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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Events Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
101982  Diploma in Events Management 
ORIGINATOR
Private Hotel School (Pty) Ltd (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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The core goal of the Diploma in Events Management is to develop the knowledge and skills of prospective event specialists who will be able to design and stage dynamic events of any size across the range of disciplines such as sport events, business events, cultural events, festivals, entertainment events, culinary events and community events. They will develop expertise in critical and creative thinking to resolve complex challenges and implement innovative solutions through specialist event subjects underpinned by the core management skills required to thrive in a national and global environment that is constantly changing.

Rationale:
The qualification is an essential facilitator in achieving the vision and mission of the institution because of the necessity of involving learners in partnership with the community and industry.

A broad strategic focus of South African Tourism is to position South Africa as the most preferred tourist destination globally and to maximise the economic potential of the tourism industry to enhance benefits accruing to the country and all South Africans. Part of this focus is the development and implementation of a business event strategy for the country (South African Tourism, 2014). The key areas of the business event strategy are to provide bid support, site inspection support, convention planning support, delegate boosting services support and on-site event services support. Further the business event strategy is targeted at convincing consumers and clients that South Africa can be trusted to deliver memorable event experiences and successfully staged events (South African Tourism, 2014).

On a global level, events are regarded as a key driver of the tourism sector in terms of generating income, employment and investment (Rifai, 2014). A study conducted by the IMEX group based in Germany indicated that at an event design level a deeper academic learning experience is required and that new talent to the event industry be suitably qualified. They further highlighted the need for future event managers to be able to thrive, think innovatively and critically in challenging global economic times (IMEX, 2012). The Global Event Industry Benchmarks Study, released by CVENT at the beginning of 2016 supports the findings of the IMEX study by affirming the need to have suitably qualified event staff leading and managing event innovations at global level who are able to introduce strategic decisions in tough global economic times (CVENT, 2015).

The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (2010) of South Africa stipulates that the physical well-being and safety of all persons attending sports, recreational, religious, cultural, exhibitional, organisational or similar events as well as the safety of their property be promoted and protected. The Act further indicates that acceptable event training qualifications and programmes are in place to aid event managers in understanding and applying the correct event management procedures and plans (The Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act, 2010). The Diploma in Event Management has taken into consideration global practices, current trends and practices at national level as the base fundamental for the design of the qualification. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Provision is made for RPL, in accordance with the institutional policy and governmental guidelines. RPL will be considered for entrance into the qualification if potential candidates do not meet admission criteria or to acknowledge part(s) of the qualification that were already achieved in previous studies. Candidates will have to produce or present comprehensive portfolio of evidence to determine the extent of RPL that will be considered.

Entry Requirements:
For admission to the qualification, the learner must have either a:
  • Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate granting access to Diploma studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in a relevant field. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Levels 4, 5, 6 and 7 totalling 381 Credits.

    Modules at Level 4: 5 Credits:
  • Basic Accounting, 5 Credits.

    Modules at Level 5: 123 Credits:
  • Service Management, 10 Credits.
  • Work Based Learning, 4 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Hospitality and Tourism Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Culinary Studies, 10 Credits.
  • Food and Beverage Studies, 15 Credits.
  • Event Planning, 10 Credits.
  • Cultural Diversity, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 10 Credits.
  • Work Based Learning, 4 Credits.
  • Hospitality Law, 10 Credits.
  • Food Service Management, 15 Credits.

    Modules at Level 6: 248 Credits:
  • Research Methodology, 5 Credits.
  • Event Project Management, 10 Credits.
  • Event Practice I, 10 Credits.
  • Work Based Learning, 8 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 10 Credits.
  • Leadership, 10 Credits.
  • Sales and Marketing, 10 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management, 10 Credits.
  • Event Practice II, 15 Credits.
  • Creative Event Design, 10 Credits.
  • Event Operations and Logistics Management, 15 Credits.
  • Event Technology, 12 Credits.
  • Work Based Learning, 8 Credits.
  • Workplace Internship, 60 Credits.
  • Event Risk Management, 15 Credits.
  • Event Management and Sustainability, 15 Credits.
  • Ethical Event Service Management, 15 credits.
  • Strategic Management, 10 Credits.

