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 UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Solve joint and multi-national military and civil-military problems by applying qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
119922  Solve joint and multi-national military and civil-military problems by applying qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Military Professional Development 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 08 - Law, Military Science and Security Sovereignty of the State 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  12 
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
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

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 for officers to function at the operational level of war by developing their skills in solving joint and multinational military and civil-military problems by applying qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques. It will also broaden their understanding of military single-service, joint and multi-national operations, the management of defence and the wider aspects of conflict.

A person credited with this unit standard is able to:
  • Solve problems by applying the standard military problem-solving model at the operational level of war.
  • Solve military problems through creativity, lateral thinking, conceptualisation and analytical thought.
  • Solve civil-military specific problems by applying qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques.

    The achievement of this unit standard contributes to the professional development of learners within the military single-service, joint and multi-national operations environment and provides further mobility and transportability within the field of Law, Security and Military Science. The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this unit standard are essential for a beneficial impact on national security, social and economic transformation and upliftment within the South African society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Knowledge of the context of DOD and military activities - L5
  • Basic communication skills (report writing, presentation skills and English language proficiency) - L4
  • Problem solving at the tactical level of war - L5
  • Basic analysis and research skills - L5
  • Security awareness - L5
  • Basic time management and self-management - L4
  • Social awareness - L4 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    The range covers the role and purpose of military operations at the operational level of war in the context of national security in South Africa. The range includes practice and culture of military operations at the operational level of war, the regulatory framework of military operations at the operational level of war, the main activities of military operations at the operational level of war, and military operations' stakeholders in and outside of South Africa.

    This unit standard is intended for senior officers who are prepared to function at the operational level of war.

    The level assigned to this unit standard is appropriate as learners need to be able to exercise judgement in complex planning, design and technical functions related to military operational planning at an operational level of war. Furthermore, responsibility must be accepted for determining and achieving personal and/or group outcomes. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Solve problems by applying the standard military problem-solving model at the operational level of war. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The standard military problem solving model is used to solve problems at the operational level of war. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ability to conceptualise is demonstrated in applying the standard military problem solving model. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Military problems are solved by applying the elements of the standard military problem solving model. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elements = facts, deductions, main conclusions and integrated main conclusions.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A concept for solving the problem, or possible solution to the problem is evaluated against the criteria of feasibility, acceptability and sustainability (FAS) tests. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Solve military problems through creativity, lateral thinking, conceptualisation and analytical thought. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The theory of conceptualisation is demonstrated in defining a concept for solving military problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The differences in thought processes of left and right brain dominant persons are compared to be able to understand the impact and influences on the conceptualisation ability of persons under command. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The process of analytical thought is demonstrated when solving problems. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Solve civil-military specific problems by applying qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Identified civil-military specific problems are solved to meet the clients' needs. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A concept is formulated to determine whether the direction and guidance provided reflects sound decision-making skills. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Universal problem-solving techniques are sourced for relevance in solving civil-military problems. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    A criteria is formulated to evaluated the validity of results to maintain a balance between qualitative and quantitative problem solving techniques. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    The assessment will be governed by the policies and guidelines of the relevant Education and Training Quality Assuror (ETQA) that has jurisdiction over this field of learning.

    The assessor will (at the very least) be accredited and have a relevant qualification and/or be a subject matter expert in this learning area and at least have experience in the skills specific area.

