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: 

Diploma in Retail Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93648  Diploma in Retail Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Sol Plaatje University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Wholesale and Retail 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is closely tied to the rationale as it serves to address the body of knowledge, skills and capabilities needed by learners who wish to enter the dynamic and competitive field of retail business management. This qualification is occupationally and professionally oriented, providing qualifying learners with a broad knowledge and skills base of fundamental theoretical principles and theories as well as situated or practical knowledge relevant to the complex practice, methods and technology used in this field of study.

The purpose of the Retail Business Management qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and attributes that will enable them to enter the profession as Trainee Managers of any retail business irrespective of size, merchandise or location. With the necessary experience and professional development, Trainee Managers can develop into successful Retail Managers and specialised retail practitioners such as buyers or sector managers in areas as varied as foods or women's apparel.

The curriculum has been structured in such a manner that it accommodates progression from basic understanding of the underlying and fundamental core principles related to retail, business and operations management at first year, followed by slightly more advanced knowledge and practical application at the second year level supported by logistical, legal and communication studies, culminating in an integrated and advanced level of cognitively complex theoretical knowledge and practical application at the third year. The qualification aims to achieve the following intended outcomes:
  • Provide disciplinary knowledge of retailing on a content, operational and logistical level.
  • Provide opportunities for application of knowledge by using the different domains of work-integrated learning such as case studies, project-based learning and service-learning.
  • Provide disciplinary knowledge of the legal requirements to manage a store.
  • Develop computational skills in order to equip learners with the finance-related knowledge and skills of retailing.
  • Develop attributes of ethics in retailing, professionalism, interpersonal relations and communication for retailers.
  • Develop skills of reflexivity for critical self-reflection, as a tool for growth and development.
  • Develop citizens who are responsive to the needs of the community to encourage retailers to participate in social responsibility programmes and community-based projects.

    Rationale:
    Retailing is one of the business sectors that form the hub of any economy to the extent that shopping trends serve as performance indicators of economic activity of a country. Many home-grown companies have a significant presence in and around South Africa and have now focused on entering the African terrain and beyond the continent.

    In South Africa alone, there are more than 80 000 retail businesses, according to the Wholesale and Retail SETA and most of the managers of these businesses have no formal qualification to manage these businesses. This Diploma is designed to provide the national and regional retail sector with level managers who are able to apply the knowledge and skills to manage a retail business, be it a branch of a chain store or a franchise, a food market or clothing retailer.

    This qualification was developed as a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders in the retail industry, including the Wholesale and Retail SETA, over a number of years, as well as discussions with other higher education institutions (both public and private) offering qualifications in this field of study. Consensus on the type, purpose, nature and the fundamental curriculum design principles and structure applicable to the qualification was reached among stakeholders.

    Since most of the dominant South African retailers have a presence in the Northern Cape, the institution will be able to provide successful learners who have a theoretical and practical background to the retailing field. The availability and location of stores in the Province, as well as the proliferation of malls, appear promising for future employment opportunities for successful learners. Given this context, there are many job opportunities for retail (store) managers, retail buyers and distribution centre managers who will be required to perform the following occupational tasks:
  • Managing employees in a retail business.
  • Managing services and service standards and relations with stakeholders in a retail business.
  • Managing stock, supply chain and logistics of a retail business.
  • Managing the marketing activities of a retail business.
  • Managing assets and controlling risks and losses in a retail business. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning should be considered where a prospective applicant has not completed a NSC or NCV but has adequate work experience in the retail field. A portfolio of the work experience could serve as an indicator of the applicant's acquired competencies and the ability to cope with the content of the course. However, the RPL processes and procedures should conform to the guidelines as set out in the National RPL policy and the institutional RPL policy and guidelines.

