Diploma in Human Resources Management

Purpose

The learner, on completion of this qualification, will be able to integrate business core practices within the four main roles of human resource areas of operation, namely:

• Strategic planning of human resources.
• Acquisition, development and utilisation of human capital.
• Labour and employee relations.
• Administration.

The qualifying learner will be capable of

• Conducting human resource planning as part of the business process of an organisation.
• Conducting human resources practices within a workplace.
• Contributing to the improvement of labour and employee relations in a workplace.
• Managing productivity within an organisation.
• Conducting business administration duties according to organisational practices and standards.

Rationale

This qualification meets the needs of the sector by capacitating potential human resource managers in the provisioning of competencies linked to management, business administration, industrial and labour relations, personnel planning, administration, development and productivity, thereby potentially bettering the human resource management function of an organisation.

The typical learners attempting this qualification would migrate from the schooling system with the necessary admission requirements, and/or would already be active in the workplace. This qualification, will allow the learner access to further learning in the same or a related field.

This diploma could enable the qualifying learner to acquire professional registration at associate level with the South African Board of Peoples Practice (SABPP).

It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills

• Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used, and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

Access to the Qualification

There is an open access to this qualification for learners who have

• Successfully completed the National Senior Certificate with the relevant admission requirements.

Or

• Successfully completed the National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4 with the relevant admission requirements.

Or

• Successfully completed a related qualification at NQF Level 5.

To be awarded the qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 360 credits, as detailed below

• 120 credits at NQF Level 5.
• 180 credits at NQF Level 6.
• 60 credits at NQF Level 7.

1. Conduct human resource planning as part of the business process of an organisation.
2. Conduct human resources practices within a workplace.
3. Contribute to the improvement of labour and employee relations in a workplace.
4. Manage productivity within an organisation.
5. Conduct business administration duties according to organisational practices and standards.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This programme aims to develop the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as listed below

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decision using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the heath of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems recognised that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 The nature of management is analysed in order to determine best practices for the organisation.

• Range: Nature refers but is not limited to the levels of management, managerial roles and management theories.

1.2 Strategic and operational management practices are applied in a human resource planning contexts.

• Range: Practices refers but is not limited to planning, organising, leading and controlling.

1.3 Change management plans are developed for an organisation.

1.4 Diversity management plans are developed for an organisation.

1.5 The information management system is managed according to business process requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 The recruitment and selection process is managed according to the relevant legislation and practices.

2.2 Employee contracts are drawn up which are compliant with the relevant national legislation and policy.

2.3 The remuneration of employees is managed according to employee agreements, organisational requirements and national policy.

2.4 An organisational performance management system is implemented and managed according to organisational policy.

2.5 Training and developmental plans are drawn up according to individual and organisational developmental requirements.

2.6 Measures are implemented to promote a developmental and learning culture in the organisation.

2.7 Common law contracts are drawn up according to relevant legislation and practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 The sources of legislation governing labour are analysed for implementation in the organisation.

• Range: Sources include but are not limited to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act and the Labour Relations Act.

3.2 The conditions of service in the organisation are monitored so that advice can be given regarding the improvement of practices.

3.3 A grievance process is implemented and managed in order to attempt to facilitate a resolution.

3.4 A disciplinary process is implemented and managed according to relevant labour legislation and practices.

3.5 A communication strategy is implemented and managed within the organisation.

3.6 An employment equity strategy is developed and implemented in the organisation in order to facilitate transformation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 The dynamics of an organisation are analysed in order to determine productivity levels.

• Range: Dynamics refers but is not limited to leadership, groups, teams, motivation, communication, controls and ethics.

4.2 Productivity improvement plans based on productivity assessments are developed and implemented in the organisation.

4.3 The impact of the productivity improvement plan is analysed in order to determine where improvements can be made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 Communications are conducted according to organisational practices and standards.

5.2 Meetings are conducted according to organisational practices and standards.

5.3 Planning and administrative activities are implemented in the human resource management department/section.

5.4 A budget is developed and managed for the human resource management department/section.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the qualification and can only gain access to the Final Integrated Assignment if they meet the requirements stipulated for each section of the programme. Theoretical knowledge and the application of knowledge will be measured against the identified Exit Level Outcomes by means of content driven projects, assignments and practical work. The assessment of the programme is governed by the quality management system of the institution which further ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.