Master of Industrial Engineering

Purpose

The Master of Industrial Engineering develop an intellectual with advanced abilities in applying industrial engineering technologies or related inter-disciplinary principles to develop methods, strategies and designs within industrial engineering-related sectors in Africa. Qualifying learners will have developed an advanced capability to conduct fundamental research of an inter-disciplinary nature independently.

Rationale

The Master of Industrial Engineering accommodates the Bachelor of Engineering Technology Honours Degree graduates. It will enhance the research and innovative capacity of learners. There is a need to develop research and innovation skills that will benefit academia and industry. The qualification is a preparation for careers in engineering itself and areas that potentially benefit from industrial engineering technology skills, for achieving technological proficiency and contribute to the economy and national development.

Qualifying learners can occupy positions in both manufacturing and service industry as Production Planning Engineer, Manufacturing Engineer, Materials Handling Engineer, Process Development Engineer, Manufacturing Quality Engineer, Systems Analyst and Integrated Planning Engineer. The Master of Industrial Engineering is research-based, also preparing learners for Doctoral studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applicable in line with institutions' policies and guidelines. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and prior learning will be assessed and credit awarded where relevant.

Learners may apply for RPL and may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status. RPL is based on other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience and where learning corresponds to the required NQF Level.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor Honours Degree in Industrial Engineering or related field, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Industrial Engineering or a related field, NQF Level 8.

This qualification comprises of a compulsory module at NQF Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Module

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Identify and accurately analyse problems within the Industrial Engineering environment by researching issues creatively and innovatively.
2. Organise and manage activities responsibly, effectively and ethically, accept and take responsibility and exercise judgement based on knowledge and expertise, about the field of research.
3. Plan and conduct applicable levels of investigation, research and/or experiments by applying appropriate theories and methodologies, and performing appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
4. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with specific research audiences and the community at large, in so far as they are affected by the research, using appropriate data analysis and interpretation.
5. Demonstrate, where applicable, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social and environmental contexts in the execution of engineering management research/development activities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify and assess a research problem.
• Demonstrate the effective application and integration of knowledge within the study.
• Link findings to applicable theoretical underpinnings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Complete the dissertation ethically and responsibly.
• Demonstrate sound judgement and be cognisant of the time and cost implications of the research study.
• Work with minimal supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate the appropriate methodologies for the study.
• Provide relevant theoretical underpinnings for their arguments.
• Interpret and analyse the data gathered accurately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Articulate their findings coherently.
• Communicate with various stakeholders during all phases of the study.
• Integrate their theoretical underpinnings with the data gathered cohesively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an awareness of the social impact of their research, if relevant.
• Obtain the required ethical clearance.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the environmental impact of their research, if relevant.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation during their research activities.

Integrated Assessment

The institution conducts the assessment of Higher Degrees following the Institution's Policy on Assessment.

An integrated assessment has application where a need exists to assure overall applied competence, to prevent disjointed learning experience and/or as a time-effective assessment method. It has reference to formative, traditional summative and continuous assessment. General assessment principles and practices apply.

Formative assessment is conducted by utilising supervisor report and progress reports. The summative assessment is based on the completed dissertation submitted.

For the full dissertation, two assessors will be required, one of whom will be an internal assessor (a full-time academic staff of the institution) and the other an external assessor. The Faculty appoint the assessors based on their scholarship and expertise. The recommendations of the external assessor are received by Faculty and transmitted to the learner's supervisor for further consideration, comments, corrections or improvements. A pass is awarded for an overall weighted mark of no less than 50% and a distinction for a calculated mark of at least 75%.