Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with knowledge of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and equip them with necessary skills to address related challenges. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Integrate knowledge and understanding of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence and to think epistemologically with respect to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Identify, analyse and deliver workable and evidence-based solutions to complex real-world problems and issues pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management, using theory-driven arguments.
• Understand and apply a range of research methods, techniques and technologies and be able to select these appropriately for a particular research problem in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Ensure efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills as well as the identification, critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data and current research and literature pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
• Present and communicate academic and professional work pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management effectively, catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different genres appropriate to the context.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics is designed to provide learners with knowledge of Logistics and Supply Chain Management and engage them in addressing related challenges. There is a demand in the country and the Southern African region for skilled professionals to serve in the area of Logistics as a sub section of Supply Chain Management. This has also been highlighted by the South African government as a critical and scarce skill.

The aim of this qualification is to equip learners with comprehensive knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, as well as problem-solving skills that will enable them to be self-driven and integrated thinkers, who can evaluate information critically and independently when doing research and to construct logical, well-founded arguments in the field of Logistics. This will enable them to make strategic logistics decisions in a supply chain context and to develop appropriate logistics and supply chain strategies that will enhance competitive advantages in business contexts. It will furthermore enable learners to create and sustain multiple supply chains with a level of flexibility and responsiveness that allows them to respond to opportunities and threats in order to align a firm with the best suppliers, partners and customers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an essential element to transform access and admissions policies at education institutions in South Africa.

RPL must be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way and it must take place in accordance with the terms of the University's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and in accordance with the relevant procedures laid down by the Faculty.

Students who do not met the minimum admission requirements may be admitted to the qualification through RPL. This qualification may be achieved in part through e RPL, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in any of the modules of this qualification, the appropriate credits will be assigned.

Note that not more than a third of the total credits of the qualification can be assigned via RPL and a maximum of 10% of students per cohort may be admitted via the RPL route.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is

• A three (3) year Bachelors' Degree, at NQF Level 7.

Or

• An Advanced Diploma in Logistics or Supply Chain Management, at NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 124 Credits.

Modules

• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Strategic Logistics Management, 16 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy, 16 Credits.
• Supply Chain Alignment, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Materials Management, 18 Credits.
• Freight Transport, 16 Credits.

1. Integrate knowledge and understanding of Logistics and Supply Chain.
2. Make sound theoretical judgements based on evidence and think epistemologically with respect to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
3. Identify, analyse and deliver workable and evidence-based solutions to complex real-world problems and issues pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management using theory-driven arguments.
4. Understand and apply a range of research methods, techniques and technologies and select these appropriately for a particular research problem in Logistics.
5. Ensure efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills as well as the identification, critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data and current research and literature pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
6. Present and communicate academic and professional work pertaining to Logistics and Supply Chain Management effectively, catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different genres appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The role of logistics on the national economy is reflected on.
• The role of logistics as a strategic function of the organisation is discussed.
• The role of Supply Chain Information Systems in strategically managing logistics is explained.
• The interface between Business Process Management and supply chain alignment is illustrated.
• The principles of freight transport regulation are described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• A strategic profit model to determine the financial impact of inventory on a firm is applied.
• Transport strategies pertaining to various transport issues from a logistics viewpoint are formulated (For example costs, pricing, traffic management, carrier selection, intermodal transport options, service quality, productivity improvement).
• Different proposals on logistics network design including the number, size, layout, design and location of warehouses are formulated.
• Strategies on improving warehouse productivity are formulated.
• Logistics costing is applied for decision making purposes.
• The role of information systems and information sharing is related to supply chain synchronisation and integration.
• A Quick Response (QR) Logistics System is compared with an inventory based system and the requirements for and benefits of QR are discussed.
• Proposals on how sustainability can be assimilated into Logistics as part of Supply Chain alignment are formulated.
• Proposals for implementing a sustainable Logistics strategy are formulated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Financial statements are analysed and interpreted in terms of return on investment, profit margin and asset turnover using various methods of measuring the value of logistics.
• Proposals on how to develop a business model in a supply chain context that will cope with the changing nature of the business environment and the accompanying challenges faced by management are formulated.
• The Principles, objectives and strategies for freight transport in South Africa are outlined analysed and interpreted as contained in policy documents such as the White Paper on National Transport Policy and the National Freight Logistics Strategy.
• The suitability of various intermodal vehicles (road vehicles, rail tricks, aircraft and vessels) is argued.
• Knowledge gained from case study research related Logistics and Supply Chain Management issues is analysed, synthesised and evaluated so that insight can be gained into systematic thinking approaches that need to be implemented when dealing with finding solutions to problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A Research problem and question, purpose and objectives in context of existing literature and research are identified and formulated.
• An appropriate research design is substantiated.
• The research methodology to be used in the research is argued.
• An approved proposal for a research project is prepared.
• The proposed project is conducted successfully under supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Appropriate literature is obtained and selected.
• Primary data is generated (for example, generate research instruments).
• An appropriate literature review is performed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Data from research instruments is captured and analysed.
• Data is interpreted and presented logically.
• Computer software for computers that will be utilised for data analysis is identified and selected.
• Information generated through literature review and data analysis is synthesised.
• Meaningful conclusions are formulated.
• Appropriate and suitable recommendations are presented and motivated to target audiences.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated. A variety of methods will be used in assessment and tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the student is working or will work. Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way.

Theoretical and practical components will be assessed together during integrated assessment, and various formative and summative assessment tools and methods will be implemented to ensure confirmation of the mastering of all the outcomes and related workplace competencies, such as written assignments, written tests, case studies and case presentations as well as group discussions. Advanced information retrieval and processing skills and critical analysis projects, will prove integration and application of the knowledge, critical thinking and communication of information.

Summative assessment in each of the modules in the qualification will be conducted by means of a three hour written examination. The project's mini-dissertation will determine whether a learner is able to demonstrate critical application of theory, concepts, principles, transportation policies and rules, processes and structures to solve factual and real world problems and issues. The outcome of this mini-dissertation will also determine the student's ability to find new information and to integrate this information with existing knowledge.