Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management seeks to offer the relevant future-oriented study of hospitality and catering from reflection and development of a systematic survey of current thinking and practice. In so doing, learners will undertake a complex level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence to acquire in-depth conceptual understanding, synthesis and critical application of strategic perspectives on the management of hospitality and catering establishments.

The qualification thus enhances the managerial competence of learners and strengthens and deepens their knowledge of hospitality management. Upon completion of the qualification, learners will be able to competently apply and integrate theoretical principles, evidence-based techniques, and appropriate skills to interrogate and analyse business-related problems and develop appropriate solutions. The qualification also promotes the progression of learning by developing the learner's ability to undertake scientific research. Moreover, the qualification will contribute to the personal development and growth of learners and enhance their efficiency and effectiveness in a dynamic, challenging and increasingly complex organisational and business environment.

Upon completion of the qualification, learners will possess the requisite knowledge and skills to perform managerial functions and responsibilities at a senior level in a wide variety of sectors within the hospitality and catering industry; among other things, accommodation establishments, food service providers, events and conferences, transport catering, and welfare catering.

Rationale

According to Education Indicators in Focus (2003: 4), "Education has the potential to bring significant benefits to individuals and society, which go well beyond its contribution to individuals' employability or income." In support of the above statement, the National Development Plan (NDP) asserts that education is the critical enabler for economic development and growth in South Africa. Education also defines learners' identity, enables them to take control of their own lives, and raise healthy families. In the above regard, the qualification enhances the learners' specialist knowledge and career progression in the hospitality sector.

This qualification will enable the progression of learning and meet the minimum admission requirements for a Master's qualification at NQF Level 9.

The qualification is targeted primarily at those in full-time employment or in self-employment who want to familiarise themselves with contemporary theories, thinking and practices in the strategic management of hospitality and catering establishments. Also, a 'Research Methods and Design' module (12 Credits), as well as an 'Applied Business Project' module (16 Credits), are in the qualification to facilitate the progression of learning (to a Masters qualification, and ultimately, to a D. Phil/PhD qualification).

Typical jobs that learners should be able to occupy upon completion of the qualification include

• Hotel manager;
• Operations Manager;
• Restaurant managers;
• Food and beverage managers;
• Front office managers;
• Reservation managers;
• Guest relation managers;
• Conference managers;
• Revenue managers;
• Event managers;
• Catering managers;
• Banqueting managers;
• Sales and marketing managers;
• Events coordinators;
• Room division managers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

An RPL policy is in place that allows learners access to higher education by recognising their prior learning (completed qualifications, short courses and work experience).

The learners need to complete an RPL application document. The RPL application must include certified copies of all previous qualifications and a comprehensive portfolio reflecting extensive work-based learning.

The department's RPL committee assesses the learner's portfolio thoroughly against the relevant learning outcomes, and there will be credits/exemption for some modules in the qualification. Admission into the qualification is possible through RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Hospitality Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Advanced Diploma in Catering Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Relevant Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 8, 92 Credits

• Research Methods and Design, 12 Credits.
• Hospitality Quality Management, 16 Credits.
• Hospitality Enterprise Development 501, 16 Credits.
• Hospitality Enterprise Development 502, 16 Credits.
• Food Systems Management, 16 Credits.
• Applied Business Project/Research Methods and Design, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, NQF Level 8, 28 Credits (Choose/Select two)

• Gastronomy 501, 12 Credits.
• Gastronomy 502, 16 Credits.
• Hospitality Property and Estates Development 501, 12 Credits.
• Hospitality Property and Estates Development 502, 16 Credits.

1. Apply a wide range of management principles to effectively, creatively and responsibly manage specific operations in the hospitality sector.
2. Evaluate and critique relevant theories, principles and contemporary issues about strategic management and market development in the hospitality sector.
3. Communicate academic, professional and management information effectively, both orally and in writing, using technology, language, structure, style and graphical support that are appropriate for the hospitality sector.
4. Identify a real-world problem in the hospitality sector, and prepare a research proposal and execute a research report, using acceptable scientific methodologies, protocols and conventions.
5. Manage the learning and assessment tasks attached to all the modules in the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management, autonomously, professionally and ethically.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify advanced operational and management problems and challenges.
• Apply using critical thinking and creative skills, sound management principles to develop appropriate responses to the problems and challenges identified.
• Evaluate the alternate responses to the operational and managerial problems identified and implement the most appropriate response.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and critique relevant theories and principles about hospitality management.
• Develop new thinking by critically challenging assumptions.
• Examine and critique contemporary issues about hospitality management are examined.
• Appropriately apply advanced knowledge and understanding of the philosophical underpinnings of market development about the hospitality sector.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Communicate Using appropriate technology, language, structure, style and graphical support, academic and professional information.
• Present a convincing and persuasive argument that is grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.
• Develop a research proposal on a researchable topic.
• Compile using appropriate language, structure, style and graphical support, a business research report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify a researchable business problem and develop a research proposal.
• Undertake a literature review.
• Outline an appropriate research methodology and design.
• Analyse and discuss the results of the study are presented.
• Present the recommendations arising out of the findings from the study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Execute learning tasks independently or collaboratively.
• Observe professional and ethical conduct in completing assessments in the qualification.
• Observe issues about plagiarism and acknowledgement of sources of information.

Integrated Assessment

In line with the institution's Assessment Policy, regarding integrated assessments for the Postgraduate Diploma in Hospitality Management:

• The use of appropriate assessment tools to establish that learners have achieved the stated learning outcomes;
• Assessment will be systematic, regular and formative, and feedback to the learners about their progress toward exit level competence will be timeous and constructive, and
• The assessment practices will be open, transparent, fair, valid and reliable, and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way whatsoever.
• The 'Applied Business Project' module will serve as a summative integrated assessment, as learners will be required to investigate a catering- or hospitality-related problem and write up a 30-40 page research report. The assessments are in line with the stated learning outcomes for the qualification.
• Examinations in the other modules as summative assessment.