Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to equip the learner with a strategic level decision-making and problem-solving skills at a Postgraduate level. The qualification will deepen the student's level of knowledge and understanding of logistics management theories, activities, systems, processes and practices. This qualification will enable the student to conduct advanced research projects and perform data analysis in logistics management/transport management or any other relevant qualifications at Masters Level or at Honours/Postgraduate Diploma level in other relevant qualifications. The student will also be in a position to propose viable long-term plans in logistics management/transport management. The qualification will also equip the student with applied learning through the vacation work and expose the student to real life logistics management/transport management issues and practices through industrial course visits.

Rationale

This is a Postgraduate qualification that will provide strategic level skills for logistics/transport management or supply chain management professionals. The qualification will concentrate on the developments in some of the dynamic areas of logistics, such as logistics systems development, project management and transport economics, which determine the long-term success of the logistics or supply chain management operations in any organisation. This qualification is significant as it helps address the skills shortage in the field of logistics management/transport management or supply chain management both locally and globally. The qualification is one of the key issues that can make or damage an economy if people are not provided with the appropriate training, with its emphasis on transport economics. The qualification enables the logistics managers to improve their knowledge in transport, a key sector in any economy and equip the student with the demand estimation and analysis skills. Furthermore, the qualification provides both horizontal access to other qualifications at Level 8, and vertical access to qualifications in Masters in Logistics/transport management or supply chain management at Level 9. On completion of the qualification, the student will be able to obtain senior level positions in logistics management/transport management or supply chain management. The need for this qualification is to bridge the gap and facilitate the achievement and enhancement of the career opportunities as well as socio-economic contributions identified above.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The applicant is expected to prepare a portfolio of evidence which showcases his/her prior knowledge and skills or any other relevant competencies possessed. The portfolio may contain evidence such as certified copies of certificates and/or academic records from the institutions where this knowledge and/ skills or these other relevant competencies were obtained. Furthermore, the applicant is expected to provide a learning structure such as a syllabus which provides sufficient details the modules for which RPL is being sought. These details pertain to issues such as learning outcomes, credits and notional hours, learning units and expected period of study, amongst other details. Official reference letters and testimonials as well as any other relevant material may also be provided as further supporting evidence.

The portfolio is submitted to the university's RPL officer who is housed in the Student Administration office. The RPL officer submits the portfolio and the generic RPL application forms to the Department of Logistics, where the head of department is expected to schedule a meeting where the application will be tabled as an agenda item. The departmental RPL committee will be composed of the head of department (who chairs the meeting), at least three academic staff members whose expertise fall within the area where RPL is being sought. The executive dean of the faculty is an ex-officio member of the RPL committee. The decision taken the RPL committee is communicated to the applicant through the Student Administration office. Where the applicant appeals against a rejection, an adjudication committee composed of the dean (who chairs the meeting) and heads of departments as well as the RPL officer may sit to review the application and the previous decision. In line with the RPL policy of the institution, the maximum exemptions to be granted in a successful RPL application amount to 50% of the program. Modules for which RPL will be granted will appear with an 'E' standing for 'exempted' on the applicant's final academic record.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Logistics Management/Supply Chain Management, Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Communication qualifications in relevant fields and sub fields, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 126 Credits

• Strategic Logistics Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Transport Economics Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Logistics Project Management Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Logistics Management Systems Module 1, 12 Credits.
• Research Project in Logistics 1, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Logistics Man Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Transport Economics Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Logistics Project Management Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Logistics Management Systems Module 2, 12 Credits.
• Research Project in Logistics 2, 15 Credits.

1. Develop and formulate strategies.
2. Describe advanced problem solving and critical thinking.
3. Analyse, report, communicate, and investigate professionalism description.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 1

• Develop well-defined logistics strategies in order to meet expected needs within applicable standards, legislation and codes of practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 2

• Generate advanced solutions in solving logistics-related organisational problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcomes 3

• Conduct research in management and organisational context.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification involves assessment methods that will integrate the assessment of the student's facts, research and presentation skills.