Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a focused, systematic and specialised understanding of current theory and practice in selected subfields of Agricultural Management. The qualification aims to prepare learners both academically and professionally in the selected fields to manage agricultural enterprises successfully through appropriate planning, organising, directing and controlling the functions and processes of such establishments taking full cognisance of corporate social responsibility including ethical considerations.

Learners will be able to collect, analyse and critically review data for effective business and financial decision-making and communicate such decisions and relevant information coherently and reliably. They will also be able to integrate the general theories, principles, key concepts, practices and techniques of Agricultural Management and Planning and apply them to specific fields of production in the agricultural industry.

Rationale

The agricultural industry of South Africa is regarded as a strategically important natural resource due to its contribution to the national economy, employment creation as well as food security. The complexity of the industry requires highly skilled employees that are adequately trained in the management of complex systems. The industry is based on intensively managed systems that are located in a diverse biophysical environment. It is highly regulated in terms of legislative framework, and it is often in conflict with broader ecosystem values. Therefore, the industry depends on a workforce that is influenced by a dynamic labour market.

In order to stay competitive, it relies on the development of sophisticated management and planning systems. These complexities have resulted in job profile differentiation at middle and higher level management. The Advanced Diploma therefore will play an important role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable agricultural industry. The qualification will grant learners the opportunity to specialise in a selected spectrum of disciplines in order to prepare them for middle level management functions in the agricultural industry.

The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management will prove to be a pivotal programme providing a bridge between academic, professional, vocational and technical learning, reaching "beyond a particular application or specialisation" signalling to the labour market that Diplomates "are able to meet the full range of challenges normally associated with the occupation" (NSDS111) 2011/12-2015/16 (DHET 29 April 2010: 15). In this way the qualification will contribute to the South African economy a cohort of well-schooled, competent and enthusiastic agricultural managers that can drive the process of creating, managing and sustaining a vibrant agricultural production environment, and, as an outflow of that, establish many sustainable production and employment opportunities.

In addition, The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI 2005: 7) emphasised the need for unlocking the potential of South African entrepreneurs by enhancing their competitiveness and capabilities at enterprise level. This requires (a) the strengthening of their managerial, business and technical skills and (b) the facilitation of improved quality, productivity and competitiveness. DTI also indicated that information, research, monitoring and evaluation are vital foundational competences required in the process.

Furthermore, the training and development of agriculture and agricultural management skills in the industry is one of the top priorities of the Government. This will place this programme in the forefront in the training of Agricultural Managers and prepare the route in developing future academics in the industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant's experience in an agricultural and/or business environment will be considered and competence in the relevant fields, including numeracy, computer and communications competence, will be assessed in order to determine whether applicants can be admitted to the qualification.

The Departmental/Faculty policy, derived from the institutional policy, requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis. The applicant will approach the Head of Department of the relevant specialisation regarding the Faculty RPL policy and process. The Head of Department (HOD) will advise the candidate whether or not the RLP process is an option. Applicants who qualify to pursue this option will complete the standard application form upon which the HOD will nominate an assessor to be approved by the FMC. The appointed assessor will meet with the applicant to explain the RPL assessment process, the specific assessment criteria and the type and format of evidence(s) required. The HOD will verify that quality assurance requirements have been met. The outcome of the RPL process, including written reports by the assessor and a recommendation regarding status recognition and admission to the respective specialisation stream will be documented by the HOD concerned and the final decision regarding the RPL status of the applicant will be presented to the FMC. The FMC secretary will communicate the FMC decision to the Faculty Officer, who in turn will communicate the outcome to the applicant. Unsuccessful applicants will be referred to the CAAR assessment consultant to be advised on alternative options available to them. Appeals concerning the outcome of the RPL process will be lodged with the Faculty Officer who will inform the HOD and for placement on the FMC agenda.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• A three-year Diploma in Agricultural Management.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 7, totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules (95 Credits)

• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management: Agriculture, 25 Credits.
• Leadership Development, 25 Credits.
• Strategic Management: Agriculture, 25 Credits.

