Bachelor of Business Administration in Project and Supply Chain Management

Purpose

The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Project and Supply Chain Management focuses on project and supply chain management in the context of the industry. The BBA serves the leadership, management, and entrepreneurial needs of organisations for many sectors in the economy. The qualification focuses on the combination of project management and supply chain management. The qualification places emphasis on:

• Project and programme management.
• Control of logistics and procurement, business processes.
• Leadership modelling.
• Utilise a quality management system for improved organisational performance.
• Cross-functional supply chain to add value.
• Adhere to applicable commercial law of contract.
• Entrepreneurship.

The qualification integrates critical learning areas in project and supply chain management, the outcomes of which enable learners to gain the competencies and skills to be innovative and successful in what they do.

Rationale

Increasing digitisation and interconnection of products, value chains and business models characterise the World Economic Forum (WEF), the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0). Competitiveness no longer depends solely on optimisation of own resources, but total inter-organisational value chain innovativeness and supportive partner technologies, products, services and systems. Concurrent with this technological revolution is a set of broader socio�economic, geopolitical and demographic developments, each interacting in multiple directions and intensifying each other. Many experts and leaders focus on people's future jobs and how the current educational institutions can prepare both organisations and learners for the transition into Industry 4.0.

To achieve a competitive edge in the Industry 4.0, organisations must develop technological and organisational excellence. So that organisations can use their resources to be innovative in outsourcing resources from collaborative business partners, thereby creating virtual networks.

For the Industry 4.0 economy, research shows that virtual value chains shape organisations into strategic, collaborative, value-driven entities. Selected partners with similar organisational cultures perform non-core activities. A competitive edge is gained by collaboratively performing strategic operations more effectively and efficiently. This approach demands exceptional governance, supported by transformational leadership excellence and systemic knowledge of applied programme management. Employers increasingly prefer job-relevant education for improving the competences of employees and for providing them with the necessary skills to be of immediate benefit to their organisations. To operate effectively in a knowledge economy, innovation and adding value has become more critical and essential. Managers need to adopt a new approach to introduce change through a value chain that aims to minimise the adverse effects of increasing complexity and risk.

The complexity of today's technologies, artificial intelligence, mass data and internet of things, calls for specialisation and sustainable collaboration among organisations. Consequently, organisational design, development and governance have entered a challenging new phase. Inevitable strategic transformation and change of Industry 4.0 organisations and demand the introduction of new horizontal supply and value chain business models. If employers want to introduce innovation, they need to ensure that employees are aware of the demands made by transformation and change in the organisation. It may also be necessary to foster new innovative roles for employees. Innovation through a value chain needs to be coordinated and integrated, and must include a broader stream of activities project management is essential in this regard.

The qualification is the starting point in creating and promoting a workforce that can be prepared to deal with the challenges of the knowledge economy and meet the demands made by modern businesses. There is a growing need for qualified learners with skills and competencies. That would enable them to contribute to the work contexts and to advance their careers and further studies. With the undergraduate workplace oriented qualification, learners who were will be able to access Postgraduate qualifications in this field of study.

The practical focus and workplace relevance of the qualification also makes it very attractive for organisations to sponsor employees to complete the qualification. The qualification also provides qualifying learners with a foundation for access to higher specialised qualifications in project and programme management, and would thereby further contribute to alleviating the critical shortage of national skills in this field. The qualification potentially serves the following job opportunities:

• Analyst.
• Collaboration Manager.
• Change Management Consultant.
• Customer Service Manager.
• Customer Relationship Manager.
• International Logistics Manager.
• Inventory Control Manager.
• Legal Compliance Manager.
• Logistics Manager.
• Logistics Services Salesperson.
• Materials Manager.
• Product Development Manager.
• Project Manager.
• Project Coordinator.
• Production Manager.
• Programme Manager.
• Portfolio Manager.
• Procurement Manager.
• Quality Manager.
• Supply Chain Manager.
• Systems Support Manager.
• Transformation and Change Manager.
• Technology Manager.
• Virtual Partners Networks Manager.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

In terms of the institution's policy on Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Accumulation and Transfer, the institution applies RPL for the qualification.

The institution's RPL policy for the qualification provides opportunities to learners who do not meet the formal requirements for admission to the BBA but have acquired learning in an alternative manner. Evaluation of each application is against the entry requirements of the BBA. The experience of each learner, as reflected in his or her portfolio of evidence, is considered with close reference to the prospective demands of the BBA qualification.

