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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91759  Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management 
ORIGINATOR
Optimum Learning Technologies (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Procurement 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
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 qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to develop middle and senior management in the supply chain who will be responsible for the buying, making or moving of products for a specific organisation. The learner will be able to deal with the process of planning, implementing and controlling its operations with the purpose of maximising value and reducing total cost across the entire value chain focusing on speed, quality and satisfying customer requirements.

The qualification will provide the learner with a range of supply chain management competencies that will focus on the integration of multiple elements of the supply chain. This Advanced Diploma will provide learners with strategic competencies focusing on strategic management, operational research and systems thinking that provides for the optimisation of the supply chain. The qualification integrates supply and demand management within and across companies.

Learners will benefit from extensive work related projects and will be required to apply their knowledge and skills in the workplace context by means of structured work integrated learning.

Rationale:
This qualification reflects the need for purchasing, manufacturing and logistics professionals in an environment that is becoming increasingly reliant on inter-dependency across the supply chain in order to increase efficiencies. The qualification provides an integrated practical approach to all elements of the supply chain.

This qualification assumes that a first Diploma and work integrated learning have been completed within a functional area of the supply chain. It will focus on the strategic and integrated skills and concepts that will provide the learner with an understanding of operational research and strategic management to enable him/her to manage a globally integrated supply chain. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learning is predominantly from written material and hence learners should:
  • Be competent in the language of instruction, i.e. English, and be able to communicate effectively in writing and orally.
  • Have analytical, interpretive and integrative skills that have practical value for the society as a whole.
  • With guided support, take responsibility for their own progress in learning.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    This qualification may be achieved in part or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    RPL is applied for learners who do not have formal academic achievement to gain access to the qualification. Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved. Recognition of Prior Learning learner must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institutions RPL policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
  • NQF Level 6 Diploma: Supply Chain.
    Or
  • Bachelor's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of 4 compulsory modules totalling 120 Credits all at NQF Level 7.
    Modules:
  • Supply Chain Technologies, 40 Credits.
  • Strategic Management, 20 Credits.
  • Relationship Management, 20 Credits.
  • Research Methodology (Including a Research Proposal), 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Analyse all the elements of the supply chain in terms of integration of the elements and the efficiency of the whole supply chain.
    2. Develop strategies to improve the management of functions within the supply chain, supply chain efficiencies and organisational competitiveness.
    3. Develop plans to implement the supply chain management strategies.
    4. Establish strategic relationships with all stakeholders within the supply chain.
    5. Conduct research in a specific function in the Supply Chain.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    This qualification allows all the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes to be addressed. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Specific legislation and key government initiatives are critically analysed to determine the significance of the role that supply chain management plays within organisations.
  • The value of continuous improvement programmes is assessed to determine their relationship to the supply chain function.
  • Benchmarked supply chain management practices and metrics are analysed for inclusion in strategies.
  • The financial accountability cycle is evaluated to reflect the impact on supply chain management policies and practices.
  • Analytical techniques are applied to analyse the activities in the supply chain.
  • Cost and management principles are applied to analyse the activities in the supply chain.
  • The necessity of professional development is evaluated to determine how it influences the establishment of a cadre of supply chain management professionals.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Current supply chain management practices and challenges are analysed to determine their impact on the business or corporate strategy and on the organisation's competitiveness and/or effectiveness.
  • The availability, development and allocation of resources are analysed to support corporate strategy.
  • The process of developing corporate strategy is analysed to determine how supply chain management concepts are included in the strategy.
  • The importance of organisational structures, cultures and power is assessed in terms of their influence on the development and implementation of corporate strategy.
  • Various models of supply chain structures and relationships are distinguished and assessed in order to use in the development of strategies.
  • Innovative strategies are implemented to continuously improve the business.
  • Drivers of change in global supply chains are diagnosed in order to propose strategies to address them and manage change processes directed towards achieving corporate strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Implementation plans are developed in order to execute supply chain management strategies.
  • A Continuous Improvement Plan is developed and evaluated to ensure sustainability of the organisation.
  • Plans are developed to communicate supply chain strategies to stakeholders and strategic partners.
  • A risk assessment plan is developed to provide a framework to manage business and operational risks.
  • A performance management plan is developed to monitor, evaluate and report progress against the strategic objectives of supply chain management and the organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The effectiveness of current strategic relationships within the supply chain is reviewed through relevant evaluation techniques.
  • Opportunities for establishing new strategic relationships within the supply chain are identified through networking, leading and influencing.
  • A process is undertaken to assess the impact of new relationships on existing strategic relationships within the supply chain.
  • Strategic relationships that improve the performance of the supply chain are established to achieve organisational strategic objectives more effectively.
  • Existing strategic relationships are maintained through effective problem solving and communication.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The background and history of the development of scientific thought are explained.
  • Research ethics, roles and responsibilities in research are explained.
  • The research proposals are explained and the elements for inclusion determined.
  • Criteria for evaluating best practice in qualitative and quantitative research are determined.
  • The Problem Statement is prepared according to best practice.
  • Variables in the research process are identified according to accepted theory and practice.
  • A research proposal is written according to criteria determined by initial evaluation of best practice.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment methods and tools will allow the learner to demonstrate that she/he has acquired knowledge of and can effectively apply competence in management and the application of supply chain planning, concepts and techniques in the fields of Purchasing, Manufacturing and Logistics.

    Assessment tools could include the following:
  • Written (e.g. exams/case studies/projects).
  • In-situ (on-the-job) observations.
  • Simulation.
  • Presentations and structured classroom discussions.
  • Portfolio of evidence.
  • On-line learning activities (Learning Portal, quizzes, blogs and downloads).

