Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a specialised qualification designed to prepare learners for postgraduate study into industry competencies and skills. The qualification consolidates and deepens the qualifying learner's expertise in Quantity Surveying and develops research capacity in the methodology and techniques of the discipline while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. The purpose of this qualification is to further the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities and skills required for becoming a competent practicing Quantity Surveyor on completion of this qualification.

This qualification will

• Prepare learners for professional specialisation in the building and construction environment i.e., specialising in Quantity Surveying.
• Prepare learners for postgraduate studies by deepening their knowledge base and understanding of Quantity Surveying and the built environment relating to research.
• Develop abilities to solve advanced theoretical and practice-related problems in Quantity Surveying.

The curriculum is designed in such a way that it provides continuity from the 120 NQF Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying providing entry into the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying NQF Level 8, comprising seven core modules in the Postgraduate Diploma as follows:

• Construction Dispute Resolution which provides greater insight into ways of resolving construction disputes building up on the advanced diploma module Construction Contracts and Administration module.
• Project Cost Management is another module that requires the underpinning knowledge from Construction Economics. In the Postgraduate Diploma emphasis is placed on project costs.
• Facilities Management gives the construction manager insight into the realm of managing and maintaining facilities. This is achieved after the learners have gained the construction knowledge at the Advanced Diploma level.
• Research report introduces the learners into the research environment as this would be a prerequisite should the learners want to pursue the master's on completion of the Postgraduate Diploma. The qualification has a full research report like that of any Honour's qualification.
• Construction Project Management is another module that requires some insight from the module Business Development and Management at Advanced Diploma Level.
• Advanced Construction Economics is another module that requires the underpinning knowledge from Construction Economics. In the Advanced Diploma emphasis is placed on financial feasibility studies. This is core to the function and role of Quantity Surveying.
• Construction Quantity Professional practice is a standalone module to provide aspiring Quantity Surveyors with insights into professional ethics in practice.

On completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to

• Apply construction management and quantity surveying principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems.
• Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and construction management and quantity surveying sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly defined built environment problems.
• Manage a project to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation, and apply scientific and technological knowledge in the built environment.
• Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern built environment tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined built environment problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with construction management and quantity surveying sector audiences and the affected parties.
• Examine commercial, entrepreneurial and project management principles and applications in the built environment.
• Assess the impact of construction activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.

Rationale

South Africa is currently experiencing an unprecedented demand for infrastructure and skilled human resources. Part of this is contributed by the skills shortage, particularly in the scarce categories like engineering and related professions. In terms of the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) list of scarce skills, published in Government Gazette Vol: 578, no 36721 on 2 August 2013, there is a skills shortage in Quantity Surveying occupations. More recently, on the DHET's List of Occupations in High Demand, published in Government Gazette no 39604 on 19 January 2016, building-related occupations are mentioned.

This qualification contributes to fulfilling the institution's mission to foster a scholarship of teaching and learning as well as to provide an articulation pathway for Diploma qualifying learners towards the Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying and ultimately to the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying.

The qualification was approved by the institution's Advisory committee board and was endorsed by the South African Council for Quantity Surveying Professions (SACQSP) and the South African Council for the Project Construction Management Profession (SACPCMP). The structure and design are guided by the SACQSP standards and thus are envisaged to meet national requirements, as well as those of the learners and other stakeholders. This qualification is therefore aligned to the requirements of the SACQSP. Both the SACPCMP and the SACQSP prescribe the knowledge areas for qualifications.

This qualification will

• Prepare learners for a career in Quantity Surveying and areas that potentially benefit from Quantity Surveying skills, for achieving professional proficiency and contributing to the economy and its national development.
• Provide the educational base required for registration as a Professional Quantity Surveyor in practice.
• Entry to NQF Level 8 Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying and the ability to proceed to a master's and then onto a Doctoral qualification. The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying is a specialised NQF Level 8 qualification that will lead to competency and professionalism in the field of Quantity Surveying.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying would provide learners with the opportunity to progress to a higher or advanced level with the object of achieving professional status with the SACQSP on completion of further studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution's policy on recognition of prior learning (RPL) applies and may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this programme. The institution follows a strict RPL Policy In terms of the policy a learner may be admitted to a qualification via RPL.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Quantity Surveying, NQF level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Quantity Surveying, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Science in Construction Management, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 144 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, 144 Credits

• Construction Dispute Resolution, 24 Credits.
• Research Report: Quantity Surveying, 24 Credits.
• Project Cost Management, 12 Credits.
• Facilities Management, 24 Credits.
• Advanced Construction Economics, 24 Credits.
• Construction Project Management, 24 Credits.
• Quantity Surveying Professional Practice, 12 Credits.