Elective modules (choose one - 25Credits)

• Animal Production, 25 Credits.
• Plant Production, 25 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of agricultural management within the Southern African context.
2. Integrate and apply the latest developments in the various management disciplines as well as appropriate technology in order to manage agricultural operations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to manage an agricultural operation through the application of appropriate strategic, operational and financial management and leadership principles and practices with full cognisance of corporate social responsibility as well as ethical and environmental considerations.
4. Plan, manage and evaluate agricultural production cycles of selected enterprises by applying relevant production techniques.
5. Plan, manage and conclude basic applied research activities by applying relevant agricultural research principles and analytical techniques, and presenting findings and conclusions coherently and reliably using appropriate academic and professional discourse conventions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse, evaluate and discuss the nature, dynamics, composition, functioning and structure of the agricultural industry in southern Africa.
• Apply the technical aspects of the various disciplines in the agriculture value chain in strategic and operational agricultural management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate level-appropriate competence by identifying, contextualising, analysing and addressing typical challenges faced regularly by middle and senior level business managers in the identified fields, applying knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Describe the relationship that exists between the internal workings of an agri-business and the surrounding environment, including key factors such as leadership and production techniques, as well as the integration of ethical, social and environmental measures vital to enhance the sustainability of the agriculture and production environment.
• Define the level of commitment required by an agricultural production unit manager in the pursuit of production goals and objectives by relating it to the programmes and products, staff development, motivation, wellness and training, resources, information management, monitoring of progress and stakeholder satisfaction.
• Link key strategies with key agricultural production processes and align relevant resources with the purpose of improving overall performance with specific reference to financial, market and business indicators.
• Identify and link instances of visionary and inspirational leadership to the associated values, strategies, production techniques and social responsibility for achieving excellence and sustainable food security.
• Made functional production management, operational and financial decisions, based on relevant data, both independently and as member of a team and determine the impact of such decisions on other aspects or areas of the agriculture value chain.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use nutrition/fertilisation technology and methods, practices, tools commonly associated with Agricultural Production and Management to enhance productivity.
• Use relevant techniques (financial, strategic, and production) with due consideration of the application possibilities and limitations of such techniques as well as the need for environmental sustainability.
• Maintain competence by staying abreast of the latest developments in agricultural production techniques, practices, tools and information technology (the principle of life-long learning).
• Illustrate and determine the impact of commercial, integrated production and organic production on the sustainability of the specific enterprises in the various fields of agricultural production.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and briefly formulate pertinent agriculture-related research problems, questions or issues.
• Conduct literature searches in order to contextualise and frame the research problem, question or issue and frame the area of investigation.
• Develop a theoretical framework for the research design and determine the most suitable method of investigation.
• Collect, analyse, process and interpret the relevant data making use of appropriate data gathering techniques, appropriate software and analytical tools.
• Prepare and present a research report with findings, conclusions and recommendations that meet the requirements of a scientific document and academic style.

Integrated Assessment

The method of assessment may vary according to the module purpose, its subject matter and the teaching and learning approach adopted. Some modules are theoretically oriented; others require a more practical, hands-on approach. This will be reflected in the assessment procedures.

Formative Assessment

Formative Assessment will be based on a mixture of assignments during the year, ranging from informal and formal presentations to informal tests and progress checks during contact sessions. The outcomes of these assessments will be used to provide feedback to students and lecturers in order to facilitate improved learning.

Summative Assessment

In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective annual examinations (summative assessment) learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.

In order to gain much needed practical experience as agricultural managers, students will be required to spend time simulating typical day-to-day managerial tasks and duties required of managers. In addition, level-appropriate research projects, which may include fieldwork, in each specialization will be purposefully assigned, organized and monitored by lecturers based on the module learning outcomes. This might include the analyses of case studies that incorporate elements of the socio-ecological as well as business environments of the agricultural industry.

The assessment topics and tasks, their format and criteria will be set out in the student module guides made available at the beginning of each semester.