Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management
Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Project Management
Purpose and Rationale
Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management
Purpose
The Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management is designed to educate and develop entry-level project managers and team members in the business sector. Ideal candidates for this program are individuals already working as project managers or within project teams. This Diploma offers a comprehensive introduction to project management with a strong business focus, integrating management and organizational theories to provide context within a business setting.
Learners will have exposure to various knowledge sources from professional bodies and project management research journals, enhancing their understanding of academic rigor. The program emphasizes both hard skills and soft skills, allowing students to combine different approaches to manage complex problems effectively. Key competencies such as problem-solving, ethical decision-making, and producing business reports for stakeholders will be developed through assignments and case studies.
Rationale
The Diploma aims to provide specialized academic and professional studies for candidates with Degree or Diploma qualifications. By offering distance and blended learning courses in business-related subjects, the program opens up new markets for the University of Cape Town (UCT), catering not only to South Africa but also to southern Africa and the African continent.
Given the scarcity of project management skills in South Africa and beyond, there is a critical need for well-equipped project managers in various sectors. The program seeks to address this shortage and contribute to the development of skilled professionals. Research indicates a high demand for distance learning qualifications in Project Management, making this program crucial in meeting the needs of the industry.
By providing flexibility in learning modes, the program enables wider access to education for students who may face constraints in attending on-campus classes. This approach aligns with UCT's Afropolitan mission and transformation agenda, promoting diversity and inclusivity in tertiary education. The use of a social media platform enhances interaction among students, fostering partnerships and cross-cultural understanding.
Moreover, the blended-learning/distance model allows for economies of scale, making tertiary education more affordable and accessible across Africa. Strategic partnerships and research opportunities with students from diverse backgrounds further enhance the program's value. It is imperative for UCT to establish itself in the blended-learning/distance market to remain competitive and meet the growing demand for high-quality educational offerings.
In conclusion, the Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management not only addresses the need for skilled project managers but also contributes to UCT's strategic goals of promoting accessibility, diversity, and academic excellence in the region.
Outcomes
- Define a business project and its business, social and political environment, building a suitable business case.
- Understand the various bodies-of-knowledge and their relevance to the local setting.
- Understand the complexities of the project environment in a local and international setting.
- Develop advanced communication skills relevant to the project environment.
- Resolve issues of challenges emanating during the project.
- Develop a detailed project plan of a suitable business project.
- Conduct a human resource audit of an organisation and explore the strategic implications.
- Conduct financial resource analysis.
Assessment Criteria
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 1:
- Explanation of the importance of studying the environment of the organisation.
- Outline of the main environmental influences on the organisation.
- Description of the degree of change to prescriptive and emergent strategic approaches.
- Analysis of the political network of an organisation and assessment of its strategic implications.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 2:
- Description of various project management knowledge areas (e.g. project quality and project risk).
- Development of specific activities needed to manage project management knowledge areas.
- Decision-making based on a variety of information as a key competency.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 3:
- Demonstration of an understanding of techniques used to control and monitor a project.
- Identification of organisational and people factors that affect the successful implementation of a project.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 4:
- Application of relevant communications requirements in a project.
- Determination of communication distribution channels and frequency.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 5:
- Solving problems through exploring and critically evaluating abstract, personal situations, and work-related problems.
- Utilisation of appropriate techniques and strategies to manage project conflict.
- Demonstration of competency in communicating and using language in writing and orally.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 6:
- Description of key issues and success factors in a project.
- Application of approaches required in successfully managing self, key stakeholders, and a project team.
- Use of project planning frameworks in line with recognised standards.
- Use of effective estimating techniques when developing project plans.
- Development of a detailed work-based project plan of a relevant project using own knowledge and skills.
- Demonstration of an understanding of the context of a project in a business setting and current thinking when moving to a project-based organisation.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 7:
- Explanation of the strategic management implications of four major types of human resource approaches to strategy development.
- Demonstration of an understanding of basic types of financial management decisions and the role of the financial manager.
- Outline of implications of different forms of business organisation.
Associated Assessment Criteria Exit for Level Outcome 8:
- Identification of sources of funds available to an organisation.
- Carrying out an analysis of an organisation's current financial resources.
- Assessment of an organisation's potential for further funding and the costs of risk involved.
- Identification and quantification of financial benefits of strategies and their cash flow implications.
Integrated Assessment:
- Formative assignments in each module and a final summative exam.
- Year mark based on weekly assignments and project plan presentation (45%).
- Final Examination weightage of 55%.
- Policy for student authentication for assignments, including the use of Turnitin for plagiarism detection.
- Importance of individual preparation in formative assignments for success in summative assessment.
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.