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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
125398  Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
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
Registered  EXCO 0638/26  2026-03-10  2029-03-10 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-03-10   2033-03-10  

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 
The primary objectives of the Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management are to provide a formal qualification for individuals in middle to senior management in manufacturing and service industries who are interested in advancing to more senior positions in larger organisations in Operations Management and related fields.

Connect skills and knowledge of various activities related to the Operations Management discipline by providing simulated learning through online animated smart factories and case studies in addition to theoretical learning so that practical and theoretical skills can be combined to enhance problem-solving and analytical skills and also to provide middle and senior managers with tools to manage operations in the 4IR dimension to steer organisations towards higher profitability and a more productive workforce.

Since the completion of the Postgraduate Diploma gives learners entrance into a Masters' degree, a module introducing learners to writing a research proposal is included in the curriculum. The integration and application of knowledge should increase the employability of students.

The qualification will enable learners to manage aspects of operations and supply chain in the manufacturing and service industries. The syllabi will build on contemporary issues in Operations Management that deals with the circular economy, which is founded on sustainability principles, risk management in the operations context and how to mitigate risk, understanding the role of people in the smart technological environment, and converting operations information into intelligence that can be used in decision-making and business models.

The field of Operations Management offers diverse perspectives through continually changing economies and technologies, and the skilled professional will be able to advise on issues of changing capacity planning, risk management, forecasting, quality, and process analysis of the end-to-end value chain. The integration of processes, emerging trends, changing technologies, evolving job design elements and automation offers the learners integrated learning to transform current practices and cultivate purposeful leadership that can explore inclusive business models F through alternative paths through actionable insights to establish new best practices.

The transformation of the current labour-intensive nature of the industry through Industry 4.0 technologies and the various skills levels in Operations Management will provide a vast array of employment opportunities for many South Africans at varying degrees of skills development. Successful learners will also be equipped with the necessary entrepreneurial skills to establish their own businesses.

Upon completion of the qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Evaluate modelling and decision techniques, tools and methods required for the development of business models and problem-solving for strategic advantage by using various sources of information and data
  • Contextualise current, lagging and standard practices concerning technologies, tools, methods and processes used in operations to synchronise strategies for increased efficiencies and other impacts on operations, sustainability, management, organisations and economy for the different organisational maturity levels in practical scenarios.
  • Assess the different human resource skills that are necessary at the organisation's different maturity levels and competency of the eco-system to support the selected practices (technologies, tools, methods and processes) to enhance organisational and eco-system goals by means of practical scenarios and case studies.
  • Demonstrate strategy and competitive priorities through designing goods and services, manufacturing processes and service delivery systems by using technology and integrated operating systems in manufacturing, service operations and value chains as well as their role in a business/organisation/institution and apply the relevant/appropriate models, tools, techniques and methods to relevant OM scenarios.

    Rationale:
    In view of the updated technologies and processes of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), development has rendered many programmes outdated as people are not adequately prepared for the workplace.

    With repetitive tasks being programmed to be completed by machines as part of the automation imperative to enhance productivity, the work of humans has significantly changed.
    It is against this backdrop that the need for a Postgraduate Diploma in Operations Management was identified. By understanding these technological advancements and how they apply to operations management, middle and senior managers will be able to adapt their strategic plans, operational requirements and ensure that people with the right skills are employed in their organisations.

    The business environment has been disrupted, and service and manufacturing organisations has had to re-engineer their products and service designs, processes as well as their human capital. It has therefore become necessary to build the necessary skills for people to work on different levels in the world of the 4IR. Although the discipline of Operations Management originated in manufacturing, the elements of the discipline forms part of many sectors and disciplines, including service-based organisations. The way in which managers manage plants and operations has changed as artificial intelligence is automating many routine tasks, thus removing the human element from tasks and processes. Managers are thus expected to engage on more creative and stimulating work that relies on human insight.

    Industry and other university partners formed part of a market survey and confirmed the need for the introduction of the proposed qualification and knowledge areas. The Department of Operations Management liaised with external organisations from industry to put together content related to smart factories that can be used to teach learners how to plan, forecast, and perform numerous other tasks that are included in the curriculum. The qualification aims to integrate and assess critical Operations Management elements that will be based on a simulated work environment to better equip learners with hands-on knowledge that can be implemented in their work environments for middle to senior managers in a production and Operations Management capacity. Service industries generally have a flatter structure, but there may be a few layers of middle managers in manufacturing organisations.

