Higher Certificate in Events Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills and knowledge that are required to perform functions in the events and conferencing environments. Furthermore, this qualification contributes to the regional and national goals of South Africa.

Upon completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to

• Develop, plan and organise various types of events.
• Analyse and apply event marketing strategies.
• Plan, control, manage and evaluate business systems including cash handling, budgeting, cost control mechanisms, pricing of products and inventory control.
• Design, organise and coordinate Public Relations and Media activities.
• Apply skills and knowledge in developing and implementing new products and services that contribute to employment opportunities and economic growth.
• Plan, coordinate and manage event operations and logistics.

Rationale

The Events and Conferencing industries are dynamic industries which are continually evolving thereby contributing to new venture creation and employment opportunities. These industries make significant contributions to both the South African national economy and to the global economy.

The Events and Conferencing industries are multi-faceted, service driven industries requiring highly skilled and knowledgeable employees. The Higher Certificate in Events Management qualification provides an opportunity for new entrants and those already employed in these industries to achieve a formal qualification in the field of Events Management. The qualification, through the provision of academic and work-integrated learning opportunities encompassed therein, provides learners with a competitive edge. These opportunities expose learners to the creative and business aspects of Events Management providing a foundation for learners to enter employment with applicable skills and relevant knowledge. Learners acquire the competencies required to fulfil a variety of entry level roles in the Events, Conferencing, Tourism and Hospitality sectors. This contributes to the socio-economic growth and reduction of unemployment in the country.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners may achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). As such, the institution will recognise skills, knowledge and experience achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning in accordance with its RPL policy.

RPL may be used to grant admission to the qualification to learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have one of the following qualifications in order to be considered for admission

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

NQF Level 5 modules, 120 Credits

• Computing, 3 Credits.
• Business Communication, 4 Credits.
• Financial Management for Events, 8 Credits.
• Events Management and Planning, 25 Credits.
• Events Marketing, 10 Credits.
• Public Relations and Media, 10 Credits.
• New Venture Creation, 10 Credits.
• Event Operations and Logistics, 15 Credits.
• Work-Integrated Learning, 35 Credits.

1. Develop, plan and organise various types of events.
2. Analyse and apply event marketing strategies.
3. Plan, control, manage and evaluate business systems including cash handling, budgeting, cost control mechanisms, pricing of products and inventory control.
4. Design, organise and coordinate Public Relations and Media activities.
5. Apply skills and knowledge in developing and implementing new products and services that contribute to employment opportunities and economic growth.
6. Plan, coordinate and manage event operations and logistics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understanding of Event Management and the dynamics of this sector is demonstrated.
• The role of the event triangle and other significant role players is described.
• Different steps of the event bidding process are applied.
• The various stages of the event planning process and various factors for consideration are planned and implemented.
• Knowledge and skill in human resources planning for Event Management is applied.
• Service excellence strategy for the planning of events is developed and implemented.
• Event programming procedures are applied.
• Risk Management strategies are developed and implemented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The significance of event marketing is understood.
• Various event marketing principles and strategies are analysed and applied.
• A sponsorship proposal is formulated and the various factors associated with sponsorship are understood.
• The need to host sustainable events which incorporate event greening is understood.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Accounting and Financial Management and their various associated terminology are differentiated.
• The accounting cycle of an event is applied.
• The significance of the budget, managing expenses and cash flow are discussed and a budget for the event is compiled.
• An Income statement and balance sheet are prepared and various financial controls are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The fundamentals of Public Relations are elaborated on.
• The relationship between Public Relations and Media is analysed.
• The various Public Relations techniques are applied.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The characteristics of an entrepreneur and entrepreneurship are examined.
• Basic business concepts for the prospective entrepreneur are applied.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Event design and d�cor are planned.
• Functions rooms and meetings are arranged.
• Food and beverage service for the event are co-ordinated.
• Admission systems, audio-visual requirements and other services are developed and acquired.

Integrated Assessment

The learning outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner. Continuous formative assessments include assignments, research reports, forum discussions and tests. Summative assessments may include final examinations, portfolios of evidence and research reports. The completion of Work- Integrated Learning is an integral part of the learning programme and as such contributes to the assessment of learning outcomes contained in the qualification.