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SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Clothing Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
105108  Diploma in Clothing Management 
ORIGINATOR
Durban University of Technology 
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 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Persons achieving this qualification will be able to develop, perform and supervise the manufacture of apparel and related products in the clothing and related industries, encompassing a wide range of clothing related technological knowledge, skills and experience.

On successful completion of the Diploma in Clothing Management, graduates will be able to:
  • Develop a wide range of sewn products using manual and computerised technologies showing competence in the use of preproduction and production technology and processes.
  • Source, co-ordinate, test and control inventory used in garment manufacture.
  • Perform and/or supervise general operations, productivity processes, and quality assurance in clothing manufacture.
  • Demonstrate entrepreneurial and supervisory management skills to support sustainable growth in a clothing related business.
  • Demonstrate a working knowledge of retail operations, buying and merchandising.

    In addition, through participation in the various modules, students will obtain the following.

    Attributes:
  • Critical and creative thinkers who work independently and collaboratively within clothing and related contexts.
  • Knowledgeable practitioners that are able to implement theory into practice.
  • Effective communicators that are able to present themselves and their work in any given context.
  • Culturally, environmentally and socially aware within a local and global context within clothing and related contexts.
  • Active and reflective learners that embrace the curriculum and contribute to their own lifelong learning.

    Graduates of this Diploma would be able to display competence in the application of knowledge in a broad range of varied work activities associated with a career within the clothing and related industries. This includes:
  • Clothing product development.
  • Clothing production.
  • Clothing retail.

    Rationale:
    The Diploma in Clothing Management supports the development of focused, specialised knowledge, skills and understanding associated with the clothing industry.

    The Clothing and Textile sector of the economy has been identified as a critical area to provide employment opportunities in South Africa. The current turnaround from the past decade of job loss due to low cost imports from the east has put additional pressure on the local manufacturing sector to improve competiveness. One of the ways of doing this is to improve the level of technical competence within the sector, and a number of generous government backed assistance schemes are in place. Demand from the industry for more graduates is steadily increasing.

    The Fibre Processing and Manufacturing (FP&M) SETA (2014) has identified the following as general critical skills:
  • Coaching.
  • Mentoring.
  • Problem solving.
  • Literacy and numeracy skills.
  • Sales and marketing.
  • Small, Medium and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) management skills.
  • Information technology expertise.
  • Supervisory/team leadership junior management skills.
  • Technicians-outcomes aligned to specific industries.
  • Technologists-outcomes aligned to specific industries.
  • Production planning-outcomes aligned to specific industries.
  • Lean manufacturing.
  • Operations management.

    In the same report, the following Clothing related skills are listed as critical:
  • Patternmaking.
  • Supervisory/team leader.

    In addition, Patternmaking (652204) is listed as a scarce and critical skill.

    Discussions with industry representatives in the Departmental Advisory Panel Meeting (June 2016) also noted quality managers and work study officers as being in high demand.

    The Diploma in Clothing Management incorporates learning in all of these skills in a holistic and integrated curriculum. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The modular structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible and is applicable to all prospective candidates wishing to pursue the Diploma in Clothing Management, which may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning. This includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. If the prospective candidate is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits would be assigned to the prospective candidate.

    The institution has an RPL policy and its purpose is to:
  • Provide a framework for the implementation of Recognition of Prior Learning procedures within the institution.
  • Facilitate access and admission to learning programmes within education and training and career paths.
  • Accelerate redress of past unfair discrimination in education, training and employment opportunities.
  • Promote and facilitate lifelong learning.
  • Outline general procedures relating to the processing of RPL applications at the institution.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirements for admission are:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Diploma or Bachelor's Degree studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at Level 4 granting access to Diploma studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at Levels 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 100 Credits:
  • Cornerstone 101, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Product Technology 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Product Technology 1B, 16 Credits.
  • Patternmaking 1A, 8 Credits.
  • Patternmaking 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Textiles 1, 8 Credits.
  • Operations Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B ,12 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 5: 28 Credits
  • Applied Science and Wellness, 12 Credits.
    Or
  • Introduction to Applied Sciences, 12 Credits.
  • Information and Communication Technology Literacy and Skills, 8 Credits.
    Or
  • Interpersonal Communication and Self, 8 Credits.
  • Values in the Workplace, 8 Credits.
    Or
  • Introduction to Technopreneurship, 8 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 212 Credits:
  • Faculty General Education 2: Applied Science for Sustainable Development, 12 Credits.
  • Product Technology 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Product Technology 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Product Technology 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Product Technology 3B, 16 Credits.
  • Product Technology Project, 16 Credits.
  • Patternmaking 2, Credits 8 Credits.
  • Textiles 2A, Credits 8 Credits.
  • Textiles 2B, Credits 12 Credits.
  • Operations Management 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Operations Management 2B, 20 Credits.
  • Operations Management 3A, 8 Credits.
  • Operations Management 3B, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 2, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 3A, 8 Credits.
  • Business Management 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Retail Systems, 16 Credits.

