Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management (BIM) is to build on and strengthen the skills and theoretical foundation that was laid in the Diploma in Business and Information Management. This qualification is thus most appropriate for continuing with the professional development of learners via the incorporation of an in-depth and systematic understanding of the contemporary underpinning principles, knowledge-base, methods, and applications in Business and Information Management. This will equip learners to be specialists and professionals in business and information management and related sectors. A secondary purpose is to enhance the development of research competencies in the learner so as to prepare them for possible future Postgraduate study. This will be achieved by deepening a learner's understanding and knowledge of theories, practices, and methods in Business and Information Management as well as to resolve more complex theoretical and practice related problems. The learner's ability to create, undertake, and solve intricate practical and theory-related problems and activities, through the selection and utilization of suitable methods and techniques in Business and Information Management (BIM), will be developed. This is in alignment and support of the national and institutional strategy to enhance postgraduate output. The design of this qualification also promotes further intellectual enrichment and development of change agents; and prepares learners to be able to demonstrate an ability to identify, analyze, evaluate, critically reflect on, and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
Rationale:
The Advanced Diploma in Business and Information Management falls within the broad ambit of the Faculty of Accounting and Informatics (FAI) and as mentioned previously is the natural progression from the Diploma in Business and Information Management. With the Bachelor of Technology (BTech) being phased out from 2020, this qualification is needed as a replacement qualification for those learners who wish to study further after completing the relevant Diploma. Therefore, the need for the qualification addresses the opportunity for vertical integration of learners within the Business and Information Management sector. The qualification design of the Advanced Diploma is, in effect, an attempt to address the need of the country to develop learners that are not only job-ready but are able to be independent, critical thinkers, and leaders that can contribute and provide opportunities to the employment market.
The Quarterly Labour Force Survey stated that the growth in employment by 144,000 was offset by the growth in the number of job-seekers by 433,000. This indicates that South Africa has more job seekers than opportunities to provide employment. As a result, the focus needs to be on developing learners that can effectively contribute and provide aid to this increasing demand in our country. Therefore, the structure of the qualification takes into account this need and aims at providing the necessary skills required by learners to become critical thinkers and change agents in leadership who will be able to identify opportunities available and best capitalize on these for future development. High unemployment rates in South Africa are a huge challenge for the country. The qualification aims to develop learners to become mentors who can initiate and maintain small businesses-in this manner, the socio-economic need to sustain employment in the country can be addressed.
The world of work is seen as an ever-changing, extremely competitive environment that demands the supply of a like-minded workforce. For learners to be able to thrive in such a competitive environment, they need to be agile. Advisory Board members have highlighted the importance of having individuals with leadership and critical-thinking skills who are able to be change agents and lead their workforce to be creative, efficient, productive, motivated, and responsible employees. In summary, with the advancement of technology, the Information Management field has become very diverse and resulted in new, unique sub-disciplines. The progression of the 21st century with regards to the changes in the business environment has provided an opportunity to create a new avenue for learners wanting to become specialists/professionals in Business and Information Management. These two areas have merged to create a novel trans-disciplinary niche qualification. Therefore, the need for this qualification is justified.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of various contemporary management tools and principles within the business and information management environment.
- Apply research skills with the purpose of evaluating current technologies, techniques and business methods in resolving complex theoretical and practice related problems.
- Apply knowledge of accounting principles and practices and demonstrate skills of managing information effectively.
- Acquire discipline specific knowledge, skills, and policies and promote ethical behaviour in fostering specific Professional Practice.
- Use and apply current information management concepts and practices in managing within a business environment using the latest information management software and tools.
- Develop specialised and in-depth knowledge in individual areas of choice within the Business and Information Management environment.
- Communicate effectively and efficiently with a range of audiences as well as an ability to function effectively within a team to accomplish a common goal.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Apply the concepts and tools of contemporary management to analyse the functioning and performance of businesses.
- Apply relevant management tools to solve real-world complex problems.
- Analyse internal and external business establishment.
- Analyse and evaluate systems thinking methodology to solve business-related problems.
- Apply learned skills to become change agents for the business environment.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Analyse research problems in various information and management environments.
- Evaluate research activities with respect to ethical/unethical conduct.
- Identify and evaluate different sources of information for quality and reliability.
- Apply relevant and appropriate referencing styles in the acknowledgment of sources.
- Evaluate different research strategies and sampling methods for specific research areas.
- Evaluate different data collection and analysis methods for relevant research scenarios.
- Develop a research proposal.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Compile and present detailed financial statements in a professional manner.
- Apply knowledge of accounting principles in analysing business documents and formulating recommendations for future planning.
- Analyse and interpret descriptive and inferential statistics.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Apply knowledge of related fields of management in implementing relevant policies and practices.
- Critically analyse current policies and practices within the business environment.
- Make ethically responsible decisions in the relevant business environments.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Research and manage technology-mediated learning in creating documents and presentations.
- Apply knowledge of software packages in demonstrating the ability to source and reference information.
- Utilize current software packages and tools to attractively and effectively present information related to the business environment.
- Research and manage technology-mediated learning in creating spreadsheets, databases, and display creativity in designing publisher documents.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Use knowledge of the labor relations act to effectively manage the organization.
- Apply knowledge and skills of project management to successfully manage high-quality projects within the business environment.
- Engage in the bidding process to acquire high-quality projects in support of economic development.
- Design a successful marketing plan for sustaining a small business.
- Interpret and analyze the role of government in the development and support of small businesses.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Test problem-solving techniques.
- Conduct written and oral presentations in all modules within the qualification.
- Interact with peers in class discussions and for assessment purposes through group work.
Integrated Assessment
- The qualification incorporates a variety of assessment methods, i.e. formative and summative.
- Integrated assessment will form part of the various modules as small projects or assignments to ensure a holistic understanding of the discipline.
- Integrated assessments will be within the context of the Research Methodology, Leadership and Systems Thinking, and Transformational and Change Management modules.
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.