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: 

Apply knowledge of total quality management systems for perishable produce exportation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243869  Apply knowledge of total quality management systems for perishable produce exportation 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Secondary Agriculture: Processing 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 01 - Agriculture and Nature Conservation Secondary Agriculture 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  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
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 
A person credited with this unit standard will be able to:
  • Understand the need for a quality management system in the perishable produce export environment.
  • Recognise the roles of quality control and quality assurance in a total quality management system.
  • Indicate the various functions of a total quality management system and their application.
  • Identify the improvements that monitoring and auditing a total quality management system will ensure. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in Mathematical Literacy and Communication at NQF Level 3. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Recognise the necessity of applying quality management for perishable produce exportation. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Perception of quality, quality perfection, quality standards of the APS Act (Agricultural Products Standards), maintaining quality- PPECB Act (Perishable Produce Export Control Board), MRL regulations (Maximum Residual Levels), food safety requirements, export markets insist on QMS (Quality Management System), market access. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The perception of perfect quality in a particular perishable product, with regard to the entire spectrum of its composition, external and internal, is described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The components include but are not limited to:
  • External quality considerations: shape, colour, uniformity of colour, size, unblemished.
  • Internal quality considerations: ripeness, colour, texture, taste, juice content, fragrance.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The need for the perishable produce industry to strive towards quality perfection, to enable and sustain the exportation of their products is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The ways in which the APS Act serves to set and regulate the "perfect quality" through the standards that are legislated, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role of the PPECB Act, with regard to maintaining the quality through all storage and transportation processes, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The objectives of the MRL regulations, with regard to ensuring food safety are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The regulations concerning food safety, are described in terms of ensuring the quality of the produce through prevention of contamination and the observance of hygienic practices. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The objectives of the various international regulations are analysed within the context of quality and food safety standards. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The reasons why many of South Africa's export markets insist that their suppliers institute a recognised quality management system and the effects on market access, of ignoring the exportation prerequisites, are explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Outline the characteristics and relationship between quality control and quality management systems. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The characteristics include but are not limited to:
  • Quality control and quality assurance, integration of quality control within quality assurance, empowerment of all personnel as quality controllers, traceability, principles of HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), broad scope of a TQMS, quality of all functions, awareness of goals. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept of quality control is discussed and the evolution of the "end point" quality inspection/control, through to the quality assurance systems, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The manner in which quality control is integrated within a quality assurance system and the resultant empowerment of all personnel as quality controllers is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of traceability and the function it performs in perishable produce exportation is indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The principles of HACCP are detailed and the reasons why this quality system is used in food related industries throughout the world, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The broad scope that typifies a TQMS is described and the role that a quality assurance system plays within this larger structure is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ways in which a TQMS addresses the quality of all functions, inclusive of the products, in an organisation, are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The manner in which a TQMS serves to maintain an awareness of the goals of the organisation is indicated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Describe the operational applications of a TQMS. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Documentation and lines of communication, integration of existing programs, inclusion of suppliers and clients within the system, objectives of CQCPs, performance indicators, traceability system, non conformities, corrective and preventative programs, certification of the TQMS, training, skills development, capacity building. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The documentation that is required in a TQMS is indicated and the role that the documentation plays in the maintaining lines of communication, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The ways in which existing programs are integrated in a TQMS and the improvement in the flow of information from these programs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The inclusion of both ends of the supply chain, suppliers and clients, within the system and the enhanced interactions that these links bring, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The objectives of the CQCPs within the TQMS are explained and the operational requirements for these are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of the performance indicators within each CQCP is indicated and the occasions when these will be used, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The scope and operational functions of the traceability system are indicated and the improved communication with stakeholders in the supply chain that this system allows, is described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The reduction in non conformities, that are directly attributable to the corrective and preventative programs of a TQMS, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The benefits, that the implementation and certification of a TQMS can bring to an organisation, are related. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The ways in which the training and involvement of all personnel in the operation of a TQMS will enhance skills development and capacity building, are described. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Describe the validation and improvement process within a TQMS. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Reasons for monitoring and auditing, objectives, improvement in customer relations, improvements in productivity, improvement in product quality, reduction of non conformities, identify quality control gaps, objectives of sampling, validating performance indicators, risk reduction, health and safety program. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The primary reasons for monitoring and auditing a TQMS are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The distinct differences between monitoring and auditing a TQMS are indicated and the frequency and focus of each, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The improvement in customer relations that implementing preventative procedures, gleaned from an analysis of remarks/complaints from customers, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The improvements in productivity that result from involving personnel in the evaluation of their CQCPs and the recognition/adoption of their positive suggestions, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The overall improvement in product quality and accordingly, the reduction of non conformities, that monitoring and auditing exercises ensure, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The ways in which an analysis of the process, through data obtained in the monitoring and/or auditing exercises, can identify quality control gaps, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The objectives of sampling and the role it plays in validating performance indicators and the measurables of CQCPs, are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The risk reduction, resulting from the monitoring and improving of the health and safety program and the potential saving in time lost through safety incidents, is indicated. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider through the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
  • Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
  • Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
  • Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
  • Exploring education and career opportunities.
  • Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    The learner is able to identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by:
  • Applying the procedures for the scoping of performance indicators. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    The learner is able to work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or communities by:
  • Participating with others in the planning of the implementation of the TQMS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Scheduling the timing of the installation of the various monitoring procedures of the TQMS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Gathering data on the existing prerequisite programs and provide a proposal for their integration in the TQMS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    The learner is able to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation by:
  • Reporting on the status of implementation of the TQMS and any obstacles that may have been encountered. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    The learner is able to use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others by:
  • Utilising information technology for the construction of graphical illustration of statistical data on the effectiveness of the TQMS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    The learner is able to demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO CONTRIBUTING 
    The learner is able to contribute to the full personal development of themselves and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Evident in all Specific Outcomes. 
    		•

    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 
    The Learner:
  • Is expected to perform the specific outcomes reflected in this unit standard without direct supervision.
  • Should have access to work site procedures.
  • Should demonstrate an application of ethics and values.
  • Must apply basic principles of general safety and customer care.
  • Should demonstrate an awareness of the expectations and obligations of basic employee/employer relations including industrial relations principles.

    At this level the communication/reporting of issues arising in the workplace, is embedded in the specific outcomes and the related assessment criteria.

    It is understood that, due to the nature of the work environment and the skills level of the Learner, that the aspects of teamwork form an integral part of the necessary specific outcomes and related assessment criteria.

    The points included under the notes, should be included when the qualifying Learners are being assessed. 
    		•

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  58350   Further Education and Training Certificate: Perishable Produce Exportation  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  AgriSETA 


    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.