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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Analyse trends and implement continuous improvements

SAQA US ID	UNIT STANDARD TITLE
116783	Analyse trends and implement continuous improvements
ORIGINATOR
SGB Manufacturing and Assembly Processes
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-
FIELD			SUBFIELD
Field 06 - Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology			Engineering and Related Design
ABET BAND	UNIT STANDARD TYPE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	CREDITS
Undefined	Regular	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	10
REGISTRATION STATUS		REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE	SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		2018-07-01	2023-06-30	SAQA 06120/18
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30		2027-06-30

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 unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard.

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD

This unit standard is intended for all persons supervising technical work, either as the owner of a small enterprise or as a supervisor in an organisational unit with the responsibility of measuring, improving and reporting on the productivity of that enterprise or organisational unit.

In order to do this effectively, qualifying learners will be able to:

Measure results from all relevant processes

Analyse the data

Interpret the trends

Identify improvements

Develop solutions and implement them

Monitor and correct the outcomes of the implemented improvements.

In doing this, a learner will also understand and know how to:

Collect data that is reliable

Communicate data to all stakeholders

Apply correct methodologies in carrying out activities related to this unit standard.

The skills, the knowledge and the values reflected in this unit standard form part of the exit level outcomes required for the National Diploma in Master Craftsmanship NQF Level 5.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

The credits for this unit standard assume that learners have an NQF Level 5 certificate qualification in a technical occupation or a Certificate in Master Craftsmanship at NQF level 5. It is also assumed that learners are working towards their qualification as part of a learning programme which integrates all the required unit standards.

Learning time will increase if learners do not have:

A relevant NQF Level 5 certificate qualification

Experience in a relevant field.

Learning time will be decreased if they have experience in this field because:

Their learning programmes will be adjusted to build on what they already know

They can apply to have that prior learning recognised.

UNIT STANDARD RANGE

The ranges as indicated under the specific outcomes determine the scope and level of this unit standard.

The work will be guided by relevant worksite procedures, manufacturers' specifications and safety, health and environmental legislation.

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria:

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1

Gather data based on relevant value chain models.

OUTCOME RANGE

Value chain includes all aspects from product or service origination to end usage.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Accurate data gathered is relevant to the value chain model.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Value chain model is relevant to the situation defined and documented.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Data gathered is current and valid.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Appropriate data gathering methods are applied.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Consequences of incorrect or inadequate data being gathered and ineffective implementation are discussed and explained.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2

Evaluate data of current situation, measure and analyse.

OUTCOME NOTES

Perform root cause analysis.

OUTCOME RANGE

Measure - as appropriate to measure aspects of value chain.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Data is captured in an appropriate format for evaluation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Appropriate methods are applied for evaluation and analysis.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Appropriate trends are defined.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Consequences of incorrect or ineffective analysis are discussed and explained.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3

Identify gaps, plan improvements, brief and prepare team and affected personnel for implementation.

OUTCOME RANGE

Gap analysis and improvements include materials, components, consumables, equipment, services, safety, health and environment issues.

Team includes any persons identified to deliver outcomes or to contribute to the implementation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Valid improvements are identified for planning.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Current situation is well documented - valid measures are applied.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Appropriate techniques are applied to identify gaps.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Relevant risk assessment is undertaken for identified improvements.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

All team members and affected personnel have sufficient information to ensure effective participation in the implementation process.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Appropriate cost-effective plan is developed for each improvement.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7

Consequences of inadequate gap identification and poor planning of improvements are discussed and explained.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4

Implement improvements, and monitor and adjust implementation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

Relevant improvement plans are effectively implemented.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Appropriate monitoring methods are applied to evaluate implementation.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Problems identified are adequately and timeously addressed.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4

Relevant teamwork and communication methods are used.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5

Relevant project management methods are used.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6

Consequences of poor implementation and/or ineffective handling of problems are discussed and explained.

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5

Complete all documentation and report issues and results.

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1

All relevant documentation defined is completed accurately and stored or filed as per requirement.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2

Appropriate communication channels and methods are used for reporting.

ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3

Consequences of incorrect or inadequate completion of documentation are discussed and explained.

UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS

The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of a relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body, which has jurisdiction over this field of learning. The assessor will be accredited and have a Degree in Master Craftsmanship at NQF Level 6 or an equivalent NQF Level 6 qualification with experience of running a small or medium business or autonomous business unit within a larger organisation. Since it is unlikely that there will be sufficient qualified people in the early stages of the life of this qualification, ETQAs should be allowed to make interim arrangements such as:
1. Assessor panels
2. People experienced in the field but without formal qualifications, e.g. current or retired owners of successful businesses or respected managers in organisations.

Learners can be assessed in the language of their choice although if they have to report incidents or conditions to someone else, they will be assessed on their ability to report in the language commonly used in my working environment.

They will be assessed in a workplace but can submit documents, projects, test results and assignments that were not produced in the workplace.

They can be assessed against this unit standard to obtain credits or as part of an integrated assessment for a qualification.

UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE

The activities in this unit standard require an extensive practical experience integrated with a thorough knowledge and understanding of theory and the options related to the technical field and to general principles of organising work. It is assumed that the learners being assessed will have participated in formal structured learning processes to acquire the relevant knowledge. What follows are broad guidelines to the kind of content of such structured learning processes.

1. Concepts, names & functions of:

Concept of a value chain

Concept of an improvement plan

Function of a project leader

Makeup of an SME business or semi-autonomous or autonomous business unit

2. Purpose of:

Value chain descriptions

Quality assurance and continuous improvement

Monitoring and evaluating performance

3. Attributes, descriptions, characteristics & properties:

Characteristics of a value chain of an SME business or an autonomous business unit

Areas of the overall process or service which can be measured and which can be improved

4. Processes and events:

Interpreting trends

Continuous improvement

Events which affect a product or service, e.g. power failure, breakdown, safety hazards, etc.

5. Causes and effects, implications of:

Implications of non-compliance with regulations

Implication of ineffective project management

6. Procedures and techniques:

Techniques of managing and analysing data

Relevant financial and statistical techniques

Communication techniques within a team context

Project planning, implementation, monitoring and evaluation

Conduct relevant calculations

7. Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies, standards:

Relevant national and international standards and collective agreements, e.g. 9000, 18000

8. Theory: rules, principles, laws:

Value chain principles

Basic statistics and mathematics

Quality assurance systems

Continuous improvement principles

Productivity, efficiencies and related principles and measures

9. Relationships, systems:

The role of a business in the economy, society and the world at large

Link between continuous improvement, cost effectiveness, competitiveness and efficiency

UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME

N/A

UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES

N/A

Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO):

UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING

Identify and solve problems:

Using problem-solving techniques effectively to identify improvement opportunities from data trends.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING

Work effectively with others:

Gaining and maintaining co-operation with team members and personnel affected by changes.

UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information:

Communication, vertical and horizontal, working with others as a team, group, organisation, community

Appropriate communication channels and methods are used to enhance teamwork and improve implementation

Appropriate calculations are conducted

Management procedures are documented

UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE

Use science and technology effectively and critically:

Selection of appropriate techniques and methods and application in evaluating and analysing data.

UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA

N/A

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015.

UNIT STANDARD NOTES

Supplementary Information

How credits were determined:

Activity & hours:

Classroom learning: 48 hours

On-the-job learning: 36 hours

Self directed learning: 10 hours (Assignments, projects)

Coaching required: 4 hours (One-to-one passing on of tips and expert practice)

Other: 2 hours (Preparation of portfolios)
Total: 100 hours
Credits: 10

QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD:

	ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	STATUS	END DATE	PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
Core	58025	National Certificate: CNC Production Machining	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Core	60070	National Certificate: Inspection and Assessment (Non-Metallics)	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	MERSETA
Core	49059	National Diploma: Master Craftsmanship (Electrical)	Level 5	NQF Level 05	Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"	2023-06-30	EWSETA

PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD:

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.

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