Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose
The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis is to develop within learners a comprehensive understanding of the purpose, role, methods, and techniques applicable in effective business analysis, business process modelling, business engineering, management consulting, and either software testing or project management for sustainable business performance. The knowledge and skills acquired will play a crucial role in developing effective business processes, management consulting, and project management or software testing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and economy of organizations in South Africa and the continent.
Rationale
The justification for the qualification aligns with the purpose and characteristics of an Advanced Diploma as outlined in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (Council on Higher Education, 2013). This qualification is the result of the work-readiness program funded by FASSET, the Sector Education and Training Authority for the financial services industry, First National Bank, and Standard Bank in 2013. It aims to offer a comprehensive qualification that builds on the successful Certificate programs.
The Advanced Diploma will provide entry-level vocational and professional preparation for learners aspiring to pursue a career in Business Analysis, a skill deemed critical in today's business environment. Additionally, it will offer a pathway for progression to the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis, enabling learners to deepen their knowledge, understanding, and problem-solving abilities in specific academic disciplines and fields.
By fostering critical and analytical thinking, as well as innovation in business and industry, this qualification will contribute to the development of individuals capable of advancing the country's economy and industries.
Outcomes
- Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business process modelling utilising the W5 approach (What, When, Where, Who, Which) to enable Business Improvement.
- Apply business analysis methods through effective stakeholder engagement to achieve sustainable business practices.
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the role of the business consultant.
- Present a range of recommended solutions demonstrating critical and reflexive understanding of business problems.
- Provide impactful presentations through insightful feedback in an ethical manner.
- Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the fundamentals and concepts of testing including the psychology and ethics, software development models, test levels, targets and maintenance as well as the difference between static and dynamic testing.
- Apply testing techniques, tool automation and strategic test management.
- Demonstrate a detailed overview of the fundamentals and concepts of project management.
- Apply project selection and strategy including Scope, Scheduling, Costs, Quality, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder Management and Resource Management. Apply and evaluate AGILE and SCRUM methods.
- Plan and integrate processes including Work Breakdown Structures, Network Diagrams, Gantt Charts, Product Backlogs and User Stories.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Analyse and apply relevant sustainable, ethical, and accountable Business Analysis Practices to Business Improvement.
- Meaningful engagement with stakeholders.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Explain business process modelling and apply the W5 approach to analyse a business process.
- Identify a business improvement strategy based on analysis of the W5 models created.
- Analyse the benefits of stakeholder engagement in business process modelling for sustainable business practices.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Identify and apply what a consultant does in a relevant business context.
- Describe the role process to be followed and draft a consultant's contracting proposal.
- Describe the role that both ethical and accountable Business Consulting plays in business sustainability.
- Describe the roles of a business consultant within particular business contexts.
- Analyse a consultant's brief and draft a consultant's contracting proposal based on the brief.
- Identify and apply the core financial literacy tools considered fundamental to effective consulting.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Develop a range of options and solutions to solve the identified business problem.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Develop a detailed presentation to a business providing feedback on the analysis, options, and solutions to the identified business problem.
- Reflect on the ethical and sustainability implications of the business solutions provided.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
- Describe the fundamentals and concepts of testing in an implementation context.
- Apply various test techniques in an implementation context.
- Report on testing outcomes, risks, and incidents.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
- Demonstrate the use of testing techniques and tools outlining benefits and risks of test automation and support.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
- Describe and apply the fundamentals and concepts of project management.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
- Describe and apply project selection and strategy.
- Demonstrate basic mastery of project planning software and integration of processes.
- Compare and contrast traditional and agile methodologies, identifying when to use which method based on project criteria.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
- Demonstrate a basic mastery of project auditing skills including reading and interpreting project Gantt charts.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative and summative assessment through a variety of procedures.
- Summative assessment includes on-line tests, written assignments, and a Capstone Project with supporting Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
- Various assessment methods and tools may be used.
- Assessment should be open and transparent to learners.
- External examining policy in place for good practice.
- Benchmarking of learning achievements at the exit level subject to external examination.
- Moderated results sent to the Head of Department for final processing.
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.