. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Integrated Assessment: The institution's Assessment Strategy is aligned to the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012), the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014).¿ Integrated assessment requires careful consideration to implement formative and summative assessment methods which offer an inclusive and holistic view of learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module, culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes. Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions. Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement. Summative assessments evaluate student learning at the completion of a student's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provisioning of feedback to not only learners but also internally, as whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessment, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification. Assessments at different NQF Levels: The institution has recognised a change in its student profile and more significantly in the learning needs of learners, nationally and internationally. Correspondingly, there have been a number of advancements in education technology that better support student success. In pursuit of global relevance and enhanced student success, the institution has taken the decision to participate in this global trend and will initiate the natural progression from distance to online for its qualifications and to this end, the institution has undertaken a review of its Assessment Strategy. The Assessment Strategy is outlined within the institution's Assessment Policy. As such the following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 8:¿ Formative Assessment Summative Assessment The final mark is calculated as follows ¿¿ How to Pass a Module:¿ To pass a module the following requirements must be met:¿ |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| Country: Australia
Name of Institution: University of Southern Queensland (USQ) Name of Qualification: Graduate Diploma of Business Administration Purpose of Qualification: The Graduate Diploma of Business Administration qualification is designed to enhance learners' managerial skills in key areas such as leadership, financial management, and strategic planning, equipping them to address complex business challenges in a variety of organisational contexts. Learning Outcomes: Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to: Content: Similarities: These aspects prepare learners for evidence-based decision-making in their respective careers. Differences: South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification places a stronger emphasis on African business contexts, considering cultural and ethnic diversity in management practices. Australia's Graduate Diploma of Business Administration qualification adopts a broader international outlook, focusing on global business challenges and opportunities. Another difference is in the approach to leadership and management. South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification integrates technology and e-business into business functions, reflecting the growing importance of digital transformation in modern businesses. Australia's Graduate Diploma of Business Administration qualification includes modules such as "Leveraging Leadership Identity" and "Leading a High-Performance Culture," which suggest a greater focus on personal leadership development and organisational culture. South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification requires learners to complete seven core modules and one elective, offering specialisations in areas like entrepreneurship, project management, and economics. Australia's Graduate Diploma of Business Administration qualification consists of modules that emphasise leadership, innovation, crisis management, and strategic communication. Australia's Graduate Diploma of Business Administration qualification strongly incorporates crisis leadership and global networking, with modules like "Mobilising People" and "Leading Through a Crisis". South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification offers a deeper focus on financial management and organisational behaviour, aligning more with traditional business management functions. Country: Canada Name of Institution: Selkirk College Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management Purpose of Qualification: The Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification is intended to cultivate management and leadership skills for professionals pursuing growth in business positions, offering a well-rounded grasp of fundamental business operations and strategic choices. Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to: Content: Elective Options Similarities: Both Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification and South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification share notable similarities across purpose, learning outcomes, and content. In terms of purpose, both qualifications are designed to develop key management and leadership skills, preparing learners for strategic roles in business environments. Differences: Despite these similarities, there are key differences between Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification and South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification. In terms of purpose, Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification is more focused on providing a comprehensive understanding of Canadian business practices, with emphasis on developing practical skills for professionals looking to grow in business positions. By contrast, South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification is geared towards equipping learners to navigate the complexities of the global business environment, with a particular focus on Southern African markets and emerging global trends. When considering learning outcomes, Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification places more emphasis on developing literacy skills and applying numerical analysis to business-related operations. In contrast, South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification focuses on advanced management principles, global perspectives, and the strategic use of technology in business functions. Additionally, South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification highlights the need for learners to understand the cultural and ethnic diversity in Southern Africa, which is not explicitly addressed in Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification. With respect to content, Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification offers a broader range of elective options, such as retail management and event management, providing learners with more flexibility in tailoring their learning experience. On the other hand, South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification follows a more structured curriculum, with a clear emphasis on strategic management, operations, and financial management in the context of global business. Additionally, South Africa's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification includes modules on knowledge management and the application of technology. Canada's Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management qualification places more focus on foundational business concepts and Canadian-specific business law. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
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. | MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) |
| 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. |