Diploma in Agricultural Management

Purpose

The intended purpose of this qualification is to give the successful learner a professional, vocational and sound understanding of the general theoretical principles and their applications in the field of Agricultural Management.

Rationale

This qualification is intended for Agricultural Management learners in the Higher Education and Training band of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). Persons achieving this qualification will be competent in applying relevant knowledge, skills and values about agricultural production, problem solving, situation analysis and human relations in order to effectively manage an agricultural business.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institutional Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy and procedures are followed. Learners who do not meet entry requirements can apply for access to the qualification through RPL against a module, or part/full qualification for learning obtained through formal, informal and non-formal learning. Learners need to submit a Portfolio of Evidence which will be internally assessed. Credits may be awarded based on the assessment results and learners have the opportunity to appeal against the assessment result where credits were not awarded.

Entry Requirements.

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate. National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling at 389 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 169 Credits

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Skills, 10 Credits.
• Agricultural Computer Applications, 10 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 1, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 2, 8 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 2, 12 Credits.
• Animal Production 1, 10 Credits.
• Agricultural Soil Science 1, 10 Credits.
• Agricultural Soil Science 2, 10 Credits.
• Plant Production 1, 10 Credits.
• Pasture Science 1, 9 Credits.
• Agricultural Law 1, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Law 2, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Engineering, 12 Credits.
• Personnel Management 1, 12 Credits.
• Personnel Management 2, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 180 Credits

• Animal Production 2, 10 Credits.
• Plant Production 2, 10 Credits.
• Business Management 3, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 4, 12 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 3, 8 Credits.
• Applied Communication Skills 4, 8 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (Agricultural) 1, 60 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (Agricultural) 2, 60 Credits.

Electives Modules, Level 6, 40 Credits

• Animal Production 3, Credits 10.
• Animal Production 4, Credits 10.
• Plant Production 3, Credits 10.
• Plant Production 4, Credits 10.

1. Manage intensive and extensive sustainable animal production systems.
2. Manage intensive and extensive sustainable plant production systems.
3. Manage human resources.
4. Perform sound financial management practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Perform an integrated farm planning.
• Complete an integrated fodder flow planning on any livestock division.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Plan a work plan for a sustainable plant production system.
• Interpret a soil analysis and write a report on the results.
• Pan a complete pest, disease and weed control program for a season.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Compile human resources documentation.
• Discuss and evaluate human resources management practices.
• Formulate recommendations on human resources management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply of theoretical knowledge in practice.
• Develop an integrated farm budget.
• Develop and analyse financial statements performance.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are integral components of all modules within the qualification and have application to both traditional summative and continuous assessment, ensuring overall applied competence. All teaching and learning activities in the qualification are aligned to the assessment approach of the individual modules indicating a constructive alignment approach in the design of the qualification.

The assessment activities form an integral part of the teaching and learning process and are systematically and purposefully used to generate data for grading. Timely feedback to learners' forms part of the assessment strategy of the institution and is used to inform teaching and learning and to improve the curriculum. Learning outcomes in all modules give an indication as to what will be assessed in the module and thus ensures constructive alignment of the modules within the qualification.