Advanced Diploma in Facility Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Facility Management is to produce dynamic leaders with exceptional facility management skills. The qualification is unique in the educational context as it focuses on the entire scope of the management of maintenance /soft services /space planning which are essential for efficient and effective Facility Management in the corporate context.

The qualification is intended for learners who are

• Employed in the facility management field without a qualification and wish to advance in Facility Management (FM).
• Employed in FM, with qualifications and wish to advance their knowledge of the field.
• Have the existing qualifications in other fields and wish to change to FM.

The qualification provides specialisation for learners who are new to the FM field by offering an intensive and focused qualification in FM. The qualification meets the requirements of a specific niche in the labour market for learners who wish to move into the economy sector which remains healthy despite the impact of the COVID-related lockdowns. It is anticipated the learner intake in the first year to increase over time as the qualification becomes known in the marketplace.

The qualification is primarily vocational in nature and emphasises general principles together with practices and more specific procedures concerning the FM scope required by demand organisations and its application in the corporate context. It provides Facility Managers with a sound knowledge base and equips them with skills to undertake more specialised and intensive learning in the FM field. The qualification provides a holistic overview of the field and encompasses the best, tried and tested practices in the Facility Management context.

Upon the completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Undertake independent research and present complex FM-related information reliably and effectively to all levels, including the top management level of the organisation.
• Apply the integrated knowledge of management, systems, processes, and resources for a functional leadership role in any organisation.
• Apply the strategic leadership of the FM function such as soft services; maintenance management; space planning and management in an organisational context across all sectors of the economy.
• Examine the best practices, principles, models, and processes of integrated facility maintenance management applicable to the built environment.
• Analyse the best practices, principles, models, and processes of integrated facility soft services management for any demand organisation.
• Discuss the strategic facility management system as it applies to the organisation.

Rationale

The South African Facility Management (SAFM) industry shows continued growth with a demand for well-qualified staff, amongst both Facility Management users and providers of all sectors - private as well as state-owned. The qualification gives priority to the needs of and the advancement of the SAFM industry.

The Global FM market generated revenue of $1.5b in 2028 and Africa has the highest growth. The footprint of FM in the economy contributed 2.6% of the Gross National Product of the SA economy, employed 1,7% of the total workforce and recorded an industry growth rate of 7.7%. (Global FM Market Report 2017). An economy with systemic growth problems and a vibrant industry must be encouraged and supported with relevant education.

With sensitivity to international standards and local requirements, the qualification intends to produce dynamic leaders with exceptional facility management skills. The qualification forms part of the holistic learning path in FM. Senior positions have historically been dominated by individuals with NQF Level 7 qualifications. The South African Facilities Management Association (SAFMA), highest professional designation is also set for people who have ten years of experience and an NQF Level 7 qualification or equivalent. This change indicates the need for a qualification which covers the entire field of FM, especially given that a higher qualification will also open doors to senior management positions in the industry. Learners will be able to articulate and aspire to more advanced levels of education.

The qualification will also enhance access to senior positions in FM by allowing people with NQF Level 6 qualifications to shift to the FM field, which is a healthy industry despite the very unhealthy economy in which it functions.

The learning path will provide FM qualifications that will break the stranglehold that related university qualifications still have on career advancement for FM professionals in the industry. The qualification will offer articulation for those with related lower-level qualifications to compete for management-level positions in the industry.

The qualification is designed to meet the needs of employers and property owners, including the state by providing a theoretical, practical, and skills-orientated programme with sufficient and appropriate experiential learning. The qualification provides the academic development and mentorship of learners who are involved in the management of facility management. This qualification was developed in response to the workplace need for competent facilities managers with a holistic perspective on FM and who can work across all economic sectors. An online survey soliciting industry views showed overwhelming support for the qualification. SAFMA was also consulted and supported the qualification.

Growth of the local Facility Management (FM) industry has consistently outperformed the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and Gross National Product (GNP) figures over the last three decades. Regular pre-COVID industry research commissioned by SAFMA shows continued growth with a demand for well-qualified staff across all sectors of the economy. The qualification gives priority to the skills needed in the FM industry and the advancement thereof. The qualification incorporates international standards (ISO) and best

practices as well as local requirements which will produce dynamic leaders with the necessary facility management knowledge and skills.

The qualification focuses on the following key functional areas

• Soft services management within the built environment like cleaning, catering and security, the most FM visceral services that directly impact building users.
• Maintenance management of the built environment in the areas of civil, mechanical, and electrical maintenance, and while these services are mostly basement activities which may go unnoticed by the end-user, they are essential for a healthy and safe working environment.
• Space planning and management of the built environment which incorporates the use and layout of the available space, the appropriate furnishings and fit-out, and space standards which sets the tone for the look-and-feel of work environments but more importantly has a significant impact on user productivity.

