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

Plan and conduct research 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
8559  Plan and conduct research 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Hospitality,Tourism,Travel, Leisure and Gaming 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 11 - Services Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04 
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 
A person assessed as competent against this unit standard will be able to use simple techniques, plan, conduct and evaluate a research project. Evaluation of the project should include the appropriacy of techniques used, and the project plan.

This competence will equip individuals with the competence to pose and answer questions in the workplace through a structured research process. It lays the foundation for research skills at higher levels, and contributes to the development of more reflective workers and workplaces. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
No prior learning is presupposed. 

UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
Guides to the scope and complexity of the specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge are provided in ranges/points beneath each. These are prefaced by "for example" since they are neither comprehensive nor necessarily appropriate to all contexts. Alternatives must however be comparable in scope and complexity. These are intended only as a general guide to scope and complexity of what is required. 

Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
Plan a research project. 
OUTCOME RANGE 
  • A focus on investigating the flow of work through which a product or service is delivered, in a customer-supplier analysis. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:

    Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
    Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
    Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
    Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
    Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (e.g.: reports from a third party).

    Integrated assessment
    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 
  • ASSESSMENT CRITERION NOTES 
    For example / Range:
  • A focus on investigating the flow of work through which a product or service is delivered, in a customer-supplier analysis. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Collate data using more than one simple research technique. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • More than one simple research technique (interviews, focus groups). 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:

    Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
    Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
    Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
    Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
    Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (e.g.: reports from a third party).

    Integrated assessment
    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Analyse data using more than one simple data analysis technique. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • More than one simple data analysis technique (such as a flow charts and bar diagrams). 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:

    Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
    Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
    Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
    Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
    Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (e.g.: reports from a third party).

    Integrated assessment
    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Prepare and present a brief written report on the findings. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • A brief written report (roughly five pages). 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:

    Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
    Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
    Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
    Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
    Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (e.g.: reports from a third party).

    Integrated assessment
    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 

  • SPECIFIC OUTCOME 5 
    Evaluate the effectiveness and appropriacy of the research techniques and project plan. 
    OUTCOME RANGE 
  • Evaluation should include reflection on the appropriacy and effectiveness of techniques selected. 

  • ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    When conducting assessments, assessors must ensure that they are familiar with the full text of the Unit Standards being assessed.

    They must ensure that the assessment covers the specific outcomes, critical cross-field outcomes and essential embedded knowledge.

    As each situation is different, it will be necessary to develop assessment activities and tools, which are appropriate to the contexts in which practitioners are working. These activities and tools may include self-assessment, peer assessment; formative and summative assessment.

    The specific outcomes and essential embedded knowledge must be assessed in relation to each other. If a practitioner is able to explain the essential embedded knowledge but is unable to perform the specific outcomes, they should not be assessed as competent. Similarly, if a practitioner is able to perform the specific outcomes but is unable to explain or justify their performance in terms of the essential embedded knowledge, they should not be assessed as competent.

    METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
    Assessment should include practical demonstration of competence, either in the workplace or through work-realistic, out-of-classroom simulation.

    A range of assessment methods should be used, including:

    Direct observation - watch the practitioner carry out the task or produce a desired outcome during the course of his or her normal work under normal workplace conditions
    Product sample - examine the outcomes previously produced by the practitioner
    Simulation of a specific task - set a specific task for the practitioner to demonstrate in a simulated environment
    Questioning (verbal or written) - ask relevant questions linked to the unit standard
    Testimony - collect a portfolio of evidence from suitable people (e.g.: reports from a third party).

    Integrated assessment
    It may be more effective and efficient to assess a number of unit standards together thus reducing the overall number of assessment 'events'.
  • Consider a complete activity in the workplace (the 'whole of work' approach) and see which unit standards relate to this activity.
  • Work out how practitioners could collect evidence on a number of unit standards at the same time covering all the critical aspects of the standards
  • Ensure that commonalities that exist between a number of unit standards are captured in a way that makes sense for assessment. 


  • UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner or moderating the assessment of a learner against this unit standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA.
    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable the achievement of this unit standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA.
    3. Assessment and moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the ETQA`s policies and guidelines for assessment and moderation; in terms of agreements reached around assessment and moderation between ETQA`s (including professional bodies); and in terms of the moderation guideline detailed under point 4 immediately below.
    4. Moderation must include both internal and external moderation of assessments at exit points of the qualification, unless ETQA policies specify otherwise. Moderation should also encompass achievement of the competence described both in individual unit standards as well as the integrated competence described in the qualification.

    Anyone wishing to be assessed against this qualification may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution which is accredited by the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
    The person acquiring this unit standard should be able to demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of:
    1. An established approach and technique for conducting research.
    2. A Description of at least one alternative approach and technique. 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems (relates to all outcomes). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation or community (relates to all outcomes). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information (relates to all outcomes). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communication (relates to all outcomes). 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO SCIENCE 
    Science & technology (relates to all outcomes). 

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

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    Assessment case studies and other supplementary to be developed through the learnership pilots. 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  48883   Further Education and Training Certificate: Small Business Advising (Information Support)  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  58784   National Diploma: Geospatial Image Analysis  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2020-07-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Fundamental  23513   National Certificate: Fisheries Observation: Inshore  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Fundamental  17492   National Certificate: Tourism: Car Rental  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2004-06-13  CATHSSETA 
    Fundamental  17390   National Certificate: Tourism: Event Support  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2004-06-13  Was CATHSSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  20155   National Certificate: Tourism: Guiding  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2009-09-09  Was CATHSSETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  20513   National Certificate: Tourism: Reception  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2004-10-10  CATHSSETA 
    Fundamental  48855   National Certificate: Emergency Services Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2009-02-18  Was LG SETA until Last Date for Achievement 
    Fundamental  58600   National Certificate: Land Transport Planning  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2012-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  48435   Further Education and Training Certificate: Captive Animal Management  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  CATHSSETA 
    Elective  23976   National Certificate: Local Employment and Skills Development Practices  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Registered" 
    2006-08-13  PSETA 
    Elective  35925   Certificate: Fisheries Observation: Deep Sea  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2023-06-30  AgriSETA 
    Elective  48879   National Diploma: South African Special Forces Operations  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered" 
    2010-04-07  Was SAS SETA until Last Date for Achievement 


    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.