Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management

Purpose

The underlying purpose of the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management is to produce individuals capable to making appropriate decisions within the Supply Chain and Logistics industry. Graduates of the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management will be able to contribute positively to their employer within the Supply Chain and Logistics industry and will enable learners attain a number of management competencies.

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management is encapsulated in the following four pillars:

• Equipping learners with foundational business principles.
• Developing fundamental Supply Chain and Logistics competencies.
• Exposing learners to the complexities of the current world of work.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of the current world of work.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management will provide learners with necessary skills, competencies and knowledge in order to pursue a career within the supply chain and logistics industry. There is a constant and increasing demand for skilled professionals within the industry.

The underlying rationale for the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management is to equip learners with a foundational and working knowledge of Supply Chain and Logistics practices in order for them to contribute positively to their profession in such a manner that learners create sustainable and lasting value for their organisations.

The qualification will also act as the initial academic entry point for learners to pursue further higher education qualifications within the Supply Chain and Logistics Management field.

The rationale of the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management is to prepare learners for the field of Supply Chain and Logistics Management by catering for seasoned professionals as well as new entrants to the industry. This is done by providing a formal learning intervention through a qualification. The Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management will contribute to the career progression of seasoned individuals by consolidating their practical experience as well as acting as an entry point for aspiring supply chain and logistics professionals.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for the qualification, but who has prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to enrol in the qualification after the procedure for recognition of prior learning in terms of institution's policy has been completed successfully. The procedure for such recognition may, within the sole discretion of the institution, include compliance with one or more of the following requirements: a) specific results in a set of admission tests; b) production of proof of alleged skills; c) successful interviews; and/or d) the achievement of specific outcomes in an approved curriculum at this or any other educational institution indicated for this purpose. Credit for any module for which a learner receives recognition, will be granted in accordance with the national prescripts and the faculty rules in respect of the appropriate curriculum.

As asserted above, RPL permits learners to gain credits within formal qualifications offered by the institution based on the level and extent of the learner's knowledge. To qualify for RPL prior learning will be measured against specified prescribed learning outcomes. It must be noted that the institution has a strict policy regarding RPL and admission on a RPL basis will be at the sole discretion of the organisation. When applying, learners must provide the following:

• Application form.
• Portfolio of Evidence.
• Certified copy of qualifications (e.g. Advanced Certificate and professional teaching qualification).
• Curriculum vitae (includes work history and references).

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, granting access to Higher Certificate studies with competency in the English Language.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules on the National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Business Management I, 20 Credits.
• Logistics Management I, 20 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management I, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management I, 20 Credits.
• Economics I, 10 Credits.
• Business Communication I, 10 Credits.
• Business Information Systems I, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning,10 Credits.

1. Communicate effectively using both written and oral presentations.
2. Initiate, develop, implement and evaluation of supply chain and logistics management operational plans within an organisation that yield tangible value based results.
3. Demonstrate critical analysis, monitoring and measurement of the effectiveness of various functions within supply chain and logistics management.
4. Apply sound financial and business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within supply chain and logistics management.
5. Fulfil the functions, roles and responsibilities that a supply chain and logistics entry level manager is required to perform.
6. Lead and manage a team to enhance individual, team and functional area effectiveness within the supply chain and logistics management.
7. Apply the principles of procurement management, business information systems and economics in order to manage risk through decision making frameworks.
8. Provide input into the management processes, tools and techniques to ensure continuous improvement and innovation within supply chain and logistics management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Create various types of business related documents using numerous tools.
• Communicate both written and spoken work effectively.
• Gather data from research and compile meaningful decision making purposes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Identify the project priorities by considering a range of options to make operational decision.
• Initiate and develop supply chain and logistics operational plans and projects to contribute to the overall business strategy.
• Assess evaluation of on-going supply chain and logistics management plans for their effectiveness.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand the various pieces that comprise the supply chain and logistics management functions.
• Analyse the effectiveness of a process within supply chain and logistics management.
• Measure and communicate various functions of supply chain and logistics management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand fundamental financial and business management principles.
• Apply financial management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within supply chain and logistics management.
• Apply business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within supply chain and logistics management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Manage functions of a supply chain and logistics manager.
• Manage detailed knowledge of the supply chain and logistics functions from the day to day management perspective.
• Understand key opportunities and challenges that are present on a daily basis for supply chain and logistics managers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Understand the contribution of each team member towards the overall team or project objective.
• Provide the team with leadership direction towards the achievement of the team or project objectives.
• Understand the teams' resource requirements in order to achieve the desired project objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply procurement management principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.
• Apply business information systems principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.
• Apply economics principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Effectively use tools and techniques from the supply chain and logistics industry to manage processes.
• Apply innovative and/or continuous improvement projects according to generally accepted theory and practice.
• Evaluate results in relation to intended outcomes.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is used continuously throughout the Higher Certificate in Supply Chain and Logistics Management through assignments, case studies, group work, individual online assessments and presentations. Formative assessments ensure the learner has continuous and timely feedback on their performance. Summative assessments ensure learners achieve each modules outcomes. Integrated assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning so as to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit -Level Outcomes.

Formative Assessment

The Formative assessments are made up of assignments. These count 50% toward the final mark.

Summative Assessment

The examination could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 50% towards the final mark.