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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
99554  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain 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
Honours Degree  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-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:
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management is designed to provide learners with a sound understanding of the advanced issues in Supply Chain Management. The focus of the qualification is on the application of theory and the development of decision-making abilities in a supply chain context. The qualification is designed to equip learners with the skills to function at a strategic level within organisations by developing a sound understanding of key strategic supply chain issues and ensuring learners have the ability to be analytical in making and implementing supply chain decisions. Learners will also be engaged with material on the planning, purchasing, operations, logistics and overall Supply Chain Management activities. Having this holistic focus will enable learners to have a sounder grasp of advanced and strategic supply chain issues.

The qualification will ensure learners are imbued with the knowledge to confidently approach a myriad of problems in each of the core supply chain areas. This will create graduates who are able to face contemporary challenges armed with high level skills and knowledge of the different supply chain areas and supply chain frameworks, theories and tools to make a difference and contribute positively towards their respective companies or in the public sector.

The qualification also places a particular emphasis on the knowledge and skills necessary to function in a highly globalised environment. Learners will be equipped with critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving and presentation skills. They will also become effective communicators and team players capable of integrating the theory learnt, with the requirements of the workplace. Ethics and sustainability will also be a major theme in the qualification. The supply chain fraternity has, in recent years, been the source of fraudulent activities and malpractice. Thus the qualification has been designed with embedded ethics and sustainability as a recurring theme which will contribute towards the development of well-rounded graduates with an appreciation of ethical conduct in supply chain practice.

The range of modules in the qualification covers each of the core supply chain areas. The modules offer a mix of theory and practical scenarios through the use of case studies. Being an objective, and often, scientific subject, supply chain management involves a significant degree of Statistics and Mathematics in its content. As such, learners will be exposed to quantitative techniques and models for decision making in Supply Chain Management.

The research report serves the purpose of providing an opportunity for learners to demonstrate the ability to conduct research with the aim of solving or developing solutions for supply chain problems. The research project also allows for synthesis of knowledge acquired through the constituent modules and the application of that knowledge within a more practical context. This will provide learners with the tools necessary to approach complex problems within their work environment and to be able to further develop research skills which are fundamental to further study.

Rationale:
Supply Chain Management has emerged as a major functional area within contemporary product and/or service organisations. Supply Chain Management remains at the heart of customer service within organisations around the world. Thus the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management is designed to provide learners with knowledge of Supply Chain Management and to enable them to engage in solving related problems.

This qualification is also aimed at promoting wider access to Postgraduate learning in Supply Chain Management that will foster the development of Supply Chain professionals across the African continent. This qualification links the functions and activities of Operations, Logistics and Purchasing Management into a single, streamlined functional area of business. This qualification has been developed within the Supply Chain Framework. This framework is captured succinctly in the Supply Chain Operations Research (SCOR) model developed by the Council for Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). The SCOR model divides the core supply chain activities into planning, sourcing, production, distribution and reverse logistics, thereby covering the main functions in the Supply Chain.

Developing the required skills for the economy entails providing access to relevant Supply Chain Management qualifications, which is a key objective of the Qualification. Therefore this qualification responds to the current national and global situation in which there is an over-supply of available workers and an under-supply of qualified talent. These needed skills coupled with the scarcity of Honours Degrees in Supply Chain Management, have served as motivating factors in the design and development of this qualification. With the current skills need and the lack of Honour's level qualifications in Supply Chain Management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who will be in possession of the following attributes:
  • Analytical thinking.
  • Ability to manage complex supply chain problems.
  • Ability to effectively direct a team towards an objective.
  • Effective communication skills.
  • Statistical and mathematical skills for decision making.
  • Ability to identify, diagnose and solve supply chain problems.
  • Ethical conduct.
  • An understanding of corporate governance principles.
  • Social responsibility.

    The qualification is therefore designed for professionals who already have practical experience and for graduates with a cognate undergraduate Degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be obtained in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning.

    In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:
  • Learning derived from work or life experience will be assessed by means of a portfolio of evidence. Candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from the applicants' organisations/companies.
  • Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating applicants will include:
    > The applicant's motivation, maturity and realistic approach to postgraduate studies.
    > Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references, linked to a portfolio of evidence.
    > The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
    > Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
    > The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
    > The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the programme.

