Postgraduate Diploma in Food and Beverage Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Postgraduate Diploma in Food and Beverage Management is to develop the necessary knowledge, understanding, critical thinking skills and competence on an advanced level to enhance the learner's professional development towards becoming skillful employees in the food and beverage industry. A qualified learner at this level will demonstrate competence in using managerial skills and problem solving in both existing and entrepreneurial hospitality ventures and the community at large. To provide learners with the necessary skills and competencies enabling them to focus on research in the Food and Beverage Industry, specifically in the field of accommodation. This qualification will prepare the learners to be able to conduct research at a Master's level.

Rationale

The South African Tourism Industry and especially the hospitality sector have demonstrated continued growth and a clear demand for well-qualified staff within the corporate and entrepreneurial sub-sector, specifically in the Food and Beverage field. The core of the learning qualification revolves around the development of potential managers with sound operational backgrounds and specialised skills particularly in the accommodation field. Through consultation and comparability with other universities offering similar qualifications and advisory board meetings, the stakeholders from industry suggested that the existing gap should be addressed by exposing learners to conducting research in the specific field to close the gap. The range of typical learners will be in possession of an Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) so that they can articulate from a relevant Advanced Diploma, and include both cross border and international learners'.

Since the BTech qualifications at the University of Technologies (UOT) will be phased out, learners will be required to complete both the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma before enrolling for a Masters' qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma is imperative for progression and articulation purposes. The learner can articulate from Postgraduate Diploma in Food and Beverage Management to a Master's qualification. Furthermore, learners will have the necessary skills, knowledge and competencies that they can apply in the socio economic structure of the broader South Africa.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The details of the Departmental RPL policy are as follows, presuming prior learning has taken place

• The learner applies for RPL against a module/ modules, or part/full qualification at the relevant department (Head of Department-HOD).
• The learner then completes an RPL form and submits it to RPL office.
• The learner prepares evidence of work (portfolio of evidence) or any other relevant proof of evidence (practical work, assignments and or assessments).
• The submission of the portfolio of evidence is to the RPL officer for the evaluation.
• Credits are awarded to the learner for relevant, approved prior learning that is aligned with the appropriate module outcomes and credits as indicated in the module structure of the qualification.
• A moderator from the department's advisory board from within the candidate's industry is appointed to moderate the candidate's portfolio of evidence.
• Only then may the learner continue with part/ full registration.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Food and Beverage Management, NQF Level 7, 120 Credits.

Or

• Any Bachelor's Degree in a related field, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

• Conducting and Reporting Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Accommodation Management 5, 45 Credits.
• Advanced Strategic Management, 45 Credits.

1. Demonstrate critical knowledge of and the ability to conduct a research project in the field of Hospitality.
2. Demonstrate critical knowledge and the ability to apply the knowledge in the Food and Beverage environment.
3. Apply the advance business management skills to contribute to effective decision-making, management and problem solving.
4. Develop a sound foundation for the progression into senior managerial positions in the Food and Beverage industry specifically in the accommodation field.
5. Effectively use the various modes of communicating, including information technology to promote the Food & Beverage industry in a changing environment. Apply a range of financial management principles to effectively ensure the sustainability of the Food and Beverage industry specifically in the accommodation field.

The following Associated Assessment will assess the Exit Level Outcomes in an integrated manner.

• Conduct a research project in the field of food and beverage management and provide a report (orally (presentation/poster) and in written format).
• Apply the acquired critical knowledge in the Food and Beverage environment.
• Manage a business through effective decision making and application of business management principles, theories and practices.
• Progress from a sound foundation into senior managerial positions in the Food and Beverage industry and related hospitality field.
• Anticipate a changing Food and Beverage environment and effectively respond by using various modes of communication (including information technology) and a range of appropriate management tools to promote action.
• Ensure the sustainability of the industry and related hospitality field.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous assessment

• Case based study.
• Individual assignments.
• Group assignments.
• Submission of an industry related report/ Documented project.
• Presentation of results and recommendations.
• Portfolio of evidence.