Diploma in Management

Purpose

The aim of this program is to respond by providing students with a range of relevant and essential business and financial/accounting skills that will increase opportunities for their successful contribution to, and growth in, the business environment.This program is directed at persons with some foundational management knowledge and work experience, who would like to expand their management competencies in key areas of general management and related disciplines such as marketing, finance and the management of human resources.In addition, it will be of benefit to individuals who intend starting and growing their own businesses and who understand that general management skills form an integral part of any successful and sustainable business.

Rationale

The Department of Labour (DoL), Financial and Accounting Service SETA (FASSET) and National Scarce Skills List have identified General Management as one of the scarce and critical skills gaps currently in the South African (SA) market. The Diploma in Management Science has been developed to meet the national skills gaps within South Africa's' unique and diverse labour market. Distance education provides an ideal opportunity to business managers and prospective business managers to upgrade their knowledge and level of professionalism without having to attend full-time (face-to-face) classes.

The Diploma in Management Science is a three-year learning program that reflects the needs of the management sector where both hard and soft skills have been identified as in short supply. Strong "drivers" for general management training and development include the need to improve quality standards, increase productivity levels, address performance requirements, and obtain current and appropriate knowledge and skills inkey management areas.

The qualification assumes that the student is competent in the language of instruction, material, able to work independently; in possession of general theoretical, practical and academic knowledge accomplished at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learning that has been acquired through formal,informal and non-formal means, is recognised for the fulfilment of therequirements of this qualification or part of the qualification it is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this

qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance by the relevant accredited Education and Training Quality Assurance Body (ETQA) and is conducted by an experienced academic.

Access to the qualification

This qualification is for all candidates who meet the entrance requirements. The learning program is flexible and accessible to students who are either

currently unemployed or engaged in full time employment. The minimum admission requirement is a National Senior Certificate (NSC) with a minimum of 30% in the language of learning and teaching of the higher education institution as certified by Umalusi, coupled with an achievement rating of 3 (Moderate Achievement, 40-49%) or better in four recognised NSC 20-credit subjects.

Learning Components; NQF Level; Credit; Allocations

Fundamentals

• Business Communication; 5; 20.
• Concepts of Management Computing 5; ; 20.

Core-Year 1

• Management 1; 5; 20.
• Financial Accounting 1; 5; 20.
• Business Law; 5; 20.

Electives-Year 1 (select at least 1, as per chosen stream)

• Office Management; 5; 20
• Administrative Practice 1; 5; 20
• Human Resources Management 1; 5; 20.
• Marketing Management1; 5; 20.
• Public Relations 1; 5; 5; 20; 20.
• Internal Auditing 1;5; 5; 20; 20.
• Cost and Management Accounting 1 ; 5; 20.
• Credit Management; 5; 20.

Total Credits Year 1 Min 120.

Core-Year 2

• Management 2; 6; 20.
• Strategy and Problem Solving; 6; 20.
• Project Management; 6; 20.
• Economics; 6; 20.

Electives - Year 2 (select 2, as per chosen stream)

• Information and Communications Technology; 6; 6; 20; 20.
• Entrepreneurship; 6; 20.
• Administrative Practice 2, 6; 20.
• Human Resources Management 2 ; 6; 20.
• Marketing Management 2; 6; 20.
• Public Relations 2; 6; 20.
• Internal Auditing 2; 6; 20.
• Financial Accounting 2; 6; 20.
• Cost and Management Accounting 2; 6; 20.
• Taxation; 6; 20.
• Corporate Law; 6; 20.

Total credits Year 2 Min 120.

Core-Year 3

• Management 3; 7; 35.
• Business Research 7; 35.

Electives-Year 3 (select at least 2, as per chosen stream)

• Administrative Practice 3; 7; 35.
• Human Resources Management 3 7; 35.
• Marketing Management 3; 7; 35.
• Public Relations 3; 7; 35.
• Financial Accounting 3; 7; 35.
• Cost and Management Accounting 3; 7; 35.
• Corporate Social Responsibility 7; 35.
• Labour Relations; 7; 35.

Total credits year 3 Min 140

Total Credits Min 380.