    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. The maximum amount of 'specific' credit granted is 50%.

    Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of the qualification.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry to this qualification is a Bachelor's Degree, Level 7 or equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling, 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 105 Credits:
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Purchasing Management, 15 Credits.
  • Logistics and Transport Management, 15 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
  • Operations Management, 15 Credits.
  • Research Report, 30 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 15 Credits (select one):
  • Project Management, 15 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Risk Management, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a critical understanding of the Supply Chain functions.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of complex strategies and their application in Supply Chain Management.
    3. Demonstrate use of a wide range of specialised skills to solve complex supply chain problems.
    4. Conduct research with the aim of solving supply chain problems.
    5. Demonstrate analytical skills to identify and address potential project resource problems, and apply project tools to alleviate these problems.
    6. Analyse the wider supply chain environment and identify the prevalence of risks. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically evaluate the interactions which take place in a Supply Chain.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of logistics systems.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the competitive value of logistics.
  • Identify and explain the focus of world-class warehouse operations.
  • Define the various Product Process Categories (PPC).
  • Understand the logistics functions.
  • Evaluate the cost and service trade-offs involved in packaging.
  • Understand the critical role of transportation in logistics.
  • Understand the nature and scope of Operations Management functions.
  • Understand the strategic role of purchasing in the value chain.
  • Plan for, and understand engagement in global procurement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Collect, synthesise and present information in an appropriate format for decision making.
  • Critically evaluate supply chain theories, strategies and plans and identify appropriate supply chain strategies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of engagement in high level decision making within the supply chain.
  • Design and develop supply chain strategies.
  • Develop appropriate push/pull strategies to meet supply chain requirements.
  • Understand and apply the principles of smart pricing to supply chain decision making.
  • Understand the management of economies of scale in a supply chain.
  • Understand how to engage in sales and operations planning.
  • Understand how to engage in logistics planning at a strategic level.
  • Develop reverse logistics strategies.
  • Assess the requirements for making decisions related to each part of the operations function.
  • Make effective managerial decisions in order to ensure that effective utilisation of resources is achieved.
  • Understand how operations management decisions can influence the overall strategic objectives of an organisation.
  • Explain how effective operations strategies are developed.
  • Understand forecasting for decision-making purposes.
  • Develop and implement supply strategies.
  • Apply appropriate techniques to manage contracts with suppliers.
  • Systematically develop strategies to drive forth innovation in the procurement function.
  • Demonstrate high degrees of accountability, ethics and responsibility in Supply Chain practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Assess problems and formulate appropriate response strategies.
  • Demonstrate awareness of triple bottom line issues in Supply Chain Management.
  • Develop responses to deal with demand variability in a Supply Chain.
  • Gain an understanding of the sustainability issues to consider in logistics.
  • Apply principles of sustainability and ethics to practice.
  • Critically evaluate suppliers and supplier performance.
  • Analyse the purchasing environment and develop appropriate response strategies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Engage with and appropriately apply a research approach and philosophy to an organisation.
  • Ensure consistency and linearity between research ideas, objectives, questions, design and methods.
  • Distinguish between the qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, as appropriate.
  • Understand the different research design methodologies and their respective suitability to study objectives.
  • Apply a research design that is consistent with research objectives and questions.
  • Critically apply available research methodologies to answer the study questions, and achieve study objectives.
  • Apply the analytical skills and knowledge gained in the programme to a supply chain area of research.
  • Develop critical and practical research questions.
  • Read current literature in a specialised business area and critically analyse and synthesise contending theoretical standpoints.
  • Design, plan and execute a research study.
  • Select and apply appropriate research methodologies.
  • Capture, analyse and interpret business data.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of theory for decision making and practice.
  • Provide recommendations for business related problems aligned to leading practices in supply chain management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Critically apply generic project management concepts and definitions in an organisational context.
  • Analyse and appreciate the significance and impact of and relationship between competing constraints in a project environment.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and uses of common tools and techniques in the different stages of a project life cycle within an organisation.
  • Effectively apply common project management tools and techniques, to manage project scope and time.
  • Apply leadership communication and risk management tools and techniques in a project management environment.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of leadership expertise required to successfully manage and lead project teams, and to network with various project stakeholders to achieve organisational strategic objectives.
  • Understand project quality concepts, and apply tools used to monitor and improve project quality at different stages of the project lifecycle.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify appropriate responses which can be used to counter risks.
  • Understand the impact of supply chain risks on supply chain performance.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the concept of resilience.
  • Develop strategies to foster collaboration in the Supply Chain.
  • Understand the role of postponement in creating a buffer for the Supply Chain.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the qualification modules. All assessment will attempt to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.

