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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
111396  Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation 
ORIGINATOR
South African School of Motion Picture Medium & Live Performance (Pty) Ltd / AFDA (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
Postgraduate Diploma  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
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  2019-08-19  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 Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation will equip learners to become entrepreneurs who will have the capacity to identify business opportunities in the creative industries, and set up new business ventures that will have a competitive advantage through its use of new technologies. Qualifying learners will gain insight into ethical, sustainable and socially conscious business practices in the creative industries, and the role of the creative industries within society. They will learn about the core concepts, models and theories of innovation and methods on how to use innovative thinking to generate ideas for new business ventures. They will have an informed perspective on product design in technology start-ups and the capacity to adapt these for their own purposes. They will have the required knowledge and practical skills to develop, implement and review appropriate business strategies for sustainable and scalable start-up business.

Learners will have the skills to raise and manage funds in order to sustain their start-up business financially and the leadership skills to sustain and grow their businesses ethically and responsibly. They will understand the South African and international laws and standards governing intellectual property sufficiently to ensure that their business venture and associated service/product is sufficiently protected, where applicable. They will have an informed understanding of marketing and communications in order to plan, develop and evaluate marketing campaigns and communication strategies. They will be responsible citizens through applying elements of corporate social responsibility and non-profit development to their business venture. They will have experiential knowledge of initiating and running a business and will have the capacity to launch the business from the incubation phase into the world of professional business.

Rationale:
The general aim of this qualification is to create job opportunities, stimulate economic activity in the creative economy, improve innovation ranking, building international partnerships for the South African creative economy and to stimulate critical and creative thinking for the creative economy. Investing in innovation education is an important strategy for increasing innovation outputs. An increase in and enhancement of innovation education could allow more effective translation of creative efforts into knowledge and technology outputs.

This qualification will ensure learners acquire and apply entrepreneurial skills, technological wherewithal in the context of the developing creative economy of South Africa. The qualification will also enable learners to gauge product and knowledge gaps in the creative economy with a view to building businesses. Business innovation leads to the upliftment of society as a whole. This qualification also teaches application of solution driven actions for the generation of the creative economy.

Learners will be equipped and prepared for a fast paced, changing world in which South Africa has to forge a unique contribution via the creative economy. The Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation is primarily intended to be a learning pathway for learners from a Bachelor of Commerce in Business Innovation. This qualification will provide learners with an opportunity to practise and implement business ideas within a controlled and supervised environment with the intention to launch a viable lean start-up business into the world of work.

Bachelor of Commerce learners and learners with a qualification in Computer Technology may enter an entrepreneurial environment in the creative industries, by joining this qualification to launch their careers as part of lean start-up companies. This qualification can also accommodate Bachelor of Arts learners in the fields on Motion Picture Production, Live Performance, Fine Arts and Design, provided that their intention is to become part of entrepreneurial ventures. Learners who graduate from this qualification can either pursue their business or pursue further studies in a professional Masters in Business Innovation or a Masters in Technology. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Learners who are eligible for RPL need to comply with the following:
  • Work experience in the small business sector or in an entrepreneurial environment will be an advantage.
  • A portfolio of evidence.
  • A comprehensive CV including work and tertiary study experience, with an indication of experience in one or more of the following fields: business leadership, finance, management & operations or marketing & sales.
  • Experience in, or a working knowledge of, digital technologies, products and services.
  • A business plan/proposal for a new business venture.
  • Personal interview with the Head of the School and programme coordinator.
  • A letter of motivation.

    The RPL process starts with an interview to measure non-formal, informal and experiential learning. Additional customised tests, based on the findings above, can be used and evaluated in cases where portfolios lack the required evidence for entry level skills. Where required, appropriate remedial action during the course of study may be recommended.

