Advanced Diploma in Facility Management
Physical Planning and Construction - Building Construction
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Facility Management
Purpose
The main purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Facility Management is to educate and train learners to meet the standards set by both international and South African Facility Management Associations. This includes developing knowledge in economic, legal, technical, and management aspects of facility management. The qualification aims to build the necessary knowledge, understanding, abilities, and skills required for further learning to become competent practicing professionals.
The qualification is designed to equip learners with the ability to make contributions to their disciplines and adapt to the rapidly changing world. It prepares learners for postgraduate study by deepening their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies, and practices related to facilities management. Learners will learn skills such as efficient management of support services, maintenance, new project development, and the assessment of existing facilities for potential upgrades.
Facility management and the role of facility managers are continually evolving, requiring learners to operate at both strategic and operational levels. The qualification covers a range of knowledge areas including business process management, people management, technological resources management, and achieving strategic objectives for organizations.
Rationale
The construction industry is undergoing rapid and significant changes, demanding improved quality of management at all levels. Learners entering this field can pursue various career opportunities in both public and private sectors. With growing concerns about climate change and sustainability, there is a high demand for professionals with knowledge of environmentally sustainable practices in construction.
Situation/Needs Analysis
The South African Human Resource Development Strategy emphasizes the need for a national "scarce skills list" aligned with social and economic goals. The construction project manager is listed as an occupation in high demand. Therefore, specialized training in Facility Management is essential to meet industry needs.
The qualification prepares learners for careers in Facility Management, addressing the shortage of critical skills in the country. It equips graduates with the academic and technical competencies needed to excel in the industry. The qualification also serves as a pathway to further education, such as Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's Degrees in Construction.
In conclusion, the Advanced Diploma in Facility Management is designed to meet the changing demands of the construction industry and prepare learners to contribute meaningfully to the economy and national development. It offers a pathway for professional registration and further academic advancement in the field of facility management.
Outcomes
- Apply Construction and Facility Management (FM) principles to systematically diagnose and solve broadly-defined Building Facilities Management problems.
- Apply knowledge of construction mathematics, natural science and management, supported by established models, to aid solving broadly-defined FM problems.
- 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.
- Define and conduct investigations and experiments of broadly-defined problems.
- Use appropriate techniques, resources, and modern FM tools, including information technology, prediction and modelling, for the solution of broadly-defined FM problems, with an understanding of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with FM audiences and the affected parties.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of construction activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of project management principles and apply these principles to one's own work, as a member and leader in a technical team and to manage projects.
- Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
- Comprehend and apply ethical principles and commitment to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms of FM practice within own limits of competence.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1
- Identify, formulate, and solve broadly defined FM problems.
- Critically analyze the context of the problem.
- Verify the problem through a clear and concise statement.
- Analyze ongoing cost analysis of maintenance and provide permanent solutions.
- Demonstrate knowledge of problem-solving using project management techniques and natural science principles.
- Consider appropriate techniques to solve the problem.
- Appraise techniques for suitability.
- Select effective techniques from various methods.
- Apply the technique and consider the outcome.
- Take appropriate action based on the outcome.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2
- Apply knowledge of construction mathematics and sciences in FM.
- Conduct feasibility studies of client requests.
- Analyze completed work and prepare payment to contractors.
- Obtain in-depth knowledge of FM tools and techniques.
- Apply appropriate methods from analytical, computational, or experimental methods.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3
- Conceptualize building facility products.
- Agree on client requirements through analytical assessment.
- Demonstrate knowledge of appointment of necessary consultants.
- Manage and integrate building facility within project scope.
- Implement appropriate procurement strategies.
- Prepare necessary documentation for project execution.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4
- Conduct investigations of well-defined problems.
- Locate relevant codes, policies, and legislations.
- Conduct scientific research on technical issues.
- Consult databases and sources of information.
- Evaluate data and draw conclusions.
- Apply codes of practice and safety regulations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5
- Identify, select, and apply appropriate methods for problem-solving.
- Understand techniques and limitations of analysis and design methods.
- Apply practical skills using computer tools.
- Demonstrate understanding of FM materials and engineering technologies.
- Apply management skills for facility contracts and processes.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6
- Communicate effectively with FM peers and personnel.
- Use knowledge of Modelling drawings to communicate effectively.
- Function efficiently in national and international contexts.
- Work as a leader or member of a diverse team.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7
- Understand stakeholders' characteristics and needs.
- Analyze causes of environmental problems and technologies for abatement.
- Demonstrate impact of energy sustainability and global warming.
- Identify benefits of renewable energy sources.
- Understand green building approaches and sustainability.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8
- Possess awareness of multidisciplinary context of Construction and FM.
- Understand implications of Construction and FM practice.
- Apply appropriate techniques in problem-solving.
- Function effectively in diverse contexts.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9
- Identify relevant research areas.
- Develop research questions supported by existing literature.
- Acknowledge and reference sources of information.
- Formulate a research methodology.
- Apply measuring instruments and statistical analysis tools.
- Produce research proposals and peer-reviewed papers.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10
- Understand professional ethics in FM and construction practices.
- Describe laws according to the Labour Relations Act of RSA.
- Apply laws in a real-life scenario.
- Create a culture of inclusion and understanding.
Integrated Assessment
- Curriculum objectives aligned with teaching and assessment tasks.
- Consideration given to professional bodies' requirements.
- Continuous assessment used in alignment with University's policy.
- Various assessment tasks used to prove competency linked to Exit Level Outcomes.
- Tests, Practical Work, Projects/Assignments, Presentations, Tutorials, Industrial Visits, and Final Integrated Summative assessments used for evaluation.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Diploma
- NQF Level
- 07
- Min. Credits
- 120
- SAQA Source
- More Information
Education Cost Calculator
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.