Advanced Certificate in Project Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Project Management
Purpose and Rationale
Purpose The Advanced Certificate in Project Management is an industry-oriented qualification designed to cater to the growing needs of the organizational and commercial sectors. It provides an in-depth study of project management principles and techniques, emphasizing the application of procedures and technology transfer. The aim is to equip learners with the knowledge and skills to effectively apply project management principles in their organizations to advance business goals. This qualification is suitable for those wanting to specialize in project management, strengthen existing qualifications, or advance their careers in project or business management.
Upon completion, learners will be able to:
- Apply strategic project management initiatives effectively.
- Discuss and apply management concepts in project environments.
- Evaluate and implement documentation requirements, tools, and techniques for project success.
- Efficiently participate in project management teams.
- Manage financial resources and personnel to minimize project risks and costs.
This qualification prepares graduates for roles such as Project Manager, Project Management Specialist, Business Manager, among others.
Rationale Given the high levels of unemployment and skills shortages in South Africa, there is a need for skilled professionals in various sectors, including project management. The qualification aims to address these shortages and contribute to economic growth. Statistics show a demand for project managers, and the qualification is aligned with international project management standards. It provides learners with the knowledge and skills required for the dynamic and competitive commercial environment, ensuring they can contribute effectively to their organizations and the economy.
Overall, the qualification seeks to meet industry needs, offer career advancement opportunities, and contribute to the socio-economic development of South Africa. It aligns with SAQA's mission to foster the full development of learners and contribute to the nation's social and economic development.
Outcomes
- Apply appropriate strategic and project management initiatives to deliver effective and efficient outputs that contribute to organisational value.
- Effectively manage financial resources and personnel to minimise project risks and costs.
- Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in a field, discipline or practice, and their suitability to specific investigations### and the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a practice.
- Participate in a project management team efficiently within a controlled workplace environment.
- Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of one or more fields, disciplines, or practices, including an understanding of and the ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline, or practice### and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines, or practices.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
- Discuss the importance of theories, principles, and concepts underlying the management of projects that contribute to successful project management.
- Examine important concepts of project management and differentiate them based on critical unique elements.
- Select and apply appropriate strategies and project management initiatives to deliver effective outputs that add organizational value.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
- Analyze the role of financial management in project management.
- Apply fundamental mathematical and statistical concepts in quantitative aspects related to Financial Management.
- Select and align methodologies with financial accounting principles and quantitative techniques.
- Apply identified methodologies accurately in given scenarios and verify their value.
- Define risk management in project management.
- Describe the relationship between contingencies and the project budget.
- Identify project risks using risk identification techniques.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative risk analyses.
- Formulate and implement risk responses using a risk register and management plan.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
- Evaluate and apply documentation requirements, tools, and techniques for successful project implementation and completion.
- Develop a document control system for project documentation.
- Store and file project documentation according to standardized document control systems.
- Retrieve documents for project management activities.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
- Make sound judgments and decisions appropriate to project management.
- Work effectively as a team member.
- Apply time management skills to tasks and deliverables.
- Present outcomes professionally and communicate effectively.
- Conduct self-assessment to identify areas for improvement.
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
- Discuss and apply management concepts, theories, models, practices, and processes in project management.
- Analyze the importance of project integration and compile a project baseline plan.
- Manage a basic project within a feasible project lifecycle.
- Develop and implement a basic project scope and work breakdown structure.
- Apply time management principles in developing a critical path and risk management plan.
- Construct project schedules, procurement schedules, resource plans, and s-curves.
- Implement and monitor a project baseline plan, taking corrective action when necessary.
Integrated Assessment:
- Assessment practices in business management will be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable.
- An integrated approach to assessment will be used, incorporating knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values.
- Formative assessments will support learner development and inform the teaching and learning process.
- Summative assessments will judge learning in relation to Exit Level Outcomes.
- Academic staff will design, implement, and mark assessments, providing timely feedback to learners.
Qualification Details
- Type
- Advanced Certificate
- NQF Level
- 06
- 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.