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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Certificate: Practical Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
36047  Certificate: Practical Management 
ORIGINATOR
Graduate Institute of Management and Technology (The) 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
National Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 
SAQA 0480/09  2009-07-01  2011-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2011-12-31   2011-12-31  

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 Certificate in Practical Management (CIPM) is aimed at Senior Supervisors, new managers, junior managers and graduate trainees. The CIPM programme develops the general management and leadership skills of these managers in South African organisation, thereby enhancing the overall quality of management in organisations both regionally and nationally.

The programme thereby assists in improving Industrial relations in organisations, increasing productivity and profitability, improving strategic planning within organisations, etc.

The GIMT programme is unique in its approach of personalising the delivery to the needs of the particular organisation, thereby ensuring the more effective transfer of skills to the workplace. In addition, the programme has been designed by leading Academics in Industry in South Africa and benchmarked against International standards. The following key commitments are made by GIMT:
  • Learners will have access to relevant, appropriate and up-to-date knowledge resources
  • Learners will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired in relevant workplace scenarios i.e. actual workplace situations, simulated workplace situations etc.
  • Learners will receive constructive feedback on progress towards achievement of competence
  • Learners will be informed as to the learning outcomes they are expected to demonstrate and in what form assessment of competence will take place
  • The learning process will take into account individual pace of learning and allow reasonable flexibility with regard to timing of assessments

    Rationale for the qualification

    As GIMT has a tailor-made approach to this course, they can offer this Certificate in Practical Management (CIPM) to their clients as a strategic option to consolidate and quantify managers` experience and learnings. The course is customised to suit meet a company`s needs taking into consideration the corporate climate and extent of experience of management.

    GIMT has been successfully running senior management and leadership programmes since 1990.The CIPM programme has been run successfully in South Africa since 1993. A total of approximately 2400 students have completed the programme. The course is currently being run in a total of 8 top South African companies. A total of 187 students are currently attending the programme. 

  • LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    All GIMT facilitation is offered in English only, this being the primary business language in South Africa

    As GIMT is a Corporate Business School and our learners are all working professionals in mostly middle and senior management positions, our medium of instruction is English, being the generally accepted business language of South Africa.

    All facilitation, written material and assessments are done in English. Delegates have to submit all their assignments and written work in English. Guidance is provided on the programme in respect of Business writing and communication.

    Learners whose first language is not English must show GIMT that their level of English is high enough for study at postgraduate level. In cases where GIMT believes that learners will not have the language ability to complete the course successfully they are advised to attend an appropriate English language programme or are counselled to attend a more appropriate level programme

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

    Various forms of pre-assessment are done on learning programmes. These tests are designed to assess knowledge and skills relating to the modules to be presented on the GIMT programmes. Delegates are given recognition (credits) for training programmes attended/ qualifications obtained both internally and externally.

    At present GIMT does not have a formal policy pertaining to experiential learning as the majority of our learning takes place in-company and the vast majority of our learners are currently working in organisations.

    As a result students have the opportunity to apply the learning directly back in their own organisations.

    The CIPM is aimed at assisting delegates to make positive changes within their own organisations, the application of which is assessed through practical work based assignments and projects.

    Both the assignments and the final project are aimed at practical implementation in the workplace. They both require learners to assess their current working environment, processes and procedures and use the knowledge gained on the CIPM to suggest measures to improve such, and to devise new processes and procedures. 

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    N/A 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Overall outcomes
  • Integrating the concept of systems with the business environment as interdependent components, in order to influence the organisational functioning more effectively
  • Demonstrating appropriate mix of management and leadership skills to ensure maintenance and improvement of staff performance levels
  • Apply managerial processes, skills and tools to enhance effective management of human resources
  • Applying people communication management processes
  • Analysing and interpreting business financial information
  • Integrating marketing concepts, principles and theories in order to develop marketing strategies
  • Managing, maintaining and monitoring information management systems and processes
  • Managing the operations functions

    Specific outcomes

    1. The environment of business
  • Recognise systems and subsystems in organisations
  • Differentiate between open and closed systems Recognise organisations as open systems and understand the importance of the relationships between the subsystems
  • Identify differing degrees of closeness and openness of systems
  • Apply business environment understanding to development of business planning process
  • Identify the difference between internal and external environments
  • Understand a simple business planning process
  • Understand how technology has evolved and changed customer service
  • Identify technological changes in terms of customer service
  • Understand the new paradigms and customer expectations
  • Understand the evolution of call centres and their influence on business strategy
  • Understand the concept of "virtual management"
  • Identify the evolution of virtual management
  • Identify the effects of virtual management
  • Identify advantages of virtual management
  • Identify disadvantages of virtual management
  • Analyse the effects on the organisation structure and the company strategy
  • Understand culture and how it could effect businesses
  • Understand the constitution of culture
  • Understand the elements of culture
  • Identify differences between cultures
  • Identify how cultural could influence the business strategy and modus operandi
  • Analyse the economic status of organisations
  • Understand the concept of making choices in the face of limited economic resources
  • Value the influence the price of goods has on the consumer`s buying decision and the company`s decision to roduce
  • Understand the factors that influence a change in the demand for, or the supply of, a particular commodity
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the workings of the market in general
  • Apply understanding of how the South African economy works to the South African business environment
  • Understand the concept of national accounting
  • Demonstrate insight into growth, unemployment and inflation factors
  • Understand how the South African economy works and the identify the main challenges facing the economy
  • Understand the constraints within national accounting
  • Understand inflation and causes of inflation

