Diploma in Operations Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Diploma in Operations Management is to provide learners who are either already in the manufacturing industry or aspire to a career in the manufacturing industry with in-depth knowledge and skills to participate in and/or manage the production/operations function. The qualification provides the learners with conceptual as well as practical knowledge to enable them to adapt to new situations and problems created by organisational or environmental change.

The qualification will provide the learner with exposure to knowledge and skills in the disciplines such as quality, supply chain, and operations that are involved in the successful management of the production/operations function in a progressive manner that ensures that the learner has a sound grasp of the concepts, principles, and practices that represent best practice in each of the disciplines studied. The inclusion of electives in the qualification enables an element of specialisation in specific disciplines without detracting from the scope of the qualification.

Linked to the purpose are the NQF 6 Level descriptors, which inform the Exit level Outcomes. Graduates of this qualification will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to enhance organisational efficiency and competitiveness. They will understand strategies to optimise production and operations, apply mathematical decision-making models in the workplace, and develop a multi-dimensional human resource strategy to build a capable workforce. Additionally, they will be proficient in the principles of quality management to integrate organisational activities, leverage financial data for financial optimisation, and implement world-class supply chain management practices. These competencies will enable them to contribute meaningfully to operational excellence within the South African context.

Rationale

Effective operations management is critical to the success of any organisation, ensuring efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness in an increasingly complex business environment. This qualification is designed to equip learners with the essential skills and knowledge to optimise processes, manage resources, and drive continuous improvement in manufacturing, service, and logistics industries. In consultation with the institution's clients and particularly the manufacturing and logistics sector, it became evident that there was a need for a qualification that would provide learners who did not have access to university studies with the necessary formalised knowledge and skills to operate successfully in the workplace.

The qualification addresses the growing demand for professionals who can oversee production, supply chain, and operational functions while balancing quality, cost, and sustainability. It integrates key disciplines such as process optimisation, inventory management, quality control, and strategic decision-making, providing a well-rounded foundation in operations management.

By combining theoretical insights with practical applications, the diploma prepares graduates to handle real-world challenges, adapt to technological advancements, and contribute to organisational success. Elective modules allow for specialisation in areas such as lean management, procurement, or logistics, ensuring relevance across diverse operational environments.

This qualification is ideal for individuals already working in operations who seek career advancement, as well as for newcomers aspiring to enter this dynamic field. It supports both professional development and industry growth by fostering competent, analytical, and forward-thinking operations managers. The qualification is aimed at previously disadvantaged learners who did not pass the national senior certificate with exemption to prepare them for articulation into higher levels of study in their chosen career path, which could be operations, quality or supply chain management.

The qualification contributes to both regional and national goals by

• Providing access to knowledge and skills for individuals who have been disadvantaged in their access to higher education, raising the skills level of the region and the nation.
• Providing expertise in the management organisations across a broad range of industries, aiding in the improvement of the productivity of these industries, and contributing to national competitiveness.
• Providing the learners with a pathway to achieving their potential, thus contributing to the national goal of promoting lifelong learning.
• Accommodating the recognition of prior learning, ensuring that the national goals of equity and fairness in access to higher learning are addressed.
• The combination of theory and practice, together with project work, ensures that the learning is applied, and that the learner is equipped with learning skills.
• The use of group work and a reflection on the experience of working in a team enhances the learners' understanding of working with others.

The institution's policy is based on three principles: recognising all formal and informal learning to enhance access to further education, assessing prior learning to ensure applicants can succeed at their desired level, and acknowledging the multi-disciplinary nature of Production Management, allowing diverse academic backgrounds for entry.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) at the institution is categorised into RPL for access to a programme and RPL for exemption from specific modules.

RPL for access requires candidates to demonstrate competence at the level below the desired course, with qualifications in a related field. If insufficient evidence exists, a four-hour assessment may be required.

As per CHE regulations, no more than 10% of a cohort of learners will be admitted through an RPL process.

RPL for exemption requires a completed application form with certified transcripts (not older than five years) for formal qualifications. For work experience-based exemptions, candidates must submit a Portfolio of Evidence verified by a senior manager. A subject matter expert evaluates the portfolio and may recommend a written assessment if evidence is insufficient.

A A learner cannot be granted an exemption for more than 50% of the modules in a qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF level 4, granting access to diploma studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 without endorsement.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Operations Management, NQF Level 5.