    The portfolio of evidence should be:
    Valid, reliable and authentic evidence from past achievements and experience which serves to supplement the assessment of applied competence.

    The portfolio should include inter alia:
  • Written statements from persons (e.g. current and/or previous employer, colleague, peer, manager and external customers) confirming competence of the learner.
  • Relevant certificates or awards.
  • Previous assessment records.
  • Journals/logbook.

    These methods must be carefully selected based on the purpose of the assessment (for example, the written method of assessing knowledge, or on-job demonstration of practical competence). The assessment must integrate a number of different methods in order to give the assessor reliable and valid proof of competence and evidence of required attitudes. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International comparability for this qualification considered some of the best practices internationally and also considered the level of the qualification from that particular country. Though there are similar qualifications offered globally in Supply Chain Technologies/Management, some at higher levels; the following were identified and compare favourably with the Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management.

    The RMIT University, in conjunction with Open Universities Australia, offers a Bachelor of Business (Logistics and Supply Chain Management). The qualification aims to provide learners with essential business disciplines including accounting, economics, logistics management and management studies along with specialist units such as purchasing, rail or sea transport, inventory control and distribution. Learners are expected to complete an eight unit Major in Logistics and a four unit Minor in Logistics to acquire the qualification.

    Modules:
    Major Logistics:
  • Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Transport and Freight Logistics (Previously Transport Management).
  • Supply Chain Analysis and Design (Previously Logistics Systems Analysis).
  • Warehousing and Distribution Channels.
  • Procurement Management and Global Sourcing.
  • Business IT and Supply Chain (Previously E Supply Chain Management).
  • Operations Management.
  • Supply Chain Management Strategy (Previously Advanced Supply Chain Management).

    Minor Logistics:
  • Transport Economics.
  • Introduction to Enterprise Systems.
  • Global Trade Operations.
  • Retail and Service Logistics (Previously Service Management).

    The University of Hull offers a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management that is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the United Kingdom.

    Modules:
    Common first year (Level 4):
  • Academic and Professional Skills (both semesters).
  • Business Economics or Business Environments.
  • Managing People.
  • Accounting and Finance.
  • Marketing.
    One elective from:
  • Business, Management and Enterprise.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Global Business Issues.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Introduction to Logistics Management.
  • Marketing Research.
  • Practical Problem Solving.
  • World Economy.
  • University Free Elective.

    To achieve CIPS accreditation, students must take Introduction to Logistics Management as an optional module. This is recommended to all students wanting to broaden their knowledge of logistics.

    Year 2 (Level 5):
  • Inventory and Transportation Management.
  • Procurement and Supply Chain Management.
  • Research Methods.
  • One elective from:
    > Business in Asia.
    > Business Project Management.
    > Company Law.
    > Cross Cultural Issues in Business (compulsory for students doing an International year).
    > Development Economics.
    > Effective Problem Solving.
    > Everybody Manages.
    > Personal and Management Development (compulsory for students doing a professional experience year).
    > Relationships and Direct Marketing.
    > Starting a New Business.
    > Summer School.
    > University Free Elective.
  • For Single Honours: two core modules from any other Single Honours programme.
  • For Joint Honours: two core modules from your second subject.

    To achieve CIPS accreditation, Single Honours students must choose Business or Management as their second subject. Those studying Business must take the following modules:
  • Business Functions.
  • Business Law and Ethics.

    While those studying Management, must take the modules:
  • Corporate Social Responsibility.
  • Managing Innovation and Change.

    Professional experience or international year (if taking a four-year course):
    Year 3 or 4 (Level 6):
  • International Logistics.
  • E-Business and Supply Chain Integration.
  • For Single Honours: Distribution and Warehouse Management and Supply Chain Modelling and Analysis.
  • For Joint Honours: two core modules from your second subject.
  • Dissertation or Independent Study and one elective from:
    > Managing Your Money.
    > Management Consulting.
    > Comparative and International Human Resource Management.
    > Business Strategy for Accountants.
    > Internet and eCommerce.
    > Industrial Economics.
    > Summer School.
    > University Free Elective.

    Conclusion:
    The overall objective of the South African qualification is similar to that of the international Universities. The qualification provides high calibre graduates with an in-depth understanding of strategic, tactical and operational issues relating to management of supply chains. The qualification also aims to develop a learner who will be able to ensure customer satisfaction and contribute to a company's success. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The Advanced Diploma: Supply Chain Management will articulate:

    Horizontally with the following qualifications at NQF Level 7 in a similar focus area such as:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration: Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Bachelor of Commerce: Supply Chain and Operations Management.

    Vertically with the following qualifications at NQF Level 8 such as:
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Supply Chain Management.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Marketing and Supply Chain Management. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation takes place in accordance with Optimum Learning Technologies' Moderation Policy. This Policy provides a moderation process that verifies that assessments are fair, reliable, valid, practicable and transparent as well as evaluating the assessor's performance. External moderators are independent experts in their fields, with qualifications at least on the same level as the qualification being examined are recommended by the Examining Academic Department for approval by the Faculty Board. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Any assessor must be a recognised expert in their discipline or sub-field with qualifications in the relevant discipline at a higher NQF Level than that of the modules being assessed. The assessor should be currently teaching or have 3 years' experience of teaching in Higher Education and Training, or be recognised by academic peers as an authority in the particular discipline. 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    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. Optimum Learning Technologies (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.