    2. Management roles and leadership
  • Align work unit with the organisational culture, values, vision, goals and mission
  • Explore organisational and work unit culture
  • Record organisational and work unit mission
  • Define stated and actual values within organisation and work unit
  • Identify effective management and leadership mix of skills
  • Understand the critical linking role of the first line manager
  • Distinguish between leadership and management skills
  • Group management activities into areas of skills
  • Assess own leadership and management qualities
  • Compile self development plan
  • Identify key areas to be managed in the first line manager job function
  • Analyse basic areas of management work and skills
  • Place first line manage job function in business system concept
  • Apply the process of discussing and agreeing objectives, standards, and controls, as well as action planning with employees
  • Understand the definition of an objective
  • Appreciate the importance of standards and controls when setting objectives
  • Value the necessity of action planning
  • Implement the process of objectives setting
  • Apply knowledge of management styles to self
  • Understand the meaning of management styles and the impact of styles on work unit climate and outputs
  • Apply systems theory in relation to management styles
  • Apply understanding of McGregor`s Theory X and Theory Y
  • Appreciate the benefit of demonstrating a highly involvement and empowered management style
  • Understand the applicability of the contingency theory
  • Apply learning to self empowerment in personal and work life
  • Demonstrate self management skills in the areas of:
  • Time management and organisation
  • Delegation
  • Balanced life style
  • Stress and coping

    3. Human resources management
  • Develop and implement human resources performance management, improvement and management process
  • Assess manpower needs of work unit
  • Develop manpower plan to equip work unit with the right mix of skills to meet business requirements
  • Apply correct steps in the recruitment, selection and placement process
  • Apply knowledge and skills of induction process
  • Differentiate between formal and informal training and development initiatives
  • Create training and development plan for employees
  • Conduct performance appraisals
  • Distinguish between monetary and non-monetary forms of recognition
  • Understand wage and salary structures
  • Demonstrate ability to institute effective disciplinary process

    4. The people factor
  • Applying people communication management processes
  • Apply oral and written communication skills
  • Describe practical techniques of improving employee motivation
  • Display counselling skills in relation to work related and non work related problems
  • Identify leadership techniques of reinforcing and accelerating the change process
  • Recognise the barriers to managing diversity in the South African scenario and identify opportunities in the workplace

    5. Managing figures
  • Analyse business financial data
  • Apply understanding of principles and operation of financial function to analyse own organisation
  • Understand the purpose and role of the major management accounting functions
  • Read and understand financial statements

    6.Basic marketing
  • Develop basic marketing strategy integrating marketing concepts, principles and theories
  • Appreciate the need for market research and understand the process
  • Identify the external (macro) and internal (micro) environmental forces that impact on an organisation`s marketing strategies
  • Describe a simple customer buyer behaviour model and understand influences on the buyer decision process
  • Apply market segmentation, market targeting and market positioning principles
  • Define the elements of the marketing mix and apply the theories of:
  • Product
  • Price
  • Place
  • Promotion
  • Understand the concept and components of a product
  • Describe the major decisions involved in managing products

    7. Managing information
  • Maintain and improve management of information systems
  • Identify main components of an information system
  • Distinguish between hardware, software and services
  • Identify the use of information to improve efficiency, effectiveness and competitive advantage
  • Identify the major information management resources
  • Understand the principles of controlling information management

    8. Operations management
  • Manage the Operations function
  • Identify and understand the components of operations management processes
  • Planning
  • Organising
  • Directing
  • Controlling
  • Apply problem solving and decision making techniques

    9. Customer relationship management
  • Manage and implement customer services
  • Create customer value
  • Understand the relationship between customer service and marketing
  • Measure customer service levels
  • Create customer loyalty

    10. Project management
  • Understand the principles of project management
  • Competently manage business projects from inception to completion
  • Effectively apply specific project management tools 

  • ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Each module includes mini case studies, activities and "think points", to ensure that theory is practically applied throughout the programme.
    In each module there will be mini case studies, activities and think points to ensure that the application of the theory is being adapted throughout the programme.

    After each module a case study/assignment, as agreed with the client, would have to be completed which would relate to the Learner`s industry. This method is being adopted to broaden the Learner`s ability to show understanding and application of the theory, across other environments and not solely their own. However, answers will be tailored to the individuals working environment. Training will be given on this. Objective: This will show competence, and outcomes as per the Learner Map.

