Higher Certificate in Project Management

Purpose

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 project management principles, processes and procedures. The graduate should be able to take decisions in the context of a project development environment, to analyse relevant information, follow relevant procedures and produce innovative responses to concrete but often unfamiliar problems based on informed judgement.

This qualification will contribute towards achievement of the Associated Assessment Criteria by providing a learner with a range of introductory and fundamental knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communications, information systems, and financial management. Furthermore, it will also provide the learner with knowledge about general management principles and specific project 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, learners 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 project management field, including to evaluate different sources of information, gathering and interpretation of appropriate information and to communicate information reliably and coherently using project management and related conventions, formats and technologies.

Learners are expected to work in a team in a familiar or new context with various role players, including professional and administrative staff within a project 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: Top 100 Occupations in Demand, lists Programme or Projects Managers in the fifth position of scarcity of occupations. Other lists for scarce skills such as the National Scarce Skills List of 2008, Scarce Skills Information Dissemination: A Study of the (Sector Education and Training Authority) SETAs in South Africa and even the Education Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP SETA) Scarce and Critical Skills Guide 2014, identified Project Management as an occupational field with a substantial demand. This fact is reflected in discussions and feedback with the industry.

An Economist Intelligence report showed that 80 percent of global managers and executives believed having project management as a core competency helped them remain competitive and applying project management within organisations leads to better results and long-term business value and success. Consequently, building a strong project management discipline should be a top priority for companies as they look to the future.

Scanning the education and training possibilities available for Project Management, it is clear that limited options are available. Training in this regard is mainly at Further Education and Training (FET) level or are offered as non-accredited programmes, 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.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's RPL Policy provides processes and procedures by which RPL is conducted. These processes and procedures include:

• RPL orientation.
• Candidate profiling.
• Selection.
• Preparation for 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 Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and/or a process as approved by the Academic Board.

Through RPL, the institution will therefore endeavour to responsibly widen access to deserving learners.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements are

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

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) (NC(V)) at Level 4 granting access to Higher Certificate Studies.

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

Modules

• Computer and Digital Literacy, 10 Credits.
• Business Communication for Project Managers, 10 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 20 credits.
• Financial Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Work-Integrated learning (WIL) for Project Management, 20 Credits.

1. Acquire general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories.
2. Apply general management knowledge and understanding of general management concepts, principles and theories in the project 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 project management environment.
5. Practically fulfil the functions and roles that project managers are normally called upon to discharge as part of his/her duties.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand the concept of business management.
• Understand Management theories.
• Perform general management tasks.
• Discuss the micro-market and macro-environment of an enterprise.
• Explain the term 'Leadership' and the importance of leadership in the management process.
• Explain the term 'Organising' and the importance of organising in any organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Define and conceptualise the concept of project management.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the organisational context in terms of strategy, structure and culture.
• Define and select a project.
• Apply cost estimation and budgeting.
• Develop a comprehensive project plan.
• Identify and manage associated risks.
• Understand and apply project scheduling.
• Effectively measure, evaluate and control projects.
• Closeout and terminate projects.
• Manage project teams.
• Provide project leadership and utilise MS Project 2010.

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 such as Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• 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 the implications thereof in the procurement and supply context.
• Develop financial literacy on a theoretical and practical level.
• Understand the importance of long- and short-term financial planning.
• Conduct brief performance analyses 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 component of the overall financial planning process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate a clear understanding of project management as an occupation.
• Integrate the various theoretical sub components within an applied project management environment.
• Identify applicable situations where project management principles and systems should, and could, be applied.
• Apply various project management and related principles in practice.
• Understand and apply the operational practices and procedures as required within the project management environment.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of project management processes and procedures.
• Develop appropriate life skills required within the project management environment.

Integrated Assessment

The assessments will consist of two assignments per module and one, two or three hours of examination per module. Formative assessment will take place by means of the two assignments that will include evidence of job-related application of knowledge, and summative assessment will happen by means of the examination process.

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