Advanced Diploma in Logistics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to professionally prepare students with specialist knowledge in the field of Logistics. The content of the qualification is tailored and designed to enhance the skills of the student to be equipped as a logistics practitioner, as well as prepare students for postgraduate studies in logistics and/or other relevant qualifications.

Research methodology is offered at an introductory level which will expose the student to research in the discipline of Logistics and supply chain management. The introduction of research concepts on this level will prepare the student for research in the same field at Postgraduate Level.

Graduates of the qualification will be equipped with the knowledge, skill and competencies necessary to manage the logistics function, as well as logistics projects in various organisations in an advanced capacity.

Rationale

This qualification will replace the Bachelor of Technology: Logistics qualification on Level 7 and introduce a Postgraduate Diploma on Level 8 for articulation to relevant Master's and Doctorate Degrees. The Bachelor of Technology: Logistics qualification is in the process of being phased out and will not be offered at the institution after 2019.

The Advanced Diploma in Logistics provides professional preparation for students in logistics or supply chain management. The qualification also provides opportunity for graduates of other related tertiary qualifications to enter the field of logistics. The field of logistics has been included in the National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand released by the Department of Higher Education and Training in 2014. This qualification will assist in the future development of South Africa by producing graduates who are adequately skilled and competent to occupy the skills gap in the field of logistics and supply chain management in both the public and private sector. The qualification was designed to align with comparable qualifications nationally and internationally. The Advanced Diploma in Logistics is closely comparable to the Advanced Diploma in Logistics and Transport and the Advanced Diploma in Logistics offered by two other local universities.

This qualification will be offered over one year, on a full-time basis. The qualification design will provide students with flexible options for completing the qualification over an extended period. Successful graduates of this qualification will be eligible for a Postgraduate Diploma or a Honours Degree in Logistics and Supply Chain Management or any other related field. Logistics and supply chain management is a niche area in the surrounding industry and community in the Vaal Triangle area and the Advanced Diploma in Logistics will provide students with a competitive edge in the sector.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Relevant and sufficient experience in the logistics and transportation sector will be considered. Academic performance in past qualifications will be taken into consideration. These applications for admission will be considered individually by a panel appointed by the institution. The application will be evaluated according to the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning process. All applicants to the Advanced Diploma in Logistics are subjected to a screening process. Applicants will be advised of the outcome of their application through formal communication channels.

Applications for RPL will be evaluated by a committee composed of two heads of department from the Faculty of Management Sciences, two senior members of the Department of Logistics and a representative of the Centre for Academic Development. The decision of this committee is binding and will be communicated to the Admissions Office, who will then inform the applicant of the outcome of his/her application.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has taken place

• The candidate applies for RPL against a module or part-/full qualification at the relevant department (to the Head of Department).
• An exemption form is completed for the RPL of modules or part/full qualification.
• Credits are awarded for relevant, approved prior learning (RPL).
• The prospective candidate may then continue with full registration.

The details of the Faculty RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior accredited learning has not taken place

• The candidate applies for RPL against a module or part-/full qualification at the relevant department (to the HOD).
• A RPL Officer is appointed from among subject heads (subject experts) in the department.
• The subject expert meets with the candidate to conduct pre-screening (evaluation) to ascertain the viability of the application based on qualification requirements (i.e. Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria).
• The candidate prepares evidence of work (a portfolio of evidence) and/or any other relevant proof of evidence (e.g. practical work, assignments and/or assessments). The evidence needs to be submitted to the RPL Officer for the RPL evaluation process.
• The candidate then completes a RPL form and submits it to the RPL Officer.
• An assessor from the department is then appointed.
• Evidence submitted by the candidate is assessed by the assessor. Additional evidence may be requested.
• A moderator from the department's advisory board and from the candidate's industry is appointed.
• The moderator moderates the candidate's evidence.
• The moderator reports on the assessor's judgement.
• The RPL outcome is presented to the Faculty Board by the RPL Officer.
• If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application to independently appoint a moderator or the institution's Registrar can be done. The process of moderation will then resume.
• If RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for this qualification are

• A National Diploma (Logistics/ Supply Chain Management), Level 6.

Or

• Diploma (Logistics/ Supply Chain Management), Level 6, minimum 360 Credits.

Or

• Any other relevant National Diploma or Diploma, Level 6.

Or

• A Bachelor of Commerce in any relevant field, Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory modules

• Advanced Logistics Management Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Transport Economics Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Transport Operations Management Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Logistics Management Systems Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Logistics Management Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Transport Economics Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Transport Operations Management Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Logistics Management Systems Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 2, 12 Credits.

1. Apply logistics management principles to identify and solve well-defined organisational problems.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of logistics on society, industry and the economy.

• Gather, unpack and reconstruct information.
• Apply knowledge in a real world situation.
• Function across different disciplines and practice boundaries.
• Solve problems systematically and in an efficient manner.
• Demonstrate an analytical ability in dealing with solutions to problems.
• Show an ability to be resourceful.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment of modules in the Advanced Diploma in Logistics qualification will be in line with the assessment policy of the institution. Learning outcomes for all learning units and modules will be specified in the learner guides and will be used as the reference mark that must be satisfied in order for a candidate to obtain a pass mark.

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be conducted using class tests, group presentations and assignments. Assignments will usually take the form of case study analyses.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment will be in the form of a final examination at the end of each semester. The opportunity of sitting for a supplementary examination is available to those who intend to rewrite the examination for any reason.

Informal assessment will be in the form of quizzes, peer assessment and feedback sessions. Assessments will be designed to meet the standard of a Level 7 qualification. In each assessment, appropriate rubrics are designed and used to provide an authentic system of evaluating the candidates' work.

Experiential learning is not applicable to this qualification.