Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to qualify students to follow a career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. In addition, students will gain the knowledge, skills and applied competencies identified by industry as critical for employees to enter the world of work as Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduates, in either the private, the government sector or in NGOs. Graduates will be well-prepared with the insight and skills that are required for further specialised study in support of the principles of life-long learning. The specific skillsets incorporated into this qualification presents a combination which is highly attractive to prospective employers and adds value to the work place.

This qualification is designed to graduate students with the ability to think and act strategically, professionally and ethically and to contribute meaningfully to the Logistics and Supply Chain industry. The qualification design thus facilitates the development of a well-rounded Logistics and Supply Chain Management practitioner. Graduates will have both the theoretical depth and applied skills relevant to further study or to the world of work.

The design of the qualification will facilitate critical learning through the exposure to and application of specialised learning areas to enable graduates to employ their knowledge and skills in the complex logistics and supply chain management environment.

In the first year, Business Management, Accounting and Logistics and Supply Chain Management, focusing on an introduction and purchasing management, provide students with the foundations of business operations as a stepping stone towards the second year.

The second year of study extends the knowledge gained in first year through the Logistics and Supply Chain Management modules which focus on the supplier relationship management and the operations and production management. The inclusion of Economics, Marketing and Quantitative Techniques assist the students in developing a strong understanding of the business elements required in the industry.

Building on the foundations laid in the first two years of study, the focus of the third year is on techniques applied to Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This is prevalent in modules of Logistics Management Activities, Customer Relations Management, Financial Management, and Inventory and Project Management. The focus on the supply chain management industry in this year is based on the sustainability of the industry, this is established in the Sustainable Supply Chain Management module. The third year level learning allows students to develop and demonstrate increased analytical and synthesizing abilities as they demonstrate the critical skills that need to be applied to the key disciplines of Logistics Supply Chain Management and Business Management.

In the final year, learning focuses on the ability of the student to demonstrate the critical understanding of the disciplines of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and to present this in the form of original and meaningful solutions to a range of problem scenarios. This is achieved among others through Strategic Supply Chain Management and Logistics, Warehouse Management, Transportation Management and Enterprise Risk Management. The Introduction to Research introduces students to research principles and practices in relation to the Logistics and Supply Chain Management field and also equipping them for further studies at NQF level 8 and above.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management targets students who are looking to become Logistics and Supply Chain Management practitioners in the business environment. This qualification was designed in collaboration with professional Logistics and Supply Chain Management practitioners as well as academics who form part of various related academic faculties. The Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management includes a balance at both academic and practical level, ensuring industry compliance.

As Logistics and Supply Chain Management has become an essential structure to businesses, adopting sustainable practices is crucial for all businesses in the 21st century. There is a need for the development of awareness in the South African and global business environment of the importance of managing the supply side of business as a strategically important area for sustaining businesses. Students will acquire the ability to use professional discourse appropriately in formulating, communicating and assessing Logistics and Supply Chain Management proposals.

The outcomes for this qualification were identified as critical to develop a successful career in Logistics and Supply Chain Management through providing students with competencies in theoretical and practical application of relevant principles, processes, procedures and research techniques. By understanding processes in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management context, as well as best practice in the field, graduates will be able to strategically solve business problems. Furthermore, graduates will be adequately prepared to demonstrate competencies in contributing to the economic well-being of their organisation in a responsible manner.

In keeping with the purpose of Bachelor's Degrees, this qualification will therefore enable students to apply a well-rounded strategic knowledge base to professional entry practice across a broad range of industries and government departments/entities. Career opportunities for graduates of this Degree exist as:

• Logistics professional.
• Supply Chain Management practitioner.
• Transport Logistics Manager.
• Procurement Manager/Consultant.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management Researcher.
• Project Manager.
• Customer Relations Manager.

This qualification will prepare graduates to further their Logistics and Supply Chain Management studies at Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) Level 8. In addition, students will gain the knowledge, skills and applied competencies identified by industry as critical for employees to enter the world of work as Logistics and Supply Chain Management graduates, in either the private, the government sector or in Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL can be used to admit a cohort of learners. RPL processes are qualification specific in that the criteria against which evidence of prior learning must be provided are determined by the learning normally assumed to be in place for qualifications at the level concerned in the field concerned. Instruments are only designed when requests are made as they are expensive to design, implement and assess. To date most applications to The RPL of non-formal learning are at the Honours level. The procedure is governed by the Credit Accumulation and Transfer, Recognition of Prior Learning and Qualification Completion Policy (IIE010).

