Higher Certificate in International Trade

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provider learners � through the systematic coverage of a range of policies, regulations, current debates and practical applications � with the competencies required to take up employment in, and/or make a practical contribution to, a trade�related discipline, e.g. exporting, importing, international banking, marine insurance, credit insurance, forwarding and clearing, or trading. This qualification is intended for learners who wish to enhance their work�based efficiency in their chosen discipline or are tasked with determining the broad implications of an international trade initiative for their businesses.

This qualification is designed to equip learners with the conceptual framework and skills needed to perform routine and non�routine tasks in a particular trade�related discipline, and to recognise and respond to the risks and opportunities which commonly present themselves in the context of an organisation`s international trade initiative. The qualification is also aimed at developing learners` interactive skills both within and outside the organisation, and enhancing their sensitivity towards cross�cultural challenges at an international level.

The attainment of this qualification should enhance the status of a learner and provide the pedagogical and motivational basis for the learner to move into more specialised work within the international trade field.

Rationale

To provide the entre into the international trade field for previously disadvantaged individuals, school leavers, and employees of both SMEs and larger firms from a range of industry sectors, with a view to increasing the number of qualified trade practitioners in South Africa and enhancing the country`s international competitiveness in line with the government`s economic growth and development strategies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of relevant prior learning and through prior experience as a practitioner in the international trade field. Providers are required to develop structured means for the assessment of individual learners against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification on a case�by�case basis.

Entry Requirement

It is assumed that the learner is competent in the language of instruction of the provider, is proficient in business communication, mathematics and geography at Level 4, and has an appreciation of the commercial environment as a result of formal study and/or work experience.

N/A

1. Competencies relating to the comprehension of the global trade order and related policies and procedures, the identification of key trade opportunities and barriers, and the selection of appropriate forms of assistance to optimise an organization's international business opportunities.

Competence is evident when a candidate is able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of the reasons why countries and companies choose to engage in international trade, as well as the factors which prompt the formation of particular trade partnerships.
• Assess the extent to which different trade restrictions and/or stimulants assist or impede an organization's foreign marketing and/or purchasing efforts.
• Determine the impact of the WTO, UNCTAD and other world bodies on the course of world trade with specific emphasis on the international trade activities of given industry sectors.
• Evaluate the impact of regional trading blocs on the course of world trade and offer an informed opinion as to whether or not the phenomenon of economic integration poses a threat to a given industry or organisation.
• Critically assess South Africa`s international trade development efforts in recent years with a view to highlighting the country`s comparative advantages during international trade negotiations.
• Identify and compare the different forms of governmental and private sector assistance offered to the international trade community in South Africa, and select the most appropriate combination of facilities given specific organisational circumstances.

1. Competencies relating to the preparation of goods for international carriage, the despatch and delivery of international consignments, and the arrangement of cargo insurance cover for goods in transit.

Competence is evident when a candidate is able to

• Compare the various modes of transport for the movement of cargo internationally, and select the most cost� effective and appropriate options/combinations given different sets of circumstances.
• Assess the condition of transport infrastructure in various parts of southern Africa and the impact this might have on a given organisation's international trade activities.
• Determine the most appropriate packing, marking and stowage requirements for different types of consignment conveyed by various modes of transport.
• Organise appropriate cargo insurance cover for given international consignments.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the rules surrounding, and the procedures involved in, clearing goods through customs.
• Determine the functions of an organisation's shipping personnel and a forwarding and clearing agent, respectively, given different circumstances.
• Choose an appropriate delivery term for different international consignments.

1. Competencies relating to the operation of a successful business, the identification of potential foreign markets and sources of supply, and the formulation of procedures for effective international marketing and purchasing.

Competence is evident when a candidate is able to

• Investigate the key components and functions of, and interrelationships in, a given business.
• Demonstrate an understanding of how to research and select target markets as well as how to devise appropriate marketing mixes given different sets of circumstances.
• Devise a means by which to source and import foreign goods cost�effectively.
• Compare the local versions of the natural/geographic/demographic, economic/financial, political/legal, technological and cultural environments with their international equivalents in order to formulate specific approaches to doing business in given countries.
• Determine the steps involved in formulating a marketing mix given different product�foreign market combinations. Determine the procedure for sourcing different types of product from given countries.

1. Competencies relating to the identification of financial risk in international trade as well as risk avoidance measures, the determination of cost and price elements for exported/imported goods, and the selection of appropriate international trade finance facilities.

Competence is evident when a candidate is able to

• Identify the various financial risks present in given international trade transactions.
• Compare the various international payment methods and select the most suitable options given different sets of circumstances.
• Determine the key cost factors influencing price and differentiate between the various bank exchange rates which will influence the final amount of local currency received or paid out in an international trade transaction.
• Recommend, given different sets of circumstances, ways in which international payment risk can be minimised, e.g. by taking out export credit insurance, factoring and forfaiting.
• Compare the different forms of finance available for international trade transactions and select the most suitable options/combinations given different sets of circumstances.
• Comply with South African exchange control regulations as they relate to given international trade transactions.

The following critical cross�field outcomes are addressed in this qualification

• Application of knowledge: Apply accepted principles, processes and procedures in the world of work.
• Communication: Through a variety of spoken and written communication media, positively influence the attitudes and behaviours of others.
• Collection, analysis, organisation and critical evaluation of information: Collect, organise and analyse information contained in source documentation, statutory instruments and through personal contact to arrive at informed decisions.
• Effective working relationships: Adapt communication style to the unique perspectives and experiences of a wide range of individuals, both internal and external to the organisation, with a view to ensuring the realisation of business objectives.
• Systematic thinking: Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of interrelated systems when assessing different options in a business context.

Assessors should check that the learner is able to

• Generate, explore and consider options for appropriate action within an international trade context. Identify the most appropriate course of action in given circumstances.
• Explain the factors motivating the selection of the chosen course of action.
• Perform the identified action, while continuously monitoring and adapting performance as required Evaluate his own performance and identify areas for improvement.
• Reflect on the learning process and actual performance.
• Implement an appropriate course of action for improved performance.

Integrated Assessment

Evidence of competence should be demonstrated through a variety of assessment tools, i.e. problem�solving assignments, case study�based assignments, written examinations.

These assessment tools should

• Determine whether or not learners are able to carry out specified trade�related tasks in a competent manner (practical competence).
• Determine whether or not learners understand the theoretical basis for these trade�related tasks (foundational competence).
• Determine whether or not learners are able to independently evaluate the applicability of certain practices to given situations and adapt them where necessary (reflexive competence).