Advanced Diploma in Game Ranch Management

Purpose

The qualification aims to prepare learners both academically and professionally in the selected fields to manage wildlife operations and systems successfully through appropriate planning, organising, directing and controlling the functions and processes of such establishments, taking full cognizance of the economic, social and environmental considerations of this industry. Learners will be able to collect, analyse and critically review information and data for effective game ranch management and decision-making, and communicate such decisions and relevant information coherently and reliably.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Game Ranch Management is to allow learners the opportunity to specialise in a selected spectrum of disciplines in order to prepare them for middle level management functions in the game ranch and natural resource management industries. Furthermore, it also allows academic achievement at advanced levels.

The diverse nature of the game ranch management industry allows employees to specialise in their career progression. This necessitates the availability of a qualification that provides the opportunity for specialisation. Qualifying learners may be employed as Game ranch managers and will l be in great demand nationally and internationally. Qualifying learners will make a critical contribution to sustainable conservation and wildlife management as well as natural resource management in the broad sense.

Sustainability lies central to the game industry, and the industry requires highly skilled employees who are adequately trained in the management of complex natural as well as socio-ecological systems. 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 game ranch management industry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant's experience in the game industry 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 programme in line with the Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy.

The RPL policy requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis. The applicant will l complete the standard application form An 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 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 communicated to the applicant. Applicants may appeal against the outcome of the RPL process.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• A three-year Diploma in Game Ranch Management or equivalent qualification at Level 6.

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

Compulsory modules

• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Game Ranch Economics, 25 Credits.
• Game Ranch Management, 25 Credits.
• Game Ranch Strategic Management, 25 Credits.
• Game Science, 25 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of game ranch management within the southern African context.
2. Integrate and apply the latest developments in game ranch planning and management systems as well as appropriate technology in order to manage game ranching operations.
3. Demonstrate the ability to manage a game ranch management project through the application of appropriate strategic, operational and financial management and leadership principles and practices with full cognizance of corporate social responsibility as well as ethical and environmental considerations.
4. Plan, manage and conclude basic research activities by applying relevant research principles and analytical techniques, and presenting findings and conclusions coherently and reliably using appropriate academic and professional discourse conventions.
5. Plan, manage and evaluate game production cycles by applying relevant production and utilisation techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The nature, dynamics, composition, functioning and structure of the game ranch management industry in Southern Africa are analysed, evaluated and discussed.
• The technical aspects of the various disciplines in the game ranch management environment are applied in strategic and operational implementation of sustainable utilisation principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Level-appropriate competence is demonstrated by identifying, contextualising, analysing and addressing typical challenges faced regularly by middle level game ranch managers in the identified fields, applying knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices and techniques..
• Options and strategies are evaluated and well-motivated solutions are recommended.
• Critical awareness of various schools of thought that result in different perspectives and approaches to dealing with typical game ranch managerial issues, such as individual business and management decisions, applications, strategies and ethical considerations, is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The relationship that exists between the internal workings of game ranch management projects and the surrounding environment, including key factors such as leadership and corporate agility, programme performance, as well as the integration of ethical, social and environmental measures vital to the successful functioning of any such projects, will be described.
• The level of commitment required by a game ranch manager in the pursuit of goals and objectives is defined by relating it to the programmes and products, staff development, motivation, wellness and training, resources, information management, monitoring of progress and stakeholder satisfaction.
• The perceptions of stakeholders of particular business establishments as well as neighbouring communities are analysed with a view to identifying causes of stakeholder concerns and building positive customer and community relationships.
• Instances of visionary and inspirational leadership are identified and linked to the associated values, strategies, systems and methods of corporate social responsibility for achieving excellence and innovation in game ranch management, research and technological developments.
• Functional management and operational and financial decisions, based on relevant data, are made both independently and as member of a team and the impact of such decisions on other aspects or areas of game ranch management projects are determined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Pertinent game ranch management-related research problems, questions or issues are identified and briefly formulated.
• Literature searches are conducted in order to contextualise and frame the research problem, question or issue and frame the area of investigation.
• A theoretical framework for the research design is developed and the most suitable method of investigation determined.
• The relevant data are collected, analysed, processed and interpreted, making use of appropriate data gathering techniques, appropriate software and analytical tools.
• A research report is prepared and presented with findings, conclusions and recommendations that meet the requirements of a scientific document and academic style.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Veldt management practices commonly associated with game production and management are used to enhance productivity.
• Relevant techniques (financial, strategic, and production) are used with due consideration of the application possibilities and limitations of such techniques as well as the need for environmental sustainability.
• Competence is maintained by staying abreast of the latest developments in game production techniques, practices, tools and information technology (the principle of life-long learning).
• Various utilisation methods and their application and suitability in alternative commercial game enterprises are demonstrated.

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 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.

In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective annual examinations (summative assessment) students 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 game ranch 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 specialisation will be purposefully assigned, organised 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 game ranch 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.