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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 Family Business Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 99029 | Postgraduate Diploma in Family 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 purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Family Business Management qualification is to provide learners with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique challenges of managing and sustaining family-owned enterprises across generations. Learners will learn critical aspects of governance, strategic management, and succession planning, which are key to ensuring the long-term success of family businesses (Matias and Franco, 2021). The target learners include individuals currently involved in family businesses, those preparing to take on leadership roles within their family enterprises, as well as professionals who intend to consult or work within the family business sector. Learners will want to complete this qualification to gain practical, specialised knowledge that can help them effectively manage family dynamics and navigate the complexities of running a family business. By acquiring this qualification, learners will be able to enhance the sustainability of family enterprises, drive growth, and foster innovation, all of which are critical for ensuring a competitive edge in today's business environment. The benefits to learners include developing leadership abilities, learning how to implement sound governance structures, and gaining insights into addressing conflicts and maintaining strong communication within family businesses. Furthermore, the qualification will prepare learners for advanced career opportunities in family business management, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
The qualification offers professional and academic pathways by providing a robust foundation in family business governance, leadership, and strategy. Upon completion, learners will understand how to manage interpersonal family dynamics, oversee business operations, and ensure successful succession planning for the longevity of family businesses. Graduates will be responsible for establishing effective governance frameworks, leading family business initiatives, and ensuring smooth transitions between generations. These skills are aligned with the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs) of the qualification, ensuring that learners are equipped to handle real-world challenges within the family business sector. The qualification's curriculum will be contextualised to the needs of family business. It will help learners understand their business better, prepare them to sustain it through phases of transition and to grow it in an environment of increased competition. The qualification draws from leading management practices in family business from across the globe and aims to groom business scions in areas such as planning, objective setting and the development of astute management of their own or another's family business. While each family's situation is unique, there are many leading practices which can be applied to all family businesses. With the current skills need and the lack of postgraduate qualifications in family business management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. The below qualification graduate attributes align to the institution's institutional graduate attributes of critical thinking, innovation and entrepreneurship, communication skills, interpersonal skills, community engagement, ethical awareness, sustainability and environmental awareness, global leadership, adaptability and resilience, AI and data literacy, cultural intelligence and foundation knowledge. With this in mind, the qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the student will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the qualification: Upon completion of the qualification, graduates will be able to: Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions: Overall, the qualification aims to equip learners with the expertise needed to address the complexities of managing family enterprises. Graduates will possess a deep understanding of governance, succession planning, and strategic management within the unique context of family businesses. Through practical insights and global best practices, graduates will be empowered to lead family businesses across generations, contributing to sustainable growth and economic resilience. Rationale: In South Africa, the official unemployment rate stands at 32.9%, up from 32.1% in the previous quarter, therefore as of each quarter surpasses, South Africa's (SA) unemployment crisis continues to worsen (Statistics SA, 2024). When considering discouraged work-seekers, the expanded definition of unemployment rises to 41.9%. A particularly worrying statistic is that youth unemployment affects 45.5% of individuals aged 15-34 (Statistics SA, 2024). These figures demonstrate the deep socio-economic challenges faced by South Africa. Further to this, economic growth in the country has also been slow post-pandemic, with key sectors such as trade and manufacturing showing modest recovery and contributing to employment growth (Statistics SA, 2024). However, sectors like construction and community services continue to struggle, which complicates the broader employment landscape. To combat these challenges, SA's National Development Plan (NDP) remains a cornerstone policy, aiming to create 11 million jobs by 2030, with 90% of these expected to come from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) (Statistics SA, 2024). The target includes the creation of 5 million jobs between 2015 and 2020, though these goals have been difficult to achieve amid ongoing economic instability. In this context, family-owned businesses play an increasingly important role (Nwuke, 2024). SMEs, particularly family-owned enterprises, represent 60%-80% of small-medium-enterprises in South Africa, and globally, family businesses contribute 70%-89% of GDP and 50%-80% of jobs (Nwuke, 2024). As such, these businesses are seen as critical engines for job creation and entrepreneurship, making them vital to addressing South Africa's high unemployment rates. If managed effectively, family-owned businesses have the potential to grow across generations, thereby creating sustainable employment opportunities and supporting national economic development (Nwuke, 2024). Despite its importance, family businesses in South Africa face several challenges, including governance issues, succession planning, and the pressures of globalisation and economic instability (Nwuke, 2024). These challenges can undermine their ability to scale up or sustain operations across generations. In particular, governance and the lack of a formal succession plan often lead to the failure of many family businesses after the first or second generation. External pressures such as increased global competition and unfavourable macroeconomic conditions, including rising debt and inflation, further hinder the growth of these enterprises (Nwuke, 2024). Taking the above into consideration, the Higher Certificate in Family Business Management qualification has been developed in response to the significant role family-owned enterprises play in South Africa's economy. The qualification aims to address challenges specific to family businesses. The increasing importance of these businesses in local and global economies highlights the need for a specialised qualification to equip future leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage family businesses effectively across generations. After analysing registered qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), no similar postgraduate qualification focusing specifically on family business management was found. This highlights the unique contribution of this qualification within the South African higher education landscape, filling a gap in business management education and providing a specialised qualification tailored to the distinct needs of family businesses. The rationale behind the qualification is to address the critical needs of family businesses by equipping leaders with the tools to implement effective governance structures, manage intergenerational succession, and ensure sustainable business growth (Poza and Daugherty, 2019). These are areas where family-owned businesses typically struggle, which can lead to business failure if not properly managed (Poza and Daugherty, 2019). The qualification will therefore help preserve