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 Chain Practitioner 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99111  Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner 
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner - TETA (Management) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Occupational Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Procurement 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  145  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 is replaced by: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
110942  Occupational Certificate: Supply Chain Practitioner  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 Practitioner who can plan, organise, execute, control and coordinate the activities and inter-relationships across the supply chain environment.

A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Provide environmental scanning assistance for effective supply chain operations.
  • Implement supply chain operational activities within an organisation.
  • Implement and assess supply chain workflow processes for continuous improvement.
  • Perform inventory and logistics operational activities within an organisation.

    Rationale:
    The function of supply chain is to ensure smooth and contractually sound transactions between and amongst businesses, government to business and business to individuals. The function is integral for the success of every industry in South Africa and therefore contributes to the social stability, efficiency and the growth of the South African economy as a whole.

    It is estimated that logistics, which is an element of Supply Chain Management and the Supply Chain Practitioners' function, constitutes at least 14% of the costs of goods in South Africa and this is at least 50% above the international norm. A large proportion of this overspend is attributed to inefficiencies and of lack competence in Supply Chain Management. In order to become world competitive, South Africa needs to deliver its goods on time, at the right place and at an acceptable cost. Thus the supply chain personnel need to maintain and improve their levels of competences and skills.

    This qualification serves to equip the qualifying learner with the fundamental skills, knowledge and attitudes necessary to support the provision of world class services and, improve client and customer service in the logistics and supply chain management. A variety of occupations from government and business, especially the distribution and logistics sectors will benefit from this qualification, some include: Stevedore operators, Ships' Agents and Forwarding and Clearing Agents. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement into this qualification is a NQF Level 4.

    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 comprises of the following compulsory Knowledge and Practical Skill Modules:

    Knowledge Modules:
  • 333905000-KM-01, Supply Chain Environments, at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333905000-KM-02, Supply Chain Operations, at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333905000-KM-03, Supply Chain Workflow, at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333905000-KM-04, Inventory and Logistics Operations, at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • 333905000-KM-05, Optimising Supply Chain Relationships, at NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 55.

    Practical Skill Modules:
  • 333905000-PM-01, Scan environment for impact on supply chain, at NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333905000-PM-02, Execute supply chain operational activities, at NQF Level 5, 15 Credits.
  • 333905000-PM-03, Analyse and interpret supply chain workflow processes, at NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333905000-PM-04, Perform inventory and logistics operations, at NQF Level 5, 5 Credits.
  • 333905000-PM-05, Optimise supply chain relationships, at NQF Level 5, 10 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 40.