The RPL assessment process is rigorous - but not rigid - and accordingly, there is not an exhaustive or overly prescriptive list of factors in the evaluation. Consideration of the following procedural and substantive aspects of the RPL process regarding the:

a) Relevant information and documentation related to RPL must be submitted to the administration as soon as possible after submitting the registration. Applicants are requested to contact the administration for guidance and support in compiling the required portfolio of evidence for the RPL assessment.

b) A detailed curriculum vitae (with supporting evidence and references where relevant) is particularly relevant since the applicant's work experience is essential.

c) Proof of having been employed or active in the community in a manner that is relevant to the BBA, or holding a position of authority and responsibility, would be a valuable asset.

d) An employer needs to provide evidence that the learner has leadership potential and can be a team player.

e) Where a candidate has completed relevant courses that are relevant to the competencies required by the qualification, such courses would contribute significantly to the candidate's portfolio of evidence.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to Bachelor's studies.

Or

• Higher Certificate in a cognate field, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Advanced Certificate in a cognate field, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Diploma in a cognate field, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5 80 Credits

• Project Management; Planning and Implementation, 40 Credits.
• General Management, 40 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6 160 Credits

• Business Management, 40 Credits.
• Commercial Law of Contract, 40 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Managing the Entrepreneurial Project, 40 Credits.
• Logistics and Procurement Management, 40 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits

