Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is that it will give learners advanced knowledge and skills to become managers (leaders) in the agricultural operations environment. Hence, there is a shortage of advanced skills and a need to promote management competencies within the discipline. Advanced marketing strategies, logistics, supply chain and research are critical in agriculture. The qualification provides learners with vertical articulation possibilities into the Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management.

This qualification satisfies and addresses a specific niche area for prospective managers and supervisors in the agricultural sector. Qualifying learners will be able to apply critical and innovative thinking, problem solving skills, as well as to critically evaluate and apply a range of specialised techniques within the context of agriculture. Learners will have gathered sufficient operational and managerial skills necessary to adhere to the required needs of the socio economic requirements of the region. Qualifying learners will exhibit a fundamental knowledge of research methodology.

Rationale

The Northern Cape region's economic sustainability largely depends on viticulture and livestock operations, therefore there is a need for skilled and properly trained individuals in the field of agricultural Operations and Management.

The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Operations and Management provides further knowledge in Agriculture that allows for horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities. The qualification improves employability, as some modules, which are not included in the undergraduate Diploma, increase skills required by industry. The qualification provides knowledge and skills in areas such as Animal/Livestock Management, Production and Viticulture, and Grapevine Management.

In Animal/Livestock Management and Production, learners will gain in depth knowledge of management and production in the livestock environment and of the technology used in the agricultural management sector.

Viticulture and Grapevine Management is critical within this qualification focus on the production and manufacturing of grapevine and related products.

Qualifying learners will have practical workplace experience gained through the work base placement and their current jobs in agriculture. The Research Methodology module in Agricultural Operations and Management will expose the learner to research methodology and writing reports. This prepares learners for further study towards a Level 8 qualification with a research component.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners can apply for RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements

• Diploma in Agriculture, Level 6.
• An appropriate Bachelor in Agriculture.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 125 Credits.

Compulsory Modules Level 7, 125 Credits

• Agricultural Business Management, 20 Credits.
• Agricultural Software Applications and Operations, 15 Credits.
• Animal/Livestock Management and Production, 25 Credits.
• Crop production, 25 Credits.
• Viticulture and Grapevine Management, 25 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the knowledge and skills to do problem solving in the agricultural management environment.

2.Demonstrate specific knowledge in livestock management and crop production within the agricultural environment.

1. Demonstrate and apply Information and communications technology (ICT) technology knowledge and skills within an agricultural environment.
2. Apply managerial skills and competence within a viticulture and grapevine environment.
3. Apply the ability to do research, investigative data collection and analysis within an agricultural environment.
4. Apply the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing within an agricultural audience.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of agricultural management principles and applications individually and within a team.
6. Engage in independent and lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills.
7. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of agricultural practice within own limits of competence.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• A research project is identified and detailed.
• Appropriate research methods and techniques are selected.
• Practical work is carried out according to the selected protocols.
• Specialised techniques are applied to research and results are interpreted and presented in written and oral form.
• Critical thinking is applied in the analysis of results to solve Agricultural Operations and Management-related problems.
• Knowledge of the legal and ethical implications of Agricultural Operations and Management research is demonstrated.
• Research and routine laboratory work is performed ethically and responsibly.
• Knowledge of the main subject areas in this qualification is demonstrated and applied.

Integrated Assessment

Assessments, both Formative and Summative, while intending to assess content knowledge pertinent to the purpose of the module, will be formulated within the context of the stipulated outcomes for that particular module.

This means that assessments will be structured to comply with evaluating the defined Exit Level Outcomes for that particular module.

By this method all the stipulated qualification outcomes will be addressed progressively within the applicable context of each module up to the exit level of the qualification.

Assessment methods

• Portfolio of evidence.
• Oral assessment.
• Final written project report.
• Written assignments.
• Class presentation.
• Practical group assignment.
• Project completion.
• Simulation (rubric).
• Demonstration.