Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management is a postgraduate qualification at NQF Level 8. The qualification is characterised by the fact that it prepares learners for industry and research. This qualification typically follows a Bachelor's qualification, Advanced Diploma or relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and serves to consolidate and deepen the learner's expertise in Operations Management and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of Operations Management.

To cope with the changing needs, developing markets and new technologies, this qualification focuses on equipping learners with a sound knowledge base in Operations Management at NQF Level 8 and the ability to develop new knowledge and skills in this field.

This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Through comparison with national and international higher education institutions as well as consultation with relevant stakeholders it has become clear that a research component needs to be an integral component of the qualification. Thus the learner will be exposed to research methods and methodology and use this knowledge and skills to complete an Operations Management project. Technical skills such as reporting and interpreting results are integral to this qualification.

Learners with this qualification will be qualified in the development and leading of programmes regarding productivity improvement, integrated manufacturing systems, operating information systems as well as project and quality management.

Rationale

Through consultations with industry partners, Alumni and Advisory board meetings, it was identified that there is a high demand for higher qualified technologists in the operations management field. This qualification has therefore been designed to meet this need through the development of competencies associated with this qualification at NQF Level 8.

The qualification provides horizontal and vertical articulation possibilities, e.g. horizontal articulation into a relevant honours qualification (NQF Level 8) and vertically into a relevant Master's qualification (NQF Level 9).

This qualification provides

• Preparation for careers in Operations Management itself and areas that potentially benefit from operations skills, for achieving technological proficiency and to make a contribution to the economy and national development; and
• Entry to NQF Level 9 Masters qualifications.

Learners completing this qualification will have an advantage in the discipline of Operations Management in that they will be prepared to conduct industry relevant research.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Through the RPL processes, the qualification may be granted, according to policies governing the higher education, to learners who have acquired the skills and knowledge without attending formal qualifications, provided they can demonstrate competence in the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification as required by the fundamental, core and elective areas stipulated in the qualification and Exit Level Outcomes.

An RPL process may also be used to grant learners with credits in which they have developed the necessary competency because of workplace and work-integrated learning. RPL may also be used to credit learners who are not in possession of a formal qualification, to gain access to the qualification.

Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to assessment, and may be required to submit a portfolio or evidence in the prescribed format to be accessed for formal recognition.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Operations Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7.

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

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 100 Credits

• Operations Management Project Planning and Design, 30 Credits.
• Operations Management Project Design and Implementation, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Manufacturing Systems, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Modelling in Operations Management, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules at Level 8, 20 Credits (Choose one)

• Quality and Reliability Management, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Industrial Management, 20 Credits.
• Business Finance, 20 Credits.

1. Apply operations management principles to systematically diagnose and solve ill-defined operations problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and operations management to applied operations procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve ill-defined operations management problems.
3. Perform procedural design of ill-defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
4. Conduct investigations of ill-defined problems through locating and searching relevant codes and catalogues, conducting standard tests, experiments and measurements.
5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern operations management tools including information technology for the solution of ill-defined operations management problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing within an operations management context.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of operations activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of operations management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of operations management practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The problem is analysed and defined and criteria are identified for an acceptable solution.
• Relevant information and operations management knowledge and skills are identified and used for solving the problem.
• Various approaches are considered and formulated that would lead to workable solutions.
• Solutions are modelled and analysed.
• Solutions are evaluated and the best solution is selected.
• The solution is formulated and presented in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• An appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, statistics, numerical analysis, natural science and operations management at a fundamental level and in a specialised area is brought to bear on the solution of ill-defined operations management problems.
• Theories, principles and laws are used.
• Formal analysis and modelling is performed on materials, components, systems or processes.
• Concepts, ideas and theories are communicated.
• Reasoning is performed about and conceptualising materials, components, systems or processes.
• Uncertainty and risk is handled through the use of probability and statistics.
• Work is performed within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The design problem is formulated to satisfy user needs, applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• The design process is planned and managed to focus on important issues and recognises and deals with constraints.
• Knowledge, information and resources are acquired and evaluated in order to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
• Design tasks are performed that include analysis and optimisation of the product, or system or process, subject to relevant premises, assumptions and constraints.
• Alternatives are evaluated for implementation and a preferred solution is selected based on techno-economic analysis and judgement.
• The design logic and relevant information is communicated in a technical report.
• Procedures are applied to evaluate the selected design and assessed in terms of the impact and benefits.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• The scope of the investigation is defined.
• Investigations are planned and conducted within an appropriate discipline.
• Available literature is searched and material is evaluated for suitability to the investigation.
• Relevant equipment or software is selected and appropriately used for the investigation.
• Data obtained is analysed and interpreted.
• Conclusions are drawn from an analysis of all available evidence.
• The purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation are recorded in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The method, skill or tool is assessed for applicability and limitations against the required result.
• The method, skill or tool is applied correctly.
• Results produced by the method, skill or tool are tested and assessed.
• Relevant computer applications are selected and used.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The structure, style and language of written and oral communication are appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
• Graphics used are appropriate and effective in enhancing the meaning of the text.
• Visual materials used enhance oral communications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• The impact of technology is demonstrated in terms of the benefits and limitations to society.
• The operations activity is analysed in terms of the impact on occupational and public health and safety.
• The operations activity is analysed in terms of the impact on the physical environment.
• The methods to minimise/mitigate impacts outlined in the previous two criteria are considered.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• The principles of planning, organising, leading and controlling are explained.
• Individual work is carried out effectively, strategically and on time.
• Individual contributions made to team activities support the output of the team as a whole.
• Functioning as a team leader is demonstrated.
• A project is organised and managed.
• Effective communication carried out in the context of individual and team work.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Learning tasks are identified, planned and managed.
• The requirement for independent learning is identified/recognised and demonstrated.
• Relevant information is sourced, organised and evaluated.
• Knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction is comprehended and applied.
• Awareness is displayed of the need to maintain continued competence through keeping abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques available in the workplace.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• The nature and complexity of ethical dilemmas is described in terms of required practices, legislation and limitations of authority.
• The ethical implications of operations management decisions are described in terms of the impact on environment, the business, costs and trustworthiness.
• Judgements in decision making during problem solving and design are ethical and within acceptable boundaries of current competence.
• Responsibility is accepted for consequences stemming from own actions or inaction.
• Decision making is limited to area of current competence.

Integrated Assessment

For Formal Assessed Subjects

At least three formative assessments will be used to obtain a year mark for the subject. These assessments can be any of the following:

• Semester Tests.
• Case Studies.
• Research assignments.
• Practical assignments.
• The year mark contributes 50 % of the final mark.

One final summative assessment of 3 hours (50 % of final mark).

For Continuous Assessment Subjects

A number of formative and summative assessments are used at different times during the study period. These assessments will calculate to 100% of the final mark and can consist of:

• Semester Tests.
• Case Studies.
• Research assignments.
• Practical assignments.
• Class tests.
• Presentations.

The lecturer will make use of summative, formal and informal assessment strategies to develop the learners' competence in this qualification. More emphasis is placed on theory and the application of knowledge at this level. Informal assessments typically include discussions, quizzes, feedback sessions, and peer assessments, among others. Formal assessments include class tests, presentations, and assignments. Summative assessments will typically include semester tests (usually three per semester), and a final examination at the end of the semester (three hours).

Operations Management Project Planning and Design and Operations Management Design and Implementation are assessed at the level of understanding of the various aspects that contribute to writing and presenting a proper/acceptable research project. An external moderator is needed for the final research proposal (summative assessment).