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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117085  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management 
ORIGINATOR
IMM Graduate School of Marketing (Pty) Ltd 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Marketing 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-05-28  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management will provide learners with an erudite as well as a good grasp of the advanced issues in supply chain management. This qualification will empower learners with the competencies (knowledge, insight, skills, values and attitudes) necessary to positively contribute to the management of a modern integrated supply chain.

The concentration of the qualification is on the application of theoretical concepts/frameworks/constructs and the refining of the cognitive process resulting in learners being able to select the best course of action among several alternatives in a supply-chain context. The qualification will equip and imbue learners with the abilities to function at a strategic level by developing a good command of fundamental strategic supply chain management issues. More importantly, the qualification will equip learners with the skills to be analytical in making and implementing supply chain decisions.

The qualification places a significant emphasis on problem-solving; therefore, learners are equipped with the knowledge to assertively approach a plethora of unusual situations in each of the core supply chain areas. Moreover, the qualification will expose learners to quantitative techniques and models for decision making in supply chain management.

The qualification also places emphasis on the skills and knowledge required to excel in a global environment were economies and cultures had been drawn closer together. They have become more interconnected through global networks of trade and the spread of technology. The qualification will equip learners with presentation skills that will allow them to become effective communicators and team players capable of assimilating theoretical constructs learned, with the pragmatic requirements of the world of work.

The modules in the qualification cover the critical supply chain areas. The research modules provide much of the foundation for knowledge that makes possible the innovations and advancements in the supply chain field, thereby creating social, economic and environmental impacts.

With the current skills need and the lack of Honours' level qualifications in Supply Chain Management, this qualification aims to produce learners who will have the following attributes:
  • Analytical thinking.
  • Ability to effectively direct a team towards an objective.
  • Statistical and mathematical skills for decision making.
  • Ability to identify, diagnose and solve supply chain problems.
  • Ethical conduct.
  • Social responsibility.

    Rationale:
    Supply chain management has been gaining traction as one of the most critical functional areas that make up contemporary organisations. Supply chain management plays an integral part of an organisation's success and in the world. Efficient supply chains and networks allow organisations to expedite the delivery of products to the end-user, increase firm competitiveness and customer satisfaction while maintaining an ecological balance. Therefore, the qualification will broaden the learners' supply chain knowledge within a business framework to develop a thorough understanding of Supply Chain theory as well as the skills necessary to apply the theory.

    The qualification aims at promoting wider access to Postgraduate learning in the supply chain management field. The qualification act as a catalyst that will precipitate and foster the development of supply chain professionals across the globe. The qualification is multifaceted and inherently interdisciplinary because it draws knowledge from other fields of study such as operations management, logistics management and purchasing management. The disciplines are combined into a single, streamlined and indispensable functional area of business.

    The qualification responds to the current national and global situation in which there is an over-supply of available workers and an under-supply of qualified talent. These needed skills, coupled with the scarcity of Honours degrees in Supply Chain Management, have served as motivating factors in the design and development of this qualification.

    The qualification is therefore designed for professionals who already have the practical experience and for qualifying learners with a cognate undergraduate degree. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution uses Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) for access, advance standing and credits:

    The following learners are eligible for RPL:
    Access:
  • Learners who lack the minimum requirements for entry into formal learning programmes for higher education qualifications but have a wealth of appropriate learning and knowledge accumulated through experience.
  • Learners who have exited formal education at a time in their educational careers but have since accumulated experience through work and a series of short courses.

    Advance standing:
  • Learners wanting admission to study at a higher level than the learner's prior knowledge and skills and formal studies would have allowed, including exemption where applicable.

    Credits:
    Learners who have exited formal education at a time in their educational careers but have accumulated credits and are seeking formal recognition for (an) incomplete/complete qualification/s are eligible.

    Current RPL processes:
  • The learner will be informed of documents to be completed and additional documentation that must be provided for pre-screening of such a learner.
  • The representative will discuss the RPL process and documentation that must be presented to the institution in the form of a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).
  • Application dates must be communicated.
  • The time frame available to complete the PoE must be communicated.
  • The timeframe to register for the qualification after the results of the PoE is made available must also be communicated to the learner.
  • An RPL Advisor is at the disposal of the learner to provide guidance and offer clarification to the student during the compilation of the PoE.
  • An RPL Committee (sub-committee of the Assessment Committee) will evaluate the application form and may suggest entry tests or access modules a Portfolio of Evidence (PoE).

