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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Install and monitor a total quality management system for perishable produce exportation 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
243888  Install and monitor a total quality management system 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 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  18 
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:
  • Outline the necessary legislative components of a total quality management system.
  • Describe the export market's requirements for a quality management system.
  • Operate in a quality management team.
  • Assist in planning for the installation of a total quality management system.
  • Install a quality management system.
  • Conduct the monitoring of the TQMS processes.
  • Audit the total quality management system. 
    		•

    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 4. 

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe how legislative requirements contribute to the establishment of a total quality management system in the perishable produce export environment. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The requirements include but are not limited to:
  • TQMS (Total Quality Management System), SA legislation and regulations, MRLs (Maximum Residue Levels), Legislation and TQMS. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The South African legislation and regulations that regulate the quality of perishable produce intended for export and the standards for handling and conveyancing of the produce are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The legislation and regulations include but are not limited to:
  • APS Act (Agricultural Product Standards), PPECB Act (Perishable Products Export Control Board), Phytosanitary regulations.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The objectives of the APS Act, with regard to the determination of quality standards for perishable products and their handling, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The objectives of the PPECB Act, with regard to controlling the conveyancing environment and the maintenance of in transit quality of perishable produce exports, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The role that phytosanitary regulations play in ensuring the exportation of pest free perishable produce, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The rational for the imposition of MRLs for all registered chemicals and the need to ensure that all perishable product exports conform to these standards is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Indicate the best practices required by South Africa's export markets and the need to integrate these in a TQMS. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The requirements include but are not limited to:
  • GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices), GAP (Good Agricultural Practices), international export requirements, need for quality system, characteristics of HACCP, limitations of HACCP, special needs of export markets. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The aims and objectives of GAPs, with regard to the implementation of food safety and best practices for perishable produce production, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The aims and objectives of GMPs, with regard to the maintenance of hygiene and the best practices for the grading, packing and handling of perishable produce, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The various international quality standards/systems that exporters of perishable produce have to conform to and the markets where these standards are applicable, are detailed. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The standards include but are not limited to:
  • EU 1148 (European Union), Codex Alimentarius - World Health Organisation, BRC (British Retailers Consortium), EUREPGAP.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The benefits to market access that may be gained from certification by the relevant institute are indicated and the application criteria that have to be met are described. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    The benefits include but are not limited to:
  • World wide acceptance, quality control, ensures traceability, reduces non-conformity, improves productivity, pro-active rather than reactive, identifies areas for improvement, application criteria.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The characteristics of the HACCP system and the particular features that have led to it's universal adoption in the food related industries are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The limitations of HACCP, with regard to the quality assurance of all functions within an exporting organisation, are analysed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The importance of addressing the special needs of export clients and the necessity to provide the quality control mechanisms within a TQMS, to ensure that these needs are met, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Outline the preparation that is required to establish a TQMS. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The preparation includes but is not limited to:
  • TQMS vs. quality control, requirements for a TQMS, components of a TQMS, project team, designate roles and responsibilities, TQMS implementation training, infrastructure and resources. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key differences between a quality control program or system and that of a TQMS and their respective relationships are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The collective requirements for a TQMS, including all quality aspects of the relevant legislation, regulations and international markets are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The essential components of a TQMS are indicated and the function that each performs, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The criteria for the selection of the project team is indicated and the roles and responsibilities for the team members are confirmed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The importance of providing the team with adequate TQMS implementation training is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The infrastructure and resources that have to be provided for the establishment and maintenance of the TQMS are detailed. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Design and plan the TQMS to suit the organisational structures. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The design and planning includes but is not limited to:
