Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management

Purpose

The Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management provides professionals with an in-depth theoretical knowledge and applied skills in all the facets of Supply Chain Management. It is designed to strengthen and deepen the learners' knowledge in the field of Supply Chain Management.

The qualification enables professionals to provide strategic leadership and undertake advanced reflection on and personal development by means of a systematic survey of current thinking, practice and research methods in the area of Supply Chain Management in the context of rapidly changing, information-rich global marketplace. Learners will produce a quality research proposal which will meet the standard for access into Master's research studies.

Rationale

The supply chain function is increasingly becoming important to government, organisations and companies in a competitive market across a variety of sectors. The Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management is designed to meet industry needs in Supply Chain in all the sectors.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and personnel development in Supply Chain Management at a specialist level.

This qualification will assist in meeting the demand for advanced managerial and professional skills in the Southern African Development Community and to support the South African economy in closing the gap between South African practice and global best practices in Supply Chain Management.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain Management targets individuals who have an Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management and who possibly having worked in a supply chain environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

As per institutional policy, credits towards this qualification may be obtained by means of recognition of prior learning (RPL). Candidates who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements but who can demonstrate satisfactory levels of competence in the field may be granted entry to the qualification the basis of RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits

• Supply Chain Management V, 30 Credits.
• Strategic Procurement Management V, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Strategic Management V, 30 Credits.
• Advanced Research Methodology, 30 Credits.

1. Apply Supply Chain Management principles, knowledge and skills on macro and micro levels.
2. Evaluate advanced Supply Chain Management integration strategies across organisations and companies.
3. Display information processing and research skills.
4. Display sound judgement and decision-making capabilities in business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The contribution of strategic supply chain management to corporate and business strategy is evaluated.
• The main approaches to the development and implementation of strategic relationship management in supply chains are critically compared.
• The role of distribution systems in Supply Chain Management is analysed.
• The effect that globalisation has on supply chains is critically assessed.
• The impact of costs and finance on supply chains is analysed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Use of total cost models to optimise customer service levels and minimise costs by using different advanced supply chain strategies is demonstrated.
• Integrated supply chain models to ensure efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain are evaluated.
• Complex integration opportunities to enhance and foster long-term relationships across all supply chain participants are developed, integrated, implemented and managed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• A viable research topic in a particular discipline or domain is conceptualised, justified and delineated.
• Multiple sources of knowledge are interrogated to evaluate their usefulness to the preliminary research idea and problem.
• Scientific viewpoints are synthesised and logical arguments are developed in relation to the research idea/problem.
• Theories are reflected upon to formulate and set up a preliminary research idea and research problem in the initiating stage of research proposal development.
• The management of primary data (Instrumentation, data integrity and analysis) is described.
• Information is gathered, data is synthesised and evaluated.
• Ethical principles, concerns and procedures are observed in the data gathering, analysis and reporting processes.
• An outline of the research report is prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Systematic approaches is used to develop plans to improve organisation competitiveness for both direct and indirect organisational responsibilities.
• How supply chain strategic management can support and influence corporate and business strategy are understood.
• The main financial aspects that affect supply chains are evaluated.
• Future trends are forecasted.
• Anticipated future tasks and problems are addressed by strategic planning.
• Knowledge and insight into key strategic implementation is shown.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment strategies are continuous and aimed at giving learners feedback on their progress in the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes as well as to integrate theoretical and practical competence. Such strategies include informal assignments, discussions, case studies, informal tests and tutoring. Some of the criteria may be assessed through observation of the learners during classes. Summative assessment strategies are aimed at judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such strategies include examinations, reports, projects or equivalent such as a portfolio of evidence which is representative of a selection of the outcomes.

The outcomes of the formal assignments and tests will contribute to a cumulative class mark as per pre-arrangement with the learners. In the formal assignments and tests, and in the respective examinations learners will have to demonstrate the ability to communicate and integrate knowledge of the key issues, highlighted in the respective modules, and identify and resolve typical problems in the subfields as indicated. This will require critical and creative thinking as well as the ability to make practical applications of the learning outcomes as indicated in the module descriptors.