Advanced Diploma in Management

Purpose

The qualification is intended for qualifying learners with no or limited management qualification and who intend to prepare themselves to function as managers. This qualification is an interdisciplinary qualification that will bridge the gap between other fields and the field of management. It is also intended to prepare learners for Postgraduate study through the deepening of knowledge and understanding of management principles and practices.

Rationale

In consultation with the Advisory Board, the qualification was deemed necessary and relevant to the work-based and community-based problems. Benchmarking and comparability with other institutions nationally and internationally was done.

The teaching, learning and assessment approach implemented at the institution ensure that the curriculum design of the programme address the socio-economic and industry needs of South Africa, using applied theoretical approaches, where the learner is actively and inter-actively involved in the learning process. This will enable the graduate to have a competitive edge in the management environment.

There is a need to develop a new qualification on NQF Level 7 that will prepare learners to function as managers. This qualification opens vertical articulation possibilities for qualifying learners with a management related Diploma or equivalent qualification (NQF Level 6). The qualification is intended for qualifying learners with no or limited management qualifications and who intend to prepare themselves to function as managers. This qualification is an interdisciplinary qualification that bridges the gap between other fields and the field of management. It is also intended to prepare learners for Postgraduate studies through the deepening of knowledge and understanding of management principles and practice.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The RPL policy provides procedures on how RPL is implemented at the institution

• Candidate applies for RPL against module, or part/full qualification.
• If the credit is not awarded, an appeals application to the institution can be done. The process of moderation will then resume.
• If the RPL is awarded, an exemption form is completed and the candidate may continue with full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

A 360 Credits Diploma in relevant field.

Or

National Diploma in relevant field.

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

Compulsory Modules

• Management Theory Module 1, 15 Credits.
• Management Theory Module 2, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Practice, 12 Credits.
• Economics for Managers, 12 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management, 12 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 1, 9 Credits.
• Research Methodology Module 2, 9 Credits.
• Accounting for Managers, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 12 Credits.
• Employment Relations Management, 12 Credits.

1. Apply management theory and best practices. (apply management processes and organisational change).
2. Understand and apply accounting principles (for financial management).
3. Apply principles of supply chain management in an organisation.
4. Analyse marketing opportunities and develop marketing strategies.
5. Demonstrate research knowledge and skills to produce a research proposal.
6. Apply Human Resources (HR) principles and practice in a business environment.
7. Ensure effective workplace relations through the application of theory.
8. Facilitate decision making based on economic theory and indicators.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply management theory and best practices to demonstrate advanced knowledge of management processes and organisational nature and change.
• Identify, evaluate and analyse competencies of managers by applying management theories and best practices.
• Explore and apply the link between international and local best practice environments, including aspects of globalisation, technology, human capital development, ethics and competitive advantage in the world of business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply principals of financial management, the role of financial markets and institutions and the concept of time value money.
• Prepare and interpret financial and cash flow statements and budgets.
• Integrate financial management principles and processes to enhance management planning and strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge of the nature of supply chain management, functions and practices (e.g. procurement, warehousing, inventory, logistics, manufacture, supply and demand, etc.) on own and other business activities and to resolve problems occurring in industry.
• Identify critical role players within the industry nationally and globally and applying various methods to identify trends and future trend and enhancing performance of the supply chain management function in an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Integrate marketing management within the wider frame of business practice in diverse cultural contexts.
• Identify, research and interpret marketing research, analysing marketing opportunities, reflecting on marketing communication strategies and designing marketing plans and strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate the ability to conceptualise research and apply knowledge and developed technical and technological skills to produce a research proposal.
• Apply the principles of scientific writing, distinguishing between paradigms, methods, methodologies, theory and approaches, critically engaging with scholarly literature to produce a research proposal.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply advanced knowledge and skills to resolve and address issues relating to HR systems, performance management, policies, legislation and management diversity.
• Critically analyse, assess, draft and apply Human Resources (HR) policies and procedures by using statistical data and research informed information.
• Apply HR knowledge, theoretical principles and practice in real business situations locally and globally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify, critically analyse and evaluate forms of employment in relation to labour legislation.
• Apply specific labour relations knowledge for disciplinary processes, procedures to ensure a fair, unbiased and effective workplace without prejudice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Interpret economic information, theory and indicators in various formats to explain contemporary events on a microeconomic and macroeconomic level which influence management decision making.
• Select, analyse and interpret extracts and indicators from the news media which contribute to decision making practices to gain new knowledge, create new knowledge and encourage research.

Integrated Assessment

In this qualification the department apply assessments whereby learners must demonstrate practical and reflective competencies. A combination of formative and summative assessment is applied (Feedback within 7 days after assessment). Formative assessment includes presentations, case studies, class and group discussions, debates, tests, experiential exercises, assignments and self-assessments. The summative assessments include the submission of an integrated portfolio, which are moderated externally.