  • Process flow diagram, Gantt chart, harmonisation, clients and suppliers included, selection of the CQCPs (Critical Quality Control Points), performance indicators, policies and procedures, gaps in the process, document and record the progress, benchmarking. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The role that the process flow diagram has in the planning and implementation of the TQMS is indicated and the information that it should include, is displayed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Illustrate how planning and scheduling of the implementation plan is developed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The concept of harmonisation with other quality management systems within the context of the TQMS is explained and the methods of achieving this, are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The reasons why clients and suppliers are included in the TQMS structure are explained and the functions that they perform, are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The criteria for the selection of the CQCPs within the process are described and their measurables are clearly defined. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The function of a performance indicator within a CQCP is indicated and the methods to scope the limits of each indicator are shown. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The policies and procedures for monitoring each CQCP are formulated and the essential information that these should contain, is detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The methods to identify any gaps in the process are explained and the procedures to address these are demonstrated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The requirements for an effective documentation system to record the progress and obstacles that are encountered in the establishment of the TQMS are listed and the appropriate system is designed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 10 
    The benchmarking of the designed system against other local or international QMS's and the incorporation of possible improvements is demonstrated. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Implement the designed processes to achieve total quality management. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The implementation includes but is not limited to:
  • TQMS implementation training, maintain management support, system tests, align existing prerequisite programs/systems, establish the communication channels, SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures), CQCPs and their boundaries, performance indicators, information flow, scheduled timelines, document and monitor expenses. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The personnel and stakeholders that should receive TQMS implementation training, prior to the commencement of the installation stage are identified. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of maintaining management support for the project and the necessity of keeping them abreast through progress reports is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The significance of conducting system tests and their value during the installation phase of the TQMS is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The communication channels to disseminate information throughout the process are established. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods to confirm the validity of the CQCPs and their boundaries within the process, as per the design, are employed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The verification and subsequent adoption of the performance indicators, as per the design, are concluded. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The testing of the procedures for monitoring and verifying the CQCPs, as per the design, are finalised. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The necessity of adhering to the scheduled timelines and reporting any obstacles that are encountered, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 9 
    The procedures for documenting the expenses incurred and the necessity to monitor and compare these to the budget, as per the SOPs, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 6 
    Monitor and manage the operation of the TQMS. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The implementation includes but is not limited to:
  • TQMS certification, objectives of monitoring and auditing, frequency of monitoring and auditing, sampling methods, suggestions for improvement. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The key differences between the objectives for the monitoring and auditing exercises are explained and the functions of each are detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The factors to consider in determining the frequency of monitoring and auditing are listed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The parameters for planning and delegating responsibilities for the monitoring of the TQMS are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The sampling methods that are employed to validate the TQMS, as per the SOPs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The necessity to request and note any suggestions for improvement that emanate from a monitoring examination, is explained. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 7 
    Audit the TQMS to validate the process. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    The range includes but is not limited to:
  • Information and data for audit, validate traceability, statistical data, functioning of the CQCPs, possible extra CQCPs, corrective program, lines of communication, audit report, effect positive improvements. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The information and data that is necessary to compile an audit report is detailed. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of circulating the auditing schedule, together with the objectives and procedures that will be used, is explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The procedures to validate the functioning of CQCPs and the identification of extra points that may be required, as per the SOPs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The objectives of examining the corrective program and gauging it's effectiveness, relative to the occurrences of non conformities are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The methods to examine and validate traceability throughout the system, as per the SOPs, are indicated. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The procedures to examine and confirm the effectiveness of the lines of communication throughout the system, as per the SOPs, are described. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The formats for the compilation of the audit report and the analysis of the statistical data that is obtained from the audit are explained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 8 
    The importance of utilising the findings of the report to effect positive improvements to the system is explained. 


    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:
  • Utilising knowledge of the objectives of the TQMS to formulate the monitoring procedures. 
    		•

    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 on the project team in the design and planning of the TQMS. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    The learner is able to organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively by:
  • Coordinating the installation of the TQMS with the normal operations of the stakeholders. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    The learner is able to collect, organise and critically evaluate information by:
  • Formulate the limits of the CQCPs and the reporting systems to verify their effectiveness within 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 the implementation of the TQMS programs and any positive suggestions for these. 
    		•

    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 to map the progress of the installation. 
    		•

    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  58348   National Certificate: Perishable Produce Export Technology  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  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.