Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a learner with knowledge and equip them with skills that will enable them to solve problems related to human resource management. On the completion of this qualification, a learner will be able to:

• Undertake advanced reflection and development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods within the Human Resource Management environment.
• Consolidate, advance and deepen the learners' professional knowledge and expertise in the field of Human Resources Management.
• Develop their research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the field.
• Contribute to the development of new knowledge in the profession at Postgraduate Level leading to an enhanced career and employment prospects.
• Develop and manage appropriate human resource management policies, processes, procedures and interventions in line with the organisational priorities, national imperatives, legislative framework, trends and developments in a broader global environment.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resource Management is designed to provide learners with knowledge of Human Resource Management to enable them to engage in solving problems related to Human Resource Management. This qualification is also designed to meet the specific career path needs in the Human Resource Management environment as confirmed by industry. This qualification deals with all aspects of the function of Human Resources Management in the industrial, commercial and public sectors of the South African economy. It involves specific knowledge and skills to perform at specialist and managerial levels within multi-disciplinary Human Resource Management environment. This qualification provides a set of advanced essential skills for managers in government and the private sector in the field of Human Resource Management.

This qualification is particularly suitable for continuing professional development. It strengthens and deepens the knowledge of a learner in the field of human resource management, thus contributing to the benefits of the society and the economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per the institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Candidates who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may apply for Recognition of Prior Learning and may be granted entry to the qualification on this basis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is a

• A Bachelor's Degree, Level 7 or equivalent.

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

Compulsory Modules, 72 Credits

• Advanced Human Resource Management V, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Strategic Management V, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Research Methodology, 24 Credits.

Elective Modules, 48 Credits (select one stream)

Select two elective modules in accordance with the stream that follow.

Human Resource Management Stream, 48 Credits

• Advanced Labour Relations V, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Human Resources Development V, 24 Credits.

Human Resource Development Stream, 48 Credits

• Advanced Human Resources Development V, 24 Credits.
• Organisational Development Strategies, 24 Credits.

Labour Relations Stream, 48 Credits

• Advanced Labour Relations V, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Labour Law V, 24 Credits.

1. Analyse and construct logical arguments and competing viewpoints in evaluating labour related situations.
2. Develop a research proposal with a topic related to issues within the field of Human Resource Management.
3. Evaluate the strategic management aspects of a business and the environment in which that business operate.

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes.

• A wide variety of societal and organisational variables that influence labour relations strategies are discussed and analysed.
• Cases involving Labour Laws and regulations applicable to the South African context are analysed.
• A quality research proposal that meets the requirements for access into a Master's Degree is developed.
• Independent and research-based opinions about contemporary issues of theory and practice in evaluating Human Resource Management strategies are formed.
• Strategic Human Resource Management choices are investigated and analysed.
• Strategic risks are forecasted and plans are put in place to avert them.
• Anticipated future tasks and problems are addressed by strategic planning.
• Strategic Human Resource Development practices are investigated and analysed.
• Human Resource Development strategies are evaluated and applied in developing the organisations.
• Personal skills and work habits appropriate to working in a team are developed.
• The ability to work as an individual and in a team in resolving complex matters within the field of Human Resource Management is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Formative Assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring.

Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative Assessment strategies are aimed at the judgment of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes.

The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the learners. In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective examinations learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.