Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering Management

Purpose

This qualification seeks to produce learners with skills to be independent researchers in this field of engineering management sciences, who will be able to develop engineering management practices suited to local needs, but also integrating international trends and best practice, participate as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities and develop entrepreneurial opportunities.

On successful completion of the qualification, the graduate will be able to

• Identify and solve problems in which responses demonstrate 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 recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Rationale

In the larger context, the South African, and African, economy faces various growth challenges that inter alia, require technical management skills. The qualification will provide learning opportunities under supervision of experienced professionals and academics and grant engineering graduates who wish to move into technical management careers specific management skills in order to succeed in these specialised environments. Furthermore, the Industry needs technical managers with advanced knowledge and skills in order to contribute to infrastructure and economic growth, to the benefit of the community at large and this qualification will contribute and produce qualified graduates which will play an important role in the specialist-consulting sphere.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) will be done in accordance with the University RPL policy, and candidates without Master's Degrees, but with proven research experience in engineering management, will be considered.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• A Masters of Industrial Engineering, Level 9.

Or

• A Masters in Engineering Management, Level 9.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Authority (NQF) Level 10 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Module

• Dissertation (Engineering Management), 360 Credits.

1. Identify and solve problems in which responses demonstrate that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
2. Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community.
3. Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
4. Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
5. Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
6. Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
8. Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes

• Provide clear and convincing evidence of original work and make a significant, novel contribution to knowledge in the field of study concerned.
• The work is publishable in a professional, peer-reviewed journal.
• Familiar with the relevant research literature.
• Apply sound research methods and interpretation of research results.
• Produce a clear and systematic presentation of the material and logical exposition of the argument.
• Produce proper documentation and support of the results of independent research.
• Produce a dissertation with acceptable linguistic and stylistic presentation.

Integrated Assessment

Monitoring of learning in the qualification is performed via a monthly discussion between the supervisor and each individual learner. A progress report, signed by the learner and supervisor, is submitted twice per year to the Postgraduate coordinator.

Final assessment is aligned with the institution's policy for the assessment of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) theses and involves the submission of a written dissertation which will be examined by at least three unattached examiners. At least two examiners will be external (i.e. not employed by the institution) and at least one of the externals will be from outside South Africa. Each of the examiners will submit a written, signed report on the dissertation. The examiners will also question the learner during an oral examination before finalising their decision. The examiner's recommendations are then ratified.