Advanced Diploma in Management

Purpose

This qualification seeks to prepare students for Postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in management and related fields. The theoretical underpinning will enable students to formulate, undertake and resolve complex theoretical as well as practical problems through the use of relevant management tools and techniques. Furthermore, this qualification prepares students to take up opportunities in the value chain as well as different sectors of the economy. The composition of the programme is such that it provides students with competences to provide a broad but in-depth understanding of management. This is achieved by focusing on areas including but not limited to strategic management, project management, human resources management, managerial finance as well as business research.

Rationale

This qualification is necessary in that it provides vertical articulation for students who have graduated from the Diploma in Retail Business Management. The qualification further widens the scope within the management discipline by preparing students for Postgraduate studies through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices within the management discipline.

This qualification is designed to advance general and strategic management skills, analytical skills, leadership skills, as well as facilitate people development within organisations. The qualification will serve as pathway for strengthening the intermediate phase management. Professionals and management practitioners with this qualification will be conversant in the relevant theoretical and practical knowledge, training, support and intervention skills, as well as assessments strategies for addressing the challenges in the management practice.

In addition, the qualification aims to

• Provide students with a deeper understanding of technical and pedagogical content knowledge for the effective, management and practice within diverse contexts.
• Provide theories and action research in management and related fields.
• Be relevant to a variety of professions in the fields of business management.
• Enable students to demonstrate competence to entrepreneurship and business management through problem solving.
• To develop students who are able to think laterally, critically and creatively.
• To encourage students to engage in life-long learning.
• To develop students who understand and are capable of ethical practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be conducted in line with the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) policy and guidelines on RPL. Candidates for RPL admission will be required to demonstrate suitability either through work experience (minimum of three years relevant work experience) and/or other prior learning that has taken place.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Postgraduate Diploma are

• A relevant Diploma at Level 6.

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

• Strategic Management, 24 Credits.
• Project Management, 24 Credits.
• Human Resources Management, 24 Credits.
• Business Research, 24 Credits.
• Managerial Finance, 24 Credits.

1. Apply holistic strategic management approaches to related business problems.
2. Demonstrate leadership and the ability to identify, analyse and solve management related problems.
3. Formulate, analyse and Interpret financial statements for financial decision making.
4. Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate human resources by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application thereof.
5. Use project management tools and techniques to advance management functions (managing by projects) within an organisation.
6. Demonstrate the ability to conduct business related research.
7. Demonstrate ethical conduct in the execution of duties and decision making.

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

• Appropriate strategic management approaches are applied to solve business related and management problems.
• Financial statements are formulated, analysed and financial decision are made.
• Formulate a human resources strategy.
• Use appropriate computer software to plan and monitor projects.
• Use appropriate research methodology within a business context.
• Develop a business research proposal such as a marketing plan.
• Describe concepts and processes with reference to ethics within an organisation.

Integrated Assessment

Quality assessment is central to credible Certification and recognition of student achievement. Sol Plaatje University (SPU) will ensure credibility in assessment through the application of clear and rigorous procedures and practices, in keeping with the principles of fairness, validity, reliability and practicability. This is highlighted in the SPU Policy on Assessment. The execution of this policy will be continuous and integrated while addressing the following:

• Formative Assessment by means of which the achievements of students can be recognised, discussed and appropriate follow-up steps planned. These will include assignments, class tests, small group activities, case studies and presentations.
• Practice assessment which intend to develop mastery of skills, concepts or analytical techniques. This will include an integrated project that encompasses as business research component.
• Summative Assessment in order to record and provide feedback on the overarching performance of a student in a systematic manner. This will be achieved through the writing of exams at the end of the year. The exams will be subjected to internal as well as external moderation.