    RPL for Access:
  • If learners demonstrate the required academic competencies, they will be granted RPL for Access.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate Bachelor's qualification, NQF level 7.
    OR
  • An appropriate 360 credit Diploma, NQF level 6 and an appropriate Advanced Diploma, NQF level 7 in the fields of Business, Economics and Management Studies, Computer and Information Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts, Communication, Journalism and Related Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120. Credits.
  • Business Opportunities in the Creative Industries, 10 Credits.
  • Theories of Innovation, 10 Credits.
  • Design Thinking for Innovation, 5 Credits.
  • Product Design in Technology Start- ups, 10 Credits.
  • Business Strategy and Implementation, 5 Credits.
  • Finance and Financial Management for New Ventures, 15 Credits.
  • Leadership for Entrepreneurs, 5 Credits.
  • Intellectual Property Law, 5 Credits.
  • Integrated Marketing Management, 10 Credits.
  • Social Entrepreneurship, 5 Credits.
  • Applied New Venture Creation, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Integrate contextual factors when identifying a business opportunity in the creative industries.
    2. Apply innovation theory in the business context.
    3. Solve problems in the creative industries in creative ways through innovative thinking in order to generate business opportunities.
    4. Develop a new product from concept to delivery in a business venture in the creative industries.
    5. Develop and implement a business strategy for a business venture.
    6. Select and apply a financing model for a business venture.
    7. Apply a suitable leadership style for an innovative business venture.
    8. Apply Intellectual Property management as relevant to a particular business venture.
    9. Develop and implement marketing campaigns for a business venture.
    10. Develop social initiatives associated with a particular business venture.
    11. Manage the launch of a new venture in the Creative Industries in an innovative manner. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of micro and macro-economic principles as they apply to the creative industries.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the scope of the creative industries, and how they function, with a specific focus on financial sustainability and profitability.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the value of the creative industries and its contribution to society.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of how entrepreneurship utilises digital disruption to create business opportunities in the creative industries.
  • Identify opportunities for innovation in Creative Industries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to Innovation.
  • Evaluate complexities and uncertainties when selecting and applying innovation processes or techniques to solve problems.
  • Apply innovation techniques to specific contexts.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply theories, methods and techniques relevant to creativity and innovative thinking.
  • Identify contextual factors when applying creativity and innovation.
  • Apply multiple innovative thinking strategies in solving problems and identifying business opportunities in the creative industries.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply the processes that are commonly used in the development of technology based products and services in the creative industries.
  • Apply innovative thinking to develop products and services with a competitive advantage.
  • Conduct viability and feasibility assessments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop a business strategy for a start-up business.
  • Conduct effective market research to achieve an appropriate business strategy.
  • Implement a developed business strategy on a start-up business.
  • Process feedback from operational performance analysis to review a business strategy.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Apply theories, methods, techniques and finance models relevant to capital sourcing and management in the South African context.
  • Apply valuation methods, portfolio theory and elements of corporate finance relevant to a business venture.
  • Manage capital in a new venture context.
  • Identify risks involved in selecting a financing model with the aim of revising the model if needed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Apply theories, methods and techniques relevant to Innovative Leadership.
  • Select the most appropriate leadership style for a particular business venture in order to activate creativity and innovative thinking amongst staff.
  • Review the appropriateness of a leadership style to achieve optimal business performance, and to revise if required.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of local and international standards, laws and regulations for Intellectual Property management.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the role, value and ethics of Intellectual Property management in society at large.
  • Apply the standards, laws and regulations as it pertains to new technologies.
  • Apply Intellectual Property management principles to their own commercial venture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of Marketing and Communications principles, methods, models and strategies.
  • Apply Marketing and Communications models and strategies for the Creative Industries, and new technologies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the theory and practices associated with social entrepreneurship in a South African context.
  • Apply the theories, research methodologies, methods and techniques relevant to Social Innovation.
  • Identify and evaluate social problems and challenges in the South African context.
  • Explore innovative business solutions within the creative economies as appropriate for a particular business venture.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11:
  • Launch a new business venture in the Creative Industries that has the potential to be profitable and sustainable, including elements of social entrepreneurship.
  • Manage a new venture in a professional manner.
  • Adapt business strategies and operations innovatively according to the needs of a particular venture.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessments practices at this institution must be read in the context of its work-simulated, integrated and applied qualification. In this qualification all assignments and assessments culminate in the qualification Exit Level Outcome, which is the launch of a new business venture into the professional world of business.

    Learners have both an individual and collective responsibility towards this end goal, and the qualification therefore requires both individual and group assignments and assessments. Individual assignments take the form of written essays and a research report, and group assignments take the form of business plans and presentations in syndicate groups.

    Both individual and group assignments have formative and summative assessment methods. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Postgraduate Diplomas as a type in general, and in Innovation, are not offered internationally. However, this qualification does share characteristics with the following Postgraduate Diplomas in the field of innovation:

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation and Design Thinking, offered by the Emeritus Institute of Management in Singapore. This qualification focuses on design thinking as a methodology to equip learners to originate creative ideas, to validate these ideas by prioritising the best ones, and to do develop them from the seed stage to the marketplace. Learners also learn how to understand the full scope of organisational innovation and strategy required for successful implementation of the idea. This Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation follows a similar trajectory where learners ideate a business idea at the beginning of the qualification, design and implement business strategies to revise and refine the idea and then run the business in an incubator environment before launching it into the professional world of work.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Design for Innovation Strategy is offered by the IED - Istituto Europeo di Design in Barcelona, Spain. This qualification focuses on the design and innovation methodologies for the identification of new business opportunities to create tangible value solutions, and has very similar objectives to the Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation, namely:
  • To equip the learners with the set of skills to promote, develop and manage innovation through design, either on a project or within an organization.
  • To provide the knowledge and methodological tools to allow developing and managing innovative projects, from creating new products and services to create new business models or redefining processes, always from the perspective of "design thinking".
  • To understanding the design methodologies and processes that allow bringing ideas into practice.
  • To challenge established procedures to identify opportunities, implement innovative strategies through creativity and design, and to integrate all the knowledge involved in the innovation process.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation Management is offered by Atlantic University Alliance (NUI, Galway, the University of Limerick and University College Cork) in Ireland. This qualification provides learners with the knowledge and skills to meet the needs of companies in their drive towards innovation and establishing an innovative business environment. The qualification has the following objectives:
  • Identify and develop the skills necessary to manage innovation at both operational and strategic levels in their organisation.
  • Familiarise themselves with business process improvement methods and simulation tools.
  • Present a professional innovative idea to their peers with the potential to improve business within their organisation.

    Whereas the Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation will share similar content with regards to innovation thinking, business modelling and strategic thinking and the development and revision of ideas, this qualification focuses on the improvement of existing businesses, not the origination and launch of a lean start-up.

    The Postgraduate Diploma/MSc Innovation and Entrepreneurship is offered by Ulster University in Ireland. This qualification has been designed for managers who want to upskill themselves in existing business environments and who are in a position to influence business development through organisational change, market opportunities or technological exploitation. Although the purpose and intent of this qualification is different to the Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation, there is similarities in qualification content, as both deal with topics such as strategy, creativity, innovation, entrepreneurship, organisations, competitiveness, enterprise and marketing.

    The Postgraduate Diploma in Innovation cater for South African learners in particular with regard to the following by:
  • Stimulating entrepreneurship through using innovation to start their own ventures;
  • Providing a set of exit level skills that will make a learner employable and;
  • Providing learners with the knowledge and skills set to engage in research as the postgraduate level. 
    		•

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Management in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurial Management, Central University of Technology, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Leadership, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Design Technology, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Management in Entrepreneurship and New Venture Creation, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Technology: Entrepreneurship, NQF 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.
     
    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.