Postgraduate Diploma in International Business

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to educate and train international trade/business practitioners, as well as employees of government and other trade service bodies, in international business-related topics, thus equipping them to follow or enhance their careers in international business. Those participating in this Postgraduate Diploma should gain or increase specialisation and professionalisation in the field of international business, with specific focus on the international business environment, international logistics, international markets, international finance, strategic competitive intelligence and analysis as well as research report writing; thus building the next generation of professional leaders in international business.

Graduates will be empowered to think laterally and critically and to serve the country specifically within the field of international business. Graduates will be able to supply innovative solutions to the challenges within the international business industry. The qualification is compiled to include projects, the results of which will benefit the community and country. The qualification's uniqueness lies in the inclusion of the subject of strategic competitive intelligence (CI), which will address all the elements of the CI process and analysis. These elements will be utilised in all the other subjects and form part of the final research report.

Rationale

The aim of this qualification is to provide a development route at Postgraduate level for international business practitioners towards a Master's Degree in fields such as Commerce, International Trade or Business.

More and more interest is being shown by graduates with various Bachelor's Degrees in Postgraduate training in the field of international business and/or trade. These graduates do not necessarily meet the requirements for admission into a Bachelor of Commerce Honours: International Trade. However, possession of a relevant Bachelor's Degree and at least two years of work experience in the international business field will allow articulation into this Postgraduate Diploma. Since there is a shortage of people in South Africa with specialised knowledge in the area of international business, this qualification will serve to provide for those who could make a contribution to the promotion of exports and, ultimately, the enhancement of the national economy.

The applicant is assumed to have

• Cognitive ability and knowledge equivalent to NQF Level 7.
• Communicative skills at NQF Level 7 in the language in which the qualification is presented.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learners may provide evidence of prior learning for which they may receive credit towards the qualification by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the requirements of the School of Economics.

Access to the Qualification

• A recognised Bachelor's Degree in the fields of International Trade or Business or Economics.

Or

• Any recognised relevant Bachelor's Degree plus a portfolio of evidence to support a minimum of two years of work experience in the international business field.

The qualification comprises five compulsory modules, each of which is worth 24 Credits. All the modules are at NQF Level 8.

Modules

• International Business Environment.
• International Finance.
• Competitive Intelligence and Report Writing.
• International Logistics.
• International Markets.

1. Demonstrate the analytical skills relevant to the International Business Environment.
2. Identify, analyse and manage complex real world international finance problems and issues.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of Competitive Intelligence and report writing.
4. Implement an International Logistics System for a simulated business/company.
5. Manage international markets for a simulated business/company.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems are demonstrated in the successful interactions with international role-players in international business.
• Team work is demonstrated in the interactions within the entity and with the international business community.
• Organising self is demonstrated in the collation of data and the writing of a research report.
• Collating information is indicated in the successful compilation of a research report.
• Effective communicating is demonstrated throughout all the activities associated with successful interactions within the international business environment.
• Utilising science and technology is clearly indicated in the activities required for interacting in the international business markets.
• Understanding the world as a set of related systems is indicated in the application of international trade policies within the working environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 The different international trade and macroeconomic theories that form the foundation of international economics are described, assessed and criticised.

1.2 The global business environment is analysed in terms of international trade and macroeconomic theories.

1.3 Optimal and contextual trade policies spanning the political and business environment are discussed.

1.4 Trade policies that enable decisive international business strategies are formulated.

1.5 The geographical influences on international trade and production flows on supra, national and sub-national levels are discussed and justified.

1.6 When engaging in international trade, aspects such as diplomacy, negotiations and business practice are analysed in terms of cross-cultural communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 The various banking risks inherent to international trade transactions are compared and contrasted.

2.2 Banking risks within the context of relevant case studies are analysed.

2.3 The appropriate financial instruments are incorporated into the development of a foreign exchange risk management strategy.

2.4 The financial implications of off-shoring practices are discussed.

2.5 The various methods and terms of payments are compared and contrasted within the context of relevant case studies.

2.6 Own theory driven arguments are professionally and ethically debated.

2.7 The various options available to secure trade finance for a trade transaction are explained and applied.

2.8 The issues surrounding the regulatory environment and taxation practices within the international trade framework are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 The various elements of the Competitive Intelligence (CI) cycle are described.

3.2 Key Intelligence Topics/Needs (KITS/KINS) are identified and formulated for an international business environment.

3.3 Data on the identified KIT/KIN is collected from primary and secondary sources.

3.4 Appropriate technique(s) for the analysis of the collected data is/are justified.

3.5 The data collected on the identified KIT/KIN is analysed, evaluated and presented in the form of a scientific research report.

3.6 An appropriate CI Unit is designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 The various logistics alternatives available in selected target markets, including third- party logistics providers, in-house capabilities, transportation, warehousing, inventory and materials-handling options, are evaluated.

4.2 Logistics strategies for improved competitive advantage are devised, whilst taking organisational, environmental and employee considerations into account.

4.3 Supply chain networks that enhance customer service by reducing order cycle time and shipment costs are designed.

4.4 Accurate cost/service trade-off analyses are undertaken.

4.5 An effective logistics system for each targeted international market is devised.

4.6 An organisational structure for the simulated entity's logistics activities that reflects the many functional areas of the entity and the ways in which logistics sub-functions are coordinated is determined.

4.7 The simulated entity's order processing system is integrated with its logistics management information system.

4.8 The performance of the simulated entity's logistics system is measured and evaluated whilst taking total logistics cost, cost-specific logistics functions and performance into account.

Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 An optimal model for global sourcing and distribution is devised which promotes sustainable competitive advantage for the simulated entity.

5.2 Cost-effective and dynamic methodologies for researching global buyer and supplier markets are formulated.

5.3 A positioning strategy is developed for the simulated entity which combines innovation with sensitivity to cultural values and environmental concerns in different world regions.

5.4 Global procurement and marketing strategies which harness the power of, and minimise the risks in, electronic communication media are developed for the simulated entity.

5.5 Strong networks of suppliers, buyers, service providers and government entities are developed for the simulated entity to optimise business efficiency, both locally and internationally.

5.6 Negotiation tactics for different world regions are devised whilst taking cultural norms and the economic/business landscape in each target region into account.

5.7 Human talent for the simulated entity is nurtured to advance the firm's global procurement and marketing goals and objectives.

5.8 Practical ways to manage the efficiency and performance quality of global procurement and distribution channel members are proposed.

5.9 The financial aspects of the simulated entity's global procurement and marketing activities are successfully managed.

5.10 Contributions to industry and government-led discussions and debates supporting the formulation of bilateral, regional and/or multilateral trade agreements are made.

Integrated Assessment

An integrated approach to assessment is incorporated into the qualification.

Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven.

Use is made of models and simulation in both formative and summative assessments.

The Competitive Intelligence module will serve as the ultimate vehicle to demonstrate and assess the integrated nature of the qualification. By nature, Competitive Intelligence is a centralised and integrated field using the outcomes of various other disciplines to develop a relevant, integrated and interpreted view on a specific situation, therefore, the CI component will be an integrated assessment. The assessment will be in the form of a CI report that will be an interpretative, forward-looking, integrated assessment of, inter alia, any given situation, product or company.

Continuous assessment will be done through

• Models.
• Simulations.
• Written assignments.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Peer group evaluation.
• Competency evaluations.
• Face to face contact with learners.
• Written tests.
• Summative examinations.