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor degree with Business Management/Supply Chain Management/Marketing as a major, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 126 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 130 Credits:
  • Advanced Supply Chain Business Processes, 20 Credits
  • Advanced Cost Management, 20 Credits
  • Advanced Supply Chain Management, 20 Credits
  • Advanced Research: Theory, 20 Credits
  • Advanced Supply Chain Research: Report, 30 Credits

    Electives Modules, Level 8, 20 Credits (Choose one module):
  • Advanced Strategic Operations Management, 20 Credits
  • Advanced International Trade, 20 Credits 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate advanced Supply Chain Management integration strategies across organisations and companies.
    2. Demonstrate an understanding of complex strategies and their application in Supply Chain Management.
    3. Demonstrate the use of a wide range of skills to solve complex supply chain problems.
    4. Conduct research to solve supply chain problems.
    5. Demonstrate an understanding of the general principles of managing processes of purchase and supply, and the necessary information technology that underlies this, and to apply these principles.
    6. Understand the code of ethical behaviour in the fields of the supply chain as well as analyse the wider supply chain environment and identify the prevalence of risks. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Critically evaluate the interactions which take place in a Supply Chain.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of logistics systems.
  • Identify and explain the focus of world-class warehouse operations.
  • Understand the nature and scope of Operations Management functions.
  • Understand the strategic role of purchasing in the value chain.
  • Plan for, and understand engagement in global procurement.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Critically evaluate supply chain theories, strategies and plans and identify appropriate supply chain strategies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of engagement in high-level decision making within the supply chain.
  • Design and develop supply chain strategies.
  • Develop appropriate push/pull strategies to meet supply chain requirements.
  • Understand how to engage in sales and operations planning.
  • Understand how to engage in logistics plan at a strategic level.
  • Develop reverse logistics strategies.
  • Assess the requirements for making decisions related to each part of the operations function.
  • Make effective managerial decisions to achieve effective utilisation of resources.
  • Understand how operations management decisions can influence the overall strategic objectives of an organisation.
  • Explain how effective operations strategies are developed.
  • Understand forecasting for decision-making purposes.
  • Develop and implement supply strategies.
  • Apply appropriate techniques to manage contracts with suppliers.
  • Systematically develop strategies to drive forth innovation in the procurement function.
  • Demonstrate high degrees of accountability, ethics and responsibility in Supply Chain practice.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Assess problems and formulate appropriate response strategies.
  • Demonstrate awareness of triple bottom line issues in Supply Chain Management.
  • Develop responses to deal with demand variability in a Supply Chain.
  • Apply the principles of sustainability and ethics to practice.
  • Critically evaluate suppliers and supplier performance.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Ensure consistency and linearity between research ideas, objectives, questions, design and methods.
  • Distinguish between the qualitative and quantitative approaches to research, as appropriate.
  • Understand the different research design methodologies and their respective suitability to study objectives.
  • Select and apply a research design that is consistent with research objectives and questions.
  • Critically apply available research methodologies to answer the study questions and achieve study objectives.
  • Apply the analytical skills and knowledge gained in the qualification to a supply chain area of research.
  • Develop critical and practical research questions.
  • Read current literature in a specialised business area and critically analyse and synthesise contending theoretical standpoints.
  • Design, plan and execute a research study.
  • Capture, analyse and interpret business data.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the implications of the theory for decision making and practice.
  • Provide recommendations for business-related problems aligned to leading practices in supply chain management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Use appropriate tools to process and manage logistics and transport data and information.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Identify appropriate responses which can be used to counter risks.
  • Understand the impact of supply chain risks on supply chain performance.
  • Develop strategies to foster collaboration in the supply chain.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    The assessment process for each module is made up of two components, namely, formative assessment (assignments) and summative assessment (examinations). Learners must complete one assignment and one examination, or a project, per module.

    Assignments allow learners to assess their progress, while feedback indicates where each learner may require additional focus before writing their examinations.