1. Apply construction management and quantity surveying principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems.
2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, basic science and construction management and quantity surveying sciences to wide practical procedures and practices to solve broadly defined built environment problems.
3. Follow the procedural process to manage a project to meet desired needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation, and apply scientific and technological knowledge in the built environment.
4. Use appropriate established techniques, resources, and modern built environment tools including information technology for the solution of broadly defined built environment problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions, and constraints.
5. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with construction management and quantity surveying sector audiences and the affected parties.
6. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of the built environment activities on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of economic and legal principles and applications in the built environment.
8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of commercial, entrepreneurial and management principles and application in the built environment.
9. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of technology principles used in the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and define the problem and identify the criteria for an acceptable solution.
• Identify the relevant information, construction management and quantity surveying knowledge and skills for solving the problem.
• Formulate and apply possible approaches that would lead to a workable solution for the problem.
• Model and analyse possible solutions.
• Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution.
• Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of Mathematics, Numerical Analysis, Statistics and Natural Science.
• Apply construction management and quantity surveying at a fundamental level and in a specialist, area to solve broadly defined construction management and quantity surveying problems in the built environment.
• Use theories, principles, and laws.
• Conduct a formal analysis and modelling using construction management and quantity surveying materials, components, systems, or processes.
• Perform reasoning about and conceptualisation of construction management and surveying material systems and processes.
• Address uncertainty and risk.
• Perform work within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Formulate the project problem to satisfy user needs, and adhere to applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
• Plan and manage the project to focus on important issues and recognise and deal with constraints.
• Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources to apply appropriate principles and design tools to provide a workable solution.
• Perform project tasks including analysis, quantitative modelling, and optimisation of the product, system, or process subject to the relevant premises, assumptions, constraints, and restrictions.
• Evaluate alternatives for implementation and select a preferred solution based on techno-economic analysis and judgment.
• Assess the selected project in terms of the social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact and benefits.
• Communicate the project logic and relevant information in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Assess the method, skill or tool for applicability and limitations against the required result.
• Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
• Test and assess results produced by the method, skill, or tool against required results.
• Select and use computer applications as required by the discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Use the structure, style, and language of written and oral communication appropriate for the purpose of the communication and the target audience.
• Apply graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of the text.
• Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
• Apply accepted methods for providing information to others involved in construction management and quantity surveying activity.
• Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.
• Communicate terminologies used in the construction industry appropriately.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Assess the impact of technology in terms of its benefits and limitations to society.
• Analyse the impact of occupational and public health and safety on the built environment activities.
• Assess the impact of the physical environment on the built environment activities.
• Consider personal, social, economic, and cultural values and requirements for those who are affected by the built environment activities.
• Evaluate economic issues concerning the construction and property sectors at both a micro and macro level including interpreting the scope and cost of a structure or building in terms of manageability, income, quality, and time of completion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply micro and macro-economic theories and principles in context.
• Describe knowledge of contracts relevant to the built environment.
• Apply dialectal knowledge in the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Describe commercial and management principles relevant to the built environment.
• Apply commercial, entrepreneurial and management principles in the built environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Explain materials, tools and techniques used in the construction industry.
• Apply technological knowledge to solve problems in the built environment.
• Discuss and apply standards and specifications related to specific technology applications where appropriate.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Both formative and summative assessments will be applied in the Postgraduate Diploma in Quantity Surveying, through continuous assessment and examinations. The assessment methods applied will determine the learner's applied competence and successful completion of this qualification and can be described as follows:

Integrated Formative Assessment

Formative assessment will be used to inform learners about their progress on a continuous basis throughout the course of the study. Self and peer assessments are used for formative assessment purposes. Marks collected from this evidence may be recorded for promotional purposes or may be used for the sole purpose of student and lecturer reflection, growth, and development. Formative assessment will be used to support the learner developmentally and to provide feedback to all involved in the learning process about how teaching and learning can be improved. Formative assessment will be conducted by means of theoretical and practical assessment with a group and individual assignments and projects. Throughout the qualification, formative assessment strategies will be used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved through the number and types of tests, assignments, projects, and case studies.

Integrated Formative Assessment

Summative assessment will involve assessment opportunities that take place at the end of a learning experience. Information will be gathered about a learner's level of competence upon completion of a module. This type of assessment will be used for promotional purposes and will take the form of theoretical examinations, practical examinations, and projects to integrate learning. This qualification is designed to enable learners to apply their skills in the world of work therefore applied competence is assessed accordingly.