Advanced Diploma in Project Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Project Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Project Management is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to be able to initiate, plan, execute, monitor, control, and terminate a low to medium level project within an area of expertise in any organisation. Graduates will be employed as Project Administrators, Project Coordinators, or Project Managers, depending on their level of knowledge and skills.
The qualification design and knowledge areas incorporated in this qualification have been aligned to the requirements of PMSA which is based on a conventional Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK). Also, the learners should be able to demonstrate high levels of motivation, goal orientation and inter-cultural competencies built within the Entrepreneurship subject as well as Project Management Processes. The qualification is particularly suitable for continuing professional development through the inculcation of deep and systematic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in an area of specialisation.
Rationale:
The National Development Plan-2030 (2011) and Sector Education Training Authorities (SETA) (2012) identified project management as a scarce skill. Most of the existing persons in project management roles do not currently meet the registration requirements with the professional body. As a result, the claim is that practitioners are not strictly adhering to the codes of conduct as prescribed by the professional body. Thus, the introduction of this qualification will go a long way to address this skills shortage.
The National Planning Commission's Diagnostic Report (2011) identified the need to improve and maintain the national infrastructure as well as the improvement of the public health system. Most of the envisaged improvements are based on projects and the project management methodology. The qualification will help provide the necessary training for much needed skills, and for successful implementation of these projects.
The successful completion of this qualification will allow graduates to register with the Project Management South Africa (PMSA) as Project Managers or Senior Project Managers depending on the requisite work experience. This qualification will provide the learners with graduate attributes and necessary knowledge base to successfully practice as project managers in a dynamic field.
A large proportion of existing project managers have no formal training in Project Management and hence the need to fulfil this gap by offering a formal qualification at undergraduate level. There is also growing recognition of Project Management as a professional field as evidenced by the wide application of and Projects in Controlled Environments (PRINCE) and other project management knowledge areas in many organisations.
Outcomes
- Initiate, plan, control, close and administer project activities throughout the lifecycle of low to medium level projects.
- Identify and allocate resources to the different project work packages.
- Develop, analyse and interpret budgets and costs for small to medium scale projects.
- Apply research methods and skills within the project management context.
- Demonstrate principles of good ethics and governance within a project management environment.
- Apply management, leadership and good governance skills across the project life cycle.
- Identify, analyse and solve complex problems arising during the project lifecycle by using quantitative techniques.
- Demonstrate high level of motivation, goal orientation and inter-cultural diversity competencies.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Compile project planning documents and a project schedule.
- Display working knowledge of project management principles, key concepts, and techniques.
- Proficiencies in procurement planning, solicitation planning, and contract closeout.
- Use effective estimating techniques for project plans.
- Develop detailed work-based project plans using project management tools.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Apply project quality management focusing on risk management, estimation, procurement management, and feasibility studies.
- Illustrate strategic management implications of human resource approaches.
- Analyse stakeholder expectations and develop appropriate management strategies.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstrate an understanding of financial management decisions and the role of the financial manager.
- Assess an organisation's potential for project funding and project risk costs.
- Quantify and motivate financial benefits of strategies.
- Analyse financial statements and prepare budgets.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Find relevant literature sources in a specific topic area.
- Read, synthesise, and generate conclusions and recommendations.
- Apply academic writing principles in research writing.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Adhere to sound ethical principles and promote a culture of ethics.
- Make justified ethical and professional decisions.
- Track team member performance and manage team changes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Solve problems by critically evaluating project-related issues.
- Manage conflicts in projects.
- Communicate effectively in writing and orally.
- Manage project team relations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Use decision-making and statistical tools for complex problems.
- Apply quantitative, qualitative, and critical thinking to solve management problems.
- Apply probability concepts in project-related issues.
- Utilise computer software for management science analysis.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Work effectively in diverse teams.
- Apply networking and negotiating skills with project stakeholders.
- Manage self and key stakeholders.
- Manage a project team effectively.
Integrated Assessment:
- Summative and formative assessments include written examinations, assignments, case studies, presentations, and practical simulations.
- Assessors evaluate learners' integration of project management roles, knowledge, practice, and skills.
- Assess application of project management methodology in various environments.
- Evaluate problem-solving skills for project-related issues.
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.