    Unless specifically stated, the assignments per module (2 assignments) contributes 40% towards the final mark, and the other 60% will be made up from the examination. A high mark in an assignment will normally not compensate for a poor mark in the examination. Although assignment marks will contribute towards the final mark, learners do not have to earn credits for admission to the examinations; they are automatically accepted by registering for the examination. An assignment mark cannot be carried over to the next academic semester. If a learner has submitted assignments, but has not written the exam for that particular module within one academic semester, new assignments must be provided.

    Learners wishing to write examinations in either semester are required to register for these modules with the institution on or before the examination closing date. Learners may write examinations twice a year. Examination sessions are held in May and October of each academic year.

    Supplementary examination opportunities are provided twice a year during July and December with specific rules and procedures. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    There are numerous Postgraduate Supply Chain Management qualifications in the international arena ranging from Postgraduate Diplomas, Honours, Masters and Doctorate/PhD degrees.

    Similar international qualifications to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) in Supply Chain Management (SCM) have similar foundational subjects (modules) that are facilitated by the institution's qualification.

    The institutions selected for comparison are as follows:
  • Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland) - B Com Hons in International Supply Chain Management.
  • Sunway University (Malaysia) - Bachelor Science (Honours) in Global Supply Chain Management.
  • American College of America (Greece) - BSc (Honours) in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • University Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) - BSc Honours in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • India School of Commerce (India) - BA Honours in Supply Chain Management and Logistics.

    Glasgow Caledonian University (Scotland):
    Glasgow Caledonian University (informally GCU, Caledonian or Caley) is a public university in Glasgow, Scotland offering B Com Hons in International Supply Chain Management over four years. The principal rationale for selecting Glasgow Caledonian University is that GCU has an award-winning campus and a wide range of industry links in the private, public and third sectors, helping to ensure that 95% of learners are in employment or further study within six months of graduation (HESA, 2018).

    GCU offers a wide variety of qualifications from undergraduate to postgraduate level, which are designed to shape a learner's future and help him or her have an impact on some of the many global challenges of our time. It is as a result of its long-standing reputation for educational excellence that GCU was selected to benchmark against. The qualification consists of the following modules:
  • The Enterprise Value Challenge.
  • International Business Strategy Business Research Methods.
  • Supply Chain Management.
  • Operations Management an option from Project Management.
  • Digital Business and Marketing.
  • Supply Chain Risk Management.
  • Sustainability.
  • Corporate Responsibility and Ethics in International Business.
  • Managing Sustainable Business Excellence.
  • A language module.
  • Honours Dissertation.

    Similarities are as follows:
    The institution's qualification has the following modules which are similar to GCU's qualification, namely Business Research Methods (Advanced Research Theory), Supply Chain Management (Advanced SCM), Operations Management (Advanced Operations Management) and Honours Dissertation (Advanced Supply Chain Research Report, which is a comprehensive secondary research study).

    The main differences are the inclusion of Enterprise Value Challenge, International Business Strategy, Digital Business and Marketing, Supply Chain Risk Management, Sustainability, Corporate Responsibility and Ethics in International Business, Managing Sustainable Business Excellence and a language module.

    Both the institution's qualification and the Glasgow Caledonian University qualifications are world-class offerings. They include research, a dissertation/research report and their modules are Supply Chain Management specific and relevant. Naturally, the differences between the two qualifications are not sufficiently profound to differentiate the institution's offering from a quality perspective.

    Sunway University (Malaysia):
    Sunway University offers the BSc Hons in Global Supply Chain Management. It has established a reputation both in Malaysia and overseas, as an inspiring educational leader. Correctly harnessing the highest quality of academic personnel and an exceptionally diverse range of programmers any global educational powerhouse would be proud of. The qualification comprises of the following modules at year 3:
  • Business Ethics and Social Responsibility.
  • Global Procurement Management.
  • Final Year Project 1.
  • Final Year Project 2.
  • Strategic Management Internship.
  • Global Logistics Management Project Management.
    Electives

    Similarities are as follows:
    Global Logistics Management (Advanced SCM as it incorporates a global/international component), Final Year Project 1 & 2 (Advanced Supply Chain Research: Report) and Global Procurement Management (which also falls under Advanced SCM).

