Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship

The core purpose of this qualification involves the enablement of the learner to start and manage his/her own business while they study the theory and practice of true entrepreneurship. The content is aligned with the principles of applied science and developed from best practices in the domain of entrepreneurship and small business management.

The course is flexible in the sense that 70% of the offering is online that provides the opportunity study in own pace and timeframe. It also forms part of a qualification pipeline towards studying the Master of Philosophy in Entrepreneurship (upon selection).

Rationale

The socio-economic conditions of South Africa measured over the past 20 years ask for interventions that firstly contribute to economic growth, secondly job creation and thirdly alleviation of poverty. Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial performance, coupled with a comprehensive entrepreneurship ecosystem, should be applied in embracing the entire contributing forces as a critical socio-economic driver. The qualification serves as a skills development catalyst in addressing the above as it encapsulates both the entrepreneur, the key role player in starting and managing a small business, the entrepreneurial entity to be managed as well as a clear understanding of the enabling environment and ecosystem.

The current Total Entrepreneurial Activity (TEA) rate measures below 10% for the past decade, indicating a lack of entrepreneurial orientation, intention and action. The qualification focuses on developing skills to effectively start, establish, manage and grow an entrepreneurial venture via focuses on the entrepreneurial processes, creativity and opportunity recognition, business planning and marketing as well as financial management. Furthermore, the qualification emphasises entrepreneurial growth, comprehending small business policy development with relevance to the enabling environment. The hybrid delivery model offers potential entrepreneurs the ability to start and manage his/her own busy whilst obtaining the required skills.

People who will benefit from this qualification include

Potential entrepreneurs who are forced into the unemployment space (e.g. retrenchment).

Potential entrepreneurs who are pulled by a need for independence and a feasible opportunity but without the necessary skills, background and experience to start and manage their own business.

Professional individuals (e.g. engineers or medical practitioners) with entrepreneurial acumen and would like to open their own practice.

Employed individuals who would like to apply an entrepreneurial mindset and orientation in the formal workplace.

Existing entrepreneurs who would like to propel the growth of their entities via new managerial principles and techniques.

The qualification prepares and equips individuals for self-employment, wealth creation and independence. It also benefits the employed individual with the entrepreneurial mindset to creatively innovate and excel in the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The Institutional RPL policy aligns to the NQF and CHE RPL Policies.

The Institution has a finite capacity in most undergraduate fields (its limits have already been reached, or those admitted are selected from a large number of applicants), the institution's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning only applies to learner cases at Postgraduate level (including Postgraduate Diplomas).

The institution offers advanced standing through policies and systems to prospective learners who do not meet the formal or statutory requirements for entrance but who can demonstrate output and experiences consonant with the NQF Level of the preceding qualification and a potential to perform at the next level, and who can demonstrate that they possess the appropriate (context-specific) knowledge and skills required for admission to such next level of qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• A relevant Bachelor qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

• Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 30 Credits.
• Creativity and Innovation, 30 Credits.
• Small Business Management, 30 Credits.
• The Business Plan, 30 Credits.

1. Engage critically with the entrepreneurship enabling environment and ecosystem and all its role players.
2. Develop a unique and innovative product/service/process aligned with the market environment.
3. Comprehend the small business managerial process and functions.
4. Draft and develop a bankable business plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Comprehend the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Africa and its socio-economic impact.
• Identifying the elements of the entrepreneurial process and determine its interrelatedness.
• Apply the new business idea in the context of the entire process.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Understand and implement the theory of creativity and innovation.
• Design thinking towards refining a business idea for the African market environment.
• Analyse and apply the process of innovation and innovation management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understanding and applying the principles of the functional areas of business management within the context of the small business venture.
• Contextualise a focus on strategy; supply chain management; marketing; human resources and financial management within the context of the newly created entrepreneurial venture.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Designing a business model and case towards drafting a complete business plan for both the start-up and financing requirements in Africa.
• Analyse and implement the financial aspects as part of the business plan (break-even analysis; financial statements; budget).
• Incorporate what potential financiers look for in business plans.

Integrated Assessment

• Formative assessments are performed on a monthly basis. This is done via the monitoring procedures for the qualification. Monitoring of learners learning in the qualification is performed via a monthly discussion between the qualification committee, modular convener and lecturer in charge of that module.
• This process helps to identify specific weaknesses in the learner's knowledge before engaging in a formal assessment process. The summative assessment is performed by process of formal internal and external moderation of examination papers and examination scripts. This is performed by Faculty appointed internal and external examiners according to the prescribed institution's standards and policy.