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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Master of Management in Supply Chain Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
110524  Master of Management in Supply Chain Management 
ORIGINATOR
Vaal University of Technology 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Master's Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  180  Not Applicable  NQF Level 09  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   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:
The purpose of the qualification is to inculcate advanced skills and in-depth knowledge of supply chain management, impart the ability to apply international and local best practices in the field of supply chain management and instil the ability to undertake a research project in the field of supply chain management. These will intend contribute to the existing body of knowledge and addresses a specific supply chain management problem.

Rationale:
Supply Chain Management remains a scarce skill in the South African economic landscape and even appears on the 100 Critical Skills List released by the department of Higher Education in 2014. The demand for advanced skills in supply chain management continues to surpass the available expert manpower in South Africa, which creates the need to offer qualification in this discipline at a higher level. With the introduction of Postgraduate Diplomas in logistics and supply chain management at the institution, an impetus is created to develop the qualification that offers articulation possibilities for holders of such qualifications. The institution will also be able to accommodate holders of Honours Degrees in logistics or supply chain management from other institutions who wish to pursue further studies at the institution.

Qualifying learner of this qualification are likely to be able contribute in any supply chain management related sub-field. These sub-fields include but are not limited to procurement, transportation, warehousing and storage, supplier relationship management, customer relationship management, sustainability and public supply management. These sub-fields are dominant occupational areas in both public and private sectors. However, it is a natural expectation that qualifying learners of this program will operate at managerial level where decision-making and problem solving are the primary activities. Also, outstanding qualifying learner may pursue further studies in supply chain management as a way of entering the field of academia.

The qualification is research based, where the learner is expected to identify an appropriate and novel organisational, industry or economic problem that lies within the discipline of supply chain management and then and then apply the scientific method to solve that problem. In the process of applying the scientific method, it is expected that new knowledge will be generated that will contribute to the academic body of knowledge as well.

The qualification imparts unto the learner a cocktail of skills that include but are not limited to problem solving, decision making, innovation, critical thinking, business research skills, teamwork, discipline, report writing and strategic thinking skills. To organisations/industry, the information generated throughout the duration of the program can be used in the diagnoses and solving of supply chain management challenges in organisations or within various industries. The qualification contributes to the South African national economy by increasing the number of skilled personnel in the field of supply chain management and by providing Postgraduate education skills to interested individuals and groups.

Vertical articulation into Doctoral Degrees should be possible since the qualification is a research-based qualification, which increases the ability of holders to undertake similar research-based studies at Doctoral level. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The learner s' profile which includes qualifications, work experience, evidence of continuous education efforts and any other supporting documentation is reviewed by a panel of experts and the outcomes are communicated to the Registrar. If the outcomes are deemed unfavourable to the learner, s/he is allowed to make an appeal, which is then discussed by the institution's Senate. Further information on the appeal process is available on the appended RPL Policy.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing and Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Logistics, NQF Level 8.
    Or
  • Any other related field at NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
  • Full Dissertation, 180 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the field/area of investigation.
    2. Apply research methods and techniques appropriately and correctly. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The literature cited and used in the literature review is adequate and relevant
  • Exposition of the research, reflect familiarity with relevant and recent trends in technologies, techniques, models and theories in the chosen field.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Models, principles, theories, techniques and methodologies in the chosen field are analysed, explained, and justified correctly in oral presentations and the written record of research.
  • The use of literature surveys, experimentation, correlation.
  • Causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentations.
  • Causal analysis is justified fully and correctly in oral presentations.
    And
  • The written record of research.
  • The research problem is clearly identified, defined and detailed in the research proposal.
  • The stated hypothesis directs the investigation.
  • Logical interpretation of data reflects clear understanding of the relationship between facts in the study and the ability to evaluate contradictory information.
  • Information sources are used correctly and appropriately and include a range of media. Information technology skills are applied effectively in information searches, data-analyses, data presentation, and the production of the dissertation.
  • The appropriate mathematical and statistical methods are applied correctly to quantitative and qualitative date.
  • The inferences, interpretations and conclusions from measurements and statistical analyses are valid.
  • Language and numeracy skills are applied effectively and correctly in clearly communicating the research problem, its investigation, outcome and recommendations.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment will include the evaluation of the learners work at all stages by the supervisor and co-supervisor. In addition, assessments of each stage of the research will be made by experienced staff members during regular faculty research colloquiums. Summative assessment includes the evaluation of the learner's dissertation by two external examiners and one internal examiner. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Most qualifications in other international institutions commonly use the term Master of Science. Examples include the MSc in Global Supply Chain Management, MSc in Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, MSc in Operations and Supply Chain Management and the MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Most of these qualifications are offered over periods ranging between 12 months and 30 months and are more inclined to teach courses. Where the course is taught over long periods it is likely that the course combines both taught modules and a research component. The NQF levels for these qualifications also range from Level 7 to 9 whilst the number of credits vary from 120 upwards. However, entry requirements for most of these qualifications are basically a four year Bachelor's Degree. PhD qualifications in the same areas listed above are also available, with a relevant Master's Degree being the basis entry requirement. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Management, NQF Level 9.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Business Management, Level 10.
  • Doctor of Commerce: Business Management, Level 10. 
    		•

    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.
     
    NONE 


    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.