    The qualification has been designed to meet the needs of both service and manufacturing sectors for employees with the appropriate critical, analytical and organisational skills that is suitable for middle to senior managers in the operations discipline. The curriculum content covers a variety of applicable subject matter that is geared to develop cognitive thinking and problem-solving capabilities. The qualification will target middle and senior managers. Managers will be equipped with skills to manage operations that also use the latest technologies in making strategic decisions. Possible workplace disruptions that managers need to manage include:
  • Increased use of big data and data analytics to enhance business performance in terms of time and cost savings, new product development and understanding market conditions.
  • Using and exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can improve company performance.
  • Robot-related productivity gains as an increasing proportion of tasks are automated.
  • The use of robotics and connected devices may make the workplace safer.
  • The rise of automation requires individuals to adopt new skills to remain employable.
  • In manufacturing, detailed data analysis is used to monitor product quality, track defects and plan supply chains.

    Successful learners can progress to senior managerial positions such as Production and Operations Manager, Strategic Planner, Purchase Analyst/Assistant, Materials Analyst, Materials Manager, Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Inventory Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Sourcing Manager, Warehousing Manager, etc. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Unisa's recognition of prior learning is based on the premise that people learn both formally and informally. In the RPL process, emphasis is placed on the outcomes of learning and not the place of learning. This reflects a shift from the lecturer-centred approach to a learner-centred approach. RPL further assumes that competencies, skills, and knowledge that were gained in one context, i.e., the workplace are transferrable to the academic environment.

    Various skills, competencies and experiences acquired outside of formal education during employment and training, may be measured against specified prescribed learning outcomes of the curricula of the qualification.
    The informal and non-formal training, life and work experience in service and manufacturing organisations must be able to be reliably assessed and certified for credits at Unisa. RPL will be applied in line with the regulations of the Council on Higher Education and all admission through RPL must be in accordance with the principles laid down in the Unisa RPL Policy.

    It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and the University accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credit that is aligned to university qualifications to promote lifelong learning. Therefore, recognition may be granted for non-formal prior experiential learning.

    The RPL process may involve, among other things, the submission of portfolios with evidence of prior learning, challenge assessments, and interviews with assessment panels. Certified copies of documents confirming the number of years, and nature of, work experience and training will have to be submitted, as well as certified copies of any qualifications obtained where applicable.
  • Learners are required to complete 50% of a qualification at the certificating institution. Credits achieved through RPL must not exceed 50% of the total credits and must not include credits at the exit level.
  • Recognition of prior learning (RPL) may be used to demonstrate competence for admission to this qualification.
  • Evidence of prior learning must be accessed through formally recognised RPL processes to recognise achievement thereof.
  • Learners submitting themselves for RPL should be thoroughly briefed prior to the assessment and will be required to submit a Portfolio of Evidence in the prescribed format to be assessed for formal recognition. While this is primarily a workplace-based qualification, evidence from other areas of learning may be introduced if pertinent to any of the Exit Level Outcomes (ELOs).

    All such evidence should be judged according to the general principles of assessment described in the notes to assessors. The institution's lecturers act as assessors for RPL purposes.

