Diploma in Shipping and Logistics

Purpose

The Diploma in Shipping and Logistics represents a level of qualification that recognises the ability to gain and apply a range of focused, specialised knowledge, skills and understanding. Upon qualifying learners will be able to display competence in the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities associated with a career in shipping and logistics.

On completion of the Diploma in Shipping and Logistics, the learner will be able to

• Communicate effectively within the evolving context of international shipping.
• Act in a responsible, productive and professional manner.
• Analyse the key national and international legal issues as they relate to the carriage of goods by sea.
• Understand the links between organisations, management practices and the business environment.
• Analyse and apply processes and use various tools and techniques for effective management of logistics.

Rationale

The maritime sector of the economy has been identified as a potential area for job creation. The planned dig out port south of Durban; the expansion and infrastructure developments at existing commercial ports in South Africa and the strengthening of the Durban to Gauteng Freight Corridor are some of the initiatives that the national government has embarked upon. Durban is the busiest multi-purpose port in the southern hemisphere and the African continent and home to the largest concentration of maritime-related shore-based activities in the southern hemisphere. Durban is considered to be the gateway to southern Africa 20% of the GDP is directly related to the port activities while a further 20% is indirectly related to maritime activities. Richard's Bay is the busiest port in the southern hemisphere and African continent by volume of cargo handled.

A shore-based undergraduate qualification is vital to support the planned expansion and port developments. It is envisaged that the Diploma in Shipping and Logistics would adequately prepare learners for a career in the shore-based maritime industry. The continued economic success of the ports of Durban and Richard's Bay depends on an educated workforce. This may ensure that the ports operate efficiently and be productive.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible and is applicable to all prospective candidates to the Department of Maritime Studies. The Diploma in Shipping and Logistics may be achieved in part or completely through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the prospective candidate is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits would be assigned to the prospective candidate.

The department's RPL process will be aligned to the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and will include representation from industry and maritime associations (SAAFF, SAASOA and EMC) when reviewing RPL applications.

The purpose of the institution's policy is to

• Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
• Facilitate access and admission to learning programmes within education and training and career paths.
• Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
• Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
• Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the institution.

Entry Requirements

Access to the qualification is based on achievement of the following

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) passed with diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

The qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 360 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 5 (120 Credits)

• Economics, 24 Credits.
• Statistics, 24 Credits.
• Introduction to Shipping, 20 Credits.
• Computer Skills and Information Literacy, 16 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 16 Credits.
• Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
• Health and Wellness, 8 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 6 (168 Credits)

• Logistics 1, 28 Credits.
• KZN Maritime Culture, 24 Credits.
• Political Ideology, 8 Credits.
• Environmental Sustainability, 8 Credits.
• Culture and Society, 8 Credits.
• Health and Wellness, 8 Credits.
• Maritime Shore-based Practice, 60 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Business and Management 1, 24 Credits.
• Port Planning and Terminal Management 1, 24 Credits.

Modules at NQF Level 7 (84 Credits)

• Shipping and Legal Practice 1, 28 Credits.
• Shipping and Legal Practice 2, 28 Credits.
• Logistics 2, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules

• Port Planning and Terminal Management 2, 16 Credits.
• Business and Management 2, 16 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively within the evolving context of international shipping.
2. Act in a responsible, productive and professional manner, thereby promoting productive citizenship.
3. Analyse the key national and international legal issues as they relate to the carriage of goods by sea.
4. Understand the links between organisations, management practices and the business environment.
5. Analyse and apply processes and uses various tools and techniques for effective management of logistics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Written and oral communication strategies are appropriately used to the academic and international shipping industry.
• Communication strategies for effective teamwork and leadership are demonstrated.
• Procedures to resolve conflict within a group are effectively applied.
• Technology is used responsibly and ethically to communicate information.
• Appropriate behaviour and attitude in all academic and occupational settings is demonstrated.
• Good personal and interpersonal skills are exhibited.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The ethical implications of decisions and actions within the international shipping industry are understood.
• Diversity within a local and global context is understood and appreciated.
• Responsible and productive actions are inculcated through self - directed learning.
• An engaged and critical citizen in the context of an emerging and fragile democracy is cultivated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• National and international legal concepts and principles with reference to the carriage of goods by sea is evaluated and applied.
• Legal precedence from a range of national and international cases is analysed and appropriate conclusions and recommendations are drawn.
• Latest legal theory is understood and integrated into practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Structure of and inter-relationships within the maritime business sector are evaluated.
• Roles and responsibilities of individuals within maritime business organisations are analysed.
• Contemporary issues and new concepts relating to the dynamic nature of maritime business is reviewed and integrated into practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Transport and logistics organisations, their external environment and current commercial practices are analysed.
• New concepts and principles with reference to the transport and logistics sector are evaluated and integrated into practice.
• Information relating to transport and logistics is used to plan and develop strategies and to determine solutions.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessments will combine a number of different elements and will require learners to bring together different sets of outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence. Integrated assessment will be emphasised in the Diploma in Shipping and Logistics because it links to the notion of applied competence which is a central concern of the National Qualification Framework. Applied competence will be achieved by combining practical competence, foundational competence and reflective competence.

Integrated assessments will

• Assess a number of outcomes together using written classroom tests, case study reports and/or assignments.
• Assess a number of assessment criteria together using written classroom tests, case study reports and/or assignments.
• Use a number of assessment methods and instruments for an outcome/s.
• Acquire evidence from sources such as supervisor's reports, testimonials, portfolios, logbooks and/or journals.

Assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever, so that an integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification. The following strategies will be employed to ensure the validity of the assessment:

• Clarify learning outcomes and their links to specific assessment criteria within an overall assessment strategy.
• Methods selected are "fit for purpose".
• Use a range of assessment methods to ensure that all learning outcomes are assessed.
• Establish good links between assessment, learning and personal development, by allowing learners some element of choice, encouraging self-assessment and reflection.

Reliability of the assessments will be achieved through

• Establishing clear and common, manageable assessment criteria.
• Use internal moderators who meet during and after the assessment to compare results.
• Use several assessment methods.
• Evaluate the assessment criteria for effectiveness and relevance.

Integrated assessment will support integrated learning. It will develop and measure learners' abilities not only to understand the underpinning theory but also apply it in authentic contexts and to reflect on what they are doing and why.