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: 

Demonstrate an understanding of supply chain concepts 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
262263  Demonstrate an understanding of supply chain concepts 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Transport and Logistics Operations 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Transport, Operations and Logistics 
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
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 will be useful for people who are required to facilitate transport operations within a framework of company specific policies, processes and procedures. They facilitate the movement of freight, including goods, passengers or livestock, from origin to destination in terms of stakeholder requirements. Facilitating transport operations include the carriage of freight and passengers into, through and out of organisations and their distribution channels.

This unit standard will recognise the essential knowledge and skills required to coordinate transport operations to add value within a supply chain.

People credited with this unit standard are able to:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the key components and features of supply chains.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of supply chain concepts.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of transport in supply chains.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role of technology in supply chain management.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of a mode of transport and its place in the transport sector in South Africa. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that a learner will be competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    N/A 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the key components and features of supply chains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The concept supply chain is defined in terms of key stages, and generally accepted understanding in the sector. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Stages include:
  • Raw, manufactured, warehoused, retailer, consumer, waste.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Major components of supply chains are explained in terms of their role and contribution within the supply chain. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Components include:
  • Transport, logistics, warehousing, procurement, manufacturing, retail, consumer.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Key role players in the supply chain are described in terms of their contribution and relationship with other role players in the chain. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Role players include but are not limited to:
  • 3rd party logistics or 4th party logistics, authorities (ports, harbours, industry bodies, quasi-legal
    bodies/regulatory), government (health, licensing, permits, safety, Security, Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SSHEQ) practices), municipalities (abnormal freight escort/routing), inter-departmental dependencies.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Factors that impact on supply chains are described in terms of their effect. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Factors include but are not limited to:
  • Environmental (weather/conditions), law enforcement/border posts, traffic, and traffic control, market forces, road conditions, resources (including 3rd party), cost, and operational factors.
     
    		•

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Demonstrate an understanding of supply chain concepts. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The importance of the alignment of elements within a supply chain in the provision of seamless, cost-effective, end-to-end solutions is described and explained with reference to choices, opportunities and standards. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Elements include:
  • Product, place, price, person, time and quality.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The difference between managing inventory and moving cargo as a key concept is explained with reference to its implications for planning and operations. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The importance of service level agreements is explained with reference to standards set, feasibility of standards, and customer service. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The importance of cost in supply chains is described and explained with reference to the cost of cross-modal relationships, frequency and manner of stock handling, and the design of the supply chain. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The relative advantages and disadvantages of minimal handling and hub-and-spoke systems is discussed with reference to specific examples drawn from own operating environment and/or experience. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The implications of ineffective links in the supply chain are described with reference to the value chain and the impact of individual decisions on the effectiveness of the chain, on customer services, on product, and on cost. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role of transport in supply chains. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The value-adding contribution of transport to the supply chain is described with reference to the physical movement to different value-adding locations in a cost effective manner. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of meeting client specifications in the movement and delivery of goods is explained with reference to the service provided and its value to the client. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Specifications include but are not limited to:
  • Temperature logs, product samples, record keeping, contamination, preservation of the cold chain.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The implications of different types of commodities for transport are described with reference to special requirements, transport capacity and time. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Requirements include:
  • Bulk, cold chain, handling.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The need for speed of movement in the supply chain is discussed with reference to the relative value and bulk of commodities, the capacity of elements of the supply chain, and the time-value of money. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the role of technology in supply chain management. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Different information systems are identified and explained in terms of their role and the value they add to operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Systems include but are not limited to:
  • Fleet management systems, cargo monitoring systems, tracking and tracing systems, warehouse management systems, computerised picking systems, RFID (radio frequency identification, labelling), in-cab monitoring systems, COSMOS (containers), GCOS (general cargoes), satellite tracking, real-time tracking systems, environmental emissions monitoring.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The importance of integrated information systems over the whole supply chain is explained with reference to coherence of information, and customer retention. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The use of technology in tracking and tracing is described with reference to company and client access to information, and the impact on customer service delivery. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The advantages of technology for vehicle/vessel/craft/line management are explained with reference to the range of information available on operating costs. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes but is not limited to:
  • Fuel usage, load information, capacity, routes, loading points, trip duration.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    The role of technology in communication is discussed with reference to the importance of tracking vehicles/vessels/crafts/lines and loads at all stages, and providing accurate and up-to-date information to clients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The importance of managing the interfaces across the supply chain is explained with reference to effective communication, information management and seamless supply chain management. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Demonstrate an understanding of a mode of transport and its place in the transport sector in South Africa. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
    Mode of transport means:
  • Road or rail or maritime or aerospace or pipeline. 
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The contribution of own mode of transport to the transport system in the country, and to the national economy, is described as a percentage of total value and quantity. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Major infrastructural developments affecting transport in South Africa are identified in relation to the possible benefits to, or impact on, own operations. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Development includes:
  • Nodes/terminals, ports, legislative, technological, political, economic, environmental.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats for own operation are identified, described and supported with reference to relevant examples from own operating environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Opportunities for networking and/or multi-modal operations are identified and described with reference to specific examples relevant to own operation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 5 
    Advantages and disadvantages of own and other modes of transport are described in terms of the possibilities for multi-modal links to clients. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 6 
    The competitive edge of own operation is identified and used in presenting prospective services to clients. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information includes but is not limited to:
  • Comparative and economic advantages under different circumstances.
     
    		•

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 7 
    The implications of links with other modes for the conduct of own operations are identified and described with reference to processing, packing, storing and discharge. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed against the unit standard (including through RPL) may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant Education and Training Quality Assurance body (ETQA), or one with an appropriate memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the relevant ETQA.
  • Anyone assessing a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this unit standard, or assessing this unit standard, must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA, or one with an appropriate MOU with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation should include both internal and external moderation where applicable. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

    Note:
  • The purpose of this standard is to recognise the competence to provide seamless solutions across different transport modes. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

    Note:
  • The nature of the supply chain implies extended, even cross-organisational teamwork. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.

    Note:
  • Core to the standard: Organisation is critical to provide seamless end-to-end service. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.

    Note:
  • Information management is critical, accurate gathering and dissemination is central to the purpose of this standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively, using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

    Note:
  • Critical: Information management is critical, accurate gathering and dissemination is central to the purpose of this standard. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Use science and technology effectively and critically showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.

    Note:
  • Technology plays a vital part in information management where databases and websites are established and maintained to provide information to clients. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

    Note:
  • Essential viewpoint for management of information and goods across a whole supply chain impacted as it is by any number of factors. 
    		•

    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 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Elective  65529   Further Education and Training Certificate: Transport Operations  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  TETA 


    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.
     
    1. Edu Wize Group Pty Ltd 
    2. Learning Exchange Pty (Ltd) 
    3. Quantum Leap College Pty Ltd 
    4. Training Consultant and SD College 


    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.