    Entry Requirements:
  • Advanced Diploma in Operations Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Bachelors' degree, NQF Level 7 in a related field. that includes Operations Management in its curriculum. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits:
  • Business Modelling and Simulation, 24 Credits
  • Advanced Methods and Practices for Operations Management and Control, 24 Credits.
  • Advanced Operations Management, 24 Credits.
  • Introduction to Proposal Writing, 24 Credits.
  • Operations Risk Management, 24 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Evaluate modelling and decision techniques, tools and methods required for the development of business models and problem solving for strategic advantage by using various sources of information and data.
    2. Contextualise current, lagging and standard practices concerning technologies, tools, methods and processes used in operations to synchronise strategies for increased efficiencies and other impacts on operations, sustainability, management, organisations and economy for the different organisational maturity levels in practical scenarios.
    3. Assess the different human resource skills that are necessary at the organisation's different maturity levels and competency of the eco-system to support the selected practices (technologies, tools, methods and processes) to enhance organisational and eco-system goals by means of practical scenarios and case studies.
    4. Compile a research proposal.
    5. Demonstrate strategy and competitive priorities through designing goods and services, manufacturing processes and service delivery systems by using technology and integrated operating systems in manufacturing, service operations and value chains.
    6. Create a risk management plan through effective communication in projects by applying risk management strategies for Operations Management and propose risk prevention and risk mitigating strategies to reduce the impact of current and future risks. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Conduct problem-oriented approach in simulation and problem analysis (data collection, experimental factors, factors levels, objectives and conceptual model).
  • Apply model construction and validation techniques in simulations.
  • Evaluate historic simulations to apply to current and future practical scenarios.
  • Critically review, consolidate and understand a systematic and coherent body of knowledge in illustrative business cases.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Contextualise emerging supply chain and Operations Management practices in terms of technologies, tools and methods in practical scenarios.
  • Design and optimise efficiencies of natural resources in Operations Management to enhance a more sustainable business ecosystem in case study environments.
  • Apply concepts of current deemed, lagging and standard practices concerning the latest technologies, tools, methods, processes to practical examples.
  • Articulate the benefits and deficiencies associated with practices in practical examples.
  • Describe the different levels of business maturity in terms of the Oliver Wright Maturity Model and identify these in businesses through practical examples.
  • Synthesise and deploy the types of practices at different levels of business maturity by means of technologies, tools, methods and processes.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Deploy technology, tools, methods and processes to close gaps identified through practical examples.
  • Prioritise the order in which the identified gaps should be addressed in practical examples.
  • Compile a balanced score card for the organisation in line with pre-identified gaps, challenges, societal and sustainability points of view.
  • Compile a human resource impact analysis with due cognisance of the human resource displacement these practices may cause and the plan to accommodate this displacement in case study examples.
  • Produce an implementation plan to address upskilling, technology changes and process changes in organisations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Choose a theoretical framework to frame the research question, hypothesis/propositions and research objectives
  • Identify and compose a research problem and motivate the significance of the problem.
  • Identify ethical considerations such as access to information.
  • Compose research question, hypothesis/propositions and research objectives.
  • Complete the introduction to the research proposal.
  • Incorporate suitable theory into the proposal.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Analyse the operations design choices and infrastructure decisions by making trade-offs in order to develop a viable operations strategy for the operation.
  • Distinguish between the five major competitive priorities for business success and their impact on operations.
  • Investigate how manufacturing and service technology is changing the role of business relationships, and in doing so, strengthening the value chain.
  • Apply the fundamental design approaches and tools used for developing manufactured goods and associated manufacturing processes by using integrative case studies.
  • Demonstrate how the elements of a service delivery system support the customer benefit package design which sets the stage for service encounter design and execution.
  • Justify why product and process decisions (projects, job shops, flow shops, continuous flow) must be made simultaneously and explain how the product-process matrix may guide process choice decisions in manufacturing.
  • Identify opportunities for improving processes by using process maps to analyse and select specific areas for improvement.
  • Distinguish between the different types of layout patterns and point out their relationship to process choice, including the methods for evaluating alternative layout plans.
  • Justify the importance of addressing social and environmental aspects of work in designing jobs and team-based processes to enhance employee motivation and satisfaction.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Categorise the types of risk and risk categories by applying the required governance and organisational constructs and match an appropriate approach to mitigate risks in simulated examples.
  • Define the components that collectively form a sound operational risk management framework in support of the requirements prescribed by the Basel II Accord.
  • Analyse methods of risk audits and project risk reviews in simulated examples.
  • Develop a comprehensive risk management plan for a project.
  • Develop response plans for top risks that include approaches to avoid, mitigate, accept, and transfer risks.
  • Identify and analyse risks faced by an entity and dissect real business cases by using corporate governance, operational and reputational risk management techniques.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The assessments for this qualification will follow a continuous assessment approach. A minimum of six assessments per module will be compiled for learners to complete during the academic year.

    Formative Assessment:
    Learners are assessed during learning path and not at the end of the learning period. This type of assessment therefore contests the traditional single summative assessment mechanism at the end of the academic year by essentially combing the formative and summative assessments to reflect mastery of module content and learning outcomes on a continuous basis.

    Learners can therefore accumulate marks during the academic year.
    The lecturer of each respective module will determine the weighting of the assessment based on the learning outcomes of that part of the syllabus and would also need to decide on the type of assessment to be used. Weights would however need to be allocated in such a way that learners do not achieve a pass mark before having completed the whole syllabus.

    Assessors should assess and give credit for evidence of learning that has been acquired through formal and informal learning. The assessments will make use of case studies, group-based assessments, peer evaluations, simulation in a structured environment, self-evaluations, online collaborative learning tasks, online self-assessments, written assignments and real-life work-based case studies. Assessments will ensure that specific learning outcomes, knowledge and critical cross-field outcomes are evaluated.

    Internal and external moderation for formative assessments:
    Within Unisa, the primary lecturer compiles and marks formative assessments. External markers that comply with the relevant criteria and qualifications will assist with marking where modules attract high study numbers.

    The quality of all assessments and study material for NQF level 8 modules are checked by the primary lecturer, the secondary lecturer, as well as an external moderator. The Chair of Department signs off the Tutorial letter 101, which contains the assessments. The same system of internal, second assessors, as well as external moderators are used to moderate the marking process and marked assessments. Such second assessors are senior members of staff. The Secondary lecturer and external moderator each generate a moderator report. All staff involved with these modules must have master's and doctoral degrees. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification was compared to the following international qualifications:

    Country: India.
    Institution: Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBU) .
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
    Duration: 2-year period.
    Entry requirement: Bachelor's Degree in any subject.

