Advanced Diploma in Operations Management

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Operations Management is designed to build on the knowledge and skills obtained in Operations Management at Diploma and/or Bachelor's Degree level. The Advanced Diploma will provide a deeper level of knowledge, understanding, and skills required towards becoming primarily a competent and efficient Operations Manager.

The study of Operations Management fills a strategic role in the operational efficiency of manufacturing as well as the service industry. Included in the tasks of Operations Managers are the essential components of quality enhancement and assurance, Supply Chain Management, increased productivity, cost reduction and flexibility improvements. Operations Managers could be required to solve complex operations related problems, apply analytical techniques to operations related procedures, processes, systems and methodologies, design and apply operations related control systems, understand the impact of Operations Management, use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern operations tools including Information Technology in operations. They must communicate effectively using appropriate professional and professional discourse and demonstrate the ability to work in a team.

Rationale

Manufacturing is one of the main drivers of the future economy of South Africa and the Eastern Cape region. South African manufacturing industries must compete globally and therefore products and services rendered must be of a word class standard. In attaining world class standards, Operations Management fills a strategic role, not only in the operational efficiency of manufacturing but also in the service industry. Included in the tasks of the Operations Manager are the essential components of productivity enhancement, quality assurance, and improvements. This qualification aims to meet the industry need for Operations Managers and employees in all sectors. The qualification is also aimed at people who are already employed in the operations field, be it manufacturing or services related.. Furthermore, this qualification will provide crucial skills and add value to existing industries especially the automotive and related, as well as new business enterprises that are currently preparing themselves for the participation in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ). New developments planned for the Eastern Cape includes Fuel and Manganese refineries, Marine Engineering, a new Nuclear Power Station at Thyspunt and various renewable energy (Wind and Solar) projects in the Eastern and Northern Cape. These projects will require skilled operations employees and managers for a number of years to come.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL implementation will use a triangulated verification approach using academic records, portfolios and interviews conducted by a panel of external experts and/or academic. All RPL decisions are tabled at the Faculty management committee meeting for scrutiny and approval. RPL will be used to grant admission to the qualification for those who do not meet the minimum entry requirements and/or advanced standing through the granting to the learner of exemption from modules.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• A relevant National Diploma or Diploma, Level 6.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree, Level 7.

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

Modules

• Lean Manufacturing 4, 15 Credits.
• Quality Management Systems 4, 15 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 4, 15 Credits.
• Marketing Management 4, 15 Credits.
• Operations Management 4, 15 Credits.
• Financial Management 4, 15 Credits.
• Operations Project 4, 30 Credits.

1. Apply operations related principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined operations related problems.
2. Apply knowledge of basic mathematics and analytical techniques to operations related procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve complex operations related problems.
3. Apply operations related control systems to a defined range of operations scenarios.
4. Investigate and design procedures to determine the impact of operations on society, the economy and the industrial and physical environment.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern operations tools including Information Technology for the solution of complex operations related problems, with an awareness of their limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an Operations Management context using appropriate professional and occupational terminology and language.
7. Demonstrate the ability to work effectively as an individual and in teams.
8. Commit to and apply professional ethics, responsibilities and norms.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The problem is analysed and defined and criteria are identified for an acceptable operations related solution.
• Relevant information and Operations Management knowledge and skills are identified and applied to solve the problem.
• Possible approaches are generated and formulated that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
• Possible solutions are modelled and analysed.
• Possible solutions are evaluated and the best solution is selected.
• The solution is formulated and presented in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An appropriate mix of knowledge of basic mathematics, numerical analysis and statistics is applied in an integrated way in the solution of complex operations related problems.
• Theories, principles and laws relating to Operations Management are used.
• Formal analysis and modelling is performed on operations related systems or processes.
• Reasoning about and conceptualising of operations related materials, components, systems or processes is performed.
• Work is performed within the boundaries of the operations related practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• An operations process that focuses on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints is planned and managed.
• Knowledge, information and resources are acquired and evaluated in order to apply appropriate principles and to design tools to provide workable operations related solutions.
• Selected operations related solutions are assessed in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety and environmental negative impact and benefits.
• Tasks are performed including analysis, quantitative modelling and optimisation of the operations related product, system or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions and constraints.
• The operations problem is formulated to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Macro and micro environmental (society, economy, industrial and physical) investigations and experiments are planned and conducted within the operations management field.
• Available literature is searched and material is critically evaluated for suitability to the operations management related investigation.
• Analysis is performed as necessary to the operations related investigation.
• Equipment or software is selected and used as appropriate in the investigations.
• Information is analysed, interpreted and derived from available operations related data.
• Environmental impact conclusions are drawn from an analysis of all available evidence.
• The purpose, process and outcomes of the investigations are recorded in technical reports.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The operations related method, skill or tool is assessed for applicability and limitations against the required operations related result.
• The operations related method, skill or tool is applied correctly to achieve the required result.
• Operations related results produced by the method, skill or tool are tested and assessed against required results.
• Operations related Computer applications are created, selected and used as required.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of the communication.
• Graphics used are appropriate and effective in enhancing the meaning of operations related solutions.
• Visual materials are used to enhance oral communications pertaining to the operations related solutions.
• Accepted methods are used for providing operations related information to others involved in the operations activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling are explained.
• Individual work is carried out effectively, strategically and on time.
• Contributions to team activities, support the output of the team as a whole.
• Functioning as a team leader is demonstrated.
• A design or research project is organised and planned.
• Effective communication is carried out in the context of individual and team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas is described.
• The ethical implications of decisions are described.
• Professional judgements are ethically and professionally made in problem solving and design.

Integrated Assessment

The operations projects with comprehensively detailed criteria will provide the opportunity for comprehensive Integrative Assessment covering the complete spectrum of the learning achieved.

Both Formative and Summative Assessment processes throughout the duration of the operations projects completion will provide an opportunity for the learners to validate that they are able to integrate concepts, ideas and actions across the qualification to achieve the required competence in order to meet the purpose of the qualification. The assessment tools will critically evaluate the candidate's knowledge, critical thinking, and evaluation prowess as well as communication and presentation skills.

Formative Assessment

• Individual and collaborative group tutorials with memoranda and direct lecturer and/or tutor formative feedback.
• Individual and collaborative Assignments/Projects with direct discussions providing formative feedback.
• Class tests with direct formative feedback via memoranda and discussions.
• Computer based simulations.
• Computer based interactive feedback using clicker based systems/Moodle.

Summative Assessment

• Closed and/or open book tests including feedback and scoring.
• Individual projects and assignments including feedback via assessment rubrics and scoring.
• Group projects and assignments including feedback via assessment rubrics and scoring.
• Individual Presentations including feedback via assessment rubrics, lecturer and peer scoring.
• Closed or open book examinations.