Postgraduate Diploma: Transport and Logistics

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to enable qualifying learners to specialise in the field of transport and logistics, preparing them for a career in that sector. The Postgraduate Diploma: Transport and Logistics is multi-disciplinary and inter-disciplinary in nature and serves to deepen the learner's knowledge and understanding across the disciplines that make up transport and logistics. This knowledge will enable them to work professionally, to engage in advanced reflection and to practice in the discipline of transport and logistics. This qualification requires a high level of theoretical commitment and intellectual independence.

Rationale

This qualification will provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual leaders and specialists in their specific area of knowledge and who are empowered to play that role.

This programme has been developed considering the needs of learners and employers.

Learners should

• Have good reading and writing skills in English.
• Be able to analyse and respond to a variety of texts.
• Be able to learn independently in an Open and Distance Learning context with minimum support.

Recognition of Prior Learning

All admission through Recognition of Prior Learning must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

This qualification can be achieved wholly or in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

The Unisa Recognition of Prior Learning office can supply full details of processes relating to the assessment and accreditation of learning from prior experiences. Evidence can be presented in a variety of forms, including international or previous local qualifications, reports, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, portfolios, videos of practice and performance records.

Access to the Qualification

A Bachelor's Degree or an equivalent qualification in transport economics and logistics with an average of 60% or more obtained from a registered public higher education institution.

Learners who do not meet the minimum criteria for admission may be admitted on the basis of Recognition of Prior Learning.

The qualification comprises five compulsory modules totaling 120 credits.

The following five modules are compulsory

• Advanced Transport Management.
• Advanced Transport Planning and Development.
• Advanced Transport Finance and Marketing.
• Integrated Logistics Management.
• Advanced Inventory Management.

1. Manage, plan and develop transport infrastructure for an organisation.
2. Draw up a marketing plan for an organisation in the field of transport and logistics services.
3. Manage the finances of an organisation.
4. Manage the inventory and stock optimisation of an organisation.
5. Manage the physical movement of goods and services in a logistics environment.
6. Apply management principles in a business environment.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This qualification promotes, in particular, the following Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identify and solve problems and make decisions using critical and creative thinking.

> Note: Learners will identify and solve problems by applying theoretical knowledge of the transport theory towards practical activities, scenarios and case studies.

• Work effectively with others as members of a team, group, organisation or community.

> Note: Learners can organise and plan their learning, meet the required deadlines as well as operate within the required framework of distance based tertiary education.

• Organise and manage himself/herself and his/her activities responsibly and effectively.

> Note: Learners can organise and plan their learning, meet the required deadlines as well as operate within the required framework of distance based tertiary education.

• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

> Note: Learners can make a positive contribution to the integration of internal processes within a firm and the total logistics supply chain, thus making it possible to meet customer needs at the lowest possible total logistics cost.

• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

> Note: Learners can demonstrate a thorough understanding of the strategic importance of logistics. Various concepts that form the basis of integrated logistics are addressed and placed in an integrated logistical supply chain framework. Learners can demonstrate a well rounded understanding of logistics information systems which link logistics activities in an integrated process.

• Identify strengths and areas for improvement in own learning through self-reflection and reflection on support for organisational human resources management and practices.

> Note: Learners will also be able to demonstrate the full inventory and distribution picture and the lean approach to inventory. Demonstration of the structuring of the distribution chain and the replenishment systems and the future thereof will have to be done by learners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Explain the linkage between transport and economic development.
• Indicate the importance of transport planning.
• Explain the way in which the spatial development processes leads to the growth of urban settlements.
• Plan transport infrastructure and facilities for an urban or metropolitan area by following the integrated approach of urban transport planning consisting of the survey, analysis, modelling and forecasting phases.
• Identify the options and principles that play a role in the financing decisions of infrastructure provision.
• Explain the way in which modal integration of the different land transport modes such as road and rail leads to a better transport system.
• Relate the Moving South Africa (MSA) policy to transport planning and development indicating how it can contribute to effective transport planning and development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Demonstrate in depth knowledge of marketing in an organisation, by drawing up a marketing plan for an organisation.
• Identify the marketing opportunities and threats within an organisation.
• Present the marketing plans of an organisation to stakeholders.
• Plan for and market the service of an organisation.
• Manage customer requirements and needs and implement action plans.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the financial management environment.
• Use the financial instruments available to manage the funds of an organisation.
• Identify and analyse the financial risk and return of an organisation.
• Interpret financial statements and make sound financial decisions for an organisation.
• Describe the basic economic problems facing organisations and the country.
• Identify and analyse the relationship between demand, supply and market equilibrium and make a sound business decision.
• Demonstrate in-depth understanding of the relationship between operating and running costs.
• Evaluate economic growth and development in South Africa in relation to business.
• Negotiate the lease and loans contracts with the applicable services providers.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Run a series of inventory reports on daily, weekly, or monthly basis and perform detailed analysis of item performance.
• Develop accurate, consistent enhancements to the inventory reporting structure.
• Identify 'heavy' and 'low' turn inventory items and maintain communication reports for the sales team.
• Perform inventory adjustments (quantity and price variance analysis).
• Perform visual validation of received merchandise to description and package details from original purchase order.
• Manage the RTV (Return to Vendor) process.

> Range: Includes item documentation - tracking, adjusting/destroying.

• Develop a merchandising information guide as an 'enhancement' to increase inventory turn-around performance.
• Maintain high levels of customer service (internal and external).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Establish and implement a fleet management system using documentation such as vehicle logbooks, fuel consumption and servicing protocols.
• Establish and implement a supply policy and stock management system.
• Establish and manage an inventory which is kept up to date and in compliance with procedures.
• Manage drivers and logistics staff in line with good organisational practice.
• Act as a focal point for the maintenance and repairs of assets, liaising with the appropriate staff to arrange quality repairs of reported damages in a timely manner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the management environment.
• Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the management tasks in a business environment.
• Demonstrate understanding of and the ability to apply management tasks in a business environment.
• Use planning and decision aids of an organisation.
• Demonstrate an understanding of leadership theories and apply them in practice.
• Demonstrate an ability to develop procedures to be followed in an organisation.