these businesses and enhance their contribution to the economy. Furthermore, the qualification will have far-reaching benefits, contributing to national and sectoral economic strategies such as those outlined in the National Development Plan (NDP). By improving the sustainability of family businesses, it will foster job creation, reduce unemployment, and contribute to economic growth (Calabro, Minichilli, Amore, and Brogi, 2021). Additionally, the focus on family business sustainability can support initiatives toward inclusive economic development, where SMEs, including family-owned enterprises, contribute to community transformation and job creation. The role of family business in any national economy is critical for the success of a nation. Family-owned businesses and enterprises constitute a significant segment of the economy in South Africa and an even larger proportion of the global economy (Hirigoyen and Basly, 2022). The focus of the qualification is on small and mid-sized businesses, with the core of the qualification focusing on the business, personal and family issues found in family owned and managed businesses. The managerial, strategic, financial and behavioural complexities in these firms are also studied and analysed. The qualification focuses on this vital and important economic sector. The range of learners the qualification is directed towards includes learners who intend to or will enter into the management of family businesses, either their own family's or someone else's, or those who will engage in business with family businesses, consult to them, or who will work with them in private wealth management, mergers and acquisitions, banking, consulting and outsourcing. Furthermore, the qualification is a comprehensive management qualification which has a focus on family business management. It is intended for young business leaders of family businesses who intend to, or are being prepared to, manage their family business and for individuals who aspire to be associated with, provide service to, or who are working for or intend to work for a family business. In addition, it is also for non-family employees who are looking for larger or senior roles in the family-owned business. As a distance education institution, the qualification is designed to enable working learners to continue to contribute to the success of their business and the economy at large. Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions: These are just a few examples of the career paths that graduates of the qualification can pursue. The qualification is pitched at NQF Exit Level 8 with a total of 120 credits. The qualification articulates horizontally, vertically, and diagonally with a range of other qualifications offered by institutions both internationally and locally across the country. Upon completion of the qualification, learners can progress from a postgraduate diploma to a master's degree and ultimately to a doctorate-level qualification within the cognate field. In conclusion, the qualification addresses the critical need to equip future leaders with the skills to sustain and grow family businesses, which are key contributors to South Africa's economy. By focusing on governance, succession planning, and strategic management, the qualification enhances the long-term viability of these enterprises, supporting job creation and economic growth in alignment with the National Development Plan's goals for SME-driven development. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Prior learning may be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification. 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. Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from applicants' organisations/companies. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include: This qualification may be obtained in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. Credits may only be accumulated for modules which are prescribed for this qualification. Entry Requirements: The minimum admission requirement is: Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Appreciate and understand the value and culture of family businesses
2. Identify the contextual and other characteristics that differentiate a family business from other businesses 3. Examine the life cycle of family business from a range of perspectives, including business, family, and ownership viewpoints 4. Examine leading practices and explore emerging trends in family business management 5. Learn to evaluate situations and problems in family businesses and propose solutions for their challenges. 6. Develop expertise and skill in communication and conflict resolution in the context of various. role players, including family business owners, managers, and family members. 7. Develop family business competitive strategies. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
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 in 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 provision of feedback not only to learners but also internally, whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessments, 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 several advancements in education technology that better support student success. In pursuit of global relevance and enhanced student success, MANCOSA 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 MANCOSA's Assessment Policy. 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: India
Name of Institution: N. L. Dalmia Centre of Distance and Online Management Studies Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Family Managed Business Purpose of Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Family Managed Business qualification has evolved and designed a qualification that would help aspiring Family Business and Entrepreneurs create and develop their new-age leaders who have the skill sets and competencies required to navigate a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous, and disruptive environment. It focuses on building capabilities in decision making and strategies in various aspects of business. The qualification present's both a conceptual as well as a practical, hands-on framework for managing family business organisations. The qualification provides an opportunity for participants to assess their current businesses and identify strengths, opportunities, threats, and areas for improvement to help grow family legacy businesses as well as build new businesses. Learning Outcomes: Content: Similarities: Differences: There are several distinctions between the South African Postgraduate Diploma in Family Business Management qualification and the Indian Postgraduate Diploma in Family Managed Business qualification. In terms of purpose, the South African Postgraduate Diploma in Family Business Management qualification is specifically directed at learners with relevant undergraduate qualifications, aiming to build strategic and functional competencies with a foundation for further study. On the other hand, the India Postgraduate Diploma in Family Managed Business qualification is designed to prepare learners to navigate volatile and disruptive business environments with a practical approach. Country: India Name of Institution: Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIMC) Name of Qualification: Postgraduate Certificate in Family Business Management Purpose of Qualification: The business environment in India is rapidly changing. It is far more dynamic today than ever before. Family managed businesses must adapt to professional way of managing their businesses to remain afloat in today's dynamic environment. This qualification is therefore developed to educate and enable the owners / top-management of the Family Businesses in India to understand and learn how to tackle the challenges faced by them and continue to contribute to the national economy in a bigger way. The qualification should enable them to explore how to scan the environment and identify the opportunities available to them to grow either in the same field or in new vistas; will expose them to the theory related to the functional aspects of the business, developing strategies and the importance of professional management. Learning Outcomes: Content: Similarities: Differences: |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation:
Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: There is no diagonal articulation for this qualification. |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| 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. |