Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and abilities in order to perform various human resource management functions in an organisation. This qualification affords learners the opportunity to develop essential competencies needed within the human resources context. Learners will be able to:

• Explore and explain the main concepts and theories in the sphere of human resource management.
• Plan, manage and coordinate human resource activities for an organisation.
• Apply human resource principles when selecting and recruiting employees.
• Communicate effectively to ensure development of employees and ensure maintenance of good working relationships.
• Understand and apply the Labour Legislation in an organisation and explain the human resource principles related to employee benefits and compensation.
• Adhere, use, meet the legislative requirements and the business policies and procedures in the human resources management activities.
• Assess problems with employees and take appropriate actions.
• Articulate the operations service and performance levels required in the organisation.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management is a response to the workplace and a stepping stone for people to familiarise themselves with the fundamentals of Human Resource Management. The current and future need for competent junior and middle managers has been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by Human Resource administrators are captured in this qualification. The breadth and depth of learning achieved by learners should help facilitate access to the world of work.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification

• It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their curriculum vitae (CV).
• Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants.

Entry Requirements

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

• A National Senior Certificate with entry to Higher Certificate studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational at NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Labour Relations, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Management in Context, 15 Credits.
• Employee Training and Development, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Planning, 15 Credits.
• Recruitment and Selection, 15 Credits.
• Behavioural Aspects, 15 Credits.
• Maintaining and Compensating of Staff, 15 Credits.
• Employee Health Safety and Welfare, 15 Credits.

1. Explore and explain the main concepts and theories in the sphere of human resource management.
2. Plan, manage and coordinate human resource activities for an organisation.
3. Apply human resource principles when selecting and recruiting employees.
4. Communicate effectively to ensure development of employees and ensure maintenance of good working relationships.
5. Understand and apply the Labour Legislation in an organisation and explain the human resource principles related to employee benefits and compensation.
6. Adhere, use and meet the legislative requirements and the business policies and procedures in the human resources management activities.
7. Assess problems with employees and take appropriate actions.
8. Articulate the operations, service and performance levels required in the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Theories and general principles of human resources management are understood.
• Modern trends in human resources management are reflected upon and the correct terminology in the field is used.
• Human Resources Management as a scientific discipline is appreciated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The contribution that human resource management makes to organisational performance is discussed.
• External factors influencing human resource management are identified.
• Human resource management goals and objectives are identified.
• The important roles of managers are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The concept of recruitment is explained.
• Factors influencing selection are identified.
• The meaning of validity and reliability in testing is described.
• The objectives of recruitment are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Ways to retain good employees by providing a working environment conducive to sustained productive effort are discussed.
• The concept of motivation is explained.
• The role of culture in organisations is defined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The reason for employment equity and affirmative action is discussed.
• The implications of the Employment Equity Act are understood.
• A distinction between the external and internal factors influencing compensation systems is made.
• The difference between compulsory and non-compulsory benefits is described.
• The purpose and benefits of performance appraisal are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The implications of the Employment Equity Act are understood.
• An understanding of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act is demonstrated and applied.
• The different stakeholder roles in labour relations are outlined.
• The linkage between the Skills Development Act and Employment Equity Act is explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The role and importance of wellness programmes is understood.
• Ways and means to prevent accidents in the work place are listed and explained.
• The importance of safety and health in an organisational context is explained.
• An explanation on how to minimise unsafe acts by employees is given.
• The nature and importance of risk management is explained.
• The impact of HIV Aids in the SA and global context is discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The importance of workforce planning in the context of human resource management is explained.
• A demonstration of how performance management and career management assist in the utilisation and development of employees is made.
• The importance of strategic human resource management and the fit between human resource strategy and organisational strategy are appreciated.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative assessments are used to assess the learners.

Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules.

These assessment methods include

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Work based assignments.
• Self assessment activities in the course material.