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: 

Occupational Certificate: Supply and Distribution Manager 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93544  Occupational Certificate: Supply and Distribution Manager 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - CIPS 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations  OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  125  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0425/24  2018-07-01  2025-12-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-12-30   2029-12-30  

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 replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
62089  National Diploma: Supply Chain Management  Level 6  NQF Level 06  240  Complete 

This qualification is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
111386  Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Executive  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  180  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Supply Chain Manager.

This qualification is designed to provide the learner with generic management, human relationships, financial, and specific supply chain and operations knowledge and skills which can be applied in different sectors. It provides the learners with skills to become competent supply chain and operations workers and managers on both functional and strategic levels.

The Supply Chain Manager plans and manages all activities involved in sourcing and procurement and all logistic management activities. It includes coordination and collaboration with partners that can be suppliers and customers. In essence, the Supply Chain Manager integrates supply and demand management within and across boundaries.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Develop an operational plan for your specific supply chain function.
  • Compile a risk analysis, including a contingency plan for your unit.
  • Develop performance standards to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of your division, yourself and your suppliers.
  • Design a storage and distribution network.
  • Develop and implement an international trade strategy.

    Rationale:
    Supply chain management is increasingly important to government, organisation and companies in a competitive market across a variety of sectors. This qualification is designed to meet the industry need for procurement, supply chain and operations managers in all sectors. Supply chain management has been identified as one of the scarce and critical skills in the world, and more specifically, South Africa. The importance of a progression path in support of continuous professional development cannot be underestimated, which has led to the development of the supply chain qualifications from NQF Levels 5 - 8.

    Supply chain is directly involved with company spend and therefore has a direct impact on the bottom line of any organisation, whether it be public or private sector. Research has shown that the introduction of key supply chain and ethical principles directly decreases fraudulent and corrupt practices.

    The demand for this qualification directly links to the need to:
  • Equip supply chain practitioners to understand and respond to the changing supply chain management environment.
  • Enable supply chain practitioners to be effective leaders and managers within the supply chain.
  • Enable supply chain practitioners to be innovative, creative and competitive in the supply chain management environment.
  • Manage and develop sustainable supplier relationships.
  • Measure and improve supply chain performance.
  • Analyse, assess, manage and mitigate risk.
  • Develop and manage legal, contractual arrangements associated with purchasing and supply.

    This qualification has therefore been designed to address these demands as well as support the competencies required in the key areas of supply chain management that were identified within the greater industry yielding the following elective areas:
  • Procurement and Supply.
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management.
  • Distribution.
  • Materials/Logistics Management.
  • Disposal Management.
  • Public Service.
  • Freight Forwarding. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Entry Requirements:
    Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Officer, NQF Level 6.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment: Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result or certifying a work experience record.

    RPL for access to the qualification: Accredited providers and approved workplaces may recognise prior learning against the relevant access requirements. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification is made up of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • Supply Chain Management Theory, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Risks and Supply Chain Vulnerability Theory, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Performance Measurement Theory, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Storage and Distribution Theory, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • International Trade Theory, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 45.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • Manage the supply chain function effectively and efficiently, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Use risk assessment tools and techniques within supply chain management, NQF Level 7, Credits 10.
  • Improve supply chain efficiency and effectiveness, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Manage storage and distribution, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Implement international trade and counter trade system, NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 45.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • Business planning - and decision-making techniques for supply chain in a variety of economic sectors, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Effective risk processes and procedures within supply chain, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Tools in improving supply chain performance, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • Stores and distribution management processes throughout the supply chain, NQF Level 7, 10 Credits.
  • International trade processes within the supply chain. NQF Level 7, 5 Credits.

