[Registered Qual & Unit Std Home page] [Search Qualifications] [Search Unit Standards]
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: 

Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
117952  Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis 
ORIGINATOR
Rhodes University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Advanced 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 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2020-12-04  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 Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis is to develop within learners a comprehensive understanding of the purpose, role, methods and techniques applicable in effective business analysis, (business) process modelling, (business) engineering, management consulting and either software testing or project management for sustainable business performance.

The knowledge and skills will form a crucial link in the development of effective business processes, management consulting and project management or software testing, thereby enhancing the competitiveness and organisational effectiveness, efficiency and economy of organisations in South Africa and the continent.

Rationale:
The justification for the qualification is consistent with the purpose and characteristics of an Advanced Diploma as outlined in the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (Council on Higher Education, 2013, p. 31).

This qualification culminates from the work-readiness programme funded by FASSET, the Sector Education and Training Authority for the financial services industry, First National Bank and Standard Bank (2013). The intention is to provide a whole qualification that meets the need that has been so successfully addressed by the Certificate offers. This qualification will provide entry-level vocational and professional preparation for learners wishing to pursue a career in Business Analysis, which has been identified as a critical skill.

The qualification will also provide a ladder of progression to the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis "through the deepening of their knowledge and understanding of theories, methodologies and practices in specific academic disciplines and fields, as well as the development of their ability to formulate, undertake and resolve more complex theoretical and practice-related problems and asks through the selection and use of appropriate methods and techniques".

The qualification will contribute towards the development of the country and the economy through developing learners who are capable of applying critical and analytical thinking and innovation in business and industry. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification may be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The institution has a policy for admission of learners who do not have a Diploma or Degree, based on Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). The learner is required to produce a portfolio of evidence (POE) that aligns to the entry requirements.

The POE much address each of the following:
  • Scope of Knowledge [e.g. applied knowledge of business analysis from work experience];
  • Knowledge literacy [e.g. evidence of having worked as a business analyst in projects];
  • Method and procedure [e.g. evidence of having used a recognised business analysis technique];
  • Problem-solving [e.g. evidence of having solved a business requirement or business process improvements problem];
  • Ethics and professional practice [e.g. evidence of having undertaken a needs assessment or completed a project on time to the client's satisfaction];
  • Accessing, processing and managing information [e.g. evidence of having sourced all the requisite artefacts to complete the business improvement project];
  • Producing and communicating information [e.g. in the form of project reports, Gannt charts];
  • Context and systems [e.g. evidence of how a project worked on fit within the needs of the organisation];
  • Management of learning [e.g. how project leader or user feedback was reflected upon];
  • Accountability [e.g. evidence of having worked in a team and taking responsibility for decisions made and or actions taken].

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • An appropriate 360-Credit Diploma, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • 240-Credit Diploma plus successful completion of an accredited work-integrated learning component equivalent to 120 Credits, NQF Level 6.
    Or
  • An appropriate Bachelor's Degree, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 120 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, 80 Credits:
  • Sustainable Business Analysis, 40 Credits.
  • Management Consulting, 40 Credits.

    Elective Modules, 40 Credits (Choose/Select one module):
  • Software Testing, 40 Credits.
  • Project Management, 40 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of business process modelling utilising the W5 approach (What, When, Where, Who, Which) to enable Business Improvement.
    2. Apply business analysis methods through effective stakeholder engagement to achieve sustainable business practices.
    3. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the role of the business consultant.
    4. Present a range of recommended solutions demonstrating critical and reflexive understanding of business problems.
    5. Provide impactful presentations through insightful feedback in an ethical manner.
    6. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of the fundamentals and concepts of testing including the psychology and ethics, software development models, test levels, targets and maintenance as well as the difference between static and dynamic testing.
    7. Apply testing techniques, tool automation and strategic test management.
    8. Demonstrate a detailed overview of the fundamentals and concepts of project management.
    9. Apply project selection and strategy including Scope, Scheduling, Costs, Quality, Risk, Procurement, Stakeholder Management and Resource Management. Apply and evaluate AGILE and SCRUM methods.
    10. Plan and integrate processes including Work Breakdown Structures, Network Diagrams, Gantt Charts, Product Backlogs and User Stories. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Analyse and apply of relevant sustainable, ethical and accountable Business Analysis Practices to Business Improvement, including meaningful engagement with stakeholders.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Explain business process modelling and apply the W5 approach to analyse a business process.
  • Identify a business improvement strategy based on analysis of the W5 models created.
  • Identify analyse the benefits of stakeholder engagement in business process modelling for sustainable business practices.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Identify and apply what a consultant does in a relevant business context, the role process to be followed and draft a consultant's contracting proposal.
  • Describe the role that both ethical and accountable Business Consulting plays in business sustainability.
  • Describe the roles of a business consultant with particular business contexts.
  • Analyse a consultant's brief and draft a consultant's contracting proposal based on the brief.
  • Identify and apply the core financial literacy tools considered to be fundamental to effective consulting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Develop a range of options and solutions to solve the identified business problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Develop a detailed presentation to a business that provides feedback on the analysis, as well as a range of options and solutions to the identified business problem.
  • Reflect on the ethical and sustainability implications of the business solutions provided.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Describe the fundamentals and concepts of testing in an implementation context.
  • Describe and apply the various test techniques in an implementation context.
  • Report on testing outcomes, risks and incidents.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Demonstrate the use of testing techniques and tools outlining benefits and risks of test automation and support.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Describe and apply the fundamentals and concepts of project management.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Describe and apply project selection and strategy.
  • Demonstrate basic mastery of project planning software and integration of processes.
  • Compare and contrast traditional and agile methodologies, identifying when to use which method based on project criteria.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:
  • Demonstrate a basic mastery of project auditing skills including the reading and interpreting of project Gantt charts.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The institution uses both formative and summative assessment to create an opportunity for learners to demonstrate through a variety of procedures how they have grown as professionals. Summative assessment consists of on-line tests, written assignments for each module and a Capstone Project with supporting Portfolio of Evidence (PoE). A variety of assessment methods and tools may include, but are not limited to, any of the following: Written and computer-based examinations, Problem-solving assignments and exercises, Case studies and research projects, Practice in simulated contexts, Portfolios of evidence of workplace (WIL) experience, Practical projects resulting in the production of completed podcasts and videos and Practical assessment of specified skills. The policy stipulates that assessment should be open and transparent to learners and encourages the use of multiple forms of assessment. The institution has an external examining policy that formalises acceptable good practice.