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Operations Management I, 20 Credits
• Quality Management I, 20 Credits
• Applied Mathematics I, 15 Credits.
• Human Resources Management I, 20 Credits.
• Business Finance, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management I, 15 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, 15 credits (Choose one module)

• Logistics Management I, 15 credits.
• Warehouse Management, 15 credits.
• Digital Transformation in the 4IR/Information Technology, 15 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6 225 Credits

• Operations Management II, 20 Credits.
• Quality Management II, 20 Credits.
• Business Statistics, 20 Credits.
• Manufacturing Technology, 15 Credits.
• Project Management Techniques, 15 Credits.
• Contemporary Management, 15 Credits.
• Operations Management III. 25 Credits.
• Quality Management III, 20 Credits.
• Operations Process Design and Improvement, 20 Credits.
• Supply Chain II, 15 Credits.
• Operations Research, 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of the strategies that can be employed to optimise the production/operations' function's contribution to the objectives of the organisation.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of mathematical decision-making models and their application in the workplace.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the need for a coherent, multi-dimensional human resource strategy to ensure that the organisation has an appropriately constituted workforce.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the concept of quality management and the role that it plays in integrating the activities of the organisation.
5. Demonstrate the ability to use financial data to optimise the financial position of the organisation.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by world-class supply chain management and the elements that contribute to attaining this status.
7. Demonstrate the ability to investigate a problem in the workplace, collect and analyse data, and present the conclusions in a coherent document suitable for written or oral presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Organise activities and manage effectively to optimise production.
• Participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national, and global communities to contribute to the organisational objectives.
• Explain cultural and aesthetic sensitivity to understand a range of social contexts.
• Analyse the organisation's position in relation to world-class manufacturing benchmarks to implement recommendations for improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Utilise mathematical decision-making models to assist in finding solutions to workplace problems.
• Apply statistical process control techniques in the workplace to ensure control
• Apply suitable mathematical models are applied to solve workplace-related decision-making problems, demonstrating accuracy and relevance in their approach.
• Accurately interpret outcomes of applied models to assess their implications for business decisions, and provide logical recommendations based on the results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Discuss team, group, organisation, or community to understand the importance of working effectively with other members of the organisation.
• identify and explain key elements of a human resource strategy, including talent acquisition, workforce planning, training and development, performance management, and employee retention for a better understanding of how this affects the working environment.
• Develop appropriate HR strategies for specific organisational challenges, ensuring alignment with business objectives and workforce needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Effectively and critically use science and technology, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
• Critically evaluate the workplace in relation to the principles of quality management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Collect, analyse, organise, and critically evaluate information.
• Calculate financial ratios for the learners' organisation or another organisation to evaluate their significance.
• Analyse the business model of the learners' organisation to provide suggestions for improvement.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Supply Chain Management is reviewed as an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
• Analyse the supply chain of the learners' organisation to understand its strengths and weaknesses.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking to make responsible decisions.
• Use visual, mathematical, and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation to create effective presentations.
• Reflect on and explore various strategies to present and analyse data more effectively.
• Identify workplace problems and conduct theoretical and empirical research to identify possible solutions to the problem.
• Evaluate solutions to problems to ensure that the optimal solution is cost-effective and propose an implementation plan.
• Present to management a report which complies with the requirements of academic discourse.

Integrated Assessment

Even though the nature of the qualification is essentially academic and theoretical, the emphasis in the tasks and assignments is on the integration of the theory with actual practice. The tasks encourage the learners to integrate theory and practice and to reflect on the application of the theory in their own work environment and other unfamiliar environments.

The institution's qualifications do not have a WIL component as the majority of the institution's learners are already employed; however, all formatives include a component of integrated learning where our learners would need to apply theory in real-life examples in a workplace.

Formative Assessment

Each of the components described in the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria has several tasks associated with it. The tasks vary in number and complexity depending on the characteristics of the outcome and criteria.

The tasks constitute the prime formative assessment mechanism and can be either individual or group assignments. Group tasks are incorporated to provide practice in working effectively as a team. They include a presentation element, which develops the ability to communicate effectively, utilising a range of techniques. The assignments test the reflexive component of assessment.

At this level the emphasis is on integration of theory and practice in a variety of environments. For all modules except quantitative modules, learners will complete one formative assignment that focuses on the application of theory. For quantitative modules like Applied Mathematics, Business Statistics, and all Finance modules, learners will write two tests. The formative assessments produce the course mark, and a learner must achieve at least 50% for admission to the exam.

Summative Assessment

Examinations are the primary summative assessment method. Use is made of case studies and practical exercises in examinations wherever appropriate.

The examinations assess the learners' understanding of theoretical learning (Foundational Competence). The tasks and assignments provide a means to assess the learners` ability to apply the theory to real workplace situations (Practical Competence).

The following sub-minima must be achieved by the learner

• Course mark: 50%
• Summative assessment/examination: 40%

The following must be achieved to qualify for a supplementary

• Course mark: 50%
• Final Mark: 45% or more if the sub-minimum of 40% for the exam not achieved.