SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake local economic development research 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
110478  Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake local economic development research 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Economics 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 4  NQF Level 04  4 
REGISTRATION STATUS REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE SAQA DECISION NUMBER
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 2018-07-01  2023-06-30  SAQA 06120/18 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-06-30   2029-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This unit standard does not replace any other unit standard and is not replaced by any other unit standard. 

PURPOSE OF THE UNIT STANDARD 
This Unit Standard is intended for people who are, or seek to be, active in the area of local economic development. It provides the learner with an introduction to a range of research methodologies. It also provides an understanding of them through considering their application in the local economic development context.

People credited with this Unit Standard are able to:
  • Describe the various purposes of research in the local economic development environment
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the local economic development context
  • Define and describe various specific research methodologies applicable in own work context
  • Discuss the steps required to conduct research for a local economy assessment. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners areb competent in:
  • Communication at NQF LEVEL 3
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
  • Research methodologies include: surveys; questionnaires; interviews; focus groups; literature searches and reviews.
  • Information for local economy assessment includes: demographics; economic information; investment climate; hard infra-structure; regional and national information. 
    		•

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Describe the various purposes of research in the local economic development environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The possible outcomes of research effort are identified in the local economic development context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The process of applying research findings is explained in terms of a range of possible uses of research. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Examples of local economic development research projects in the South African context are identified and explained with specific reference to their findings and application. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies. 
    OUTCOME NOTES 
    Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the local economic development environment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. Qualitative and quantitative research methodologies are defined and compared to one another by referring to examples from local economic development in South Africa. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. The use and value of qualitative local economic development research is illustrated by means of examples from own work context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. The use and value of quantitative local economic development research is illustrated by means of examples from own work context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Define and describe various specific research methodologies applicable in own work context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The typical characteristics of generally accepted good research practices are discussed by referring to own work context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. A range of commonly used research methodologies are identified and discussed by referring to own work context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. Examples are given of research methodologies used in local economic development research in own work context. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Discuss the steps required to conduct research for a local economy assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    1. The purposes of a local economy assessment are explained with reference to own work context. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    2. A research question is formulated and an appropriate research methodology is selected for a specific local economy assessment. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    3. A sample group is defined and information is gathered based on the selected research methodology. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    4. Information is analysed to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Anyone assessing a learner against this Unit Standard must be registered as an assessor with the relevant ETQA, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    2. Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or will assess this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQ, or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA .

    3. Moderation of assessment will be overseen by the relevant ETQA according to the moderation guidelines in the relevant qualification and the agreed ETQA procedures or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.

    4. Therefore, anyone wishing to be assessed against this Unit Standard may apply to be assessed by any assessment agency, assessor or provider institution that is accredited by the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA. 

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Ethical considerations in research
  • Report writing
  • Presentation skills
  • Using the Internet for research purposes
  • Sampling techniques and representivity
  • Concepts of reliability and validity. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made by, e.g.
  • Identifying the possible outcomes of research effort according to this assessment criterion "The possible outcomes of research effort are identified in the local economic development context".
  • Analysing information to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes according to this assessment riterion "Information is analysed to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organization and community by, e.g.
  • Defining a sample group and gathering information on the selected research methodology according to this assessment criterion "A sample group is defined and information is gathered based on the selected research methodology". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organise and manage oneself and one`s activities responsibly and effectively by, e.g.
  • Explaining the process of applying research methodologies according to this assessment criterion "The process of applying research findings is explained in terms of a range of possible uses of research".
  • Discussing the typical characteristics of generally accepted good research practices according to this assessment criterion "The typical characteristics of generally accepted good research practices are discussed by referring to own work context". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collect, analyse, organize and critically evaluate information by, e.g.

    Demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of a range of research methodologies to undertake local economic development research according to the assessment criteria of the following specific outcome:
  • Describe the various purposes of research in the local economic development environment.
  • Distinguish between quantitative and qualitative research methodologies in the local economic development environment.
  • Define and describe various specific research methodologies applicable in own work context.
  • Discuss the steps required to conduct research for a local economy assessment. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/ or language skills in the modes of oral and/ or written presentation by, e.g.
  • Illustrating the use and value of qualitative and quantitative local economic development research according to these assessment criterias:

    "The use and value of qualitative local economic development research is illustrated by means of examples from own work context".

    "The use and value of quantitative local economic development research is illustrated by means of examples from own work context"
  • Identifying and discussing a range of commonly used research methodologies according to this assessment criterion "A range of commonly used research methodologies are identified and discussed by referring to own work context".
  • Analysing information to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes according to this assessment criterion "Information is analysed to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognizing that problem solving contexts do not exist in isolation by e.g.
  • Identifying the possible outcomes of research effort according to this assessment criterion "The possible outcomes of research effort are identified in the local economic development context".
  • Analysing information to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes according to this assessment criterion "Information is analysed to better explain the local economy and to inform decisions regarding local economic development projects and programmes".

    Be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts by, e.g.
  • Defining a sample group and gathering information on the selected research methodology according to the assessment criterion " A sample group is defined and information is gathered based on the selected research methodology". 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ASSESSOR CRITERIA 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this unit standard was Reregistered in 2012; 2015. 

    UNIT STANDARD NOTES 
    N/A 

    QUALIFICATIONS UTILISING THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
      ID QUALIFICATION TITLE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL STATUS END DATE PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QA FUNCTIONARY
    Core  36436   National Certificate: Local Economic Development  Level 4  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  LG SETA 
    Elective  57428   Further Education and Training Certificate: Youth Development  Level 4  NQF Level 04  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  ETDP SETA 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS UNIT STANDARD: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Amabamba Recruitment 
    2. AVAX SA 481 CC. T/A Mandisa Development Services 
    3. Avenida (Pty) Ltd 
    4. Brilliant Affairs 
    5. Edutraining Business College 
    6. Giamanje TVET College 
    7. Glentech Innovative Design Concepts 
    8. Jabukile Consultancy 
    9. Jobafrik Consulting 
    10. Josmap Training Institute 
    11. Madingoane and Family Construction 
    12. Makoti Skills Development Solutions 
    13. MANCOSA Pty (Ltd) 
    14. Nemalale Eagles Consultancy CC 
    15. Neopeo Trading & Projects 
    16. Pebetse Training and Consulting 
    17. Progressive School of Business and Engineering (Pty) 
    18. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
    19. Silalele Consulting CC. 
    20. Siza Nesu Training and Consultants 
    21. Tachfin Holdings 
    22. Tasc Business Consulting and Training 
    23. Thinking Mind Trading 
    24. Transafric Consulting Pty Ltd 
    25. Umqondo Consultancy 
    26. UNIVERSITY OF BUSINESS EXCELLENCE(PTY)LTD 
    27. University of Venda 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.