• Strategic Project Management, 40 Credits.
• Programme-Managing Performance and Innovation, 40 Credits.
• Modern Supply Chain Management, 40 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge and skills in project conceptualisation, planning, monitoring, and control to function successfully as project managers in the Industry 4.0.
2. Understand the business processes of the functional areas of the organisation and explicit and tacit knowledge of the relevant activities thereof as applied in virtual networks of partners.
3. Develop knowledge and skills for programme managing cross-functional project and supply chain processes in a virtual value chain where technological and product innovation are of paramount importance.
4. Understand and apply the law of contract in various commercial situations in the Industry 4.0 environment.
5. Apply systems thinking and the programme-management approach to conceptualise, establish and sustain new enterprises in Industry 4.0.6.
6. Plan, organise and control logistics and procurement activities to ensure optimal organisational supply chain performance in Industry 4.0.
7. Understand the strategic objectives of programme management and apply project and programme management principles in leading and governing an organisation in the Industry 4.0 economy.
8. Understand the effect of transformational leadership role modelling and organisational development on value chain performance and improvement in Industry 4.0.
9. Reflect on and develop quality and performance management of cross-functional supply chain processes in virtual networks of partners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Prepare, plan and implement projects in the Industry 4.0 (new economy) situation following project lifecycle principles.
• Develop a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and manage the Scope of Work (SOW) to include a project time frame, costs, budget and risks.
• Develop an integrated project baseline plan (project planning, monitoring, and control tool) using the Critical Path Method to develop a project critical path network.
• Schedule the execution of work packages and integrate project resource requirements according to the concept of a virtual network of partners.
• Develop a cash-flow statement taking activity time and cost control measures into consideration.
• Control project execution till termination and execute handover of the completed project deliverable.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Explain the evolution of management and identify the contributory factors.
• Understand the internal and external Industry 4.0 (new economy) environments in which the organisation functions and managers operate.
• Critically discuss the Industry 4.0 organisational environmental variables and its influence on management decision-making.
• Manage own and virtual networks of partner resources for the effective and efficient achievement of organisational objectives.
• Understand the theory and principles underpinning functional areas that provide resources to the cross-functional project and the supply chain processes in virtual networks.
• Demonstrate how management theory and principles influence practice in the different functional areas of the Industry 4.0 organisation.
• Identify the best practice processes associated with managing the various functional areas of the organisation in the new economy.
• Implement best-practice processes in an organisation's functional-line departments in the new economy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand the general manager's task and evaluate the various processes of management in the Industry 4.0 dispensation.
• Discuss Industry 4.0 management theories and present an overview thereof.
• Explain organisational culture and its connection with values, beliefs, attitudes and emotions, as also, its importance in choosing suitable partner organisations.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between organisational structure, climate and culture.
• Understand the importance of creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship in the new economy.
• Describe and evaluate the role of the manager as a strategist, planner and decision-maker.
• Explain the importance of supply chain management and its role in achieving optimal value chain performance in the new dispensation.
• Illustrate what is meant by organisational control and organisational transformation and change in the Industry 4.0 economy?
• Demonstrate what is meant by effective leadership role modelling and its influence on motivation and performance of human talent?
• Differentiate between partners, groups and teams.
• Demonstrate the importance of supplementing project management principles and techniques with new economy general management knowledge and skills.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Describe the concept 'law' and the place of the law of contract and commercial law therein, and understand what the most important sources of South African Law are.
• Explain the requirements for a valid offer and acceptance (in a variety of forms) in reaching consensus to conclude a contract.
• Demonstrate a practical understanding of the rules regarding the contractual capacity of various persons and to evaluate the effects of a relevant party acting without contractual capacity or beyond the scope of his or her limited contractual role.
• Describe the concept of contractual legality and provide examples of illegal agreements, and explain the concept of restraint of trade and assess its validity or invalidity in a particular instance.
• Distinguish between initial and supervening forms of the performance.
• Discuss the effects of various instances of impossibility on the agreement or contract.
• Identify the formalities prescribed in respect of specific contracts and explain the impact of non�compliance with any prescribed formalities on the validity of a contract. Assess the consequences of void 'contracts' and voidable contracts, and apply the ex turpi causa rule and the par delictum rule as well as the remedies available in the case of mistake, misrepresentation, duress or undue influence.
• Assess the consequences of void 'contracts' and voidable contracts, and apply the ex turpi causa rule and the par delictum rule as well as the remedies available in the case of mistake, misrepresentation, duress or undue influence.
• Explain the liability of co�debtors, the consequences of cession, delegation and assignment, and, regarding case law, and the implications of selected common contents in contracts in practice.
• Demonstrate a sound understanding of the requirements of the five forms of breach of contract (providing practical examples) and apply the remedies related to each type concerning case law.
• Explain the nature and effect of common concepts related to the termination of contracts (including fulfilment, prescription, set�off, merger, waiver, novation, insolvency and death) and discuss practical examples concerning case law.
• Evaluate the practical impact of the Consumer Protection Act and the National Credit Act on certain contracts, and explain the rights and key provisions contained therein.
• Describe the rights and duties of the parties to a contract of sale, and how and when ownership is transferred, and also demonstrate a sound understanding of the impact of the Consumer Protection Act on the relevant aspects of contracts of sale.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Recognise the vital role of entrepreneurship and its value within the Industry 4.0 new economic environment and in particular the correct application of entrepreneurial features for generating business ideas, to meet society's needs and satisfy the business purpose.
• Analyse and reflect on the process to identify workable business ideas for implementation concerning business requirements and constraints, and to optimise resource allocation and business performance.
• Conduct environmental research for business viability to compare business purpose, stakeholder's needs and to meet challenges in both internal and external business environments in the new economy.
• Demonstrate knowledge of project management methodologies, processes, techniques, and practical applications to manage an entrepreneurial project successfully in the new economy.
