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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Events Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
88898  Higher Certificate in Events Management 
ORIGINATOR
Open Learning Group 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 11 - Services  Hospitality, Tourism, Travel, Gaming and Leisure 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered-data under construction  EXCO 0324/24  2024-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

Registered-data under construction

The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered.

 

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.  

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Higher Certificate: Events Management equips learners with the intellectual competencies and practical skills to be able to analyse, interpret, understand and apply events management principles, processes and procedures in the context of events planning and management. The proposed qualification will contribute towards the intended outcomes by providing the learner with a range of introductory and basic knowledge and competencies in fields such as business communications, information systems, and financial management. Furthermore, it will also provide the student with knowledge about general management principles and specific events planning, management and marketing principles. Practical decision-making skills will be facilitated by means of case studies, which require a critical situation analysis, the selection and interpretation of relevant information and implementation of decisions.

Furthermore, the qualification will provide learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and competencies to start their own events management businesses and become entrepreneurs, so helping to address a critical shortage of employment opportunities in the South African labour market.

Rationale:
The National Scarce Skills List of 2008 identified Events Management and related occupations such as Event Support and Conference Management, as an occupation field with a substantial demand. This fact is reflected in discussions with the industry, such as hotels, conference, wedding and sports venues, and companies specialising in events management activities.
As South Africa is becoming more acceptable for hosting international events, the magnitude of this demand will become even greater.

Scanning the education and training possibilities available for Events Management and related training, it becomes clear that limited options are available. Training in this regard is mainly at Further Education and Training Level, and often only as skills programmes, with limited possibilities at higher education level. The industry confirms this and is greatly concerned about articulation and progression particularly to higher education qualifications.

Open Learning Group has therefore taken a strategic decision to develop programmes in the events management arena, and to provide progression of qualifications in this field, so as to allow for "life-long learning". 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
It is assumed that learners have NQF Level 4 Language and Mathematical Literacy competencies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This qualification can be achieved in part through recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and workplace experience, in terms of the criteria laid out in the OLG RPL Policy. Learners who do not meet the minimum admission requirements can apply for admission through recognition of prior learning.

Access to Qualification:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC), or equivalent, with English as first or additional language.
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV), or equivalent, with English as subject. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    All the modules in the Higher Certificate: Events Management, NQF Level 5, are compulsory and total 120 Credits:
  • Digital and Computer Literacy, 10 Credits.
  • Business Communication for Events Managers, 10 Credits.
  • Events Planning and Management, 20 Credits.
  • Events Marketing, 20 Credits.
  • Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Work Integrated Learning in Events Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply events management knowledge, concepts, principles and theories in context.
    2. Select, evaluate, and analyse information relevant to events management.
    3. Apply sound financial management principles in an events management environment.
    4. Plan and effectively manage an event.
    5. Market and effectively promote an event.
    6. Conceptualise and start up a small events management business.
    7. Perform the normal functions and roles of an events manager.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:

    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Define the discipline of events management.
  • Explain events management as an occupation.
  • Identify situations where events management principles and systems could be applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Evaluate, select and analyse information relevant to events management tasks.
  • Communicate effectively and efficiently using the correct written and oral terminology, format and rules appropriate to the events management environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply basic accounting and cost management literacy.
  • Explain accounting concepts and terminology.
  • Determine selling price of merchandise.
  • Record cost information and prepare reports and returns in accordance with workplace procedures.
  • Classify costs into various categories and be able to do relevant costing.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of concepts related to labour, overheads and job costing.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of budgets and budgetary control.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain the events industry both locally and internationally.
  • Explain the concept of events management.
    > Range: Legislative requirements; financial plan, budget and control systems; sponsorship and fundraising; logistical processes; managerial principles; risk and safety management plan.
  • Utilise various strategies to plan an event.
    > Range: Conference, festival, corporate and sport.
  • Evaluate the planning strategies and effectiveness of an event.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Describe the multifunctional discipline of events marketing.
  • Research markets using various types of marketing research instruments.
  • Design a marketing plan and related strategies to promote an event.
  • Apply costing and funding of events marketing initiatives.
  • Market special events such as weddings, conferences, sporting events and festivals.
  • Identify trends and innovations in events marketing.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain business management and various theories and tasks of management.
  • Explain the micro, market, and macro environment of an enterprise as well as forces impacting on the establishment of an enterprise.
  • Explain the purpose, structure, and responsibilities of the different functions of a typical business enterprise, as well as the degree of integration with other functions.
  • Understand and explain planning, organising, leading and controlling in the management process.
  • Understand and explain entrepreneurship and the different types an entrepreneur.
  • Explain the difference in management in the various forms of ownership.
  • Explain the role of operations management in an organisation.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Write a report on events management as an occupation and refer to how the theoretical sub components are applied within the events management environment.
  • Identify and report on situations where events management principles and systems could be applied.
  • Describe how you would apply various events management and related principles in practice.
  • Describe the operational practices and procedures required within the events management environment.
  • Evaluate and report on the effectiveness of an event.
  • Provide an example of a budget for a particular event and include the various sub components such as costing.
  • Write a report which identifies and explains the various business and management tools and skills which could contribute to the growth of an events management business.
  • Compile a research document indicating the career options and possibilities within the industry.
  • Appropriately and effectively communicate and disseminate this information.

    Integrated Assessment:

    Assessment is conducted in accordance to the Open Learning Group (OLG) Assessment Policy. Formative assessment takes place by means of assignments that include evidence of job-related application of knowledge, and summative assessment by means of examinations. Feedback on assignments is communicated, on the assignment itself, electronically on the e-learning platform, in tutorial letters, and discussed during contact sessions.

    The assessment of the Work Integrated Learning (WIL) module would be focussed on the practical and generic skills with the emphasis on WDTL (Work Directed Theoretical Learning). There will also be a strong focus on problem based learning. Formative assessment will be in the form of reports, assignments, feedback from mentors/supervisors, self-assessments, check list, case studies, log books, presentations and research tasks. All of the above will be compiled in a portfolio of evidence (POE). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Higher Certificate Events Management (Open Learning Group, OLG) was compared with the Event Management Certificate programme at the George Washington University, Washington DC and the Certificate Programme on Event and Function Management at the Hong Kong Institute of Management and Event Management courses in the USA. Similarities were found in the following modules:

    George Washington University - Event Management; Risk Management: Financial, Legal and Ethical Safeguards; Best Practices in Event Management; Event Coordination.

    Hong Kong Institute of Management - Types of Events and Functions; Event and Function Planning and Management; Planning and Budgeting; Site Studies; Event Marketing; Event Planners; Managing Event Design and Decoration; Event Information Systems; Principles of Event and Function Management; Financial and Risk Management.

    Event Management Courses - USA - Event Management Planning; Coordinating Events; Marketing the Event; Event Risk Management; Corporate Event Management; Organising Conferences; Exhibition Management; Presentation Skills; Event Management Pitch Project.

    The following modules of OLG compare favourably- Events Planning and Management, Events Marketing, Business Management, Financial Management to the other international institutes. However OLG has opted for generic modules rather than specialisations. OLG has added the Digital and computer Literacy as well as the Work Integrated Learning so that students can get first-hand experience in this field. We can thus deduce the Higher Certificate in Events Management as offered by OLG compares favourably with international standards. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Vertical Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates vertically with inter alia, Diploma: Hospitality Management at NQF Level 6.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • This qualification articulates horizontally with, inter alia, a Higher Certificate: Hospitality Management at NQF Level 5. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Moderation takes place in accordance with the Open Learning Group Moderation Policy. This Policy provides for a moderation process that verifies that assessments are fair, reliable, valid, practicable and transparent and also evaluates assessor performance. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    Assessors for this qualification should:
  • Hold at least a relevant qualification, one level higher than this qualification.
  • Have at least two years experience as an assessor in the subject matter and assessment.
  • Show competence in the planning and conducting of assessment of learning outcomes and in the design and development of assessment. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2015. 

    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. Open Learning Group 


    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.