Doctor of Philosophy in Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to compile a theoretically correct, scientific sound and ethically approved research plan. Learners present a research proposal detailing the research process in line with academically recognised standards. Learners will only be allowed to proceed with a qualification after the successful completion and acceptance of the research. Also, this qualification allows learners to demonstrate the capacity of applying advanced research knowledge and skills in the execution of research into an aspect of ornamental horticulture.

Rationale

Environmental degradation in both rural and urban areas is a worldwide phenomenon and is particularly prevalent in South Africa. Threats such as global warming, desertification, and large-scale industrial and urban development challenges many natural environments. The threats are due to a lack of awareness and knowledge of the potential capacity of plants to create and restore environmental health, and of the principles of environmental sustainability. There is also insufficient awareness of the various functional and aesthetic uses of plants which, when fully exploited, can serve to promote human and social well-being. The "green industry" in South Africa has recognised these needs, and many of its activities aim at improving this situation. The industry is vast and diverse, involving activities such as plant production and propagation, the import, export, marketing and sale of plants, landscaping, plant and landscape maintenance, the design, establishment and maintenance of public amenities, urban agriculture, and the rehabilitation of damaged areas. This burgeoning industry has a good supply of lower-level skills. The industry experiences a shortage of staff with the necessary technical knowledge to apply horticultural principles in a way that will maximise the functional and aesthetic uses of plants. In particular, there is a need for specialists with knowledge of advanced horticultural techniques and technology, for example, advanced plant propagation and improvement techniques and integrated production management systems.

There is also a need for people who can manage complex horticultural projects successfully, and who can research to produce new knowledge in the field. The qualification has the potential to meet these needs of the green industry by producing qualified learners who will be able to work in these specialist areas, as well as to research in the field.

This qualification allows learners to manage complex horticultural projects, to ensure that effectively and efficiently the activities. Learners will use specialised horticultural software technology to promote environmental responsibility in encouraging the practice of these activities in environmentally sustainable ways. This qualification concentrate on the following:

• Core areas of the application,
• Advanced ornamental horticultural technology,
• Ornamental horticultural management,

and

• Research.

This qualification promotes redress of past inequities through empowering learners with knowledge, skills and values that will make them employable in a fast-developing industry or as horticultural entrepreneurs. The qualification will thus benefit individuals as well as support economic development. Furthermore, through emphasis is on environmental awareness and the specialist application of plants for economic and social purposes, it also has the potential ultimately to play a role in promoting general social well-being.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is as an alternative method for admission into this qualification. The institution has an RPL procedures manual that guides the RPL strategy to implement the RPL policy.

The RPL policy has three categories: pre-assessment and application; assessment and post-assessment, and it specifies the function of all role players. Learners will be assisted for assessment to prepare for the process.

The process may include direct credit award, challenge exams or further forms of assessment such as portfolios, site visits or practical demonstrations, personal interviews; whereupon an academic recommendation may be made. College management will then verify and ratify the process outcomes to their satisfaction.

Learners need to produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognised means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Assessment criteria evaluate the learners who have applied for RPL to gain access to a PhD need to comply with the following criteria:

• Must be active in the relevant working environment in making contributions to the industry.
• Have obtained the necessary relevant working experience and competency (knowledge and skills).
• Obtained relevant qualifications for the industry by the attendance and completion of short certified courses presented by the industry.
• Need to provide proof of the ability to communicate contributions in the industry via accredited or non-accredited outputs.
• Need to provide references concerning competencies in the industry.
• Exhibit the ability to do research independently and solve problems.
• Critical thinking skills.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Master of Science in Ornamental Horticulture, NQF Level 9.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at Level NQF Level 10, 360 Credits

Compulsory Module, Level 10

• Research Project and Thesis, 360 Credits.

1. Demonstrate expertise and critical knowledge of ornamental horticulture and conceptualise new research initiatives and create new knowledge or practice.
2. Contribute to scholarly debates around theories of knowledge and processes of knowledge production in an area of ornamental horticulture or practice.
3. Develop new methods, techniques, processes, systems or technologies in original, creative and innovative ways appropriate to specialised and complex contexts.
4. Apply specialist knowledge and theory in critically reflexive, creative and novel ways to address complex practical and theoretical problems.
5. Identify, address and manage emerging ethical issues, and to advance processes of ethical decision-making, including monitoring and evaluation of the consequences of these decisions where appropriate.
6. Make independent judgements about managing incomplete or inconsistent information or data in an iterative process of analysis and synthesis, for the development of significant original insights into new, complex and abstract ideas, information or issues.
7. Produce substantial, independent, in-depth and publishable work which meets international standards and make a significant contribution to the discipline, field, or practise; and develop a communication strategy to disseminate and defend research, strategic and policy initiatives and their implementation to specialist and non-specialist audiences using the full resources of academic and professional or occupational discourse.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of theoretical underpinnings in the management of complex systems to achieve systemically change; and the ability to independently design, sustain and manage change within a system or systems.
9. Demonstrate intellectual independence, research leadership and management of research and research development in a discipline, field or practice.
10. Operate independently and take full responsibility for his or her work, and, where appropriate, act as a leader and oversee and be held ultimately accountable for the overall governance of processes and systems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Display a coherent and critical understanding of the research methodologies, techniques and technologies appropriate to research in the field of Ornamental Horticulture.
• Apply these technologies, techniques in the execution of their experimental work to obtain sound research results.
• Conceptualise the findings of research results obtained to contribute and create new knowledge concerning Ornamental Horticultural aspects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Rigorously critique and evaluate current research in their field of expertise in Ornamental Horticulture.
• Select an appropriate, relevant research topic.
• Identify gaps in literature will be able to formulate key research questions and hypothesis and to design, plan and execute experimental work to obtain relevant results to answer the key questions identified.
• Contribute new novel information to the pool of ornamental horticulture knowledge literacy.
• Present and defend in public these findings to peers and experts in the field of study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate through the development and implementation of new and novel methods, ideas, techniques and technologies to solve complex problems and answer key questions concerning Ornamental Horticulture matters.
• Make use of modern techniques and instruments to obtain the necessary results.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Acquire and demonstrate the relevant knowledge to systematically and critically analyse and evaluate existing knowledge and through the application of specialist knowledge and theory exhibit the capability to solve and address problems in a unique new manner or by making use of alternative strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify ethical issues concerning the research project that they are planning on executing.
• Implement ethical sound policies and practises when executing research and will take full responsibility for decisions made concerning their research projects.
• Obtain ethical approval from the ethics committee of UNISA for the execution of the research project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Critically evaluate, manage and judge incomplete and inconsistent information and data.
• Formulate novel ideas and through the implementation and development of such manners will solve these complex matters and abstract ideas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Present and communicate their research findings and progress to their peers as well as other parties of interest to evaluate their research.
• Provide valuable inputs through research group meetings, presentation at conferences nationally and internationally.
• Publish their findings in accredited scientific journals.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Develop an understanding of the managing of complex horticultural system.
• Design, sustain and manage changes in ornamental horticultural systems by applying basic theoretical knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Do research independently, act as a leader as well as develop and manage novel research methodologies appropriate for the field of study.
• Identify their week and strong points concerning the execution of their research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Take responsibility as well as the accountability concerning his/her research project.
• Research independently (under the guidance of a supervisor) and will take responsibility for all decisions made.
• Exhibit and take the necessary leadership when and where necessary.

Integrated Assessment

Summative Assessment: Research Proposal Ornamental Horticulture and Landscaping.