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

    To this effect the following should be complied with:
  • Internal moderation.
  • External moderation.
  • An assessor, accredited by the relevant ETQA, will assess the learner's competency.
  • Assessment procedures will be supplied by the ETQA in alignment with NSB requirements.
  • Assessment and moderation procedures, activities and tools must be transparent, affordable and support development within the field, sub-field and NQF.
  • Assessment of a portfolio of evidence.
  • Direct observation in simulated and/or controlled work conditions be conducted. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Names, functions and locations of:
    > Various military organisations and structures.
    > Functional structures within military organisations.
    > Government structures (local, national, regional and international).
    > Stakeholders and their relation to military community.
  • Purpose of processes and procedures of:
    > Applicable legislation.
    > Military operations.
    > The activities in the operational planning cycle.
  • Attributes, properties, characteristics related to:
    > National security concepts.
    > Military culture.
    > Stakeholders and their rights.
  • Knowledge of and understanding of:
    > Causality of events.
    > How the research cycle works.
    > The processes in providing operational planning.
    > Restrictions and limitations of problem solving techniques.
  • Categories of processes and concepts regarding:
    > The use of systems approach in identifying role players and sub-systems.
    > The need for a regulatory framework.
    > Reliability.
    > Timeousness.
    > Relevance.
  • Procedures and techniques:
    > Different problem solving techniques ie business, academic and other.
    > Use of systems approach in identifying role players, sub systems.
    > Military appreciation techniques.
    > Departmental procedures, methods and techniques.
    > Procedures of military practices.
    > Liaison protocol.
  • Regulations, legislation, agreements, policies:
    > Constitution of South Africa (Bill of rights, sections relevant to defence).
    > Relevant legislation.
    > Departmental policies, directives and doctrine.
    > Relevant White Papers.
    > Coalitions and alliances.
  • Theory - rules, laws, principles:
    > Concept formulation.
    > Military appreciation techniques at tactical level of war.
    > Military terminology.
    > Military culture.
    > Unique characteristics of military operations and military leaders/leadership.
  • Relationships and systems:
    > Between the constitution, legislation and military operations.
    > Between the state, the military and civil society.
    > The inter-relationship between stakeholders and the military community.
    > Between political aspects/influences impacting on relationships with stakeholders.
    > Between services.
    > Between local, national, regional and international actors. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Applying problem solving techniques.
  • Complying with regulatory framework.
  • Understanding and applying departmental policies and procedures.
  • Understanding the relationships. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • Problems Solving.
  • Support and assistance processes.
  • Liaison with stakeholders.
  • The establishment of internal relationships. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Conducting research.
  • Following processes, procedures and protocols. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Decision making and problems solving processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Complying with the regulatory framework.
  • Applying policies and procedures.
  • Providing descriptions, explaining, defining; decision making and problems solving processes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others when:
  • Conducting research.
  • Sourcing information on the legislation, policies and procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • The relationships are explained.
  • The mandates are discussed.
  • The military framework is explained. 
    		•

    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:

    Notes to Assessors

    Assessors should keep the following general principles in mind when designing and conducting assessments against this unit standard:
  • Focus the assessment activities on gathering evidence in terms of the main outcome expressed in the title to ensure assessment is integrated rather than fragmented. Remember we want to declare the person competent in terms of the title. Where assessment at title level is unmanageable, then focus assessment around each specific outcome, or groups of specific outcomes. Do not focus the assessment activities on each assessment criterion.Rather make sure the assessment activities focus on outcomes and are sufficient to enable evidence to be gathered around all the assessment criteria.
  • At this level some errors are to be expected. Assessors must use professional judgement in evaluating competence.
  • Make sure evidence is gathered across the range as expressed under the title. Specific range statements under individual outcomes or assessment criteria are illustrations, from which learning programme developers can select. Assessment activities should be as close to the real performance as possible, and where simulations or role-plays are used, there should be supporting evidence to show the candidate is able to perform in the real situation.
  • The task of the assessor is to gather sufficient evidence, of the prescribed type and quality, as specified in this unit standard, that the candidate can achieve the outcomes again and again. This means assessors will have to judge how many repeat performances are required before they believe the performance can be reproduced.
  • All assessments should be conducted in line with the following well-documented principles: assessment should be appropriate, fair, manageable, integrated into work or learning, valid, and consistent. Evidence should be authentic, sufficient, and current.
  • Assessment of this standard can be carried out through continuous assessment throughout the course of study and specific performances assessed.

    Definitions:

    Operational level (of war): The level at which military and non-military sources of power are employed to accomplish military-strategic or theatre-strategic objectives through the planning, preparation, and execution of a single campaign; sometimes the same objective could be accomplished by conducting a major joint or Multi-national operation; this level of war is conducted in a given theatre of operations. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)

    Operational art: A Component of military art principally concerned with theoretical and practical aspects of planning, preparing, conducting, and sustaining major operations and campaigns to accomplish operational and strategic objectives in a theatre. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)

    Operational: Any theoretical or practical aspect of warfare or conflict at the operational level. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)

    Major Operation: A series of related battles, engagements, strikes, attacks and other tactical actions sequenced and synchronised in terms of time and place, and aimed at accomplishing an operational (and sometimes strategic) objective; it could be conducted by a Single-Service, jointly or multi-nationally. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego)

    Campaign: A series of related major operations sequenced and synchronised in terms of time and place and aimed at accomplishing an military-strategic objective; it is usually conducted jointly or multi-nationally. (Operational Warfare by Milan Vego) 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  49783   National Diploma: Joint and Multi-National Operations  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 


    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.
     
    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.