Diploma in Office Management and Technology

Purpose

This qualification serves as an accessibility vehicle to all professional dimensions in the field of Office Management and Technology. Successful learners will be competent in performing collaborative information Management, Administrative functions and responsibilities. It is an area of study that prepares individuals to supervise and manage the operations, personnel and management level divisions in organisations.

The focus will be on collaboration, content management, enterprise search, information governance, social networking, business and knowledge management. The emphasis is on the transformed administrative business systems operate within a dynamic information Communication and Technology (ICT) interface. Completion of the qualification provides access to the following careers: information and administrative managers, office managers, executive and personal assistants.

The qualification also includes instruction in employee management, administrative records management; information security; office facilities design and workspace management; preparation and evaluation of business management data and public relations. Developing social networking skills is an integral part of the Diploma. The qualification strives to achieve centred learning through supportive teaching provided by mentoring, life-skills and language proficiency programs aimed at assisting underprepared learners.

Rationale

The design of the qualification has an appropriate balance of theoretical, practical and experiential knowledge and skills. The learners study the theory part for three consecutive years and of which part of that is ten weeks practical and experiential knowledge whereby learners are exposed to employment opportunities. The qualification has been designed to equip the learners with the skills and aptitudes that are relevant to respond to the challenges that face the corporate world. In terms of the Exit Level Outcomes, the learners will have the competency to use appropriate business administration principles, management principles, information management principles and entrepreneurial skills. The learner will be competent enough to effectively execute administrative tasks and management tasks in a business environment. The qualification is intended to provide the learners with a broader understanding of the general principles of the Law of the Republic of South Africa. Qualifying learners will apply the knwoledge efficiently in legal practice. The qualification provides a brief overview of the conveyancing practice and the applicable legislation. The learner will be empowered to perform advanced information processing taking into account most recent changes and developments in-office systems.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is recognised, subject to the requirements of the qualification and as per Institution policy). RPL demonstrates competency for admission into this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through RPL processes.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5, 160 Credits

• Information Administration I, 24 Credits.
• Life skills, 2 Credits.
• Information literacy, 2 Credits.
• Computer literacy, 10 Credits.
• Business Administration I, 24 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 1 module 1, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting I, Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Communication I, 10 Credits.
• Information Administration II, 40 Credits.
• Business Administration II, 24 Credits.

Electives Modules at Level 5, 80 Credits (Choose three modules)

• Human Resource Management 1, 24 Credits.
• Legal Practice I, 24 Credits.
• Human Resource Management II, 24 Credits.
• Mercantile Law I, 24 Credits.
• Legal Practice II, 24 Credits.
• Financial Accounting II Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting II Module 2, 12 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits

• Information Administration III, 36 Credits.
• Business Administration III, 24 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning (WIL), 60 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the various means of accessing, processing, disseminating, repackaging and communicating information, including the use of information technology effectively to function in a changing business environment.
2. Use a range of business administration, human resource management, customer relations and other skills to identify, analyse and solve problems in the effective administration of public or private organisations, including applying the relevant legal and Office Management and Technology principles to make informed decisions ethically.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and the effective use of integrated data communications, data management systems, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), workplace ergonomics, and Social Networking Applications (SNAs) and enterprise social knowledge networks in managing administrative information.
4. Make decisions and act appropriately in utilising integrated applications to engage in corporate governance collaboratively. Evaluate, select and apply appropriate methods in performing information processing and ICT responsibilities using contemporary administrative systems.
5. Manage and maintain the principles related to the planning, presentation and executing of projects within the Office Management and Technology environment.
6. Work effectively in a team when planning and managing the handling, controlling and maintaining administrative information processes to meet the expectations of the industry.
7. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge and understanding of the concepts, rules and theories applicable to Office Management and Technology and other areas of ICT and how that knowledge relates to other fields, discipline and practices.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification adopts an integrated assessment approach. Learners will achieve competence in this qualification through demonstrating their knowledge and skills about the learning outcomes and assessment criteria as reflected in the qualification's assessment strategy. Related or complementary outcomes will be assessed using the same activity or evidence.

Three methods of assessment are used in this qualification

1. Observation.

This method of assessment is used to evaluate how learners perform specific procedures and how they demonstrate techniques about the tasks performed as part of the Office Management and Technology function. This method of assessment will be used in assessing practical learning activities in simulated environments as part of the WIL.

1. Products/projects.

This method of assessment is used to show how learners to access, interpret and manage information related to the tasks and activities performed as part of the information administration function. Learners are assessed on completed/developed relevant products which they have created as part of their learning.

1. Questioning.

This method of assessment is used to enable learners to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the concepts, principles, processes and procedures associated with the Office Management and Technology function. This is usually done through theoretical tests, written examinations and assignments which form part of the assessments strategy in both NQF 5 and 6 modules.