Higher Occupational Certificate: Logistics Practitioner

The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to operate as a Logistics Practitioner.

A Logistics Practitioner controls the logistical functions (the movement of freight onsite, offsite nationally and internationally, and the preservation thereof) within the supply chain to ensure the cost-effective utilisation of logistics organisational resources.

A qualified learner will be able to

• Determine the most cost-effective process for the movement of freight.
• Control the preservation and integrity of freight during transportation.
• Control the preservation and integrity of freight during storage.
• Manage logistics resources in line with organisational procedures, customer requirements and legislative compliance.

A qualified learner will demonstrate the following key attributes: problem solving and identification, decision making, communicating information, and applying appropriate methods and techniques.

Rationale

The need for this qualification stems from the requirement to replace an expired National Diploma: Freight Handling Logistics qualification and provide for the need to improve the functioning of practitioners in the logistics management environment. Logistics Practitioners play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth and efficient functioning of the supply chain. Their expertise is crucial for meeting customer expectations, optimizing costs, and navigating the complexities of a globalized marketplace. In light of this, this qualification is required to provide those involved in logistics operations with the necessary knowledge and skills to control the logistical functions, including the movement and preservation of freight to ensure the cost-effective utilisation of logistics organisational resources.

There are several registered qualifications on the NQF across sub-frameworks which address broader competencies related to logistics management. There is however, no NQF level 5 registered qualification for logistics management.

Logistics practitioners play a crucial role in society and the economy by controlling the intricate process of moving goods and services from producers to consumers. Effective logistics processes can lead to cost savings at various stages of the supply chain. This includes streamlining transportation routes and minimizing inventory carrying costs. These cost reductions contribute to the overall economic efficiency of businesses and, in turn, result in job creation at various skill levels. Effective processes also benefit consumers as it ensures that products reach consumers on time and in good condition. By optimizing transportation routes, using fuel-efficient vehicles, and minimizing packaging waste, logistic practitioners contribute to the broader societal goal of environmental stewardship.

Typical learners for this qualification include those with an interest in logistics operations. This qualification has been designed as an entry into managerial positions in logistics and warehousing related occupations. The acquisition of this qualification and associated competencies will increase the employability of the individual within the freight and logistics organisations.

Stakeholders from different associations and organisations operating within the freight and logistics environment participated in the development of this qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for Access to Training

Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme if they do not meet the formal, minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme.

Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access, based on the NQF level descriptors.

RPL for Exemption of Modules

For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA)

Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification or skills programme through any means of formal, informal or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded.

A valid Statement of Results is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved.

For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep record of such evidence.

Upon successful completion of the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued with the QCTO certificate for the qualification, part-qualification or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part-qualification is approved by the QCTO.

Entry Requirements

An NQF Level 4 qualification.

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules

Knowledge Modules

• 132402-003-00-KM-01, Analytical Thinking, Innovation and Complex Problem Solving, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-02, Software Utilisation and Technological Skills for the Future, Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-03, Transport Modes, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-04, Risk Management, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-05, Storage of Freight, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-06, Cost Associated with Storage, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-KM-07, Management of Resources, Level 5, 15 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 53

Practical Skill Modules

• 132402-003-00-PM-01, Identify and Select Appropriate Mode of Transport, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-02, Conduct Cost Analysis of Transportation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-03, Analyse Risks Associated with Transportation, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-04, Monitor Associated Costs for the Movement of Freight, Level 4, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-05, Analyse Freight Characteristics Impacting on Storage, Level 5, 2 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-06, Monitor Movement of Freight within Storage Facility, Level 5, 5 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-07, Determine Cost Associated with Storage, Level 4, 5 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-08, Meeting Physical Resources Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-09, Meeting Human Capital Requirements, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-PM-10, Control Financial Resources, Level 5, 3 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 35

Work Experience Modules

• 132402-003-00-WM-01, Processes Related to the Movement of Freight, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-WM-02, Processes Related to the Preservation and Integrity of Freight during Transportation, Level 5, 4 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-WM-03, Processes Related to Freight Preservation and Integrity during Storage, Level 5, 8 Credits.
• 132402-003-00-WM-04, Processes Related to the Control of Resources for Logistics Operations, Level 5, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 32

1. Demonstrate the ability to determine cost effective processes related to the movement of freight.
2. Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during transportation.
3. Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during storage.
4. Demonstrate the ability to determine resources required to meet customer and legislative compliance requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

ELO 1: Demonstrate the ability to determine cost effective processes related to the movement of freight.

• Identify and appropriately select the choice of transport in terms of the customer requirements.
• Identify and select appropriate equipment for the movement of the type of freight.
• Conduct a cost analysis for the transportation of freight by taking account of all cost items.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

ELO 2: Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during transportation.

• Analyse risks associated with maintaining freight integrity during transportation considering all aspects.
• Analyse risks associated with the route and mode of transport considering all possibilities.
• Determine the cost associated with the movement of freight and consider all impacting aspects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

ELO 3: Perform operations to ensure freight preservation and integrity during storage.

• Analyse freight characteristics impacting on storage to determine appropriateness of storage area.
• Control the movement of freight within a storage facility to maintain integrity of freight.
• Analyse cost associated with storage and consider all impacting aspects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

ELO 4: Demonstrate the ability to determine resources required to meet customer and legislative compliance requirements.

• Identify physical resources for the movement and storage of freight and meet legislative and security requirements.
• Identify the human capital requirements for the movement and storage of freight and are appropriate to ensure contractual execution.
• Compile operational budgets and correctly evaluate utilisation.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated Formative Assessment

The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment

An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.