    This qualification also requires the following Work Experience Modules:
  • 333905000-WM-01, Operational/divisional planning processes and procedures, at NQF Level 5, 3 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-02, Procedures and processes for sourcing products and services from external suppliers, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-03, The organisations logistics systems and procedures, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-04, Organisational client and supplier relationship policies and procedures, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-05, Organisational contract implementation, monitoring and controlling procedures, at NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-06, Organisations performance and risk awareness processes and procedures, at NQF Level 5, 8 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-07, Stores and stock administration processes within the supply chain, at NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
  • 333905000-WM-08, Distribution systems and procedures within the supply chain, at NQF Level 5, 4 Credits.
    Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 47. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Provide environmental scanning assistance for effective supply chain operations.
    2. Implement supply chain operational activities within an organisation.
    3. Implement and assess supply chain workflow processes for continuous improvement.
    4. Perform inventory and logistics operational activities within an organisation.
    5. Optimise supply chain relationships. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analysis of economy is provided to accurately reflect supply chain performance.
  • Global indicators are used to project current and future performance of the company and supply chain following principles of economics.
  • Analysis of the impact of demand and supply curves, shifts and elasticity on the supply chain is explained to demonstrate impact of market factors on organisation.
  • Comparative analysis of the role of supply chain in the various economic sectors is conducted in relation to the market forces.
  • Environmental scanning is used to evaluate the impact of supply chain on the external environment.
  • PEST/STEEPLE is used to evaluate the impact of supply chain on the external environment.
  • Five forces model is to evaluate the impact of supply chain on the external environment.
  • Potential conflicts between organisational demands and professional or ethical standards are identified and described in accordance with ethical standards for Supply Chain Practitioners.
  • Assessment report on organisational compliance to ethical standards is compiled.
  • Unethical practices and potential triggers within the organisation are identified.
  • Professional boundaries are assessed in accordance with current legislation and codes of practice applicable to the area of operation.
  • Assessment report is compiled proposing remedial actions to instil improved ethical conduct within the supply chain division and the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Legal obligations for the supply chain are identified and evaluated for compliance against statutory requirements.
  • The implications of compliance and non-compliance are analysed and the advantages and disadvantages listed as per industry best practice.
  • Potential operational risks are identified and documented in line with organisational risk management policies and procedures.
  • The impact on and likelihood of each risk within the division/element are analysed and prioritized according to importance.
  • Contingency plans are developed to reduce risk impact on supply chain according to organisational procedures.
  • Documentation is used correctly as per organisational quality management system.
  • Quality standards are maintained during the execution of operational activities.
  • Activities are performed in cross-functional teams to ensure leaner operations.
  • SLA terms and conditions are implemented as per demand and supply ratio.
  • Effective communication is maintained with supply chain partners.
  • Suggestions for improvements are made to management in line with operational and strategic key performance indicators (KPIs).
  • Technological systems are used to capture and share supply chain information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Supply chain workflow processes are identified and its effectiveness analysed within its supply chain division.
  • An impact analysis is conducted as per organisational guidelines on the effect of the workflow processes on the supply chain.
  • Improvements are proposed to enhance supply chain performance and turn-around times in accordance with organisational policies.
  • Data on the impact of the improvements on the supply chain are collected and analysed to ensure more efficient workflow practices.
  • Supply chain management definition analysed and the various components/elements identified as per best practice guidelines.
  • The inter-relationship between components defined and analysed to determine supply chain improvements against organisational requirements.
  • Supply chain reform studied and interventions proposed to create learner supply chain operations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Logistics systems are analysed to determine their role within the supply chain.
  • The alignment between an integrated approach to logistics and reduced total cost to company is evaluated.
  • Financial ratios are analysed and resulting unacceptable management practices identified.
  • Key logistics performance indicators are evaluated to reflect their uses in monitoring performance.
  • Internal and external customer service audits are executed through questionnaires, meetings, interviews with management, departments, suppliers and clients, to establish areas of improvement in supply chain relationships.
  • The impact of business interruptions and customer reactions to out-of-stock situations on customer satisfaction and propose solutions to enhance customer service are analysed.
  • Transport carrier selected according to carrier characteristics consistent with organisational policies, regulations and standards.
  • The planning of inter-modal transportation routes is calculated by the evaluation of all route and product characteristics, resulting in the most cost-effective route being selected.
  • Warehouse functions are consistent with organisational needs for product movement, storage and information transfer.
  • Warehouse handling equipment is selected based on the consideration of physical dimensions, financial implications, flexibility required and maintenance requirements.
  • Computer technology is utilised to maximise flow of information between respective business units.
  • Inventory is controlled in line with customer service standards prescribed by management and organisational policies.
  • Unacceptable inventory management practices are identifies and improvements proposed as per organisational requirements.
  • The impact of inventory investment on organisational profit performance is analysed.
  • Flaws are identified in the order processing system and corrective actions are implemented leading to improved logistics performance.
  • Ordering time analysis are implemented to improve overall performance of the order cycle.
  • The process for and implications of returning good are followed in accordance with company procedures.
  • The concept of inventory is analysed to determine why they are required and ways in which they are maintained for optimal inventory strategies.
  • The nature and importance of inventories are evaluated to determine optimal utilisation and availability of stock.
  • The difference between independent and dependent demand are illustrated to ascertain how inventories are managed.
  • The concept of balancing supply with demand is examined to ensure sustainable supply chains.
  • Inventory planning models are identified in order to determine the conditions under which each should be used.
  • Inventory planning is conducted using appropriate inventory models given different scenarios.
  • Statistical models are used to calculate inventory levels and solve inventory problems such as safety stock levels, aggregate inventory and lean principles.
  • The requirements for effective inventory management are verified to ensure optimal customer satisfaction of inventory availability.
  • Legislative and regulative aspects for the disposal of stock are complied with.
  • Procedures for the preparation of stock for disposal are followed in relation to the type of stock to be disposed of.
  • The correct procedures for recording disposed stock are implemented following applicable protocols.
  • Procedures for the effective control of documentation related to the disposal of stock are implemented correctly.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Various internal and external stakeholders are identified to determine their role in the supply chain.
  • Relationship issues and focus areas are identified that could impact on the organisational strategy.
  • The importance of the various supply chain components is identified and their impact on the organisational strategy is analysed.
  • Impact of supplier relationships on operational supply chain relationships and vice versa is evaluated and suggestions made on improvements.
  • Value adds of operational relationships to supply chain information generation and sharing is analysed.
  • The link between operational relationships and supply chain process improvement is evaluated.
  • The impact of operational relationships on supply chain performance is assessed.
  • The need for improved post-contract implementation and control measures is analysed and process improvements are suggested.
  • Turn-around times are improved through effective supply chain relationships
  • Supply chain relationships are monitored and controlled as per organisational policies and procedures.
  • Relational governance (delegation of powers) within the supply chain and its impact on the supply chain relationships is analysed.
  • Ways are identified to develop suppliers to ensure maximum efficiency against contract terms and conditions.
  • Practical processes are followed to ensure performance against SLAs through effective supply chain relationships.
  • Feedback from supply chain partners is obtained and improvements are proposed to ensure long-term relationships.
  • Ethical dilemmas are examined to ensure compliance to the Ethical Code of Conduct
  • Benchmarks regarding the establishment of policies and procedures are analysed to ensure ongoing ethical and professional conduct.
  • Ethical and professional issues are investigated to reflect their relationship to corporate governance and legal compliance.
  • Recommendations are made to reflect actions that will enhance relationships within ethical parameters.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Formative Assessment: The skills development provider will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated external summative 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. The external assessment will be conducted through a combination of a written assessment and practical tasks (written case study report compiled with assistance of a mentor and formally presented to a panel) of registered assessors. Practical tasks will also be assessed by registered assessors. The combination of the written and practical assessment will be conducted over a period of two working days. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The international comparability was conducted to identify occupational standards or qualifications used in other countries that contain indicators of best practice and can be adopted into this qualification.

