Master of Philosophy in Logistics Management

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with intellectual and specialised competencies and practical skills in the acquisition, interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of logistics management principles. The learners should further develop research, writing and creative thinking skills in the logistics field.

The learner should be able to take strategic decisions in the context of a logistics organisation or the logistics function of a company and to assess any internal or external decision impacting the logistics function and/or profession. The learner should also be able to reflect on his/her decisions and applications and to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of logistics management. The learner should be able to reflect on his/her research skills.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in cases of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the Institution concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required NQF-Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this Institution.

1. Evaluate and apply logistics management concepts and principles in specialised contexts, identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to logistics management strategies and policies and proposing and implementing alternative courses of action and solutions.
2. Work in a team as a valuable member, with a variety of role players including political role players, professional and administrative members of the logistics profession, as well as people on the grassroots level related to the business.
3. Act responsibly with respect to, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in the course of his/her evaluation and application of logistics management concepts and principles.
4. Plan, undertake and present through independent study and teamwork research in logistics, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related, complex information.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in logistics, applying principles of communication and reflect on the communication skills applied.
6. Correctly utilise the management technology appropriate to the logistics management environment and field of research.
7. Explain with insight, the importance and role of logistics and the management thereof, on a macro- and a micro-level.
8. Explore different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a logistics manager.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in and effectiveness and efficiency of the logistics profession, thus positively impacting on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty in the country.
10. Demonstrate a positive and sensitive approach to different communities and an insight into the social, economic and cultural differences and needs within these communities with respect to logistics - in particular the distribution of goods.
11. Seek employment and entry into the logistics profession as a specialised and advanced technical or research professional and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career in the logistics profession.
12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, including own activities, taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

1. The learner must demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about logistics management concepts and principles, in specialised contexts. The learner must evaluate, and where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to logistics management problems, strategies and policies; thus proposing and implementing alternative courses of action and solutions. The learners must be able to reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof.
2. The learner must be able to display team ship. The learner must demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made. Finally the learner must display a thorough, specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by, logistics.
3. The learners must display ability to act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the logistics profession. The learner must also display an ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/her evaluation and application of the various logistics management concepts and principles, particularly in specialised contexts.
4. The learner must demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of logistics, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on logistics management issues, by utilising the relevant theoretical and specialised research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken. The learner must also be able to show that he/she can plan, undertake and present complex research through independent study and teamwork.
5. The learner must effectively, in an academic and practical - oral and/or written manner (including the usage of visual/graphic aids) - communicate with different role players in the field of logistics by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made.
6. The learner must demonstrate an insight into and an ability to operate necessary management technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software, including Internet and databases. The learner must use a computer skilfully and be able to use logistics-related databases. The learner must show that his/her command of the management technology is sufficient to support advanced research.
7. The learner must analyse and explain the importance and role of logistics, and the management thereof, internationally, regionally and nationally. The learner must also identify and discern between the importance and roles of logistics on a macro- and a micro-level.
8. The learner must show that he/she is able to identify and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and capabilities necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a logistics manager/professional and to explore different effective learning strategies to acquire and improve these skills and capabilities.
9. The learner must analyse and explain the link between the number of logistics professionals and level of professionalism in logistics and the effectiveness and efficiency of logistics businesses, and therefore of the economy. The learner must evaluate the role that more effective and efficient logistics businesses will have in the economy and the impact, which this will in turn have on the living standards of the population of the country (e.g. the redress of poverty)
10. The learner must demonstrate a positive and sensitive approach towards various different communities and an insight into the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities, by identifying an analysing the particular distribution needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements with respect to logistics. The learner show an ability to apply logistics concepts and principles to make proposals, within specialised contexts which will improve the circumstances of these communities.
11. The learner must demonstrate acceptable employment-seeking skills for advanced entry into the logistics profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflecting on the application thereof. The learner must demonstrate ability to undertake academic leadership, advanced research, research-based, professional practice and/or senior managerial occupations. The learner must also demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen logistics career.
12. The learner must display an ability to effectively and responsibly organise, co-ordinate and optimise the resources and opportunities, particularly in his/her field of logistics by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made. The learner must also demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect to their own activities. Finally, the learner must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented

The learner must attend compulsory discussions with his/her promoter according to a prescribed qualification. If the learner is not making satisfactory progress and not meeting the requirements of the Departments of Transport Economics and Business Management, his/her registration shall be cancelled by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on recommendation by the Departmental Chairperson.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by means of delivering a dissertation and an article ready for publication to the promoter. The dissertation must furnish proof that the learner is capable of scientific research and the application thereof. Under normal circumstances, 100 pages for a dissertation in one and a half spacing on an A4 page will suffice. The Departments of Transport Economics and/or Business Management may institute other requirements for dissertations.