    Modules at Level 7: 10 Credits:
  • Event Business Improvement Project, 10 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate the allocation, direction and control of resources used in an event project focusing mainly on financial management; human resources management; information management; procurement management; stakeholder management; systems management and time management.
    2. Conceptualise, design, create, plan and stage an event focusing mainly on content design; entertainment design; environment design; food and beverage design; production design; programme design and theme design.
    3. Analyse the functions that facilitate business development, cultivate economic support and shape the image and value of the event project.
    4. Appraise the people, products and services that will be used on-site to produce an event project focusing mainly on attendee management; communications management; infrastructure management; logistics management; participant management; site management and technical management.
    5. Develop protective obligations and risk plans associated to an event project focusing mainly on compliance management; decision management; emergency management; health and safety management; insurance management; legal management and security management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Apply the principles of effective communication within the work environment.
  • Understand traditional and contemporary management approaches within the event environment.
  • Understand the concepts of hospitality, tourism, events and market trends on a global scale and apply key concepts to the work environment.
  • Application of basic accounting principles within the event environment.
  • Understand the event industry, type of events, event role players, trends and forces in the industry, event impact assessment, event bidding, event sponsorship, operational elements and relevant legislation.
  • Application of intermediary accounting principles to the work environment.
  • Evaluate the process of starting an event business and develop an event business plan.
  • Analyse the essential competences that leaders use to make a positive contribution and impact to the event work environment.
  • Analyse contemporary issues and practice, as well as employment laws that have an impact on the way people are managed.
  • Analyse the nature and the importance of business strategy in the event management cycle and implement policy as a guideline for successful event operation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Apply of culinary principles with an emphasis on preparation of safe, appealing and healthy food.
  • Understand the professionalism and importance of food and beverage service.
  • Understand the processes and operation needs for quality and quantity food service management and know how to establish these processes and ensure all involved are following it from purchasing to cooking and service.
  • Demonstrate knowledge to conceptualise an elementary event and provide event support.
  • Demonstrate to conceptualise an intermediate event and compile a final report on the event.
  • Apply marketing theories, principles and concepts to the event environment.
  • Apply knowledge by conceptualising, planning and staging an event according the advanced event management process of research, design, planning, coordination and evaluation.
  • Apply artistic interpretation and expression of the goals and objectives of an event project and its experiential dimensions.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply knowledge to effectively interact between different cultures from diverse backgrounds.
  • Evaluate the event process to ensure that the environmental, economic and socio-cultural benefits of event development are aligned to sustainable global best practice.
  • Apply ethical decision making within the work environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Understand the nature, processes and activities involved in programming and event development, as well as monitoring the progress of the event.
  • Apply information technology systems in events from small to large scale.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Understand the legal process of conducting business and legal relationships entered into within the hospitality, tourism and event environment.
  • Apply the operational dimensions that must be made at each stage of an event and how event activities must be constantly monitored in order to ensure the smooth running of an event.
  • Analyse and manage various types of risk associated with events and apply the legal and ethical principles in producing an event.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative and Summative Assessment:
    Opportunities for both formative and summative assessments are embedded in the learning design of the qualification throughout the year of study, in the form of electronic, written and/or practical assignments, portfolios and practical assessments, and written and practical examinations. Students are assessed on the application of learned skills in order to assure that theory evolves into effective practice. A number of outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner by means of a project in the second semester of the programme, whereby not only the student's evidence of the mastering of discipline-specific knowledge and skills are assessed, but also his/her writing and communication skills, computer literacy and ability to critically analyse and effectively evaluate a work-place related problem. Report-writing could be used as an important aspect of such an assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The event industry is by nature global and many of the stakeholders are companies and relevant support services, corporates, academic institutions and private providers. According to Taleb Rifai, the Secretary General of the World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO), the event industry is firmly placed at the centre of tourism as one of the key drivers of this sector's development and an important generator of income, employment and investment at global level (Rifai: 2014).

    International comparability was further conducted by reviewing the Event Management Body of Knowledge Domains and applying the key concepts of these domains. Considering the research findings of IMEX Trade Shows in Frankfurt, entitled "The Power of 10 Study" (2012), it is indicated that the event industry is a rapidly maturing industry requiring professionals and practitioners to be adequately qualified and experienced to engage in longer-term thinking, strategic innovation, quality orientated and collaborative agility to ensure event success. This qualification thus compares favourably to global standards and best practice. In view of the global nature of the event industry the curricula of the following international institutions were consulted and compared:
  • George Washington University (USA).
  • Johnson & Wales University (USA).
  • Leeds Beckett University (UK).
  • William Angliss Institute (Australia).
  • Blue Mountains International Management School (Australia).

    The following description demonstrates how and to what extent the qualification compares at international level.

    The Private Hotel School Diploma in Events Management has been designed around the five domains of the Event Management Body of Knowledge (EMBOK). The programme runs over three years and consists of five semesters. The programme comprises core and fundamental subjects with no elective courses. There is a significant blend of theory and practice within the programme and the subject layout is as follows:

    George Washington University (USA):
    The George Washington University offers a Certificate in Event Management which must be completed within two years. They have designed their qualification around four core courses which covers all the necessary elements of event management. Similarities are found in subject areas such as event co-ordination, event marketing, risk management, financial management, legal management and ethical safeguards.

    Johnson & Wales University (USA):
    The Johnson & Wales University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sports/Entertainment and Event Management. It is an intense qualification running over a four-year period, consisting of business foundations, major courses and major electives. It is a detailed event management qualification. Although a four-year qualification, there are various similarities in course modules and content. Experiential education is a compulsory part of the qualification intended to be offered at TPHS, where experiential education is offered as a major elective at Johnson & Wales University.

    Leeds Beckett University (UK):
    The Leeds Beckett University offers a three-year qualification, leading to a Bachelor Honours in Events Management. The qualification consists of an extensive three years of core modules being covered and provides an elective route related to typologies of events. Their qualification is in-depth and covers all the essential aspects of professional event management. The similarities between TPHS and Leeds Beckett qualification are evident and well matched.

    William Angliss Institute (Australia):
    The William Angliss Institute offers a three-year Bachelor of Event Management Degree. The qualification consists of three years of core subjects with a large selection of elective options available. It is a detailed event management qualification and is similar to the TPHS programme.

    Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School (Australia):
    The Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School offers a three-year Bachelor of Business in International Event Management. It is a three-year qualification with core subjects allocated per year with no elective stream. It is an in-depth qualification and similar to the TPHS programme. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Possibilities exist for articulation to other qualifications such as:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Certificate in Hospitality Management, Level 6.
  • Diploma qualifications in Marketing Management; Business Management; Hospitality Management; Marketing and Public Relations; Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies; Sport Management Studies and Food and Beverage Studies.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Management; Marketing; Tourism; Hospitality and Event Management, Level 7.
  • Bachelor in Management; Marketing; Tourism; Hospitality and Event Management, Level 7. 
    		•

    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. Private Hotel School (Pty) Ltd (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.