    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 45. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop an operational plan for specific supply chain function.
    2. Compile a risk analysis, including a contingency plan for a unit.
    3. Develop performance standards to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of division, self and suppliers.
    4. Design a storage and distribution network.
    5. Develop and implement an international trade strategy. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The organisational structure is analysed and compared to others in order to determine its strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations.
  • The extent to which the organisation's structure serves to maximise both departmental and organisational performance are critically evaluated and appropriate measures are introduced to improve them.
  • The value chain of the organisation is evaluated to determine where costs could be reduced and value added created for each area.
  • The job of the incumbent is critically evaluated and suggestions are made for redesign to increase job satisfaction with specific focus on the importance of professional development.
  • The operational plan developed for the specific supply chain function reflects consideration for the variables that can affect the span of management and control, organisational culture, the management process and organisational various stakeholders and areas of potential conflict.
  • The operational plan reflects the importance of a Code of Ethics on organisational operational activities, forms of communication and reporting, e-commerce, intranet and internet, different components of a change plan, different methods used to recruit employees and importance of training in relation to professionalising procurement and supply chain employees.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of developing an operational plan for specific supply chain function.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • The risk strategy is analysed in terms of the means of collecting and analysing data from different business units and the contributions to risk by external and internal stakeholders.
  • Key service and delivery partners are identified and critically evaluated against performance measures.
  • The most important external risks to the organisation is analysed and contingency measures are developed to mitigate the risk.
  • An area of vulnerability is identified in each link of an organisation's supply chain, as well as the technological risk in each area.
  • A risk management strategy is developed to reflect consideration for changes in the environment, risks at a strategic, operational and project level in an organisation, elements that need to be addressed, effective use of resources to minimise the effect of fruitless and wasteful expenditure and risk mitigation factors.
  • The impact of the corporate risk strategy on the recruitment, retention, health and safety of key staff, is critically evaluated in order to ensure alignment of the supply chain function's objectives to the corporate strategy.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of compiling a risk analysis, including a contingency plan for the unit.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Supplier performance is measured and evaluated as an important aspect of the delivery of the contract.
  • Specifications are developed that could ensure that the right performance standards are incorporated into the sourcing of suppliers.
  • The impact of research on the competitiveness of the organisation is determined focusing specifically on purchased materials, major purchased commodities, vendors and the purchasing system.
  • The correct procedures are used during negotiations to ensure that the best price is incorporated in the contract with a possible supplier.
  • The contractual terms used by an organisation relating to supplier performance criteria are identified, indicating the potential pitfalls for compliance.
  • Performance standards developed to ensure efficiency and effectiveness include ways in which an organisation eliminates or reduces waste, approaches to stock levels and the impact of excessive stocks on the cost and efficiency base of the business, communication flows and increasing data interchange and the consequences of breaches of that security.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of developing performance standards to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of division, self and suppliers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Appropriate methodologies are used to evaluate the cost and service requirements when designing the internal layout of a stores or warehouse.
  • The different types of warehouses and stores are evaluated to determine which are most suitable for different organisations.
  • An efficient coding system is developed in terms of significant or sequential types of products/services.
  • A storage and distribution network is designed to include considerations for methods used when introducing new stock and dealing with obsolete or redundant stock, returns and reverse logistics, Inventory control systems and effective security systems.
  • A storage network is designed to meet performance criteria including, service levels, utilisation, performance ratios, comparative ratios and benchmarking.
  • A distribution network is designed to include network analyses, distribution modelling, simulation and queuing theory.
  • Health and Safety inspection is performed to meet relevant dangerous and hazardous goods requirements.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of designing a storage and distribution network.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The concept of international trade is analysed to reflect its importance, purpose and implications for a country.
  • The current and past direction of international capital flows are identified and evaluated to determine trends.
  • International trade is evaluated to reflect the fundamental principles underlying foreign exchange markets and exchange rates.
  • The basics of balance of payments accounting are assessed to reflect the process of classification and the functioning of balance of payments.
  • The South African current international trade situation is analysed to reflect it impacts on economic growth and the challenges facing SA in terms of international trade.
  • The role of trade policy is assessed indicating how current South African trade policy is impacting on current and future international trade.
  • The role of trade policy is assessed indicating how it impacts on economic growth.
  • Fundamental concepts of trade policy are evaluated to determine their influences on and implications for international trade.
  • The application of volume restrictions on trade is evaluated to determine its impact on economic growth.
  • A flow diagram of the international purchasing process is produced to reflect its elements.
  • The key role players are identified to determine their roles in the international trade process.
  • The documentation relevant to the different role players are utilised in accordance with their purpose.
  • The international trade process is applied whilst dealing with the legal implications for the organisation, supply market and country.
  • Recommendations are made of suitable precautionary measures to limit risks.
  • The concepts and aims of counter/reciprocal/barter trade are analysed to determine their advantages and disadvantages.
  • Counter trade transactions are executed to exchange goods, services, or ideas for money.
  • The impact of forward cover on pricing is examined to determine the impact on consumption, investment and growth.
  • Forward cover is applied in accordance with specific purposes and principles.

    Integrated Assessment:
    An external integrated summative assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality partner is required for the issuing of this qualification.
    The external integrated summative assessment will focus on the exit level outcomes and associated assessment criteria.

    In order to qualify for the external summative learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the following subjects and modules or alternative programmes where applicable. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability study conducted specifically focused on identifying occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that might contain indicators of best practice that could be used for comparison to or in the development of the supply chain management qualifications at Level 5 and Level 7.

    The following possible best practice exemplars were identified:
  • Units and Elements in relevant functional areas, especially Procurement and Contracting and Transport and Distribution, within the Australian Qualifications Framework.
  • Functional tasks and job profiles at four levels developed by the Dutch Purchasing Association (NEVI).
  • Functional tasks and job profiles at two levels across 7 sectors developed by the US Institute of Supply Management.
  • The Supply Chain processes underlying the SCOR model developed by the US Supply-Chain Council.

    These were therefore considered during the generation and wider consultation processes with specific reference to functional analysis and occupational mapping processes. In general terms Purchasing, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management were well covered by the above exemplars but coverage of International Trade and Export is limited. Only the Australian qualifications are broken down into competence based Units and Elements. The US/International CPM and the Dutch NEVI qualification test knowledge alone. The SCOR model is designed to assist in improving supply chain performance, and is not related to any qualification, but could be used to restructure organisations to provide a better flow of information and materials. Of the other countries identified, Germany and Japan were not pursued in great depth due to their different educational systems, more technical engineering based approach to purchasing and language barriers. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    No current Occupational Qualifications registered. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    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 2015. 

    NOTES 
    This Qualification replaces Qualification 62089, "National Diploma: Supply Chain Management", Level 6, 240 credits.

    Qualifying for external assessment:
    In order to qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required modules by means of statements of results and work experience.

    Foundational learning:
    Foundational learning competence is a pre-requisite for the awarding of this qualification.

    Part Qualifications:
    This qualification does not have any associated part qualifications. 

    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 


    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.