Vaal University of Technology

Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering

Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology - Engineering and Related Design

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering aims to equip learners with a strong knowledge base in Industrial Engineering and the ability to apply this knowledge in specific career contexts. Graduates will be prepared for further specialized learning and will have a focus on the general principles and application of technology transfer. The qualification aims to prepare graduates for the industrial engineering job market by building the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills to become competent Industrial Engineering Technologists. Learners will develop the ability to apply industrial engineering technology to solve problems, provide leadership in safety and health, work independently with judgment, and have a deep understanding of industrial engineering sciences and technologies. They will also learn specialized tools and techniques, critical and innovative thinking at NQF Level 7, as well as problem-solving skills.

Rationale:

Graduates with the Advanced Diploma in Industrial Engineering will be skilled in productivity improvement, integrated manufacturing systems, operating information systems, project and quality management. The need for qualified technologists in industrial engineering was identified through industry consultations, Advisory Board meetings, and ECSA guidelines. The qualification meets the requirements of the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (HEQSF) and Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) at NQF Level 7. The curriculum addresses niche areas in Industrial Engineering, preparing learners for careers in the field and contributing to national development. It also provides the educational foundation for registration as a Professional Engineering Technologist with ECSA, entry to NQF Level 8 qualifications, and alignment with ECSA's Exit Level Outcomes.

Outcomes

  1. Apply industrial engineering principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly defined engineering problems.
  2. Apply knowledge of mathematics, natural science and engineering sciences to defined and applied industrial engineering procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve broadly defined engineering problems.
  3. Perform procedural and non-procedural design of broadly defined components, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired needs normally within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation.
  4. Conduct investigations of broadly defined industrial engineering problems through locating, searching and selecting relevant data from codes, databases and literature, designing and conducting experiments, analysing and interpreting results to provide valid conclusions.
  5. Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern industrial engineering tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly defined industrial engineering problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
  6. Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with industrial engineering audiences and the affected parties.
  7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of industrial engineering activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by analysis and evaluation.
  8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of industrial engineering management principles and apply these to one's own work, as a member and leader in a team, and to manage projects.
  9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
  10. Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of industrial engineering technology practice.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Define and analyse the problem and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
  • Identify relevant information, engineering knowledge, and skills for solving the problem.
  • Generate and formulate possible approaches that would lead to workable solutions for the problem.
  • Model and analyse possible solutions.
  • Evaluate possible solutions and select the best solution for the problem.
  • Formulate and present the solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Bring an appropriate mix of knowledge of mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, natural science, and engineering science to solve broadly-defined engineering problems.
  • Use theories, principles, and laws effectively.
  • Perform and model formal analysis on engineering materials, components, systems, or processes.
  • Communicate concepts, ideas, and theories clearly.
  • Handle uncertainty and risk through the use of probability and statistics.
  • Perform within the boundaries of the practice area.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Formulate the design problem to satisfy user needs, standards, codes of practice, and legislation.
  • Plan and manage the design process focusing on important issues.
  • Acquire and evaluate knowledge, information, and resources to provide a workable solution.
  • Evaluate alternatives for implementation based on techno-economic analysis.
  • Assess the selected design in terms of social, economic, legal, health, safety, and environmental impact.
  • Communicate the design logic in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Plan, design, and conduct investigations and experiments within an appropriate discipline.
  • Search available literature critically and evaluate material for suitability.
  • Select and use equipment or software as appropriate.
  • Analyse, interpret, and derive information from available data.
  • Record the purpose, process, and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Assess the method, skill, or tool for applicability and limitations.
  • Apply the method, skill, or tool correctly to achieve the required result.
  • Test and assess the results produced against required results.
  • Create, select, and use computer applications as required.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Use appropriate structure, style, and language of written and oral communication.
  • Use effective graphics in enhancing the meaning of text.
  • Use visual materials to enhance oral communications.
  • Deliver oral communication fluently with the intended meaning being apparent.
  • Use written communications that meet the requirements of the intended audience.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

  • Explain the impact of technology on society.
  • Analyse the impact on occupational and public health and safety.
  • Analyse the impact on the physical environment.
  • Consider the values and requirements of those affected by the engineering activity.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

  • Explain the principles of planning, organising, leading, and controlling.
  • Carry out individual work effectively and contribute to team activities.
  • Organise and manage a design or research project.
  • Perform critical functions in the team and complete work on time.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

  • Manage learning tasks autonomously and ethically.
  • Reflect on learning and determine own learning requirements.
  • Source, organise, and evaluate relevant information.
  • Apply knowledge acquired outside of formal instruction.
  • Challenge assumptions critically and embrace new thinking.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

  • Describe ethical dilemmas and implications of decisions made.
  • Apply ethical reasoning to evaluate engineering solutions.
  • Maintain continued competence through professional development.
  • Accept responsibility for consequences stemming from own actions.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Variety of teaching and learning methods will be used.
  • Constructive alignment between teaching, learning, and assessment strategies.
  • Formative and summative assessment methodologies.
  • Compliance with institutional assessment policies and guidelines.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

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Vaal University of Technology
Description
Vaal University of Technology (VUT) is a public university located in Vanderbijlpark, South Africa. It was established in 2004 and is one of the largest universities of technology in the country. VUT offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields including engineering, applied and computer sciences, management sciences, human sciences, and arts and design. The university focuses on providing practical and industry-relevant education to its students, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and work-integrated learning opportunities. VUT is known for its state-of-the-art facilities, research centers, and partnerships with industry and community organizations.

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.