    Entry Requirements:
    The admission requirements to this qualification are:
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4, granting access to a Diploma.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), granting access to a Diploma. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5 and 6, totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Retailing I, 30 Credits.
  • Retail Operations Management I, 30 Credits.
  • Retail Computer Applications I, 18 Credits.
  • Labour Law I, 18 Credits.
  • Retail Financial Management I, 24 Credits.
  • Communication I, 18 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Retailing II, 30 Credits.
  • Retail Operations Management II, 30 Credits.
  • Business Law I, 24 Credits.
  • Retail Financial Management II, 18 Credits.
  • Retail Research I, 18 Credits.
  • Retail Logistics II, 18 Credits.
  • Retailing III, 30 Credits.
  • Retail Operations Management III, 30 Credits.
  • Retail Projects III, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Execute and monitor the general management of a retail business following due process for ethical considerations.
    2. Manage the marketing of a retail business using appropriate communication and research skills and strategies.
    3. Manage the stock and logistics of a retail business following current industry practices for ethics and corporate governance.
    4. Manage the human resources of a retail business attributing due consideration to the corporate values espoused by the industry.
    5. Manage finance and administration of a retail business.
    6. Manage the production in a retail business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • A workable business plan is compiled for all the business functions of a retail business to ensure the successful starting of a retail business.
  • Draft specifications for the layout of a shopping centre are compiled for architects to ensure the optimum utilisation of the space and consumer satisfaction.
  • Effective and relevant financial and administration procedures for the shopping centre are determined.
  • An effective organisational structure for a retail business and all the functions to ensure achievement of the annual objectives is designed.
  • Operational control systems to ensure achievement of the operational objectives and the effective performance of the activities in the action plans are compiled.
  • An effective tactical housekeeping management system for a retail business to ensure clear housekeeping objectives, policies, procedures, budgets, structures and control systems is developed.
  • A strategic analysis report on the image of a retail business is compiled to indicate the strategic direction of the business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • A basic strategic marketing programme is developed for a retail business to demonstrate knowledge of the strategic marketing direction of the business.
  • A tactical control system is compiled to ensure the achievement of the marketing objectives for the year and correct performance of the planned marketing actions.
  • The customer profiles of the target groups is correctly defined in terms of demographic, geographic and psycho-graphic factors, as well as their buying and other behaviour, to provide information which can successfully be used for the marketing strategy of a retail business.
  • A marketing research project is planned to ensure provision of the right market information and the use of the correct research methods.
  • The nature, quantity, quality and time of products to be sold in a retail business are specified.
  • An appropriate operational, advertising and sales promotion programme for a retail business is planned.
  • The basic price of a product or service is correctly calculated.
  • Products are successfully sold to customers who visit the retail store while all the steps of the sales process applicable to in-house retail selling are applied.
  • An effective customer service process is developed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An appropriate strategic stock and logistics plan which will demonstrate knowledge of the logistics function is developed for a business.
  • Stock and logistics of a retail business including effective stock and logistic objectives, policies, strategies, action plans and a logistics budget for a year are effectively planned.
  • An effective stock control system is designed.
  • A supplier specification policy is compiled to ensure the right supply of prescribed products at the required conditions.
  • The best possible way of transporting products from the supplier to the business is determined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • An appropriate strategic human resources programme demonstrating knowledge of the strategic human resources function is developed.
  • An organisational structure and job descriptions for the personnel responsible for the human resources function is developed to ensure achievement of the annual personnel objectives.
  • Job descriptions ensuring optimum productivity within the positions in a retail business are designed.
  • A personnel advertisement is drawn up to ensure recruiting appropriately qualified persons for a vacancy.
  • The training needs of personnel towards full utilisation of potential are identified.
  • A disciplinary policy and code is developed to ensure fair and consistent behaviour by the employer in cases of misconduct by personnel.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Transactions in the different accounting books of the business are correctly recorded.
  • Budgets for a retail business are accurately compiled.
  • A cash receipts and cash payments journal is accurately reconciled with the bank statement.
  • The financial implications of discounts and shrinkage on the gross profit margins are correctly calculated.
  • A suitable equity and long term capital structure for a retail business are compiled.
  • An effective debtor's policy and procedure is developed.
  • Record of the nature, volume and value of fixed assets of a retail business are correctly compiled.
  • An effective internal mail and communication system for the business is established.
  • The ability to use a spreadsheet programme to supply management information and to solve problems is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • An appropriate strategic analysis for the production process in a retail business is conducted.
  • An annual schedule for the production process in a retail store is compiled.
  • Operational production problems are identified and effectively solved.
  • A scientific decision on the allocation of resources is made based on basic linear programming.

    Integrated Assessment:
    It is important that learners understand the inter-relationship of all the business functions in a retail business and that the success of a retail business depends on how effectively these functions work together in the process of achieving the objectives of the retail business. The integrated assessment summatively takes the form of a project in which the student must select an existing retail business and evaluate how effectively each business function contributes to the success of the retail business. Formative assessments comprise written class tests, presentations, projects and assignments. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Singapore Institute of Retail Studies offers a Diploma in Retail Management that develops learners who will be effective in decision-making, and require knowledge and skills to perform a wide range of duties in a dynamic retail environment.

    The Nanyang Polytechnic Diploma in Business Management in Singapore, offers a good balance of core business modules as well as specialised retail modules such as Visual Merchandising and Luxury Retailing. These modules enable learners to apply the fundamentals of business to the retail sector.

    The Open University in the United Kingdom offers a Diploma of Higher Education in Retail Management. This Diploma is designed to equip learners with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in this competitive world. The qualification equips learners with clear management functions of a retail business and its trading environments, together with a sound knowledge of business disciplines.

    The London School of Business and Finance offers a range of qualifications that allow learners to focus on precise business disciplines and gain advanced business skills to effectively operate in the business environment.

    Other institutions that offer similar qualifications are the MFN International Institute in New Zealand offering an Applied Diploma in Retail Management, the Kiwi Institute of Training and Education offering a Diploma of Applied Retail Management and the Open Universities of Australia offering a Diploma of Retail Management.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is comparable to others selected from countries with good practice. The qualifications focus on developing an understanding of concepts and analytical approaches, problem-solving skills and practical and professional skills that will enhance accountability of successful learner in the chosen field. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with:
  • Diploma: Retail Management, at NQF Level 6.
  • National Diploma: Retail Business Management, at NQF Level 6.

    This qualifcation may articulate vertically with any of the following:
  • Advanced Diploma: Business Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration: Marketing Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    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 
    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. Sol Plaatje University 


    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.