Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics

Purpose

This qualification aims to enable learners to use their disciplinary and practical knowledge to understand the flow of decision-making processes and systems in organisations through exposing learners to cutting edge theory, praxis and research methods (in particular with respect to organisational decision design and analysis) at an advanced level. Thus the Postgraduate Diploma in Decision-Making and Knowledge Dynamics will enable learners to develop the analytical abilities necessary for effective decision-making in a business environment.

The qualification offers learners an opportunity to focus on the issue of leadership in decision-making in organisations with an integrating approach, combining research in the analytics and processes of decision-making in psychology, economics, philosophy, organisation theory, information and knowledge systems and management sciences.

Rationale

The advent of on-going, integrated and high volume computerisation and computer use are transforming organisational life and consequently decision-making has to be reframed. The interaction between the socio-economic world of organisations and knowledge technologies and systems constantly requires decisions to be made and judgements to be formed. Judgement and decision-making are both a formative and framing dimension of technology, systems and organisations and the focus of activity within systems and organisations. These levels of analysis and reflection are studied in what we may call decision-making in organisations. The knowledge and skills thus gained is important in business analysis, business intelligence, decision support, system development, strategy consulting, knowledge management and general management.

Thus, the qualification will enable learners to develop practical skills and critical knowledge in the key areas of decision-making in organisations. Such knowledge and skills are widely recognised as crucial for organisational and socio-economic development in the present economic era. The output in terms of leadership development and strategic decision-making for organisations as they actually function today is of significant value to organisations working toward increasing competitiveness in the current global knowledge economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment will be conducted through a valid and reliable process and will be measured against the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification and module outcomes for the purposes of admittance to, or recognition of learning.

Specific provision will be made for prospective learners who

• Do not meet the specified admission requirements for the qualification, but offer evidence of alternative experience/qualifications.
• Have undergone prior learning and have requested that it be recognised in place of certain prescribed modules.
• Have undergone prior learning at institutions outside South Africa (SA) and where the standard of this prior learning needs to be determined.
• Have undergone prior learning and, where it is necessary, to establish at what level such a learner can be slotted into the relevant qualification.

The RPL process will also be conducted in three phases

• Phase 1: The application must be submitted to the Faculty Secretary.
• Phase 2: The relevant postgraduate programme committee will then consider the application in accordance with existing guidelines.
• Phase 3: The recommendation of the programme committee will be submitted to the Committee for Postgraduate Teaching (CPT), via the Faculty Secretary, for further processing and will be submitted to the Faculty Board, Executive Committee (Senate) and Senate for a decision.

Thereafter the Faculty Secretary will inform the applicant of the result of the RPL process by means of an official letter that will include the report back or comments.

Entry Requirements

• A relevant Bachelors' Degree, Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 8, totalling 120 Credits

• Information Systems Theory, 10 Credits.
• Organisation Theory, 10 Credits.
• Knowledge Economy and Society, 20 Credits.
• Decision Making Theory Research, 20 Credits.
• Cognitive Psychology, 10 Credits.
• Knowledge Management Foundations, 20 Credits.
• Decision Behaviour, Analysis and Support, 10 Credits.
• Strategy Development, Leadership and Organisational Analysis, 10 Credits.
• Business Intelligence, Modelling and Systems Design, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement with the main areas of academic enquiry in the field of decision-making in organisations.
2. Implement knowledge technologies within the context of organisational strategy, production and management.
3. Use empirical research to investigate decision and strategy support systems and processes in organisations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• An understanding of the relevant theories and principles pertaining to Decision-Making and Decision Analysis, Information Systems, Decision Support Systems, Knowledge Management, Systems Theory, Organisation Theory, Theory of the Knowledge Economy, Strategy and Scenario Development, Business Analysis and Project Management is demonstrated.
• Multiple sources of knowledge in the field of decision-making are interrogated and investigated.
• Theoretical foundations and principles in decision-making and knowledge dynamics are analysed in order for decisions and actions to be consistent with the rules.
• Knowledge dynamics is defined and the dynamics of knowledge are identified in organisations
• The economic implications of knowledge dynamics and decision-making are understood and the core knowledge assets of an organisation are explained.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Different approaches for developing a knowledge management strategy is explored and the best approach is chosen.
• The key staff groups within the organisation are identified.
• Comprehensive and holistic needs analysis activities are conducted with selected staff groups, to identify key needs and issues.
• Input from senior management and organisational strategy documents are considered to determine an overall strategic focus.
• Recommendations are developed for addressing the issues and needs identified based on these findings.
• A series of strategic and tactical initiatives are used based on the recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The principles of quantitative and qualitative research are explained.
• A research proposal is formulated.
• Useful strategies for gathering and assessing information are developed and applied.
• Issues are interrogated and conclusions are drawn according to established research practice.
• Findings are presented on the efficacy of key competencies in organisational strategy, production and management.
• The research is conducted in an ethical manner and in accordance with established research methodology practice.
• The research is formulated, presented, and communicated using both academically sound and professional report writing and presentation methods.

Integrated Assessment

A wide variety of assessment tools and opportunities characterise the qualification. Learners are will be given assignments which will allow for demonstrations of affective and cognitive competences. This may involve written assignments of an argumentative nature, group collaborations, formal presentations, group reporting, oral presentations, modelling, scenario building, case analyses and proposal formulations.

Formative assessments will be done over the course of the qualification. A comprehensive, integrative summative assessment will then take place.

Experiential learning will also take place so that learners collaborate with the Socio-Informatics Honours learners to conduct a large project on a real systems design issue requiring different skills. This project will be evaluated in a formative manner during the process and in a summative manner upon a final documented and visual presentation of the system and its function.