    Purpose:
    The Postgraduate Diploma in Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU) is a 2-year, semester-based distance learning program aimed at preparing professionals for careers in logistics, procurement, and operations. The curriculum covers core areas like logistics, distribution, and strategic supply chain management.

    Qualification structure:
    Modules:
  • Project Management (Operations).
  • Logistics and Distribution Management.
  • Concepts in Supply Chain Management.
  • Legal Aspects of Supply Chain Management.
  • Strategic Supply Chain Management.
  • E-Business.
  • Entrepreneurship Development and Management.
  • International Supply Chain Management.
  • Warehouse Management.
  • Green Logistics and Supply Chains.
  • Research Methodology.
  • MNO4805 - Operations Risk Management.

    Exit outcomes:
  • Advanced knowledge: Graduates will possess a deep understanding of logistics and supply chain management principles, theories, and best practices. They will be equipped with specialized knowledge in areas such as procurement, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, and distribution.
  • Analytical and problem-solving skills: Learners will be able to analyse complex logistics and supply chain challenges, identify areas for improvement, and develop effective solutions. They will have proficiency in using analytical tools, data analysis techniques, and modelling approaches to optimize logistics processes and enhance overall supply chain performance.
  • Strategic thinking: Learners will have the ability to think strategically and align logistics and supply chain strategies with organizational goals. They will be capable of assessing the impact of globalization, technological advancements, and market trends on supply chain operations and developing strategies for competitive advantage.

    Similarities:
  • The South African (SA) qualification is designed for middle to senior managers in manufacturing & services; prepares for leadership in Industry.
  • The Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBU) provides knowledge and skills in logistics, distribution, SCM, and international trade; designed for working professionals via distance learning.
  • The SA qualification learners will be able to critically evaluate modelling and decision techniques, tools and methods required for the development of business models and problem solving for strategic advantage by using various sources of information and data.
  • Similarly, the MPBU qualification apply SCM concepts in practical contexts; manage logistics operations; conduct research; measure SCM performance; integrate sustainability and risk management.
  • Both qualifications emphasise risk management, sustainability, and research methodology, but the SA qualification leans toward operations strategy and leadership, while the MPBU qualification leans toward logistics execution and supply chain integration.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification Grants entry into master's degree (NQF Level 9), whereas the MPBU qualification may support entry into higher studies depending on university rules.

    Country: Scotland
    Institution: University of Strathclyde, Glasgow (USG).
    Qualification: Postgraduate Diploma in Supply Chain and Operations Management.
    Credits: 120.
    Duration:
    Entry requirements:
  • A first or second-class honors degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant field.
    Or
  • Be deemed, by the Course Director (or nominee) acting on behalf of Senate, to have achieved an academic standard equivalent to (i) above.

    Purpose:
    The University of Strathclyde in Glasgow offers a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Supply Chain and Operations Management, often taken as an exit qualification or pathway within their MSc programs in the Department of Design, Manufacture and Engineering Management. The curriculum focuses on strategic, tactical, and operational, enabling, sustainable, and digitized supply chain management.
    Graduates are prepared for roles such as Supply Chain Managers, Procurement Specialists, Logistics Managers, and Operations Analysts across various industries, including manufacturing, retail, and consultancy. The courses are designed for those with backgrounds in support functions such as sales, maintenance, finance, and marketing.

    Compulsory modules:
  • DM927 Strategic Supply Chain Management, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • DM926 Supply Chain Operations, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • DM928 Enterprise Resource Planning, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • DM935 Management of Total Quality and Continuous Improvement, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • DM944 Product Costing and Financial Management, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • DM969 Advanced Project Management, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • MS971 Business, Operations and Supply Chain Strategy, Level 5, 10 Credits.
  • MS970 Case Studies in Supply Chain Management, Level 5, 10 Credits.

    The learning outcomes are:
  • Gain an in-depth understanding of the strategic and operational issues relating to supply chain management.
  • contribute towards making organisations.
  • Designed for those who will work within supply chain management.
  • Suitable for anyone with a background in support functions such as sales, maintenance, finance and marketing.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are designed for senior managers in manufacturing & service industries; prepares for leadership in Industry, with the USG mostly providing with in-depth understanding of strategic and operational issues in supply chain management; designed for professionals across functions.
  • The SA's qualification focus area is in operations management, risk management, sustainability, circular economy, smart factories, integration of people & technology, proposal writing.
  • Similarly, the USG qualification focuses on procurement, logistics, distribution, supply chain strategy, international operations, efficiency improvement, and organizational competitiveness.

    Differences:
  • The SA qualification is offered over one year full-time at NQF Level 8 with 120 credits, whereas the USG qualification is offered over 9 months full-time. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Transport and Logistics, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Commerce, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Business Leadership, NQF Level 9.

    Diagonal articulation:
  • National Occupational Certificate: Road Transport Supervisor, NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.