Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management

Purpose

The Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management is a qualification that provides learners with comprehensive advanced theoretical and applied knowledge in the field of supply chain management. The qualification aims to develop an in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives of supply chain management in a national and international context and to strive to provide much needed qualifications to the industry according to market need.

The target groups for this qualification are people working within mid-level management positions in the various processes of the supply chain or those aspiring for those positions. Qualifying learners can demonstrate knowledge, specific skills and applied competence within opportunities for continued intellectual growth, gainful economic activity in supply chain management field.

The Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management is also designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in supply chain management. It will enable learners to develop the ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and tasks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management

• Contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and personnel development in supply chain management and social and economic development.
• Empowers learners with advanced supply chain management skills and competencies necessary to function, progress and provide strategic leadership in corporate and business environments.
• Attempts to satisfy the demand for advanced managerial and professional skills in the Southern African Development Community.
• Prepares learners for further post graduate studies in a supply chain management
• Closely aligns training and education provision in the fields of supply chain.
• Supports the South African economy to close the gap between global best practices in supply chain management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may apply for recognition of prior learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• National Diploma or a 360 Credits Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

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

Modules

• Advanced Strategic Management IV, 30 Credits.
• Research Methodology IV, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Supply Chain Management IV, 30 Credits.
• Strategic Procurement Management IV, 30 Credits.

1. Develop and administer the implementation of the supply chain management strategy.
2. Ensure the availability of appropriate resources and competitive infrastructure to deliver the supply chain strategies.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental principles of financial management principles and practices.
4. Demonstrate broad knowledge of the supply chain management as an integrated and aligned set of systems to create competitive advantage.

Association Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Supply chain system is developed in line with organisational strategy and fits into the resource requirements planning.
• Supply chain strategy is developed for an organisation that maximises the benefits, and minimises the supply chain challenges.
• Strategies are analysed in order to make recommendations for improvement of the achievements of organisational strategic imperatives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An understanding of the strategic sourcing, in/outsourcing process is demonstrated.
• Strategies are developed to optimise supply chain procurement operations and ensure stakeholder satisfaction.
• Capacity planning is conducted in order to balance supply and demand.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Financial management concepts and principles relating to financial statement analysis are applied.
• Time value money techniques to value financial instruments within a risk return framework are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Specific Supply Chain Management issues are analysed in general management context.
• An explanation is given of the key steps and potential challenges in creating an effective supply chain in terms of how strategic partnerships can enhance the supply chain management.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring.

Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes.

The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the learners. In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective examinations learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.