    Elective Modules at Level 6: 20 Credits:
  • Role of Applied Science in Society, 12 Credits.
    Or
  • Community Development and Engagement, 12 Credits.
  • The Entrepreneurial Edge, 8 Credits.
    Or
  • The Global Environment, 8 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop a wide range of sewn products using manual and computerised technologies showing competence in the use of preproduction and production technology and processes.
    2. Source, co-ordinate, test and control inventory used in garment manufacture.
    3. Perform and/or supervise general operations, productivity processes, and quality assurance in clothing manufacture.
    4. Demonstrate entrepreneurial and supervisory management skills to support sustainable growth in a clothing related business.
    5. Demonstrate a working knowledge of retail operations, buying and merchandising. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Successfully demonstrate practical high level psychomotor skills using manual and computerised technologies.
  • Successfully demonstrate theoretical knowledge of product development and manufacturing technology.
  • Successfully integrate product development and manufacturing knowledge and skills in projects both manually and through use of computers.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Write and fully understand specifications for inventory used in garment manufacture.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of testing, inspection and quality assurance of inventory.
  • Source appropriate inventory used in clothing manufacture for various projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Demonstrate application of apparel operations management knowledge.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of quality assurance in clothing manufacture.
  • Demonstrate application of productivity measurement and analysis.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Demonstrate knowledge and competence in supervisory skills.
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurial skills (in small business or corporates).

    Associated assessment criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Show understanding of retail operations, buying and merchandising.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment will be emphasised in the Diploma in Clothing Management because it links to the notion of applied competence which is a central concern of the National Qualification Framework. Applied competence will be achieved by combining practical competence, foundational competence and reflective competence. Integrated assessments will combine a number of different elements and will require students to bring together different sets of outcomes of learning into a demonstration of applied competence.

    Continuous assessment is provided through:
  • Written assignments and projects.
  • Written tests.
  • Practical apparel construction and patternmaking skills assessments.
  • Own projects at all levels.
  • Presentations - verbal and visual.
  • Peer group evaluation.
  • One-on-one evaluations with students.

    Integrated assessment will support integrated learning. It will develop and measure students' abilities not only to understand the underpinning theory but also apply it in authentic contexts and to reflect on what they are doing and why. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    During the development of this qualification a spread of international courses with relevance to Clothing Management and Technology were examined. The courses varied from diplomas to degrees at various types of institutions. The content of these courses were prioritised with some sensitivity to the extent to which they are relevant in the local context. Many courses leaned towards a Fashion or Textile framework, and apparel technology in general is less prolific.

    The international institutions that had useful information were North Carolina State University and Delaware University (Both USA), University of Manchester (UK), Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (Germany) and TAFE and RMIT (Australia). There are also numerous courses offered through Asia, India and Bangladesh.

    Some of the qualifications reviewed included the following:
  • Textile and Clothing Management Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) - Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (Germany).
  • Textile and Clothing Technology (B.Sc.) - Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences (Germany).
  • Fashion Management (B.Sc) - University of Manchester.
  • Advanced Diploma of Applied Fashion Design and Technology - Technical and Further Education (South Australia).
  • Fashion Management Program (Diploma) - George Brown College (Canada).
  • Various programmes - Clothing Industry Training Authority, Hong Kong.
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) Fashion and Textiles, Hong Kong Polytechnic University - Institute of Textiles and Clothing.
  • Diploma in Fashion Marketing and Communication - Management Development Institute of Singapore - Singapore.
  • Fashion and Clothing Extended Diploma Level 3-York College - United Kingdom.

    Apart from providing general interest and benchmarking by searching for similar appropriate qualifications, a clear picture emerged as to some of the reasons behind the shortfall of technical expertise in the international apparel industry. It is expected that the Diploma in Clothing Management will meet the needs of the South African industry and level of preparedness by entry level students, as well as fitting into the international basket of offerings for this industry. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification enables the following articulation opportunities:

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Management Sciences (Business Administration, Level 6).
  • Diploma in Management Sciences (Marketing, Level 6).
  • Diploma in Management Sciences (Retail Management, Level 6).
  • Diploma in Management Sciences (Operations Management, Level 6).
  • Diploma in Fashion Design, Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Apparel Technology, Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Science (Quality Management, Level 7).
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Science (Business Administration, Level 7).
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Sciences (Operations, Level 7).
  • Advanced Diploma in Management Science (Marketing and Retail Management, Level 7).
  • Advanced Diploma in Fashion Design, 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. Durban University of Technology 


    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.