    At the end of the respective programmes a project proposal is submitted (this is completed during the course of a programme) for approval. The learner will finally complete a Research Project integrating all of the modules they have covered and applying a minimum of 8 theories to a work-related topic.
    Objective: to ensure that there is understanding of the theories and the ability to apply these in a work environment. Basic report writing skills are enhanced through this process.
  • It is imperative that learners are able to apply their learning, not only in their current work environment, but also in any future work environment.
  • Develop and apply the learning from the programme (formative)
  • Ensure that the learner has learned what they should have at a particular point in the process (summative)

    The Case Studies/Assignments are the formative part of the Assessment and the Research Project the summative.
  • All Case Studies/Assignments are industry related and work related.

    The Research Proposal is a three-tiered submission. At certain points in the programme, the proposal will have a development phase, which has to be reached.

    The first phase consists of the Job Analysis plus a list of possible issues to be researched with a very brief introduction to those possible issues.

    The second phase comprises of the proposed topic title, background and introduction and the objectives underlying the exercise.

    The third and final phase introduces the Research Plan, Analysis Plan and the Research Management Plan.

    The Research Project is an integrated work - related project, which each learner has to complete to qualify for certification. The Report is +- 3500 - 5000 words in length.

    An analytical approach, drawing on all the theories covered, is required. It has to be practical and easily implemented, and based on the Research Proposal.

    The Research Project (which may not be submitted until the Research Proposal has been approved) has a weight of 70%

    The balance of the marks - 30% - will be allocated equally across the Assignments set during the Programme

    All assignments and the Research Proposal must be submitted before the Research Report will be accepted for assessment.

    Integrated assessment

    During each programme learners complete three work-based assignments, demonstrating application of concepts learnt in a practical outcomes-based, measurable form. These assignments are evaluated and feedback is provided to each individual. The assignments act as self-measures and opportunities for improvement, as they do not affect the final assessment of competence.

    Recognition of individual competence for the total learning programme is based on the successful completion of a work-based research project. The projects are structured in order to enable learners to demonstrate an ability to transfer skills and knowledge in an integrated application, in a specific context, in order to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes. 

  • INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    All GIMT management programmes are internationally benchmarked through GIMT`s relationship with Henley.

    Expert faculty ensures that the GIMT programmes meet South African standards and the needs of the South African market.

    All GIMT courses are therefore globally competitive and locally relevant.

    The CIPM qualification has been assessed as equivalent to the Henley Certificate in Supervisory Management. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has been developed for Junior Management within organizations or for Junior Managers moving into Middle Management positions. The qualification builds on the GIMT Team Leader programme (NQF 4) even though the Team Leader programme is not a pre-requisite for the attendance of the CIPM programme.

    The CIPM provides ideal articulation for learners towards the GIMT Certificate in Business Management (CIBM) programme (NQF 6) and allows a solid Functional Management foundation for learners to move onto the more strategic focus of the CIBM programme.

    The CIPM programnme will also allow for articulation with a range of other qualifications and programmes in the General Management field as required. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Recommendation of a moderating body

    External examiners requirements:
  • Minimum Masters degree level qualified
  • Minimum ten years business and academic experience
  • Subject matter experts

    Moderator requirements
  • Minimum Masters degree level qualified
  • Minimum ten years academic and business experience
  • Assessors with a minimum of two years assessment experience
  • Briefing tutor for a minimum of two years.

    All student results are moderated by a qualified moderator. The final approval and awarding of all Diplomas rests with the GIMT Academic Board consisting of:
  • Managing Director/ Senior Management Representative
  • Academic Head
  • Head of Tutor College
  • External examiner 

  • CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors who have been assessing for a minimum of two years, who have been a briefing tutor for a minimum of two years and has the right academic qualifications, will qualify to become a moderator. External examiners are appointed by the Academic Director, based on their Academic Qualifications and extensive experience in the particular subject area. External examiners are made up of both local and international academics. The moderator has the power to alter a result at their discretion. All results are interim until verified by the moderator.
    Appointment of assessors
    The Academic Director interviews prospective assessors who meet the minimum requirements as set by GIMT. Successful candidates then undergo a formal training programme enabling them to become part of the GIMT Assessor team. Assessors will only be allowed to assess once they have successfully undergone the interview and formal training stages of the process.

    The Academic Director and Head of Tutor College interviews prospective assessors who meet the minimum requirements as set by GIMT. All assessors on this programme must have the following minimum requirements:
  • Academic qualifications equivalent to at least a Masters degree
  • Extensive business and academic experience of no less than 10 years
  • Must have undergone a formal training programme enabling them to become part of the GIMT Assessor team.
  • Assessors will only be allowed to assess once they have successfully undergone the interview and formal training stages of the process.

    Assessors who have been assessing for a minimum of two years, who have been a briefing tutor for a minimum of two years and has the right academic qualifications, will qualify to become a moderator. They will apply to the Academic Director and will be interviewed and trained before being appointed as moderators.

    External examiners are appointed by the Academic Director based on their Academic Qualifications and extensive experience in the particular subject area. External examiners are made up of both local and international academics. 

  • REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009. 

    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. Graduate Institute of Management and Technology (The) 



    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.