Advanced Diploma in Operations Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Operations Management is to equip learners with the necessary tools, knowledge, and techniques on how to perform in the production environment. The qualification aims to prepare competent operations management professionals for both manufacturing and service industries. It targets middle managers within an operations management environment, enabling them to apply operations management strategies and tools effectively.
Qualifying learners will optimize resource usage within the manufacturing and service environments, contributing to the company's success. They will be capable of functioning as part of a middle management team and can register as a Professional Technician upon graduation. This qualification also enhances employment opportunities and caters to the specialized needs of the operations management field, supporting ongoing professional development.
Rationale:
This qualification is designed for middle managers in operations management, allowing them to qualify as Professional Technicians after gaining practical experience in the field. It serves as a stepping stone for postgraduate studies in operations management by deepening learners' theoretical and practical knowledge.
Operations managers have been identified as critical scarce skills in South Africa's manufacturing and service sectors, as per the National Scarce Skills List. This qualification addresses the shortage of operations managers by aligning with current workplace needs, ensuring graduates are well-suited for industry employment. South Africa's manufacturing sector plays a vital role in the economy, offering abundant job opportunities.
The qualification prepares learners for various roles within the production function, such as Quality Control, Production Planning, and Operations Management. It paves the way for a specialized career path and academic advancement, leading to postgraduate qualifications. By equipping learners with specialized knowledge and skills, the qualification enhances their employment prospects and fosters continuous professional development.
Outcomes
- Analyse and evaluate the current and predicted international practices and trends in operations.
- Apply knowledge to analyse the latest trends and practices in operations management as well as the factors that impact on the operations.
- Manage the operations logistics relevant to the operations supply chain.
- Conduct applied research on a complex problem in operations and to present the research finding to relevant stakeholders.
- Manage the financial function of an own operations business or a chain of operations businesses.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Use knowledge and understanding of current international operations trends and practices.
- Interpret customer behaviour and needs in businesses to develop relevant operations strategies.
- Apply strategic operations buying principles.
- Apply strategic operations marketing principles.
- Plan operations layout design using layout principles.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analyse international trends impacting operations.
- Understand micro and macroeconomics principles in operations management.
- Implement, control, and manage operations using management practices.
- Apply decision-making processes in operations management.
- Implement business ethics and e-business practices in operations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Compile a strategic operations supply chain management program.
- Determine viability of opening a Distribution Centre (DC).
- Design layout of DC, stock rooms, and warehouses.
- Implement stock management systems for efficient control.
- Manage physical movement and flow of stock efficiently.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Identify and describe researchable problems in operations management.
- Demonstrate research skills relevant to operations management.
- Conduct literature reviews and empirical research.
- Analyse and interpret research data.
- Write research reports with recommendations.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Plan for sufficient working capital in operations.
- Evaluate financial viability of new business opportunities.
- Apply costing principles and ensure proper insurance.
- Determine financial performance and implement management.
- Ensure proper auditing and tax calculations.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assessment includes tasks like assignments, projects, case studies, discussions, quizzes, and field trip reports.
- Summative assessment includes formal tasks like written tests, reports, and examinations.
- Integrated assessment includes research project reports and portfolios of evidence.
- Assessment practices aim to be fair, reliable, valid, and aligned with academic standards.
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.