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:

Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
99720	Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration
ORIGINATOR
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Office Administration
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	120	Not Applicable	NQF Level 07	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

Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration qualification is to provide learners with focused theoretical knowledge and applied specialisation of skills in Business Information Systems, Business Administration, Financial Administration, Project Administration, Employee Dynamics and research knowledge and skills. The qualification will contribute to the information administration decision making and application to support the administration of business operations. Upon completion the graduate will be able to:

Identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems in the business and information administration context, drawing on a body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field of Business and Information Administration.

Apply systematic and scientific processes to evaluate, and critically analyse human resource needs, analyse objectives and provide support and solutions for complex labour problems.

Apply the research skills relevant in the field of Business and Information Administration or profession following a credible research design.

Complete a situational analysis of any business by identifying, analysing and critically evaluating situations facing information administration in business organisations and provide solutions to the identified problems. The target learners will be students who have completed the Diploma in Business and Information Administration. A learner will want to complete the qualification in pursuance of the following: professional advancement, occupational and trained specialisation and academic advancement. This qualification will allow the graduate to pursue work, career or vocational pathways in industry. Graduates will have the capability to be active and agile complex problem solvers and specialists in administrative functions and tools.

Learners will gain specialist knowledge in technological capability, business and information management capability, work integrated learning, communication and diversity. By choosing to enrol in this programme, learners will be provided with the required inter-cultural communication, business, technological, financial, and legal skills that will allow them to operate successfully in diverse business fields in the ever-changing business environment. Together with these skills, developing and broadening their business acumen, the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration presents them with opportunities to collaborate and learn, network and develop excellence in their field of study in professional business practice through a practical hands-on approach.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Contribute to the information administration decisions and application to support the administration of business operation.

Apply the research skills relevant in the field of Business and Information Administration or profession following a legitimate research design.

Organise the budget and provide financial administrative support in a business environment.

Competence relating to the qualification:
In addition, the following institutional Graduate Attributes will be integrated in the learning process.

Graduates will critically reflect on knowledge acquired and apply appropriate knowledge structures for innovative problem-solving in constantly changing environments. Graduates should be able to transform existing knowledge structures to generate new knowledge through inquiry, research and development. Holistic graduate development includes knowing (knowledge), doing (skills and competencies), and being (attributes and dispositions) which are synergistic in application since, in order to do and be, graduates firstly need to have underpinning theory and knowledge.

Graduates will recognise that society, technology and science are intertwined, and so that technology and science have the capacity to effect changes in society. Furthermore, CPUT graduates will recognise that science and technology should be used for the overall benefit of society even though its effects may also sometimes be harmful. Graduates will also recognise that scientific knowledge and their related technologies will need to be transformed/adapted to complex and changing circumstances.

Graduates will recognise the complexity of problem solving in society (including technologically) and will be able to engage confidently with such complexity. The graduate will recognise that there are no simple solutions to problems in society and that there are many twists and turns, dead ends and necessary restarts and they will need to act with resilience to succeed in these journeys. Such journeys will typically occur within entrepreneurial, innovation and investigative/research activities.

Graduatse will be able to 'stand in the shoes of others' in order to understand their needs, values and cultures so that what is being worked on can have optimal effects and/or the best chances of success. In so doing a graduates will be able to act with understanding of others different from themselves, at both the interpersonal and inter-professional level. Furthermore, graduates will understand, learn with and so be able to engage with others for the best possible solutions to work and societal problems.

Graduates will have an orientation to the well-being and improvement of society rather than just ensuring the well-being and advancement of themselves. It would involve hearing and acknowledging the concerns of others. In the professional fields, furthermore, morality forms a cornerstone against which ethical decisions are made in practice and as such characterises being professional.

Rationale:
The qualification is designed to equip learners with well-rounded knowledge, skills, and methodology in the Business and Information Administration discipline. The Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration aims to provide the business world with senior administrative officers and office managers who possess critical and advanced managerial competencies in business information management, ensuring efficiency in a global and competitive environment.

The trend in the field of Business and Information Administration requires that office administrators be empowered with conceptual and contextual knowledge of business information systems, IT skills, business administration, financial and project management, employee dynamics, and research competencies. Learners will engage in formal instruction that integrates theoretical, problem-based, and project-based learning with practical application in IT and business administration contexts.

Evidence of consultation with the professional body, the Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA), and benchmarking against international qualifications informs the relevance and rigour of the programme. A DACUM group was consulted in preparation for planning the Advanced Diploma. A comparison with the UK Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration (Level 7, EBMA) and the Canadian Bachelor of Business Administration (University of Fraser Valley) shows that the Advanced Diploma aligns well in terms of purpose, learning outcomes, subjects, assessment, and research components, thereby ensuring learners are prepared for further studies and international best practices.

The typical learners targeted by this qualification are those aspiring to senior administrative and office management roles across various business sectors. The qualification prepares graduates to operate effectively in office administration, business information management, and project management environments, meeting the needs of employers for highly skilled administrative professionals.

