Advanced Diploma in Transportation Management

Purpose

The purpose of the curriculum makes provision for the development of intellectual knowledge and applied competence related to transport policy and legislation, transport planning and management, logistics processes and practices, project management and transport operations and costing.

The inclusion of a research methodology and a research project module enables a learner to independently conduct research on a relevant and current transportation topic by identifying a problem, analysing the situation and drawing meaningful conclusions and recommendations. In addition, a practical module based on a simulation model requires learners to apply their acquired theoretical knowledge to current industry-related challenges. This offers learners the opportunity to balance theory, research and practical application in their learning experience. The simulation practical module provides a practical application in a transportation environment, including, but not limited to, the management of fleet, effective vehicle loading, warehousing and materials handling, routing and scheduling, primary and secondary distribution, staff deployment and morale, process design, cost effectiveness, customer service, cash/money flow and quality assurance. Teaching for this module is action-based, i.e. the module provides an environment in which learners, apply theoretical understanding, take actions and discover the consequences of the actions in order to develop an understanding of the objectives and business drivers of a transportation business. The simulation also focuses on group participation and interaction.

The Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification are aligned with requirements of the Level 7 outcomes, since learners are required to apply theoretical knowledge to complex problems and to present such application as a well-structured argument using academic discourse. Each module in this qualification contributes in achieving Level 7 outcomes, because learners are expected to demonstrate the following: integrated knowledge of the central areas of one or more fields; identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems; manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts; and develop own ideas and express them using appropriate academic, professional or occupational discourse.

Rationale

Advanced Diploma in Transportation Management is replacing the Bachelor's of Technology (BTech) Transportation Management, which is no longer part of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). This qualification provides a learning opportunity for a learner to develop knowledge and skills in transportation management.

Transportation of both freight and passengers forms the backbone of an economy. The growth of an economy is hinged on an efficient, reliable and demand responsive transportation system. It is a fact that there is a shortage of expertise in the transport sector in South Africa. The qualification will address the scarcity of expertise, particularly at the tactical levels. In 2010, the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management in the Institution conducted a review of its transport Diploma qualification at which the need for the Advanced Diploma qualification was emphasised.

Cognisant of the fact that a large percentage of learners will be working adults, the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management will offer weekly, three-hour contact sessions per module in the evenings.

This qualification will be open to learners with a Diploma qualification at Level 6 in a transport related field. Learners completing this qualification can proceed to apply for entry into an Honours Degree in Transport Economics. Some of the learners will secure jobs in industry. The category of learners who study for this qualification while working will undoubtedly be able to add value to their organisations.

This qualification provides both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in the field of transportation for learners who are currently middle managers, or aspire to progress towards middle management, so that they can apply the principles of Transport Management in their working environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Application for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be done in accordance with institution's RPL Policy. According to this Policy, the institution accepts RPL as an initiative to support transformation of the education and training system in South Africa. The RPL Policy makes provision for RPL as an alternative access route for candidates who do not meet the general minimum admission requirements for admission to the institution. For this reason, RPL acknowledges learning acquired through work experience, in-service training, self-study or life experience, such as voluntary or community work. However, the recognition of RPL does not award a qualification to an applicant, but allows access to further study by granting the status of the prerequisite qualification.

RPL is programme-specific and applicants are exposed to a formal RPL process. Evidence, such as portfolios, challenge examinations etc., has to be assessed as relevant, sufficient and current before acceptance into the Institution can be granted. Once the applicant is granted access, a learner becomes a member of the learner body and all academic rules and regulations apply.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A relevant Level 6 qualification with both Logistics and Transportation as major modules.
• Or
• A Diploma at Level 6.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 7 totalling 128 Credits.

Modules

• Logistics Processes and Practices, 16 Credits.
• Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Transport Operations and Costing, 16 Credits.
• Transport Policy and Legislation, 16 Credits.
• Transport Research Project, 16 Credits.
• Applied Transport Processes and Practices, 16 Credits.
• Transport Planning and Management, 16 Credits.
• Transport Research Methodology, 16 Credits.

1. Plan and coordinate freight and passenger transport operations so that operational and strategic targets are met.
2. Interpret transport legislation in order to maximise profitability in a transport organisation.
3. Identify and explain key transport related problems and solutions from a simulation model.
4. Execute transport and distribution decisions within a supply chain.
5. Complete a research project related to transportation management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse the relationship between transport and economic growth correctly.
• Demonstrate route networks efficiently in order to select optimum routes for increased delivery.
• Exhibit schedules for both passenger and freight operations.
• Conduct simple surveys in both passenger and freight operations.
• Examine the constraints that hinder the smooth movement of passenger and freight traffic and proffer solutions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain knowledge and functions of the various branches of the Department of Transport accurately.
• Understand the need for government involvement in transport matters.
• Explain the institutional arrangements and responsibilities for the three spheres of government in respect of the provisioning of transport correctly.
• Interpret the aims, objectives, principles and considerations underlying the formulation of national transport policies accurately.
• Identify and interpret the relevant legislation that affects passenger and freight operations accurately.
• Analyse the different forms of contracting in transport operations and infrastructure development as well as unethical practices properly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the objectives of simulation correctly.
• Discuss the use of simulation to determine the performance of an organisation accurately.
• Apply the use of simulation as a tool to resolve problems.
• Explain the capability of simulation to encourage team work and collaboration in a work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse the merits and demerits of centralised versus decentralised distribution.
• Explain the movement towards third party logistics.
• Demonstrate the planning of a distribution system to minimise costs.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and the application of information and communication technology (ICT) in transport and distribution.
• Identify the external factors that negatively affect the transport and distribution system and resolutions thereto.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate selection of an appropriate research approach for a research problem.
• Describe processes for collecting empirical data accurately.
• Analyse empirical data accurately.
• Interpret research findings accurately.
• Draw meaningful conclusions and practical recommendations.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment

Formative assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment supports the teaching and learning process; provides feedback to the learner on his/her progress; diagnoses the learner's strengths and weaknesses; assists in the planning of future learning; is developmental in nature; and contributes to the learner's capacity for self-evaluation; helps to make decisions on the readiness of the learner to do a summative assessment.

Marks are not necessarily allocated, and, if allocated, will not be taken into consideration for admission to a summative assessment opportunity.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of learners in relation to the outcomes of a unit/module and/or programme. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or fail. The minimum number of summative assessment opportunities required are stipulated by the Senate and contained in the Academic Regulations.

A formal final summative assessment (examination) is scheduled after the following minimum number of summative assessment opportunities has taken place. The formal final summative assessment contributes 50% to the final module mark.

According to the institution's Assessment Policy, three summative assessments are scheduled per semester for each module. Two summative assessments take place as closed-book equal-weighted class tests. The third summative assessment takes place as a written assignment. The three summative assessments constitute the total semester mark, and contribute 50% to the final module mark.