Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable learners to develop in-depth, skills and applied competence in the management of projects in private and the public sectors that will provide opportunities for personal intellectual growth, more purposeful employment and enabling learners to make a contribution to society.

This qualification will empower learners with knowledge and skills that will enable them to solve commercial problems in a focused way and to effectively manage and allocate resources, to communicate effectively and to contribute to knowledge and socio-economic transformation in a responsible and ethical manner.

Rationale

The Postgraduate Diploma in Project Management is designed to provide project management skills and knowledge to learners who have discipline specific knowledge and experience. As organisations are becoming increasingly project based, these skills will enable learners to design and execute multiple projects to operationalise the strategic objectives of the institution.

A project is an organised set of work efforts undertaken to produce a unique output subject to the limitations of time and resources. It can also be described as an endeavour to accomplish a specific objective through a unique set of interrelated activities and the effective utilisation of resources. Projects can be applied in almost any industry, from construction and research to the medical field and organisational spheres. Despite the diverse application possibilities, the principles and life-cycle phases of projects remain generic in nature.

Project management as a management application has gained prominence in organisations in the public and private sectors. Project management is regarded as a powerful tool to deliver products and services on time, within budget and according to predetermined quality specifications.

In addition to specific competences in a particular field of application, project managers therefore need skills and knowledge associated with good project management practices. The qualification will therefore provide access to a Master's programme.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning.

In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to this qualification, it is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of entrants primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV).

Candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a Senior Manager from their organisations/companies.

Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating these applicants include:

• The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies.
• Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references.
• The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification leads.

Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry to this qualification is a three (3) year Bachelor's Degree.

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

• Project Integration Management, 20 Credits.
• Project Quality Management, 20 Credits.
• Project Cost Management, 20 Credits.
• Project Leadership, 20 Credits.
• Project Risk Management, 20 Credits.
• Project Procurement and Supply Chain Management, 20 Credits.

• Communicate effectively and manage stakeholder relationships in an ethical and professional manner.
• Demonstrate evidence of self-directed learning.
• Analyse and evaluate data in order to justify sound and rational decisions.
• Generate and manage projects in an integrated manner to build organisational capacity to successfully execute projects.
• Apply appropriate project management techniques and methodologies to real life scenarios.
• Display knowledge of corporate governance, risk management, and strategic management.
• Analyse scenarios related to identifying and solving problems in the context of project management.
• Integrate skills and knowledge to produce holistic solutions to real-life problems and challenges.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Apply theory and principles in a work-based context.
• Utilise appropriate technology in various communication modes.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the project management concepts.
• Display research skills in solving work related problems.
• Communicate knowledge acquired.
• Demonstrate an understanding of economic issues.
• Demonstrate an ability to propose solutions to problems.
• Analyse and interpret financial information.

Integrated Assessment

The assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the qualification modules. These assessment methods include:

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Research and work based assignments.
• Self-assessments activities in the qualification material.

Formative Assessment

The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the wok and limited number of outcomes.

Summative Assessment

Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio will be used to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practiced and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Assessment centres on

• The extent to which the learner has grasped the concepts which form the base of project management.
• The application of multidisciplinary theory to a practical context.
• The methods of research used.
• A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.