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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: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Construction Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109303  Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Construction Management 
ORIGINATOR
Central University of Technology, Free State 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 12 - Physical Planning and Construction  Building Construction 
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  2019-03-08  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 
Purpose:
Construction Management is acknowledged as an independent profession within the context of the built environment world-wide, and members of this profession enjoy due recognition in terms of their specialised skills and competence. The Postgraduate Diploma in Construction in Construction Management is specifically focussed on providing learners with the required vocational knowledge, skills and competencies required by the council for purposes of registration and appropriate to the discipline of construction and project management. The purpose of the qualification is to produce a graduate with mastery in basic construction management techniques and services and who may choose to study further in related built environment disciplines.

The qualification introduces a broad knowledge base of the technological, financial, economic, environmental and legal frameworks associated with a construction project environment within which construction managers operate which leads to an organised, sensitive and appropriate control of development projects in the construction industry. The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) (Construction) (Construction Management) qualification provides Postgraduate studies mainly for careers in construction management, and various related fields within the built environment that potentially benefit from a combination of building, construction, quantity surveying, project management, property development, urban development, and construction management skills, thus contributing to the economic and national development of the country in a substantial way.

Rationale:
This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge base and competence to advance from the level of a candidate construction manager to registered professional construction manager with the South African Council for Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP) after obtaining the required in-service practical experience, or alternatively to advance their knowledge base to the level required from a professional construction manager. The process of professional development towards qualifying as a professional construction manager starts with the attainment of a professionally directed qualification that exposes the learner to the practice of construction management.

The qualification also aims to enhance the career of the graduate by providing economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status. Likewise, the purpose of the qualification is to produce graduates who can contribute to the economy of South Africa by producing employable candidate construction managers who are responsible, competent and able to act with initiative towards the development of a sustainable and productive built environment. Graduates will have acquired the knowledge and skills to implement an understanding of the production process in the construction industry and will have a broad understanding and knowledge of construction management in the wider social context.

After the completion of the qualification, further study and knowledge development with relevant work experience can be followed to attain required competencies for advancement in the construction industry. The attainment of specific work related knowledge leads to registration with the SACPCMP as a Professional Construction Manager (Pr. CM). PGDip (Construction) (Construction Management) entails theoretical, practical and administrative elements appropriate to low-rise and high-rise construction work.

Graduates can be employed by clients of the industry, contractors, subcontractors, suppliers, manufacturers and they can obtain job profile and titles that are not limited to construction director and project manager. The qualification aims to enhance the career prospects of the graduates by providing them with economic opportunities and a choice of career paths, any one of which can result in professional status and recognition in the community of practice. The qualification can lead to a direct entry to further advanced programmes, such as an industry related Masters in Construction Management. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning processes. Credits achieved by RPL may not exceed 50% of the total credits. RPL must comply with the institutional policy on RPL. Within the department, Recognition of Prior Learning is based on the following process:
  • Applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (this could be entrance to a programme, or exemption from certain modules in the programme).
  • The RPL committee determines the criteria for the Recognition of Prior Learning based on the request (could be admission requirements of the programme, assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
  • The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning in place (what the applicant knows).
  • The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the Faculty's quality committee in a full report describing the process followed.
  • The Quality committee will make a recommendation to Faculty Board to ratify the decision.

    The main objective of the institution's RPL Policy is to recognise prior learning, in order to provide access into programmes, grant advanced placement in programmes, and credits for modules on the principles and processes that serve as a basis for faculty-specific RPL practices.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirements are:
  • An appropriate Advanced Diploma.
    Or
  • An appropriate Bachelor's Degree. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 178 Credits.

