Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Management is to provide Candidate Architects, Candidate Senior Architectural Technologists or other registered professionals with specialised architectural management education.

Learners who hold relevant qualifications will acquire knowledge in the management of the professional practice, construction projects, various architectural contracts and property development projects so that they will be able to effectively and profitably manage these aspects in their professional careers.

Rationale

Research by the Institute of South African Architects and others have indicated that many architectural firms are struggling to survive and prosper in a changing professional context. Respondents to a research survey confirmed that architectural education in South Africa and elsewhere does not provide any formal training in practice or project management and that a need exists at a Postgraduate level for the education of this nature.

The qualification is consequently aimed at learners who hold, as a minimum, an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Landscape Architecture or Interior Design/Architecture, or equivalent, at NQF Level 7. It is recommended that learners are registered with the South African Council for the Architectural Profession (SACAP) or a similar, relevant Statutory Professional body and are in full-time employment in a professional practice.

The qualification was developed in consultation with practising Architects (several of whom serve on the SACAP and South African Institute of Architects' (SAIA) professional and educational committees, and Interior Designers who confirmed the need for the qualification.

Once offered, SACAP will be approached with a view towards their validation of the qualification to be acknowledged as equivalent to their Professional Practice Examination Programmes. That means that learners who complete this qualification will potentially be exempt from Professional Qualifying examinations. This will not be marketed as part of the qualification until approval is obtained from SACAP.

The qualification will allow for life-long learning and promotion within a firm. It will also provide for enrichment of employment as it will enable architects' practices to provide enhanced and additional service(s) and to operate more profitably. Furthermore, the qualification will allow qualifying learners who hold only a Bachelor's Degree or an Advanced Diploma to progress and to further their Postgraduate study through providing access to a Master's Degree and ultimately, a Doctoral Degree (PhD).

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution accepts Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the Institution accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits. The purpose of the institution's RPL Policy is to recognise prior learning, to provide access to qualifications, grant advanced placement in qualifications, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as the basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

Through RPL a learner may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that he/she continues his/her studies at the institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Architecture or other Built Environment disciplines, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory module, Level 8, 100 Credits

• Practice Management, 30 Credits.
• Project Management, 30 Credits.
• Architectural Contracts, 20 Credits.
• Knowledge Management, 20 Credits.

Elective modules, Level 8, 20 Credits (Choose one module)

• Property Development and Finance, 20 Credits.
• Relationship Management, 20 Credits.

1. Start a viable architectural practice.
2. Manage an architectural practice.
3. Manage an architectural and building project.
4. Manage architectural and building contracts.
5. Manage information, learning, knowledge and experience in an architectural practice.
6. Advise clients on property development projects.
7. Build and maintain positive relations with clients, staff and contractors.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify a viable opportunity for a new practice.
• Prepare a business plan for a new practice.
• Structure of a new practice according to the vision and mission of the founders.
• Incorporate safeguards against claims for professional liability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Manage the finances, operations and risks of architectural practice.
• Market an architectural practice.
• Manage the human resources of architectural practice.
• Prepare a strategic plan for an architectural practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Prepare and manage a project plan and budget for an architectural or building project.
• Manage the information flow and approval process during an architectural or building project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Select the appropriate form of contract for a building project.
• Apply basic contract law to avoid and settle disputes in architectural or building projects.
• Select and customise standard service provider contracts for architectural services.
• Select suitable contractors to execute architecturally and building contracts.
• Enforce the terms and conditions of architectural and building contracts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Develop systems for capturing knowledge and experience in an architectural practice.
• Develop a continuous learning qualification for the members of architectural practice.
• Develop a knowledge sharing system for an architectural practice.
• Manage the use of building Information modelling software in an architectural practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Describe the fundamentals of property development.
• Identify and evaluate the feasibility of property development projects.
• Advise clients about legal requirements and funding of property developments.
• Manage a property development project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Describe the ethical management of projects and practice.
• Effectively communicate with clients, staff, consultants and contractors.
• Build teams within the practice, with clients, contractors and consultants.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with clients, staff, consultants and contractors.
• Manage conflict with/between clients, staff, consultants and contractors.

Integrated Assessment

The institution's policy requires that assessment should be coherently designed as an integral part of the learning process to ensure that full alignment with academic qualifications in terms of the purpose of learning and the content of the qualification is in place. Assessment should furthermore include both formative and summative assessments and that is conducted continuously throughout the learning experience. The purpose of the assessment, type of assessment and dates of all assessments need to be communicated to the learners.

Formative assessments include

• Tests.
• Assignments with feedback after each assessment.
• Interim presentations with feedback and critique on work in progress.
• Comprehensive projects and feedback at regular stages.

Summative assessments include

• The comprehensive project covering all learning outcomes.
• A final summative assessment covering the entire curriculum.