Additionally, reports from the ETDP SETA from 2010 to 2014 identify Office Administration and related functions as scarce and critical skills. This underscores the significance of the qualification, as it equips learners with the competencies required to fill these roles, contributing meaningfully to the economy.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is aligned with the national CHE and NQF RPL policy, applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL may be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, module exemption (credit) or advanced standing.

RPL for access:
Applicants who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.

To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio or other appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules
An applicant may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For an applicant to be exempted from a module, the applicant needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio or via appropriate assessment methods that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the module's learning outcomes.

Entry Requirements:

Diploma in Business and Information Management, NQF Level 6.
Or
An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at the NQF Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 120 Credits:

Business Information Systems, 24 Credits.

Business Administration, 24 Credits.

Financial Administration, 18 Credits.

Project Administration, 18 Credits.

Employee Dynamics, 18 Credits.

Research Project, 18 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Identify, analyse and address complex or abstract problems in the business and information administration context, drawing on a body of knowledge and methods appropriate to the field of Business and Information Administration.
2. Contribute to the information administration decisions and application to support the administration of business operation.
3. Complete a situational analysis of any business by identifying, analysing and critically evaluating situations facing information administration in business organisations and provide solutions to the identified problems.
4. Apply the research skills relevant in the field of Business and Information Administration or profession following a legitimate research design.
5. Evaluate and critically analyse human resource needs and objectives and provide support and solutions for complex labour problems by applying systematic and scientific processes.
6. Identify project needs, analyse project objectives, provide and coordinate workable solutions for complex problems in a business and information administration environment.
7. Organise the budget and provide financial administrative support in a business environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Analyse and evaluate all aspects of technology and the interrelationships among people, demonstrating understanding of their impact on business processes.

Develop and communicate ideas in coherent, well-structured arguments by applying problem-solving techniques and critically analysing various case studies.

Critically evaluate a case study of a specific business organisation to demonstrate:

Understanding of the importance and value of information as a source of competitive advantage.

Ability to independently validate information sources, assess their reliability, and manage information effectively.

Reflect on and apply innovative approaches in business, integrating contextual knowledge and practical skills in a work-related assignment by:

Identifying and collecting relevant information.

Synthesising and presenting findings in a coherent and structured format.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of organisational decision-making systems and models by critically and creatively analysing case studies and applying problem-solving techniques to achieve competitive advantage.

Make and justify decisions ethically and professionally by reflecting on and evaluating both personal performance and that of others, incorporating peer evaluation and insights from research projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Evaluate the strategic intent of an organisation by analysing its vision and mission statements within relevant case studies.

Conduct a comprehensive internal and external analysis of a medium-sized company to assess organisational performance and positioning.

Examine the nature of strategy formulation, implementation, and evaluation activities within the Business Administration environment.

Assess the relationship between existing strategies and anticipated future organisational needs.

Evaluate the impact of external forces, including Porter's Five Forces, on organisational strategy formulation.

Analyse the significance of ethical decision-making in business administration and its effect on organisational outcomes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Identify and formulate pertinent business-related research problems or issues, and conduct literature searches to contextualise and frame the research area of investigation.

Develop a research design and produce a research proposal in accordance with the Harvard referencing style.

Collect, analyse, process, and interpret relevant data using suitable data-gathering techniques, software, and analytical tools.

Document all research activities demonstrating ethical and professional conduct, submit for review, incorporate feedback, and collate materials for the final presentation of the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

Apply an appropriate model to study employee dynamics in a given case study situation.

Investigate organisational practices demonstrating knowledge of the four-tier model of forces of change, frameworks for assessing cultural differences, and African management styles.

Synthesise the philosophical approaches to ethical decision-making and the moral decision-making processes of an identified company.

Demonstrate understanding of self-directed work teams and participative management in a selected organisation.

Conduct scientific and independent research into employee dynamics, applying labour law directives where necessary to resolve workplace problems.

Demonstrate the ability to manage communication and conflict within an organisation, applying motivational theories and models to practical situations in relevant case studies.

Display understanding of leadership theories and organisational change by critically analysing organisational structures and different approaches to organisational design.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

Design a complete project plan for an organisation, clearly distinguishing between project and non-project tasks.

Apply Microsoft Project software to execute project tasks, including updating project progress and extracting relevant reports.

Develop and analyse the critical path of a project, identifying stakeholders and evaluating their roles in project design and implementation.

Define the duties of a project administrator and formulate a corresponding job description.

Interpret information from project management tools, such as Gantt charts and Work Breakdown Structures (WBS), to produce reports using templates like timesheets and status reports, highlighting risks and issues.

Demonstrate proficiency in managing and administering project communications, meeting coordination, record-keeping, documentation control, finances, contracts, procurement, billing, payments, assets, and formulating project quality reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

Determine the capital structure that supports business continuity and growth in relevant case studies.