In addition to RPL a Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) mechanism exists for access and advance standing for formal learning from a recognised, registered and accredited institution on a registered and accredited qualification.

If an applicant applies for an RPL admission, the learning assumed to be in place for the qualification is assessed against Exit Level Outcomes equivalent to the formal learning required for admission. This would include an evaluation of the content as well as the applicant's cognitive and technical competence. Applicants prepare a portfolio against these stated requirements which is then assessed by a team of experts/academics in line with the policy. Recognition is awarded for:

• Learning, and not for experience perse.
• Learning that is on the level of the specific level descriptors of the qualification/unit standard.
• Learning that is in line with applied competence and has a balance between theory and practical application appropriate to the subject or unit standard.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in place in order to be considered for admission

• A National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Degree studies with the following subject combinations :Mathematics or Mathematical Literacy

Or

• A Senior Certificate (with endorsement) and with Mathematics

Or

• A candidate who did not achieve Degree entry in the National Senior Certificate (NSC)/National Certificate Vocational (NCV) and who has obtained a registered and accredited Higher Certificate in an appropriate field may also be allowed access.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 credits.

Level 5, 93 Credits

• Business Management 1A, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 12 Credits.
• Accounting 1A, 12 Credits.
• Accounting 1B, 12 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management 1A, 18 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management 1B, 18 Credits.
• Quantitative Techniques, 9 Credits.

Level 6, 138 Credits

• Economics 1A, 12 Credits.
• Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
• Logistics Management Activities, 18 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2A, 18 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 2B, 18 Credits.
• Financial Management 2A, 18 Credits.
• Marketing, 12 Credits.
• Sustainable Supply Chain Management, 18 Credits.
• Project Management, 12 Credits.

Level 7, 129 Credits

• Strategic Supply Chain Management and Logistics, 20 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management 3A, 18 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management 3B, 18 Credits.
• Customer Relations Management, 18 Credits.
• Introduction to Research, 10 Credits.
• Inventory Management, 12 Credits.
• Enterprise Risk Management, 18 Credits.
• Research Practice, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a broad theoretical knowledge of general business management and economics.
2. Demonstrate sound, integrated theoretical knowledge base of the Logistics and Supply Chain Management discipline.
3. Demonstrate understanding and application of Logistics and Supply Chain Management concepts and principles in identifying and resolving problems relating to logistics management strategies and policies.
4. Communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with different stakeholders in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management environment, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
5. Critically analyse and apply relevant models, procedures, tools and techniques of Logistics and Supply Chain Management to develop solutions to problems.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of research principles to effectively research Logistics and Supply Chain Management trends, problems and questions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Define the business management process.
• Explain various theories of business management process.
• Explain the micro, market and macro environment of a business enterprise.
• Define the management process of planning, organising, leadership and controlling.
• Explain the role of operations management in the organisation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the basic principles of economics and the economy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe a basic model of the economy and explain how institutions impact on the economy.
• Describe the macroeconomic implications of business cycles.
• Explain the microeconomic environment of the individual company and the dynamics of microeconomics.
• Describe how supply and demand impact the changes in the economy.
• Discuss the impact of price, income and output productivity on an individual business and understand how the role of interest impacts on the economies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the role and importance of Logistics and Supply Chain Management in the business environment.
• Apply critical and creative thinking in the use of Logistics and Supply Chain Management concepts and principles in the business management context.
• Identify and solve management problems using Logistics and Supply Chain Management principles.
• Evaluate and apply theoretical concepts and approaches to the Logistics Management theories and policies.
• Reflect on the applications made in solving Logistics and Supply Chain Management problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with different stakeholders in the Logistics and Supply Chain Management environment.
• Engage professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
• Apply the principles of effective communication and reflect on the application made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explain strategic procurement and its role in Supply Chain Management.
• Describe the importance of planning for Logistics and Supply Chain managers.
• Demonstrate understanding of the use of Logistics and Supply Chain Management models, procedures, tools and techniques in decision making.
• Demonstrate the ability to use applicable management technology to formulate solutions to Logistics and Supply Chain Management problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate understanding of principles of research and the use of statistical concepts in a business environment.
• Apply theory and principles of quantitative analysis.
• Demonstrate the ability to analyse statistical inferences through hypotheses tests and applying statistical models for forecasting and planning.
• Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

Formative Assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that students are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments, real-world briefs, tests and an integrated programme portfolio based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative Assessment

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve

• An integration of the achievement of exit level outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
• The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
• Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the students and which can be applied in the Recognition of Prior Learning.