Higher Certificate in Procurement Management

Purpose

As an entry-level higher education qualification, it is mainly vocationally and industry orientated. The purpose of this qualification is to develop graduates with the necessary knowledge and knowledge systems, intellectual competencies and practical skills to be able to analyse, interpret, understand and apply procurement management principles, processes and procedures. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Take decisions in the context of a logistics and supply chain management or related organisation.
• Analyse relevant information.
• Produce innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems based on informed judgement.

This qualification will contribute towards the intended outcomes by providing a learner with a range of introductory and knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communications, information systems, and financial management. Furthermore, it will also provide learners with knowledge about general management principles and specific procurement and management principles. Practical decision making skills will be facilitated by means of case studies, which will require a critical situation analysis, the selection and interpretation of relevant information and the implementation of decisions.

By means of work-directed, problem-based and project-based work integrated learning, a learner will gain work related experience and will be afforded the opportunity to apply knowledge and skills in the workplace context.

Learners will be expected to undertake investigations in the procurement management field, including to evaluate different sources of information, gather and interpret appropriate information and communicate information reliably and coherently using procurement management and related conventions, formats and technologies.

It is expected of a learner to work in a team in a familiar or new context with various role players, including professional and administrative staff within the procurement management environment. A learner should also demonstrate sensitivity to different communities and sensitivity for the social and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respects to the variation and diversity within different communities.

Rationale

The National Scarce Skills List of 2008, Scarce Skills Information Dissemination: A Study of the Skills Education Training Authorities (SETAs) in South Africa, the National Scarce Skills List: Top 100 Occupations in Demand and even the Education Training and Development SETA Scarce and Critical Skills Guide 2014, identified logistics and supply chain and related occupations such as production, project, purchasing and procurement management, as an occupational field with a substantial demand. This fact is reflected in discussions with the industry bodies, such as South African Production and Inventory Control Society (SAPICS), Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), South African Express Parcel Association (SAEPA), and the like.

As South Africa becomes more of a logistics hub and an environment where effective supply chains are required, not just in Africa but also for AMEA (Africa, Middle East and Asia) the magnitude of this demand is becoming even greater. The demand for procurement managers, specifically, is not only found in the private sector, but also in the public sector.

Scanning the education and training possibilities available for Procurement Management and related training, it becomes clear that limited options are available. Training in this regard is mainly at Further Education and Training level, and often mainly as skills programmes, with limited possibilities at higher education level. The industry once again confirms this and is greatly concerned about articulation and progression to particularly higher education qualifications.

The institution has made a strategic decision to focus only on Logistics and Supply Chain Management (LSCM) and related qualifications as a niche occupational field, and currently offers qualification from Levels 2 up to level 7 in this field. The industry has indicated that Level 5 qualifications are the biggest need at present, and consequently the decision to offer a Higher Certificate.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL is conducted in accordance to the institution's RPL Policy. This Policy provides processes and procedures by which RPL is conducted at the institution. These processes and procedures include:

• RPL orientation.
• Candidate profiling.
• Selection.
• Preparation for assessment and assessment.
• Credit awarding.

Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements of a particular qualification, could, under certain conditions, apply for admission based on RPL and/or a process as approved by the Academic Board.

Through RPL, the institution therefore endeavours to responsibly widen access to deserving students.

Entry Requirements

• A Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

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

Or

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

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

Modules

• Computer and Digital Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Business Communication for Procurement Managers, 10 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Procurement Management, 20 Credits.
• Principles of Purchasing, 10 Credits.
• WIL for Purchasing Management, 10 Credits.

1. Gain general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories.
2. Apply above-mentioned knowledge, concepts, principles and theories in the procurement management context.
3. Effectively source relevant management information, evaluate, select and analyse appropriate information, and effectively communicate and disseminate this information.
4. Apply sound financial management principles in the procurement management environment.
5. Practically fulfill the functions and roles that procurement managers are normally called upon to discharge as part of his/her duties.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

- Understand the following

> The concept of business management.

> Management theories.

> General management tasks.

> The different forms of enterprise ownership.

> Forces impacting on the establishment of an enterprise.

> Micro-, market-, and macro-environment of an enterprise.

> The purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the different functions of a typical enterprise, as well as the degree of integration with other functions.

> 'Planning' and its importance in the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

- Define the following

> Business management in a procurement management context.

> Management theories and its relation to procurement management.

> Tasks of a procurement manager.

> The different forms of enterprise ownership.

> 'Organising' and its importance in procurement management.

> 'Leadership' and its role in the procurement management process.

> The role of control in the procurement management process.

> Different enterprises within the economic system.

> Management in the various forms of ownership.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Execute basic operations on a computer.
• Understand operating systems.
• Understand the concept of, and utilise the Internet and World Wide Web.
• Understand and utilise e-mail and other online communication methods.
• Understand and utilise productivity programmes
• Write all forms of business correspondence, using the correct formats.
• Communicate effectively - verbally, graphically and in writing.
• Communicate effectively with different cultural groups.
• Describe the process in producing business messages.
• Justify the importance of analysing a target audience.
• List the factors to consider when choosing the most appropriate channel and medium of communication.
• Select the appropriate tone, style and language for a written communication.
• Utilise e-mail communication more effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level.
• Analyse financial data and implications in the procurement and supply context.
• Develop financial literacy on a theoretical and a practical level.
• Understand the importance of long- and short-term financial planning.
• Conduct brief performance analysis of the income statement, balance sheet and cash-flow statement of a firm.
• Understand costing and budgeting.
• Conduct a break-even analysis.
• Reconcile financial statements.
• Understand purchasing and procurement processes as a component of the overall financial planning process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understand the scope of and developments in procurement management.
• Understand strategic procurement and its role in supply chain management.
• Apply procurement principles to various types of buying situations.
• Understand contract management and its role in procurement.
• Apply performance metrics to procurement.
• Understand the different purchasing services in supply chain.
• Identify the importance of product pricing.
• Apply and understand the ethical and professional standards of purchasing/procurement in supply chain.
• Gain a clear understanding of procurement management as an occupation.
• Integrate the various theoretical sub components within an applied procurement management environment.
• Identify applicable situations where procurement management principles and systems should, and could, be applied.
• Apply various procurement management and related principles in practice.
• Understand and apply the operational practices and procedures as required within the procurement management environment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of procurement processes and procedures.
• Develop appropriate life skills required within the procurement management environment.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is conducted in accordance to the policy of the institution.

The assessments consist of two assignments per module and a one-two-or three-hour examination per module. Formative assessment takes place by means of the two assignments that will include evidence of job-related application of knowledge. The summative assessment happens by means of the examination process.

Learners receive feedback on all assessments within three weeks from submission. Feedback on assignments is communicated on the assignment itself, electronically on the e-learning platform, in tutorial letters, and discussed during contact sessions.

In line with the institution's Assessment Policy results are confidential. An individual learner's assessment results are not disclosed to fellow learners or unauthorised staff members.