    Benchmarking of the assessment of learning achievements is at the exit level of the qualification and is subject to external examination by appropriately qualified academics. Completed moderated results by the external examiners will be sent to the Head of Department (HOD) of the School who consults with lecturers if there are borderline cases or situations where learners could not sit for the examination due to ill health. The Head of School after finalisation of the results then forwards the mark sheets to the Registrar's office for processing. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Many academic institutions offer certificates and qualifications in business analysis, project management and Information Technology (IT) related disciplines.
    The essence of this Advanced Diploma in Business Analysis and for international comparability, the following are closely comparable:

    Britain:
    The British Computer Society (BCS), The Chartered Institute for IT, offers an International Diploma in Business Analysis. This is selected as an example as it confirms the professional nature of being a Business Analyst and its international significance. This Diploma is designed for business and IT professionals who want to demonstrate they have a detailed understanding of business analysis best practice. Learners are required to pass four modules and sit for an oral examination. Core modules are Business Analysis Practice and Requirements Engineering (both must be passed).
    Knowledge-based modules are Business Analysis Foundation, Business Change, IS Project Management, Organisational Behaviour and Commercial Behaviour (one must be passed).

    Practitioner modules are Modelling Business Processes, Systems Modelling Techniques, Systems Development Essentials, Data Management Essentials and Benefits Management and Business Acceptance (one must be passed). Holders of the IIBA Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) are exempted from the Requirements Engineering and Knowledge-based module.

    Having achieved the International Diploma in Business Analysis and having five years of work experience, the Advanced International Diploma in Business Analysis can be undertaken. It aims to gain independent, industry-wide recognition as a senior business analyst by demonstrating experience, expertise and contribution to the BA profession. It is undertaken via skills professionalism, namely Analytical Skills (one chosen from Business Architecture, Advanced Requirements Engineering, Data Analysis and Agile Analysis), Business Skills (one chosen from Business Finance, Benefits Planning & Realisation) and People Skills (one chosen from Stakeholder Engagement, Team Leadership) as well as an additional module from either Analytical or Business Skills.

    Canada:
    McGill University's School of Continuing Studies offers Professional Development Certificates in Project Management and Business Analysis. It is noted that whenever a project is undertaken, there is a need for a business analyst to validate it and a project manager to lead it. Qualified professionals are in high demand in every industry, ensuring that you'll have the opportunity to advance your career and make an impact that matters. This example was chosen as it confirms the complementary relevance of Business Analysis and Project Management.

    Germany:
    The International Qualifications Board for Business Analysts (IQBBA) offers a Foundation level qualification suitable for business and system analysts. The prospective learners to enrol for the Certified Foundation Level Business Analyst (CFLBA) are Engineers, Product owners and Product managers. It is a globally recognised certification with accredited examination and training centres in numerous countries. The content comprises of Fundamentals of Business Analysis; Strategy Definition; Management of Business Analysis Process; Requirements Engineering in Business Analysis; and Solution Evaluation and Optimisation. This example was chosen to highlight its global presence as a required skill set and qualification.

    In conclusion, this qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of similar modules and content coverage in some modules. 

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

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Project Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Logistics, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Supply Chain Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Analysis, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Enterprise Management, NQF Level 8. 
    		•

    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.