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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99385  Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering 
ORIGINATOR
North West 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
Master's Degree  Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology  Engineering and Related Design 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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   2031-06-30  

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:
Industrial Engineering is an area of study which prepares individuals to apply scientific and mathematical principles to the design, improvement and installation of integrated systems of people, material, information and energy. The Industrial Engineer must apply operational analysis of total systems and processes to a wide variety of engineering problems and the integration of human, physical, energy, communication, management, and information requirements as needed.

On the successful completion of this qualification, learners will be able to implement their engineering knowledge and skills to the benefit of the country at large and the local community by either continuing in/entering the industry workspace, or by pursuing a career in academia. Last mentioned will enable them to contribute to the development of other prospective engineers and researchers as well as to the expansion of the knowledge base of the discipline by means of further research.

This qualification will not only increase research capacity and research outputs in this specialised field, but will also prepare the graduates for further study at NQF Level 10.

Thus, the main purpose of this Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering is to enable the learners to develop as competent researchers in the field of Industrial Engineering.

Upon completion, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Process and manage information about research in Industrial Engineering.
  • Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of inquiry.
  • Conduct a research in the field of Industrial Engineering.
  • Use a range of research skills to identify, conceptualise, design and implement methods of inquiry that can be implemented to solve complex and challenging research questions in the field of Industrial Engineering, ensuring good resource management.
  • Apply appropriate methods to verify the solutions offered for the research questions.
  • Validate the applicability and value of the research results to an academic community beyond the research context.
  • Communicate the findings of a research conducted in Industrial Engineering.

    Rationale:
    Industrial Engineering, like other engineering disciplines, is listed as a scarce commodity or skill locally and internationally. The research Masters' qualification is a continuation of this initiative and is focused on developing learners into competent researchers in the field of Industrial Engineering.

    The Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering addresses both the performance objectives and the resource constraints of an organisation, working toward the establishment of policies that are most beneficial to the organisation as a whole.

    The Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering will allow learners to develop the technical, analytic, and managerial skills necessary to perform these tasks successfully. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The University subscribe to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The university endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element inf the transformation of access and admissions policies at education institutions in South Africa. The transformation of access and admissions policies is intended to increase participation and to broaden access to Higher Education in order to produce graduates with the skills and competencies necessary to meet the human resource needs of the country.

    The recognition of prior learning concerns the provable knowledge and learning an applicant has acquired. At all times the question will be what the level of the skills is, and skills will be assessed in the context of the exit level outcomes required by the qualification, or the status for which the applicant applies. Recognition of Prior Learning will therefore take place in terms of applied skills and competencies demonstrated by the applicant in his or her application, taking into consideration the Exit-Level Outcomes that have to be obtained by means of the qualification.

    The University and Faculty acknowledge that the recognition of prior learning must be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way. The learners will be assessed in accordance with the University's RPL policy and the Faculty's processes for gaining admission to the qualification.

    The Recognition of Prior may allow learners who do not comply with the admission requirements, to register for the Master of Engineering Degree, on the grounds of knowledge and experience gained through prior learning and work experience

    Entry Requirements:
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering, Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree, Level 8 in another engineering discipline.
    Or
  • An appropriate Honours Degree in Natural Sciences or its equivalent as approved by Senate. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of a compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits:
  • Research and Thesis, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Process and manage information about current research in Industrial Engineering.
    2. Evaluate current processes of knowledge production and choose an appropriate process of inquiry.
    3. Conduct research in the field of Industrial Engineering.
    4. Apply appropriate methods to verify the solutions offered for the research questions.
    5. Validate the applicability and value of the research results to an academic community beyond the research context.
    6. Communicate the findings of a research conducted in Industrial Engineering. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Design a strategy for the processing and management of information.
  • Conduct a comprehensive review in current research in Industrial Engineering to produce significant insights.
  • Execute the design and strategy appropriately.

    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Select an appropriate process of inquiry, given the purpose of the study.
  • Analyse current literature and research in Industrial Engineering.
  • Draw conclusions and recommendations justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Select and apply appropriate method, techniques and technologies in the research process.
  • Identify and analyse complex problems and issues in the field of Industrial Engineering.
  • Apply ethics as outlined in the field of Industrial Engineering.
  • Use theory, techniques and processes/technologies to debate or critique solutions to problems in Industrial Engineering.
  • Use an appropriate range of research skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to answer complex and challenging research questions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Check/affirm that a proposed solution to a problem is correctly implemented and valid.
  • Verify that a proposed analytical approach gives the expected results using simulation to check the results of the proposed analytical solution.
  • Verify whether a design and the developed product meet the specification and that the proposed analytical solution or the product specification is valid.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Solve problems and give advice based on relevant sets of facts.
  • Exhibit a critical understanding of the ethical principles guiding Industrial Engineering practice.
  • Check/affirm that the proposed solution to the problem actually solves the problem or is a valid solution.
  • Implement the proposed solution or compare the simulated results with actual data where applicable.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Use the resources of academic and professional discourse to communicate.
  • Communicate and defend substantial ideas that are the products of research or development.
  • Write a logically argued and integrated scientific dissertation in which applicable theory and literature are integrated with the research findings.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative Assessment:
  • A research proposal/title registration document and presentation at a colloquium under scrutiny of a scientific committee.
  • Regular meetings with the supervisor for discussions and guidance regarding the research.
  • A presentation of preliminary research results at a colloquium under scrutiny of a scientific committee.

    Summative Assessment:
    The required dissertation is an integrated culmination of all the research-related outcomes of this qualification. The assessment of the dissertation will test both the theoretical and practical components of the study and assessment tools currently being used by the campus higher degrees committee will be utilised. This is to ensure that the standards expected for the qualification are achieved and that the assessment is open, transparent, fair and valid. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Industrial Engineers are responsible for the analysis, design, planning, implementation, operation, management and maintenance of integrated systems consisting of people, money, material, equipment, information and energy.

    The Concordia University in Canada:
    Master of Engineering in Industrial Engineering offered in Canada focus on research. The qualification is a thesis-based qualification designed to provide learners with the opportunity to enhance specific areas of knowledge gained at the undergraduate level and to introduce them to research aimed at the acquisition of new scientific knowledge for the purpose of advancing the design of technological systems.

    The University of South Australia:
    The University of South Australia offers a Masters by Research LMIE in Mechanical and Industry Engineering. The qualification enables learners to engage in applied and cross-disciplinary research. The esearch provides the learner with advanced academic and professional research skills. The Degree also assists learners with an understanding of current research based knowledge in the field, its methodologies for creating new knowledge. Learners will then be able to create, critique, and appraise new and significant knowledge on an on-going personal level to aid their development . This qualification aims to train learners in analysing their thesis topic at an advanced level, applying research methodology and techniques to contribute new knowledge to their field.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares well with the above two cited international qualifications. It teaches learners to develop, analyse and optimise processes and management in organisations with a view to improving productivity, raising product and labour quality, and quantifying risks from a technological perspective. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification offers no specific articulation options within the institution, however, it offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications' offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontally Articulation:
  • Master of Engineering, Level 9.
  • Master of Engineering Science, Level 9.

    Vertically Articulation:
  • Doctor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Engineering, Level 10. 
    		•

    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. North West 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.