Diploma in Logistics Management

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to develop learners with a wide range of vocational and industry-specific intellectual competencies, knowledge and practical skills. This will enable learners to critically explain and apply logistics and supply chain management principles, processes and procedures. The qualification will provide the learner with a range of fundamental knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communication, information systems and project management. Furthermore, it will provide the learner with detailed knowledge about general management principles and specific logistics and supply chain management principles. The qualification is relevant and responsive to the needs of the South African logistics industry.

Rationale

The programme provides a learning opportunity to entry-level employees in the logistics management industry to develop relevant knowledge and skills through limited contact, and industry focussed programme. The offering of the Dip Logistics will address South Africa's logistics-related scarce skills stemming from the fact that it has been identified by the National Scarce Skills List of 2008. Knowing that learners are mostly working adults, the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management ensures that the programme learning support material provides guidance and academic support in the learning process.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is done following the institution RPL Policy. In cases of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements, RPL will be determined following the policy and guideline of the institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework (NQF) level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access on condition that they continue their studies at institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement to this qualification

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

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 5 and 6 totalling at 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Overview and objective of the Government and Municipal Logistics Systems, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Logistics Management, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Business Management, 15 Credits.
• Basic principles of Performance Measures, 15 Credits.
• Basics Mathematics and Quantitative Techniques for Logisticians, 15 Credits.
• Procurement and Order Processing Systems, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Transportation and Warehousing, 15 Credits.
• Basic end-user Computing for Logisticians, 15 Credits.

Compulsory, Level 6, 162 Credits

• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 24 Credits.
• Transportation Operations Management, 24 Credits.
• Warehousing and Materials Handling, 24 Credits.
• Inventory Management, 24 Credits.
• Tactical Logistics Management, 24 Credits.
• Logistics Audit Report, 42 Credits.

Electives Modules, Level 6, 78 Credits (Choose three Modules)

• Project Management, 26 Credits.
• International Logistics Management, 26 Credits.
• Demand Planning, 26 Credits.
• Temperature Controlled Supply Chain Management, 26 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of logistics management concepts and principles.
2. The learner should be able to take decisions in the context of a logistics and/or supply chain organisation interpret relevant information, and produce innovative responses based on informed judgement to concrete but often unfamiliar problems.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of ethical implications in decision-making within the logistics management context.
4. Undertake investigations in the logistics field, including gathering, integrating, interpreting and presenting related information.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship and impact between the different fields within logistics management and transportation management.
6. Identify and managing logistics management information and select information appropriate to the task.
7. Organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of logistics.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be used in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate an ability to identify and solve problems.
• Demonstrate critical and creative thinking about advanced Logistics Management concepts and principles.
• Correctly apply and reflect on the applications made in terms of concepts to logistics functions.
• Sufficiently explain the importance and role of logistics.
• Explain the importance and role of logistics in the management at international, regional and national levels.
• Distinguish between the roles of logistics at the various macro- and micro-levels.
• Identify and describe the ethical implications of decisions taken within the logistics management industry correctly.
• Plan and execute investigations in the field of logistics as well as explain and apply the correct gathering, integrating, interpreting and presenting information on Logistics Management.
• Distinguish between the relationships and impact of different areas within logistics and transportation management.
• Correctly identify and apply relevant logistics management information to adequately manage tasks.
• Use the necessary management technology, in particular, specified computer hardware and software, including internet and databases.
• Use computer competently.
• Organise and coordinate relevant resources in the logistics management field.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes, will be done by completion of two individual assignments and one written examination and also a Logistics Audit Report in the 3rd year. The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and include a summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, self-assessment exercises after every learning unit will be used.