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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED UNIT STANDARD THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Apply problem-solving techniques to make decisions on a multi-faceted problem 
SAQA US ID UNIT STANDARD TITLE
264403  Apply problem-solving techniques to make decisions on a multi-faceted problem 
ORIGINATOR
SGB Generic Management 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY
-  
FIELD SUBFIELD
Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies Generic Management 
ABET BAND UNIT STANDARD TYPE PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL CREDITS
Undefined  Regular  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  5 
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
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 for learners who are already managers of functions or aspiring to become managers of functions. This Unit Standard meets the needs of the sector and of the society by providing competent function managers who, by being able to solve multi-facited problems arising from the function, contribute to the effective management of the function.

The learner successfully completing this Unit Standard will gain essential knowledge and practical skills required to, on a continual basis within a function, pro-actively analyse a situation, develop possible solutions and then choose the most appropriate solution.

Learners credited with this standards will be able to:
  • Apply problem solving techniques to analyse a situation.
  • Define a multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • Diagnose the source/s or cause/s of the problem.
  • Generate a number of possible solutions and motivate the preferred option. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills:
  • Communication at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD RANGE 
    Function refers to the core task or responsibility carried out by a department, directorate or group within an organisation or entity. 

    Specific Outcomes and Assessment Criteria: 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 1 
    Apply problem solving techniques to analyse a situation. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    A variety of creative thinking techniques are analysed in order to determine the best situations n which they would be used. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Creative thinking techniques refers but is not limited to six hat thinking technique, brainstorming and lateral thinking techniques, Gonan's Blockbusters, Osborne's Checklist, Fishbone Diagram, the Iceberg Model and Duncker Diagram.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    A variety of analytical thinking techniques are analysed in order to determine the best situations in which they would be used. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Analytical thinking techniques refers but is not limited to cause and effect, Kepner-Tregoe Matrix and Pareto Analysis.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Real/hypothetical problems are solved using the various techniques, showing the appropriateness of the thinking techniques selected to the problems for which they are chosen. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 2 
    Define a multi-faceted problem in the function. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    The problem is analysed so that a clear perspective is obtained. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    Information regarding the problem is gathered from a variety of sources. 
    ASSESSMENT CRITERION RANGE 
    Information relates to apparent problem, timing, place, person/s involved, equipment and material.
     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    The present and desired states are defined so that the difference between them can be highlighted. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    Criteria defining the desired state are analysed so that the way to solve the problem becomes clearer. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 3 
    Diagnose the source/s or cause/s of the problem. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Problem solving tools appropriate to the nature of the problem are selected to indicate that consideration has been given to all the available problem solving tools. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The tools are applied considering the criteria for the desired state. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    Factors influencing the situation are analysed so that the solution is seen in a broader perspective and would therefore require a comprehensive solution. 

    SPECIFIC OUTCOME 4 
    Generate a number of possible solutions and motivate the preferred option. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERIA     

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 1 
    Alternatives are analysed using a decision table so that a comprehensive picture emerges of the range of possibilities. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 2 
    The advantages/disadvantages of the various possible solutions are analysed for rating against weighted criteria. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 3 
    A decision is made based on the results obtained from application of weighted criteria to the data. 

    ASSESSMENT CRITERION 4 
    The preferred solution is motivated in terms of the analysis of the problem. 


    UNIT STANDARD ACCREDITATION AND MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • An individual wishing to be assessed (including through RPL) against this Unit Standard may apply to an assessment agency, assessor or provider institution accredited by the relevant ETQA, or an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • 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.
  • Any institution offering learning that will enable achievement of this Unit Standard or assessing this Unit Standard must be accredited as a provider with the relevant ETQA or with an ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding with the relevant ETQA.
  • Moderation of assessment will be conducted by the relevant ETQA at its discretion. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD ESSENTIAL EMBEDDED KNOWLEDGE 
  • Creative thinking techniques.
  • Analytical thinking techniques.
  • Problem solving tools. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD DEVELOPMENTAL OUTCOME 
    N/A 

    UNIT STANDARD LINKAGES 
    N/A 


    Critical Cross-field Outcomes (CCFO): 

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO IDENTIFYING 
    Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made when:
  • Applying problem solving techniques to analyse a situation.
  • Defining a multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • Diagnosing the source/s or cause/s of the problem.
  • Generating a number of possible solutions and motivate the preferred option. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO WORKING 
    Working effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community during:
  • The defining of a multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • The diagnosis of the source/s or cause/s of the problem.
  • The generation of possible solutions. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO ORGANISING 
    Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively when:
  • Applying problem solving techniques to analyse a situation.
  • Defining a multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • Diagnosing the source/s or cause/s of the problem.
  • Generating a number of possible solutions and motivate the preferred option. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COLLECTING 
    Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information to better understand and explain:
  • Problem solving techniques to analyse a situation.
  • A multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • The source/s or cause/s of the problem. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO COMMUNICATING 
    Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion when:
  • Defining a multi-faceted problem in the function.
  • Diagnosing the source/s or cause/s of the problem.
  • Generating a number of possible solutions and motivate the preferred option. 
    		•

    UNIT STANDARD CCFO DEMONSTRATING 
    Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation when:
  • Applying problem solving techniques to analyse a situation. 
    		•

    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  74570   National Certificate: Labour Relations Practice  Level 6  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L6  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SERVICES 
    Core  80686   National Diploma: Supply Chain Management: Sensitive Consumer Products  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  FOODBEV 
    Fundamental  80066   National Certificate: Strategic Road Traffic Operations  Level 6  NQF Level 06  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  SAS SETA 
    Elective  59201   National Certificate: Generic Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  93993   National Certificate: Labour Relations Practice  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  79406   National Certificate: Maintenance Coordination  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2015-06-30  MERSETA 
    Elective  61592   National Diploma: Human Resources Management and Practices  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 
    Elective  93994   National Diploma: Labour Relations Practice: Dispute Resolution  Level 5  NQF Level 05  Passed the End Date -
    Status was "Reregistered"     		 2023-06-30  As per Learning Programmes recorded against this Qual 


    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. Novia One Group (Pty) Ltd 


    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.