Evaluate projects using various capital budgeting techniques, including the Capital Asset Pricing Model (CAPM), to identify the most viable projects.

Advise selected businesses in case studies on strategies to minimise risks while maximising opportunities for increased returns.

Interpret financial statements using ratio analysis to identify potential pitfalls and implement risk mitigation strategies.

Integrated Assessment.

Formative Assessment:
Formative assessments including class discussions, written exercises and presentations take place during the process of teaching and learning. These assessments are aimed at developing the learners' abilities to monitor their own progress. The balance between formative and summative assessment is maintained throughout the delivery of the qualification.

Work-directed theoretical learning is applied in the various subjects of the Advanced Diploma to ensure the alignment of disciplinary knowledge with the needs of professional practice. Problem based learning (industry projects) is applied in assignments enabling learners to develop specialist knowledge and a professional attitude. Integrated assessment is emphasised, and learners need to demonstrate the integration of their business, office and information administration knowledge and skills in their tests, assignments and projects.

Summative Assessment:
Summative formalised assessment for example, individual/group projects are used to assess all ELO's in an integrated manner and to show whether the subject outcomes and the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification have been met. Other assessments include written tests, preparation of presentations, a research proposal, and an article for publication and presentation at the annual emerging researcher conference.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

A comparison was conducted between the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration and similar qualifications from the United Kingdom and Canada, focusing on differences and similarities in terms of Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs), Associated Assessment Criteria (AACs), duration, qualification type, content/modules, and qualification level.

Country: United Kingdom:
Institution name: The Education for Business Managers and Administrators (EBMA)
Qualification title: Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration
Duration: One year

Purpose
Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration at Level 7, which is broadly equivalent to the Advanced Diploma. This qualification is designed for learners seeking a comprehensive understanding of business administration within organisations. Key areas covered include management of information systems, business analysis techniques, internal and external business structures, management control, financial management, and management behaviour. The qualification develops learners' critical thinking and problem-solving skills and includes a research component covering the identification of research questions, methodology selection, and data analysis.

Similarities:

In terms of Exit Level Outcomes, AACs, purpose, assessment, content/modules, and duration, the EBMA qualification is comparable to the South African (SA) qualification, although differences in module sequencing and institutional assessment practices exist.

Exit Level Outcomes for the SA qualification is technology, decision-making, strategy, research, organisational behaviour, project & financial management. In the UK there is a similar focus on critical thinking, research, and business administration.

The Associated Assessment Criteria for the proposed qualification comprise case studies, research projects, practical assignments. In the UK they are Case studies, research projects and applied problem-solving.

Country: Canada:
Institution name: The University of Fraser Valley (UFV)
Qualification title: Bachelor of Business Administration
Duration: Four years

Purpose
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices. The program develops knowledge and skills in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, human resource management, economics, and business strategy, preparing graduates for careers in the public and private sectors, entrepreneurship, and leadership roles. Students may also specialize in areas such as Accounting, Finance, Human Resource Management, International Business, or Marketing.

Similarities:

South African (SA) qualification is similar in purpose, intended learning outcomes, content/modules, and assessment methods. The programme also incorporates a research component to prepare learners for further studies.

Exit Level Outcomes for the proposed qualification are Technology, decision-making, strategy, research, organisational behaviour, project & financial management In Canada, too, there is a Similar focus, Here the course is broader due to the course being on a bachelor's level.

Differences:

The UFV qualification spans a longer duration than the one-year SA qualification.
When looking at the criteria comparatively, the following is indicated for the South African, UK and Canadian Qualifications:

Differences mainly relate to qualification type (bachelor's versus Postgraduate Diploma) and programme length, but similarities in curriculum scope and competency development are evident.

Conclusion:
The Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Administration compares well with both international qualifications. The South African Advanced Diploma is one year in duration, the UK EBMA Postgraduate Diploma is also one year, and the Canadian Bachelor of Business Administration is a multi-year programme. Despite differences in duration and qualification type, all three demonstrate alignment in purpose, Exit Level Outcomes, Associated Assessment Criteria, and curriculum content, and all include research components to prepare learners for further studies. This confirms the Advanced Diploma's relevance, rigour, and international comparability. Content Areas/ Modules for the Proposed Qualification are Business Information Systems, Financial Management, Project Management, Research and Organisational Behaviour. The UK Qualification has comparable modules, as does the Canadian one albeit with broader coverage. The Proposed Qualification is pitched at NQF level 7. The UK Qualification is at level 7, and the Canadian qualification is at level 7-8.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for vertical, horizontal and diagonal articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development, NQF level 7.

Occupational Certificate: Air Quality Monitoring and Information Management Specialist, NQF Level 7.

Vertical Articulation:

Postgraduate Diploma in Business and Information Administration, NQF Level 8.

Business Administration Honours Degree, NQF Level 8.

Diagonal Articulation:

Advanced Occupational Diploma: Chief Information Officer: Cybersecurity, NQF Level 7.

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.	Cape Peninsula University of Technology