Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management is designed to provide learners with in-depth knowledge and skills in human resource management which will enable them to independently gather analyse and apply the knowledge gained to solve complex Human Resource Management problems in the business environment.

Rationale

The aim of this qualification is to equip learners to address scarce and critical skills in the country. It is designed to allow qualifying learners an opportunity to acquire applied competence in the field of Human Resource Management required for registration with the professional body (South African Board for People Practices (SABPP).

Furthermore, it is designed to align the Human Resource Management qualifications with the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF). The Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management which is offered at Level 8 articulates horizontally into Honours Degree or vertically into a Master's Degree at Level 9.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will be considered in accordance with the institution's RPL policy. Applications from RPL learners will be treated on their own merit and in accordance with the institutional RPL policy. The institutional RPL policy makes provision for admission for qualifying learners through RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is either a

• An appropriate Advanced Diploma of 120 Credits in Human Resource Management or in a related field at Level 7.

Or

• A Bachelor's Degree in Human Resource Management or in a related field at Level 7.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

• Advanced Human Resource Development, 24 Credits.
• Strategic Human Resource Management and Organisational Development, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Labour Relations, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Strategic Management, 24 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 24 Credits.

1. Contribute to the development and implementation of a Human Resource strategy for the organisation.
2. Support and implement procedures and systems related to the clusters.
3. Contribute towards the organisational strategic planning process.
4. Conduct applied research and compile research report in the broad field of Human Resource Management.
5. Understand the broad vision and understanding of the economy within which the business operates (macro-vision).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Align human resource strategy to the overall business strategy.
• Develop human resource policies.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the human resource field of specialisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate a complete understanding of processes and practices relevant to all areas of human resource management.
• Apply best practices for talent management.
• Participate in the development of organisational policies and procedures with regard to compensation and administration.
• Apply best practices in all human resource areas in accordance with the legal framework.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Set and align human resource management strategic plans with organisational goals and objectives.
• Formulate human resource management strategic plans.
• Correctly identify industry key success factors and demonstrate an ability to align these with the human resource management divisional KSF.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Research problems are accurately identified and analysed.
• Utilise appropriate research methods.
• Apply technical skills necessary for research projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the business environment within which human resource plays a critical role.

Integrated Assessment

All assessments will integrate knowledge, skills, attitude and applied competence of the discipline. The institutional assessment policy makes provision for assessment instruments ranging from written or oral tests, presentations on topical business issues, assignments, projects, case studies or simulation exercises to name a few.

For this qualification there will be three assessments which will constitute a year mark. Learners will write two tests, and one group project. The group project mark will be an aggregate of all the assessment tasks performed throughout the academic year. Lecturers are encouraged to use a variety of assessment instruments in order to cater for different learning abilities of learners. The weighting of each test is 35% and 30% for the group project.

Formative Assessment

Three assessments will constitute a year mark which will contribute 60% towards the final mark.

Summative Assessment

A final assessment which will culminate with the submission of a comprehensive individual project. For example a strategic plan of a medium or large corporation or a Human Resource strategy of an organisation will be submitted. The project contributes 40% towards the final mark. To pass the qualification a learner must obtain a final minimum mark of 50%.