Given that FM is the second highest operational expenditure item for most organisations (after HR) optimising these services is essential for efficient and effective management of the core business or demand organization. Excellence in managing these services contributes directly to staff engagement, productivity, and retention. The demand for Facility Managers who understand the impact of the full FM scope and its integrated management has never been higher, especially in a world of work that has been affected by the impact of COVID-related lockdowns and the resultant economic decline. More organisations are under pressure to optimise and professionalise FM. The operational FM costs amount to some 20% of the operational corporate expenditure of most organisations, which highlights the need for professional Facility Managers with the necessary knowledge and skills to manage the full scope of FM. Learners who complete this qualification may apply for professional registration from the SAFMA against their highest professional designation (Accredited Facilities Professional (AFP)) and enable them to compete for managerial FM positions in the corporate / enterprise context.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Certificate in Facility Maintenance Management, NQF Level 6.
• Advanced Certificate in Logistics Management, NQF Level 6.
• Advanced Certificate in Operations Management, Level 6.
• Advanced Certificate in Project Management, NQF Level 6.
• Diploma in Management, NQF Level 6.
• Diploma in Logistics Management, NQF Level 6.
• Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 6.
• Diploma in Management Sciences, NQF Level 6.
• Diploma in Operations Management, NQF Level 6.
• Occupational Diploma in Facilities Management, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Business Communication and Research, 10 Credits.
• Facility Management Theory, 20 Credits.
• Management for Facility Managers, 20 Credits.
• FM Maintenance Management, 20 Credits.
• FM Soft Services Management, 20 Credits.
• FM Space Planning and Management, 20 Credits.
• Capstone Project, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate the ability to undertake independent research, and present complex FM-related information reliably and effectively to all levels, including the top management level of the organisation.
2. Demonstrate the integrated knowledge of management, systems, processes, and resources for a functional leadership role in any demanding organisation.
3. Demonstrate the integrated knowledge of the strategic leadership of the full FM function (soft services; maintenance management; space planning and management) in an organisational context across all sectors of the economy.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the best practices, principles, models, and processes of integrated facility maintenance management applicable to the built environment.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the best practices, principles, models, and processes of integrated facility soft services management for any demand organisation.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategic facility management system applied to an organisation.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the field and the ability to use FM terminology, concepts, and benefits appropriately in the work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Complete an integrated yet simulated audit of current organisational work-based FM practices as compared to Facility Management (FM) best practices and standards.
• Facilitate a strategic FM framework for the Demand Organisation (DO) to ensure alignment with the corporate business plan.
• Conduct practical and academic research to explain and document the policies, processes and systems required for the integrated management of comprehensive FM service delivery, including maintenance, soft services, and space planning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Examine and document the resource requirements for effective and optimal FM service delivery to the DO and its users.
• Apply the principles of management (such as planning, budgeting implementation and control) to the operations of the three core areas of FM service delivery (maintenance, soft services, and space planning).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Evaluate and apply good corporate governance and management principles, frameworks, and processes in a demand organisation.
• Assess the demand organisation strategy and align the FM function with other core and support functions.
• Analyse and evaluate the principles and practices regarding strategic management pertaining to the full FM function, in any demand organisation.
• Explore the role of a manager in the integrated FM function, evaluate and apply the principles of self-management.
• Evaluate and apply principles and practices regarding the relationship with peers and seniors and outline the strategy for building relationships and personal reputation in the organisation.
• Apply the management of personnel principles to the integrated FM function (hard, soft and space services) in any demand organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Critique the maintenance strategy, policy, and procedures used in any demand organisation.
• Apply the facility maintenance planning and procedures to develop a comprehensive framework for the demand organisation requirements, with an emphasis on the building inventory, condition assessment and maintenance operations including sourcing and service level agreements.
• Analyse the statutory and standards framework for maintenance management for the demand organisation in the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Critique the facility soft services strategy, policy, and procedures for the demand organisation.
• Apply the facility soft services planning and processes to develop a comprehensive framework for integrated delivery and resource requirements in the demand organisation, including sourcing and service level agreements.
• Analyse the best practice, standards, and statutory framework for facility soft services management for the demand organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Critique the space planning strategy, policy, and procedures for any demand organisation.
• Apply the space strategy, policy, layout plans and processes to develop a comprehensive framework for the implementation and resource requirements for the demand organisation with an emphasis on the space needs, inventory, and usage, including possible sourcing and service level agreements.
• Analyse the space planning and management framework of the demand organisation by applying best practice principles, standards, and the statutory framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply the FM function to the statutory and standards framework for FM (Management System) used by the demand organisation.
• Analyse the sourcing and service level agreements for optimal FM service delivery to the demand organisation.
• Examine the integrated nature of FM strategy, policy and plans, processes, procedures, and systems at the corporate level of the demand organisation.