Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Secondary Agriculture
Purpose and Rationale
Qualification Overview
Purpose
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a focused, systematic, and specialized understanding of current theory and practice in selected subfields of Agricultural Management. The qualification aims to prepare learners academically and professionally in the selected fields to successfully manage agricultural enterprises through appropriate planning, organizing, directing, and controlling functions and processes, taking into consideration corporate social responsibility, including ethical considerations. Learners will develop the ability to collect, analyze, and critically review data for effective business and financial decision-making, as well as communicate decisions and relevant information clearly and reliably. They will also be able to integrate general theories, principles, key concepts, practices, and techniques of Agricultural Management and Planning and apply them to specific fields of production in the agricultural industry.
Rationale
The agricultural industry of South Africa plays a crucial role in the national economy, employment creation, and food security. The industry's complexity necessitates highly skilled employees trained in managing complex systems within a diverse biophysical environment. Given the industry's heavy regulation and conflict with ecosystem values, a workforce trained in sophisticated management and planning systems is essential for competitiveness. Job profile differentiation at middle and higher levels of management further highlight the need for specialized skills.
The Advanced Diploma in Agricultural Management aims to provide a workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable agricultural industry. Through specialization in selected disciplines, learners will be equipped for middle-level management roles. The qualification serves as a bridge between academic, professional, vocational, and technical learning, signaling to the labor market that graduates are prepared to meet the challenges associated with the occupation.
This qualification aligns with national priorities, as outlined by the Department of Trade and Industry, emphasizing the enhancement of competitiveness and capabilities of South African entrepreneurs. Strengthening managerial, business, and technical skills, along with promoting quality, productivity, and competitiveness, are essential components highlighted by the DTI. The training and development of agriculture and agricultural management skills are top priorities for the Government, positioning this program at the forefront of training Agricultural Managers and nurturing future academics in the industry.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of agricultural management within the Southern African context.
- Integrate and apply the latest developments in the various management disciplines as well as appropriate technology in order to manage agricultural operations.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage an agricultural operation through the application of appropriate strategic, operational and financial management and leadership principles and practices with full cognisance of corporate social responsibility as well as ethical and environmental considerations.
- Plan, manage and evaluate agricultural production cycles of selected enterprises by applying relevant production techniques.
- Plan, manage and conclude basic applied research activities by applying relevant agricultural research principles and analytical techniques, and presenting findings and conclusions coherently and reliably using appropriate academic and professional discourse conventions.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse, evaluate, and discuss the agricultural industry in southern Africa.
- Apply technical aspects of various disciplines in the agriculture value chain in strategic and operational agricultural management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Identify, contextualise, analyse, and address challenges faced by business managers.
- Apply knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices, and techniques.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe the relationship between the internal workings of an agri-business and the surrounding environment.
- Define the commitment required by an agricultural production unit manager.
- Link key strategies with agricultural production processes and align resources for overall performance improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Use nutrition/fertilisation technology to enhance productivity.
- Use techniques with consideration of environmental sustainability.
- Stay updated on agricultural production techniques for lifelong learning.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Identify and formulate agriculture-related research problems.
- Conduct literature searches and develop a theoretical framework.
- Collect, analyse, and interpret data for a research report.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment methods may vary depending on the module purpose and content.
- Formative Assessment will provide feedback to facilitate learning.
- Summative Assessment will require demonstrating knowledge and problem-solving skills.
- Practical experience as agricultural managers through simulations and research projects will be required.
The assessment topics, tasks, format, and criteria will be outlined in the student module guides at the beginning of each semester.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.