Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to progress in their understanding of the agricultural field through the inculcation of a deeper and more systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory and methodology in that industrial area.

The learner will also be prepared for further Postgraduate study by the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

As a result, studying towards this qualification will supply the agricultural industry with competent agriculturalists that can be positioned as managers in agricultural enterprises. The qualifying learner will have had exposure and orientation to various agricultural systems and will be competent to manage and apply their basic knowledge, skills and attitudes towards agricultural production at a higher level than was the case with the National Diploma.

Rationale

South Africa on various counts has a limited potential in terms of agricultural production and food security. Sophisticated farming practices have enabled large farming units to not only survive but to increase their profits dramatically. However, the conditions for achieving such profits are also sophisticated and raised commanding barriers to entering the productive agricultural industry.

The number of employing (commercial) farming units has decreased to about 30 000 by 2015. The total number of farm employees has dropped from 1,6 million in 1971 to 628,000 in 2005. Given the population increase over that time, agriculture's contribution to national employment dropped from 8,3% to 1,3% in relative terms. This is still more than for mining sector (419 000) but less than the transport sector (947 000) as in the 2011 national census.

This qualification therefore, is designed to create an economically relevant improved understanding of the general conditions for industrial success in agriculture; the best practices in agricultural production; and the food security of the country, urban in particular.

Such an improved understanding has to be obtained by various means of which tertiary education is core. The importance of managing marginal land in South Africa is both an art and a science as is highlighted by the issues such as: water shortage, natural aridity, the occurrence of salinization, the little fertile land available and the degradation of land by overgrazing. Gaining both the art and the science is a challenge that needs to be managed carefully.

In particular, subsistence farming which benefits more than 2 million South Africans has to benefit from proven best practices. Secondly, those participating in subsistence farming have to be informed of the eco-impact of what they do. Finally, subsistence farmers, especially on land with economic potential, need to see the importance of producing surpluses, i.e. of becoming commercial farmers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL of learners will be conducted on an individual basis in accordance with the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy of the institution. RPL will be provided for access or for awarding of credits.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Agricultural Management.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules: 90 Credits

• Strategic Management 4, 30 Credits.
• Financial Management 4, 30 Credits.
• Research Methodology 1, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules: 30 Credits (Select one module)

• Plant Production 4, 30 Credits.
• Animal Production 4, 30 Credits.

1. Conduct a mini-research project, justify the methodologies used and make a final presentation of the results thereof.
2. Compile a financial management plan for an operational farming enterprise.
3. Formulate a strategic repositioning plan for a farming enterprise on the basis of the analysis of the current situation.
4. Compile and present an enterprise development plan, inclusive of the budget for a selected crop production cycle.
5. Compile an enterprise plan, inclusive of the budget for a selected animal production cycle.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the basic elements and paradigms of proper research.
• Compile a literature review that is relevant to the various aspects of a specific research project.
• Formulate specific research design in terms of current protocols.
• Develop research instruments as appropriate.
• A research project is planned, structured, organised and implemented in an orderly manner and according to the prescribed formats.
• Process the data collected according to a statistically correct manner.
• Analyse and interpret the data collected according to the appropriate criteria for the specific research project.
• Write and present a report on research done according to the applicable criteria.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complete a selected range of financial statements for a farm as per a variety of case studies as provided.
• Analyse the financial information provided for a farming enterprise.
• Draw up the financial management plan of a farming business.
• Perform a number of selected financial management operations.
• Perform a variety of alternative tax planning approaches.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse both the external and the internal environments for farming enterprises.
• Identify some competitive advantages of a specific farming enterprise.
• Conduct a strategic analysis of various aspects of the specific farming enterprise.
• Formulate a mission, vision and desired culture for a farming enterprise.
• Identify all types of goals and objectives for the specific farming enterprise.
• Formulate key implementation policies and a related action plan.
• Formulate strategic repositioning review and control mechanisms.
• Explain the importance of individual leadership for an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Study and report on strategic trends for a selected crop in the local and international scene.
• Compare and match production and management techniques for a selected crop.
• Compile an annual cash flow and budget statement for a current crop production enterprise.
• Explain the principles of making a successful public presentation of an agricultural development plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Analyse an existing livestock enterprise in terms of its adherence to the principles of livestock production.
• Explain the principles of livestock production that apply only to extensive animal production systems.
• Explain the principles of livestock production that apply only to intensive animal production systems.
• Compile an annual cash flow and budget statement for a current livestock production enterprise.
• Compile an elementary development plan for a small livestock enterprise.
• Explain the principles of making a successful public presentation of an agricultural development plan.

Integrated Assessment

Provision is made for integrated assessment in its entirety. The underpinning principle for the achievement of integrated assessment is ensuring that all work and assessments are directed at enabling learners to commence with situations and required decisions in an end-user support environment. Both formative and summative forms of assessment practices are accommodated.

Furthermore, as the qualification is practice-oriented, the theory acquired is put into practice. This synergy between theory and practice are achieved via:

• Addressing a number of outcomes together.
• Clustering a number of assessment criteria together.
• Promoting and raising awareness of the connections and relationships between the knowledge, processes and skills inside the different modules.
• Using a combination of several different assessment methods, instruments and tools to achieve outcome(s).