Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management with electives in Advanced Human Resources Development IV, Advanced Human Resource Development Strategy and Policy IV, Advanced Labour Relations IV and Advanced Collective Bargaining and Negotiations IV provides vocational and professional administration competence at a managerial level in specialist areas. The qualification is therefore particularly suitable for progressive professional development through the inculcation of a deep and systematic understanding of contemporary practices, theories and methodologies in areas of specialisation.

The purpose of this qualification is to develop graduates who are able to integrate knowledge of the central areas of Human Resource Management, Human Resource Development and Labour Relations as well as provide the learner with the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to these areas. On completion of this qualification learners will have gained detailed knowledge of specialisation in areas of either Human Resource Management or Human Resource Development or Labour Relations, depending on the specialisation area and they will have an understanding of how this knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or practices.

The qualification focuses on applied skills and competencies within areas of specialisation which meet the requirements of specific niches in the labour market therefore empowering qualifying learners to demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in their field of specialisation and their suitability to specific investigations. Qualifying learners will be able to select and apply appropriate methods to solve problems or introduce changes within a practice. This enables qualifying learners to identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.

Achievement of this qualification will enable a learner to register as a Human Resources Candidate with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP).

In addition, this qualification is designed to prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in specific academic disciplines and fields. It will develop their competency to identify, analyse and solve more complex theoretical and industry-related problems through the selection and application of appropriate methods and technique.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management meets the specific career path needs in the Administrative Business environment as confirmed by the industry. This qualification targets learners who have completed the Diploma in Human Resource Management and have entered the industry at operational levels.

This qualification is aimed at empowering learners with focused and applied specialisation which meets the requirements of specific niches in the labour market. It involves specific knowledge and skills to perform at supervisory and managerial levels within multi-disciplinary, administrative environment.

This qualification is therefore particularly suitable for continuing professional development by enabling learners to have a deep and systematic understanding of contemporary business approaches and relevant cutting edge technologies. This qualification also offers learners access to Postgraduate studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Candidates who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

Entry Requirements

• Diploma in Human Resource Management.

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

Compulsory Modules: 80 Credits

• Advanced Strategic Management IV, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Human Resource Management IV, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology IV, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules: 40 Credits (Choose two)

• Advanced Labour Relations IV, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Human Resource Development IV, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Human Resource Development Strategy and Policy IV, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Collective Bargaining and Negotiations IV, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of policies, processes and practices in the field of Human Resource Management.
2. Analyse and develop training programmes within an organisation.
3. Develop and align Human Resources Development strategies and policies within an organisation.
4. Analyse the interactions between employees and management in terms of disputes, working conditions, management issues and employee benefits.
5. Organise oneself and work effectively with others as a team tackling Human Resources Management, Labour Relations, Human Resource Development and other related problems.
6. Analyse the organisation as a set of related functions by applying holistic approaches to Strategic Management.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of academic research methods and designs used within the field of Human Resource Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The context of strategic Human Resource Management is described and explained.
• Strategic Human Resource Management is implemented.
• An understanding of the processes involved with Knowledge Management and the Human Resources role and relevance therein is demonstrated.
• Relatively complex knowledge and skills required for effective implementation of pro-active labour relations systems, strategies, policies, procedures and practices in South African organisations are understood.
• The context of the South African labour laws and influences from various internal and external variables in the South African labour relations environment is explained.
• A variety of pro-active labour relations management strategies and policies in organisational level labour relations management systems are described, developed, applied and critically evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Knowledge to implement Education Training and Development principles in Human Resource and Development programmes and systems is demonstrated.
• Human Resource Development interventions are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Human Resource Development (HRD) strategy and policies are analysed.
• Integrated knowledge is applied to align the Human Resources Development strategy and policy within organisations in a local and national context in order to contribute to the achievement of their overall business objectives.
• The HRD policy and strategy are aligned with the business strategy and the management development programmes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The dynamic role of conflict, commonality, power and trust in collective bargaining is analysed.
• Modern collective bargaining challenges to related historic events are explained.
• The relationship between collective bargaining and economic, social and political variables in the South African labour market is dissected.
• Primary, secondary and tertiary facilitators and inhibitors of desired outcomes in organisational level labour relations management systems are explored.
• Labour relations trends and challenges are analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Working individually and in a team in solving problems related to the Human Resource Management environment is demonstrated.
• Understanding the world as a set of interrelated systems as well as the impact of training and development functions and interventions on an individual and at organisational level is understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Formulation of a detailed vision and mission statement for relevant organisations is shown.
• Corporate level strategies in multi-business corporations are understood.
• Techniques of analysis, decision making, change management and strategy formulation are used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Knowledge of the steps in the research process is demonstrated.
• Different research designs are identified and linked to suitable research studies.
• Knowledge of writing a proposal is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring.

Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes.

The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the learners. In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective examinations 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.