1. Communicate effectively in a range of routine and complex business settings.
2. Utilise knowledge and entrepreneurial skills to recognise and pursue business opportunities.
3. Apply the principles of business law responsibly.
4. Implement and monitor appropriate personnel processes.
5. Recognise and solve marketing problems.
6. Apply sound financial management principles.
7. Complete projects within agreed timeframes and according to budgets and quality standards.
8. Utilise essential research skills that lead to informed decision making.
9. Implement information and communication technology practices in a work environment.
10. Contribute meaningfully to corporate social responsibility in an organisation.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

The programme aims to develop the SAQA critical cross-field outcomes listed below

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, 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/or written presentation.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Communication theory is explained and effective communication through a variety of modes such as oral, written and electronic communication is demonstrated.
• The ability to organise, conduct a meeting and to report in a professional manner within a business environment is demonstrated.
• Appropriate graphic media to complement or substitute other vehicles of communication is used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Processes that effect entrepreneurial activity are identified and analysed.
• The process to establish a business is understood and applied.
• The role of general management and leadership are conceptualised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Liabilities from within an organisation are discussed.
• corporate governance issues are understood and debated.
• The risks associated with non-compliance or non-activity regarding business law is described.
• Evidence of compliance or non-compliance in an organisation is investigated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Important aspects of human resources management such as legislation, planning, job analysis and appraisals are explained.
• The basic components of Human Resources Management are identified and effects explained.
• The concept of personality is defined and the psychological contract between the employee and the organisation is explained.
• Human resources planning is explained and applied.
• Essentials of recruitment policy, factors that influence recruitment, and internal and external recruitment methods are described and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The concept of consumer behaviour is defined and organizational and personal consumers are described.
• Concepts such as marketing, consumer research and market segmentation are explained applied.
• Fundamental marketing concepts such as marketing scope, specific tasks required for successful marketing management are defined and explained.
• The way marketing affects customer value, marketing research, measuring marketing productivity is analysed.
• Consumers' purchasing decisions and decision making are analysed.
• A branding strategy is developed considering effective brand-building events and experiences.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Basic concepts in financial accounting is explained.
• A range of transactions and adjustments, using the double-entry bookkeeping system is recorded.
• Financial statements, including the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Statement of Changes in Equity is prepared.
• Selected controls in the accounting system, including the trial balance, the bank reconciliation, and debtors' and creditors' control accounts are applied.
• A fundamental understanding of accounting for VAT is demonstrated.
• The functions of Financial Management are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The fundamental concepts and knowledge areas of project management are explained.
• Project management documentation management to support project processes are developed.
• Project administration processes are implemented according to requirements.
• A simple schedule to facilitate effective project execution is developed.
• Simple project schedules are monitored, evaluated and communicated.
• Project costs are identified and an appropriate project budget is prepared.
• Project meetings and workshops are planned, organised and supported.
• Project risks and opportunities are identified and responded to appropriately.
• The purpose of teams in the project environment and effective participation are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The quality and legitimacy of open source information pertaining to electro-technical engineering are evaluated.
• The most appropriate information related to the task is selected and utilized in research.
• A well-developed process of analysis, synthesis and evaluation based on acquired appropriate information is effectively applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Components of a computer, system and application software programmes, storage devices and the function and operating systems are explained.
• Windows environment is explored and documents are created professionally.
• Spreadsheets are created and formatted.
• Slide presentations are produced.
• Appropriate computer software are ethically and correctly applied.
• Proprietary processes, design principles and data management and security are effectively and correctly utilised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Team dynamics are understood and applied terms of leadership and membership.
• Negotiating skills are evident in various Facility Management contexts.
• Performance management systems are understood and implemented.
• Diversity in the workplace is well managed.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of competence is done through a combination of formative and summative assessment methodologies, tools and procedures, which will not discriminate against learners in an unjust or invalid way. Formative assessment integrates theory with practice, with transfer of skills being conducted in a real or simulated workplace environment. Assessment practices are fair, transparent, valid and reliable.

The purpose of assessment is to determine whether a learner has met the outcomes of the qualification in terms of theory and practice. Integrative techniques are therefore used to assess applied competence. Candidates should be required to demonstrate that they can perform the outcomes with understanding and insight.