• Evaluate measurement of business deliverables, quality control mechanisms and risk factors effectively and efficiently to sustain new economy business performance.
• Reflect critically on the role of systems thinking for supporting and improving business performance in Industry 4.0 to maintain a competitive advantage.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Describe how product development, logistics and procurement evolved and contribute to value creation in knowledge-based learning organisations in the new economy.
• Demonstrate the role of logistics and procurement in successful project and supply chain management in Industry 4.0 virtual networks of partners.
• Identify critical new economic factors that influence the effectiveness of logistics and procurement in cross-functional organisations and shaping its organisational structures.
• Grasp the importance of logistics and procurement personnel functioning collaboratively with all stakeholders in virtual networks of partners.
• Understand the profound significance of diligent logistics and procurement management during all phases of a project and stages of the supply chain.
• Master the fundamental principles of procuring goods and services that are required to implement project and supply chain activities successfully.
• Execute and procure the process of inviting tenders (or securing partners) to ensure that goods and services following the new economy project and supply chain requirements.
• Understand that a procurement contract is a written agreement that specifies each party's legal obligation.
• Master the risk management and how to manage project and supply chain logistics and procurement risks in the Industry 4.0 economy.
• Demonstrate the steps in the logistics and procurement cycles from planning and scheduling, to effective contract management.
• Explain how logistics and procurement influence virtual organisational value chain performance.
• Design a business model for utilisation to develop and implement the supplier partnerships in the new economy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply project and programme management principles in the new economy value chain environment.
• Manage the difference between the way new economy organisations and traditional organisations.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of project and programme leadership and management in a virtual network of partner's context.
• Explain the key differences between the directive role of project managers and the facilitative, enabling role played by programme managers.
• Identify the strategic requirements embedded in a programme of organisational projects in Industry 4.0.
• Demonstrate the ability to evaluate the impact of the relational environment on the success of project and programme management in the new economy.
• Execute projects effectively in a strategic programme- in the managed virtual network context.
• Explain important factors that influence the selection of a particular structure when designing project and programme management organisational architecture in Industry 4.0.
• Demonstrate the importance of creating high-performance project teams in the quest of achieving maximum strategic performance in virtual networks of partners.
• Understand the influence that consideration and initiating structure dimensions have on project implementation in a programme management environment.
• Grasp the importance of transforming organisations from bureaucratic paradigms to learning entities to improve operational quality and performance in the Industry 4.0 economy.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Demonstrate the relationship between leadership and organisational value chain performance and improvement.
• Understand the influence of effective organisational design on an organisation's value chain performance in the Industry 4.0 economy.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of behavioural, structural, and operational strategic interventions on an organisation's ability to perform optimally and to continuously improve.
• Grasp the application of the balanced scorecard approach to effectively and efficiently achieve strategic synergy in value chain performance and improvement.
• Understand that shaping the organisation's supply chain and project processes into programme-� managed cross-functional portfolios for Industry 4.0 dispels bureaucracy and encourages transformation and change towards becoming a knowledge-based learning organisation.
• Distinguish between adaptive, innovative and radical change, and effectively managing resultant organisational transformation for new economy contextual situations.
• Explain the importance of managing organisational development through utilising the strategic transformation process incorporating the balanced scorecard strategy map, total quality management philosophy and systems thinking.
• Apply continuous improvement and innovative practices by utilising systems thinking to enhance organisational performance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution economic dispensation.
• Demonstrate the benefits of strategic importance resulting from adopting a collaborative approach in creating virtual networks of partners for effective product development in supply chain management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Demonstrate advanced insight into the application of quality management and systems thinking in the supply chain processes of the Industry 4.0 organisation.
• Apply sound leadership role modelling and knowledge management principles to achieve optimal supply chain performance for Industry 4.0.
• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of total quality management methodologies and operations management principles for enhancing supply chain and value chain performance in the new economy.
• Demonstrate the ability to adapt operations management strategies within a rapidly changing organisational context.
• Understand the importance of creating a Quality Management System and its profound contribution to organisational performance and improvement enhancement.
• Distinguish between customer relationship and service management, order fulfilment, product development, procurement, demand management and flow management as integral cross� functional supply chain processes.
• Reflect on supply chain processes and integration of explicit and implicit knowledge to add value to the Industry 4.0 organisation.
• Create synergy in cross-functional supply chain processes through integration, coordination and collaboration of all activities.
• Analyse and reflect on cross-functional project and supply chain processes to continuously improve operations in the Industry 4.0 organisation.
• Distinguish between a project-driven and non-project-driven business model in creating organisational supply chain structures.
• Demonstrate that collaborating with partner organisations in virtual networks can deliver profound value to the organisation.
• Explain how programme management is utilised to achieve effective and efficient collaboration, integration, coordination and information sharing in the Industry 4.0 value chain.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Formal and informal formative assignments show a distinction. For each topic discussed in a module, there are informal formative assignments. There is no assessment for these formative assignments, but it promotes learning. Completion of formal formative assignments may take place in a group (comprised of fellow learners, who can all participate online via Blackboard Collaborate) or individually online.

Online formative tests will use real-world case studies for learners to complete. The tests cover the scope of the syllabus of each module, for NQF Levels 5 and 6 modules in the first and second year of their studies. In the case of the individual online tests, learners will receive automatic instant feedback. Multiple or unlimited (depending on the instance) attempts are allowed for online formative assessments.

Summative assessment and examinations

Learners will write examinations under the supervision of invigilators.