    The following possible best practices were identified and these componenets are prevalent in this qualification:
  • From the Australian Qualifications Framework, modules in relevant functional areas, especially Procurement and Contracting and Transport and Distribution was identified.
  • The Dutch Purchasing Association (NEVI) provides best practices for the functional tasks and job profiles.
  • As well as the United States Institute of Supply Management also provides relevant information regarding the functional tasks and job profiles .
  • The US Supply-Chain Council outlines the Supply Chain processes underlying the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model was used.

    These were therefore considered during the functional analysis and occupational mapping processes. Thus the curriculum contains the following components: Purchasing, Operations, Logistics and Supply Chain Management but the coverage of International Trade and Export is limited.

    Conclusion:
    The identification of tasks and job profiles is based upon the information outlined by the Dutch Purchasing Association (NEVI) and United States Institute of Supply Management, resulting in valid and credible outputs that informed the development of the qualifications. In addition the best practices advocated by the above mentioned countries have been incorporated into the qualification to ensure learners are able to develop internationally recognised competencies. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers both horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities for the qualifying learner:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management, Level 5 (ID: 93708).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Occupational Certificate: Purchasing Officer, Level 6 (ID 91788).
  • Diploma in Supply Chain Technologies, Level 6 (ID: 91876). 
    		•

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.
     
    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.