Master of Management in Supply Chain Management

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to inculcate advanced skills and in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, impart the ability to apply international and local best practices in the field of supply chain management and instil the ability to undertake a research project in the field of supply chain management. These will intend contribute to the existing body of knowledge and addresses a specific supply chain management problem.

Rationale

Supply Chain Management remains a scarce skill in the South African economic landscape and even appears on the 100 Critical Skills List released by the department of Higher Education in 2014. The demand for advanced skills in supply chain management continues to surpass the available expert manpower in South Africa, which creates the need to offer qualification in this discipline at a higher level. With the introduction of Postgraduate Diplomas in logistics and supply chain management at the institution, an impetus is created to develop the qualification that offers articulation possibilities for holders of such qualifications. The institution will also be able to accommodate holders of Honours Degrees in logistics or supply chain management from other institutions who wish to pursue further studies at the institution.

Qualifying learner of this qualification are likely to be able contribute in any supply chain management related sub-field. These sub-fields include but are not limited to procurement, transportation, warehousing and storage, supplier relationship management, customer relationship management, sustainability and public supply management. These sub-fields are dominant occupational areas in both public and private sectors. However, it is a natural expectation that qualifying learners of this program will operate at managerial level where decision-making and problem solving are the primary activities. Also, outstanding qualifying learner may pursue further studies in supply chain management as a way of entering the field of academia.

The qualification is research based, where the learner is expected to identify an appropriate and novel organisational, industry or economic problem that lies within the discipline of supply chain management and then and then apply the scientific method to solve that problem. In the process of applying the scientific method, it is expected that new knowledge will be generated that will contribute to the academic body of knowledge as well.

The qualification imparts unto the learner a cocktail of skills that include but are not limited to problem solving, decision making, innovation, critical thinking, business research skills, teamwork, discipline, report writing and strategic thinking skills. To organisations/industry, the information generated throughout the duration of the program can be used in the diagnoses and solving of supply chain management challenges in organisations or within various industries. The qualification contributes to the South African national economy by increasing the number of skilled personnel in the field of supply chain management and by providing Postgraduate education skills to interested individuals and groups.

Vertical articulation into Doctoral Degrees should be possible since the qualification is a research-based qualification, which increases the ability of holders to undertake similar research-based studies at Doctoral level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The learner s' profile which includes qualifications, work experience, evidence of continuous education efforts and any other supporting documentation is reviewed by a panel of experts and the outcomes are communicated to the Registrar. If the outcomes are deemed unfavourable to the learner, s/he is allowed to make an appeal, which is then discussed by the institution's Senate. Further information on the appeal process is available on the appended RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Any other related field at NQF Level 8.

• Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.
2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The literature cited and used in the literature review is adequate and relevant
• Exposition of the research, reflect familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and justified correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.
• The use of literature surveys, experimentation, correlation.
• Causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentations.
• Causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentations.

And

• The written record of research.
• The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
• The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
• Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
• Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media. Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
• The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative date.
• The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
• Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment will include the evaluation of the learners work at all stages by the supervisor and co-supervisor. In addition, assessments of each stage of the research will be made by experienced staff members during regular faculty research colloquiums. Summative assessment includes the evaluation of the learner's dissertation by two external examiners and one internal examiner.