    Modules:
  • Construction Treatise, 30 Credits.
  • Strategic Construction Management, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Project Management, 24 Credits.
  • Construction Economics, 16 Credits.
  • Professional Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Construction Methods and Engineering, 24 Credits.
  • Statutory Construction Law, 12 Credits.
  • Construction Practice, 16 Credits.
  • Lean Construction or Facility Management, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply construction management principles to systematically diagnose and solve well-defined construction design and production problems.
    2. Apply principles of mathematics and natural sciences with the use of relevant mapping and measurement systems and methods to construction procedures, processes, systems and methodologies to solve well-defined construction problems involving numerical data and values.
    3. Analytically assess design of components, elements, systems, works, products or processes to meet desired requirements and needs within applicable standards, codes of practice and legislation in order to make appropriate decisions about the construction assembly process.
    4. Conduct investigations of well-defined construction problems through application of sound research methodology techniques for locating and reviewing relevant statistical and economic data, statutory codes, technical catalogues, standards, experiments, measurements and production methods.
    5. Use appropriate techniques, resources and modern construction management systems, including information technology, for seeking solutions to well-defined construction design and production challenges and problems, with an awareness of the limitations, restrictions, premises, assumptions and constraints.
    6. Communicate effectively orally, in writing and with information technology aids within the construction business and project environment.
    7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the impact of construction activity on the society, economy, industrial and physical environment, and address issues by defined procedures.
    8. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of construction project management principles and apply these as a member or leader within a technical team as to manage projects effectively in a multi-disciplinary environment across trade and professional boundaries through cross-disciplinary literacy and shared fundamental knowledge.
    9. Engage in independent and life-long learning through well-developed learning skills.
    10. Understand and commit to professional ethics, responsibilities and norms within the construction environment.
    11. Demonstrate an understanding of workplace practices to solve construction related problems. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse construction design elements and components from a technical, production and cost perspective.
  • Design construction administrative and production methods and systems for problem solving.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse construction elements, components, procedures and methods.
  • Design procedures, methods and systems for administering, planning and controlling construction project work.
  • Design procedures, methods and systems for implementing production, cost and financial plans during the construction process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Analyse construction elements, components, systems, items, products or processes from a technical, production and cost perspective.
  • Design appropriate methods, procedures and systems for preparing construction project production plans and schedules, cost budgets, production implementation plans, technical and contract progress reports.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Analyse construction markets.
  • Analyse project cost, time and quality standards and performance requirements.
  • Design methods, procedures and systems for obtaining and maintaining technical, cost and production data pertaining to construction projects.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse the design and constructability of construction elements through the use of analytical and computer software tools and models.
  • Analyse, assess and complete contract tenders, contract documentation, cost and production planning and control procedures with appropriate methodologies, practice tools, procedures and application of computer software.
  • Apply and critically assess standard construction management documents and procedures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Compile production plans, cost and financial project budgets for projects under construction.
  • Compile production planning, progress, cost financial and quality standards reports for projects under construction.
  • Communicate, present and defend technical project reports amongst inter-disciplinary construction team members, consultants and clients.
  • Prepare professional production, cost, financial and technical reports throughout all project stages during the construction phase.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Prepare project impact reports.
  • Present and demonstrate innovative project production solutions.
  • Apply knowledge for seeking innovative, cost-effective appropriate production solutions to socio-economic development issues involving physical development.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the requirements for effective team management.
    ¿ Communicate effectively on technical, cost, financial and contractual project aspects with all project team members.
    ¿ Demonstrate an understanding of the required project cost, technical, financial and contractual information at the different construction project stages during construction phases.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
    ¿ Write technical reports on innovative and appropriate construction solutions.
    ¿ Demonstrate the application of current and advanced construction tools and techniques.
    ¿ Demonstrate an understanding for the need to improvise and develop existing techniques, systems and methods through systematic diagnostic analysis of changing external influencing conditions in construction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
    ¿ Adopt ethics, responsibilities and norms associated with professionalism.
    ¿ Develop a chart for the inculcation of professional ethics.
    ¿ Apply norms and standards to adhere to professional ethics and responsibilities.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
    ¿ Develop effective administrative systems.
    ¿ Develop comprehensive project reporting systems.
    ¿ Demonstrate work place efficiency, procedures, safety rules and practices.
    ¿ Demonstrate a strategic vision of the construction industry, construction management profession and future role in construction and development.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Learner progress shall be checked by means of continuous assessment (CA) and their performance assessed at various formative points in the learning programme. In CA, rules are in place regarding eligibility for supplementary assessments should students not pass one of the summative assessments. For Summative Assessments, especially where more than one assessor is involved, internal moderation checks are undertaken to ensure the reliability of the assessment procedures.

    Formative Assessment refers to assessment that takes place during the process of learning and teaching. Formative assessment:
    ¿ Supports the teaching and learning process.
    ¿ Provides progress feedbacks to students.
    ¿ Diagnoses student's strengths and weaknesses.
    ¿ Assists in the planning of future learning.

    Summative Assessments are conducted for the purpose of making a judgment about the level of competence of students in relation to the outcomes of a unit, module and/or programme. The results of such formal assessment (e.g. tests, assignments, projects, presentations, creative production or traditional examinations) are expressed as a mark reflecting a pass or a fail. The minimum number of summative opportunities required is specified in the Academic Regulations.

    The department uses various integrated assessment strategies, depending on the focus of the subject. Apart from class tests and the traditional examination where appropriate, learners are continuously assessed through assignments, research projects, practical work, work-based projects, case studies etc. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    International qualifications and programmes in the field of construction were examined to ensure that the qualification is comparable with qualification models, unit standards generated, and competencies required for learners at this level to assess similarities or contrasts in the qualifications. The qualifications offered in countries where the search was conducted were compared in terms of the scope, content, duration, and qualification levels to benchmark best practices. The comparison focused on qualifications offered by accredited training institutions and organisations which include universities in both developing and developed nations.

    At the exit level of their respective qualifications, this particular qualification compared favourably to the one offered by Massey University, New Zealand, UNITEC Institute of Technology, New Zealand, Queensland University of Technology, Australia and Swinburne University, Australia as illustrated below regarding qualification purposes and outcomes.

    Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management, UNITEC Institute of Technology, New Zealand:
    The Graduate Diploma in Construction Project Management is a great stepping stone if one wants to move into management positions in the construction sector. Learners will learn to apply project management knowledge to the construction industry to ensure contracts are completed on time and on budget. Learners will also be able to solve complex industry-related problems, in teams and alone, and provide leadership in a team environment.

    The outcomes are similar to the outcomes of this qualification.

    Graduate Diploma of Construction Management, Swinburne University, Australia:
    The main aim of this qualification is to prepare graduates for future roles in managing people, equipment, materials, technological processes and funds in the construction, building and maintenance of buildings and assets in the civil infrastructure. This aim is facilitated by the study of advanced management and engineering techniques in the fields of construction, building and maintenance.

    The outcomes are similar to the outcomes of this qualification. The difference is the project focused nature of the taught subjects that would influence the outcomes when compared to the construction industry specific outcomes of this qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification offers the following articulation possibilities.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Property Development and Management, Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Science Honours in Construction Management, Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Science in Construction Management, 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. Central University of Technology, Free State 


    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.