    The main differences are:
    Business Ethics and Social Responsibility, Strategic Management, Internship and Project Management.

    Although there are a few differences in the qualifications, both qualifications have strong SCM and logistics components. What is essential however at the NQF level is that they share a common element, namely practical application modules consisting of projects and research reports.

    The American College of Greece (Greece):
    The qualification and institution are accredited by The New England Commission of Higher Education. The American College of Greece is offering Bachelor of Science Honours in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.

    Modules:
  • Total Quality Management.
  • Project Management.
  • Supply Chain Management.
  • Management Science.
  • Operations Management.
  • Seminar in LSCM.
  • Strategic Management.

    One Elective from the following list:
  • Export Strategy and Management.
  • Business Negotiations.
  • The Decision Making Process: A Qualitative Approach Management of Services.
  • Carriage of Goods by Sea and Law of International Trade.
  • Retailing and Supply Chain Management.

    Similarities are as follows:
    Total Quality Management (Advanced Strategic Operations Management), Supply Chain Management (Advanced SCM) and Operations Management (Advanced Operations Management. From an elective perspective, Export Strategy and Management is related to the IMM's Advanced International Trade and Advanced SCM.

    The main differences are:
    Project Management, Management Science, Seminar in LSCM and Strategic Management. From an elective perspective, the IMMGSM's qualification does not include Business Negotiations, The Decision Making Process: A Qualitative Approach, Management of Services, Carriage of Goods by Sea and Law of International Trade and Retailing and Supply Chain Management.

    Both the institution's qualification and the American College of Greece's degrees offer comprehensive and applicable knowledge of SCM at the requisite NQF level. The differences between the two qualifications are not sufficiently profound to differentiate them in terms of content and quality.

    University Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia):
    University Kuala Lumpur is offering the Bachelor of Science Honours in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. This institution is accredited by Malaysian Qualifications Authority and complies with the Malaysian Quality Authority Framework. The reason for selecting Malaysia is that the country is a leader in manufacturing and is committed to Supply Chain Management education. It also participates aggressively in International Trade.

    The qualification offers the following modules:
  • International Business Export Management and Practice.
  • Supply Chain Logistics Management.
  • Strategic Management.
  • Warehouse Management.
  • Strategic Logistics Management.
  • International Logistics.
  • Quality Management.
  • Inventory Management.
  • Industrial Training (12 weeks).

    India School of Commerce (India):
    The India College of Commerce's BA (Hons) Supply Chain Management & Logistics enables learners to apply for CIPS memberships. Institute of Leadership Management also accredits it, UK and learners can have an Affiliate Membership to Chartered Management Institute (CMI), UK.

    The India College of Commerce's BA (Hons) Supply Chain Management & Logistics qualification provides learners with an in-depth insight into Supply Chain Management & Logistics. This issue has become a vital component of today's business environment where globalisation has led to supply chains becoming more complex. Companies are continually seeking ways to tackle these complexities, while at the same time improving service levels and minimising costs. A qualification in Supply Chain Management & Logistics provides the learner with relevant insights in market needs, planning methods and controlling flows, required to analyse logistical performances or the implementation of new logistical approaches. Completion of this qualification will help the learners gain management skills, planning, organisational and analytical skills as they will have to develop the ability to optimise import and export flows, and they will also acquire technology skills. The modules offered are as follows:
  • Business Strategy.
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management.
  • Leadership in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • International Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
  • Sustainability Management in Logistics & Supply Chain Management.
  • Technology Management in Logistics & Supply Chain Management.
  • Project.

    Similarities are as follows: Strategic SCM (Advanced SCM)) and International Logistics and SCM (Advanced International Trade) and Project (Advanced Supply Chain Research: Report).

    The main differences are:
    Business Strategy, Sustainability Management in Logistics and SCM, Technology Management in Logistics and SCM and Management.

    Both the institution's qualification and that of its Indian counterpart are similar in content. The critical difference is the College's accreditation by CIPS and The Institute of Leadership (UK). 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Transport and Logistics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Transport Economics, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Marketing, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Commerce in Logistics Management, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management Sciences in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. IMM Graduate School of Marketing (Pty) Ltd 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.