Advanced Diploma in Project Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Project Management is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and terminate a low to medium level project within an area of expertise in any organisation. Graduates will be employed as Project Administrators, Project Coordinators, or Project Managers, depending on their level of knowledge and skills.

The qualification design and knowledge areas incorporated in this qualification have been aligned to the requirements of PMSA which is based on a conventional Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Also, the learners should be able to demonstrate high levels of motivation, goal orientation and inter-cultural competencies built within the Entrepreneurship subject as well as Project Management Processes. The qualification is particularly suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in an area of specialisation.

Rationale

The National Development Plan-2030 (2011) and Sector Education Training Authorities (SETA) (2012) identified project management as a scarce skill. Most of the existing persons in project management roles do not currently meet the registration requirements with the professional body. As a result, the claim is that practitioners are not strictly adhering to the codes of conduct as prescribed by the professional body. Thus, the introduction of this qualification will go a long way to address this skills shortage. The National Planning Commission's Diagnostic Report (2011) identified the need to improve and maintain the national infrastructure as well as the improvement of the public health system. Most of the envisaged improvements are based on projects and the project management methodology. The qualification will help provide the necessary training for much needed skills, and for successful implementation of these projects.

The successful completion of this qualification will allow graduates to register with the Project Management South Africa (PMSA) as Project Managers or Senior Project Managers depending on the requisite work experience.

This qualification will provide the learners with graduate attributes and necessary knowledge base to successfully practice as project managers in a dynamic field. A large proportion of existing project managers have no formal training in Project Management and hence the need to fulfil this gap by offering a formal qualification at undergraduate level. There is also growing recognition of Project Management as a professional field as evidenced by the wide application of and Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE) and other project management knowledge areas in many organisations.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL will be according to the institution admission requirements and RPL policy. A portfolio of evidence will be submitted by prospective RPL learners and where further evidence is required; interviews and assessments will be held. The evaluation matrix developed by the department in conjunction with the RPL department can be used to ascertain the candidate's prior learning.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of a qualification and/or for granting credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in the institutional guidelines.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

• A 360 Credits Diploma in Project Management.

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

Modules

• Research Methodology 4, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 4, 12 Credits.
• Procurement Management 4, 15 Credits.
• Operational Research 4, 15 Credits.
• Project Accounting 4, 15 Credits.
• Project Management Process 4, 21 Credits.
• Project Resources 4, 15 Credits.
• Project Quality 4, 15 Credits.

1. Initiate, plan, control, close and administer project activities throughout the lifecycle of low to medium level projects.
2. Identify and allocate resources to the different project work packages.
3. Develop, analyse and interpret budgets and costs for small to medium scale projects.
4. Apply research methods and skills within the project management context.
5. Demonstrate principles of good ethics and governance within a project management environment.
6. Apply management, leadership and good governance skills across the project life cycle.
7. Identify, analyse and solve complex problems arising during the project lifecycle by using quantitative techniques.
8. Demonstrate high level of motivation, goal orientation and inter-cultural diversity competencies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Compile project planning documents and a project schedule through displaying a working knowledge of project management principles, key concepts and techniques.
• Display proficiencies in procurement planning, solicitation planning, and contract closeout including the selection of the appropriate contract type.
• Use effective estimating techniques when developing project plans.
• Develop detailed work-based project plans using project management tools and techniques.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply project quality management by focusing on project risk management, estimation, procurement management, and feasibility studies and integration management.
• Illustrate strategic management implications of various types of human resource approaches to strategy development.
• Analyse stakeholder expectations and their impact on the project, and to develop appropriate management strategies for effectively engaging stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of basic types of financial management decisions and the role of the financial manager.
• Assess an organisation's potential for further project funding and the costs of project risk involved.
• Quantify and motivate financial benefits of strategies and their cash flow implications on a project.
• Analyse financial statements based on an understanding of risk, leverage, capital structure, working capital management and weighted average cost of capital.
• Prepare and monitor budgets for small, medium enterprises, or short term projects.
• Analyse a firm's liquidity and activity by using ratio analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate knowledge of how to find relevant sources of literature in a specific topic area.
• Read, synthesise and generate justifiable conclusions and recommendations.
• Think and write analytically by applying academic writing principles in research writing.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Adhere to sound ethical principles by advocating and promoting a culture of ethics, according to publicised ethical standards, ethics training, and disciplinary procedures within the organisation.
• Take justified ethical and professional decisions in all process groups and knowledge areas.
• Track team member performance, provide feedback, resolve issues, and manage team changes to optimise project performance.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Solve problems by means of exploring and critically evaluating abstract, personal situations and project related problems.
• Utilise appropriate techniques and strategies to manage conflicts in project.
• Demonstrate competency in communicating and using project language in writing and orally.
• Manage project team relations during project execution in accordance with relevant legislation and workplace policies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate decision making and statistical tools required to address complex problems in a specific context.
• Solve management problems by applying quantitative, qualitative and critical thinking.
• Apply probability concepts to solve project related problems.
• Execute quantitative techniques in formulating solutions to managerial problems as well as demonstrate skills in the use of computer software to carry out management science analysis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Display the ability to work in diverse teams.
• Apply effective networking and negotiating skills in all interactions with project stakeholders, such that the images of self and organisation are advanced to the benefit of the organisation.
• Apply approaches required in successfully managing self; key stakeholders and a project team.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Assessment will take the form of both summative and formative assessments made up of written examinations, problem-based assignments and case studies, presentations, practical simulations of small projects to highlight the phases of project planning and generation of a viable research proposal.

The qualification will be awarded to a learner who has provided evidence to the satisfaction of assessors that the qualification, as detailed in the stated outcomes has been achieved. Integrated assessment, therefore, aim to achieve the following:

• Evaluate the extent to which learners have integrated the project management professional roles, knowledge, practice, and skills delivered through the learning outcomes of the modules of this qualification.
• Assess the learners' ability to apply project management methodology to projects in various environments.
• Assess problem-solving skill to project related problems.