Advanced Diploma in Wood Technology
Agriculture and Nature Conservation - Forestry and Wood Technology
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with a focused, systematic, and specialized understanding of current theory and practice in selected subfields of Wood Technology. It aims to prepare learners academically and professionally to manage forestry and wood processing operations successfully through appropriate planning, organizing, directing, and controlling functions, considering economic, social, and environmental factors. Learners will develop skills to collect, analyze, and critically review information for effective management and decision-making, as well as communicate decisions and relevant information coherently and reliably.
Rationale
The forestry and wood processing industries in South Africa contribute around 8% to the GDP of the manufacturing sector, providing over 300,000 direct job opportunities and being a crucial natural resource. Efficient timber processing is essential to the forestry value chain's viability and competitiveness. This qualification allows learners to specialize in specific disciplines to prepare for middle-level management roles in the wood processing industry. It can serve as an academic exit point or prepare learners for postgraduate studies at Honours, Masters, and Doctoral levels.
Given the industry's complexity, there's a need for highly skilled and trained employees to manage intricate systems. The industry operates in intensively managed monoculture systems within a complex biophysical environment, governed by a stringent legislative framework and potential conflicts with broader ecosystem values. The dynamic labor market impacts the workforce, leading to job profile differentiation at middle and higher management levels. This qualification is crucial in providing a skilled workforce with the necessary knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable forest and wood processing industry.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational aspects of the wood technology industry within the southern African context.
- Integrate and apply the latest advances in wood processing planning and management systems as well as appropriate technology in order to manage relevant operations.
- Demonstrate the ability to manage a wood processing operation through the application of appropriate strategic, operational and financial management and leadership principles and practices with full cognizance of corporate social responsibility as well as ethical and environmental considerations.
- Plan, manage and conclude basic applied research activities by applying relevant wood technology 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:
- Demonstrate level-appropriate competence of the nature, dynamics, composition, functioning, and structure of the plantation forestry and wood technology industry in Southern Africa.
- Apply the technical aspects of the various disciplines in the plantation forestry and wood processing value chain in strategic and operational management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Demonstrate level-appropriate competence by identifying, contextualising, analysing, and addressing typical challenges faced regularly by middle-level managers in the identified fields.
- Apply knowledge of relevant theories, principles, concepts, practices, and techniques.
- Evaluate options and strategies and recommend well-motivated solutions.
- Explain critical awareness of various schools of thought that result in different perspectives and approaches to dealing with typical forest and wood processing managerial issues.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Describe the relationship that exists between the internal workings of a commercial forestry and wood processing value chain and the surrounding environment.
- Define the level of commitment required by a manager in the pursuit of goals and objectives.
- Analyse the perceptions of stakeholders of particular business establishments and neighbouring communities to identify causes of stakeholder concerns and build positive relationships.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify and formulate pertinent wood technology-related research problems, questions, or issues.
- Conduct literature searches to contextualise and frame the research problem.
- Develop a theoretical framework for the research design and determine the most suitable method of investigation.
- Collect, analyse, process, and interpret relevant data using appropriate techniques and tools.
- Prepare and present a research report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations in a scientific and academic style.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment methods may vary based on the module purpose, subject matter, and teaching approach.
- Formative assessment will include assignments, presentations, tests, and progress checks to provide feedback for improved learning.
- Summative assessment will require demonstrating communication, integration of knowledge, problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, and practical application of learning outcomes.
- Practical experience will be gained through simulating managerial tasks.
- Research projects, including fieldwork, will be assigned to enhance understanding of the industry's socio-ecological and business environments.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
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