    These assessment methods include:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    Formative Assessment:
    The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited number of outcomes.

    Summative Assessment:
    Examinations and a research essay or portfolio will be used to determine if the learner has achieved the exit level outcomes of the qualification. The summative assessments will also assess the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Supply Chain Council (SCC) was formed in 1996 to create and evolve a standard industry process reference model of the supply chain for the benefit of helping companies rapidly and dramatically improve supply chain operations. The SCC has established the supply chain world's most widely accepted framework - the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) process reference model - for evaluating and comparing supply chain activities and their performance The Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model is the world's leading supply chain framework, uniquely linking business processes, performance metrics, practices and people skills into a unified structure.

    This model outlines the Academic Competencies of Supply Chain Managers as follows:
  • Math, Statistics, and analytical thinking.
    > Practice Applied Mathematics in collecting and interpreting quantitative data.
    > Demonstrate the ability to scrutinise and break down facts and thoughts into their strengths and weaknesses.
    > Develop the capacity to think in a careful and discerning way, to solve problems, to analyse data, and to recall and apply information.
  • Reading and writing for comprehension.
    > Understand what has been read; gather information from a text.
    > Demonstrate an understanding of material read by forming opinions and sharing personal experiences.
    > Apply the strategies of self-questioning, retelling, writing, summarising, predicting and verifying, story mapping, role play and responsiveness.
  • Applied Science and Technology.
    > Demonstrate an understanding of the factors that are considered important to the branch of knowledge or technology.
    > Understand the use of technology and the interaction with life, society, and the environment, in conjunction with such subjects as industrial arts, engineering, applied science, and pure science.
    > Develop knowledge of specific tools and how they affect the ability to adapt to and control the environment.
    > Demonstrate the ability to apply knowledge or understanding to meet a specific, recognised need.
    > Possess knowledge that is sufficiently general, clearly conceptualised, carefully reasoned, systematically organised, critically examined, and empirically tested with regard to the specific Science or Technology.
  • Supply chain fundamentals.
    > Understand that supply and logistics is a system of organisations, people, technology, activities, information, and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer.
    > Possess basic knowledge of supply chain activities, including transformation of natural resources, raw materials, and components into a finished product that is delivered to the end customer.
    > Recognise the ways that supply chains link value chains.
  • Problem solving and decision making.
    > Practice goal-directed thinking and action in situations for which no routine solutions exist.
    > Understand a problem situation and its step-by-step transformation based on planning and reasoning.
    > Demonstrate ability to choose between alternative courses of action using cognitive processes such as memory and evaluation.
    > Demonstrate ability to map processes of possible consequences of decisions, to work out the importance of individual factors, and to choose the best course of action.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification is in line with the framework of SCOR. They aim at ensuring maintaining improvement of high standards in Supply Chain Management transportation, handling and delivery of manufactured goods and products locally and internationally within prescribed global standards. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers specific articulation opportunities with qualifications offered by the MANCOSA. They are:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, Level 8 (ID 97881).
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, Level 8 (ID 84947).

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Administration General, Level 9 (ID 94871).

    The qualification also offers systemic articulation with the following qualifications offered by other institutions, provided the learner meets the minimum entry requirements:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Transport Economics, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Transport Economics, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Philosophy in Maritime: Transportation and Logistics, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Supply Chain Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Transport and Logistics, Level 9.
  • Master of Business Administration in Maritime Transport Economics and Management, Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Transport Economics, Level 9. 
    		•

    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.