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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: |
| Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 97100 | Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| Nelson Mandela University | ||||
| PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
| CHE - Council on Higher Education | HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
| QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
| Diploma (Min 360) | Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies | Office Administration | ||
| ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
| Undefined | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0733/25 | 2024-06-30 | 2027-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-30 | 2033-06-30 | |||
| 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 replaces: |
| Qual ID | Qualification Title | Pre-2009 NQF Level | NQF Level | Min Credits | Replacement Status |
| 87129 | National Diploma: Inventory and Stores Management | Level 6 | NQF Level 06 | 360 | Complete |
| PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
| Purpose:
The purpose of the Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management qualification is to equip learners with foundational and advanced knowledge of inventory management and control principles, tools, and strategies, to prepare them to operate effectively and efficiently in organisations independently or under supervision, in a range of materials, logistics, and warehousing positions. The qualification will provide learners with industry-relevant skills and competencies by providing a theoretical and strategic understanding of various inventory management and control principles, while developing soft skills and professional growth. This includes the competencies in inventory control, purchasing, warehouse operations, materials handling, and distribution skills, which are in high demand within logistics and supply chain sectors. Inventory management roles are increasingly vital in South Africa's economy, particularly in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, and e-commerce; therefore, the target learners are matriculants or learners with Supply Chain Management and Logistics Management related experience. The qualification will enable learners to think critically by analysing the dynamics of the internal and external inventory management environments, thereby allowing them to make informed decisions that contribute to organisational success. The Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management provides an articulation route for learners into the Advanced Diploma in Business Studies (Logistics) qualification. On completion of the qualification, the learner will be able to demonstrate self-directed, lifelong learning and the ability to work independently, setting goals for personal and professional development. Additionally, the learner will be able to apply innovative and critical thinking to solve logistical problems, contributing to sustainable development. Furthermore, the qualified learner will be able to use the qualification to seek employment in inventory and store management A qualified learner will be able to demonstrate Nelson Mandela University's graduate attributes and key occupational tasks, including but not limited to the following: Foundational Knowledge and Literacies Learning Innovations and Competencies Life and Career Skills Occupational Tasks Critical learner outcomes are essential for the learner's personal and professional development. Through the Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management, the learner will be able to think critically, enabling them to assess situations, analyse information, and make informed decisions. The learner will also be able to solve problems effectively by identifying challenges, evaluating possible solutions, and taking appropriate action. In addition, the learner will be able to communicate clearly and confidently, both in writing and verbally, while also listening actively to others. Finally, the learner will be able to work well in teams, showing respect for different viewpoints, contributing meaningfully, and helping to achieve shared organisational goals. Rationale: As a subdiscipline of Logistics Management, the Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management is designed to respond to the operational needs of South African industries, as this qualification provides learners with a comprehensive curriculum with a strong focus on in-depth knowledge of inventory control principles, storage systems, and materials handling processes. Emphasising both strategic and functional competencies, the diploma equips graduates to manage inventory assets effectively, ensure continuity in supply chain operations, and apply best practices in warehouse and stock management. Through comprehensive consultations with diverse stakeholders, including industry experts, supply chain specialists, the internal departmental advisory board, and academic experts both within and beyond the institution, it has been identified that there is a demonstrable and growing need for specialised competencies in inventory and stores management. The Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management is strategically designed to address this need, thus making a substantive contribution to national priorities encompassing skills development, economic growth, employment creation, entrepreneurship, and social equity. This qualification addresses critical skill gaps in the supply chain, logistics, and warehousing sectors by enhancing professional standards and supporting operational efficiency in inventory and stores management. Furthermore, the qualification is designed to empower learners with the competencies required to effectively manage stock control, procurement, warehousing, and distribution functions in a variety of industries. The qualification is suited to a diverse group of learners, including recent school leavers, working professionals seeking career progression, and individuals aiming to specialise in inventory and stores management. Prospective learners should be critical thinkers who bring unique perspectives to inventory control and management environments, contributing to a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of South Africa's dynamic economic environment. |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regards to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.
RPL for access: RPL for exemption of modules RPL for credit: The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is: Or Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory and/or elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, totalling 390 credits.
Compulsory Modules, NQF level 5, 120 Credits: Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 270 Credits: |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Evaluate appropriate principles and techniques of materials and warehousing management to ensure effective handling, storage, control, and movement of goods within the supply chain.
2. Analyse and evaluate inventory control systems and materials handling processes to optimise warehouse operations in diverse business contexts. 3. Evaluate inventory and stores management strategies across diverse industry contexts, demonstrating ethical reasoning and accountability in decision-making that reflects value-driven operational practices. 4. Integrate knowledge from logistics concepts and evaluate best practices in real-world business contexts through case-study-based learning. 5. Evaluate effective inventory control systems, interpret stock movement information, and employ appropriate storage and distribution strategies. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Integrated Assessment: Formative Assessment: Formative assessments are used to provide ongoing feedback throughout each module, facilitated through peer reviews, draft submissions, facilitator guidance, and collaborative learning activities. These formative processes support continuous development and include activities such as policy discussions, curriculum design critiques, assessment practice simulations, and research methodology seminars. Each activity is designed to build competencies across the Inventory and Stores Management qualification progressively. Summative assessments include integrated portfolios and reflective assignments that assess the ability to synthesize knowledge across the four Exit Level Outcomes, while applying specialized expertise developed through their chosen elective. The final integrated portfolio requires learners to demonstrate how policy analysis informs curriculum design, how assessment practice supports educational innovation, and how research methodology underpins evidence-based practice in higher education. These elements are contextualized within quality enhancement or educational leadership approaches. Work Integrated Learning (WIL) constitutes a fundamental component of the Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management, specifically designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and practical industry engagement. It offers learners a structured opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge within real-world contexts across inventory, warehousing, and logistics operations, thereby enhancing both their employability and professional competence. Through supervised industry placements, learners are actively involved in key operational activities such as stock control, warehouse layout design, materials handling, procurement, and distribution coordination. Guided by experienced supervisors or mentors, learners further cultivate essential soft skills, including effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and adaptability. Additionally, exposure to industry-relevant enterprise systems and technologies, such as Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), ensures that learners gain familiarity with the digital tools commonly used in professional practice. This experiential learning component supports self-directed development and reinforces the university's graduate attributes by fostering professionalism, resilience, and ethically responsible work behaviour. |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| The Diploma in Inventory and Stores Management offered has been compared with two international qualifications: the International Diploma in Logistics and Transport offered by the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) in the United Kingdom, and the Diploma in Supply Chain Management offered by the Kenya Institute of Management (KIM) in Kenya. These qualifications were selected based on their relevance to logistics, inventory, and supply chain education, and their alignment with professional and academic standards within their respective national qualifications' frameworks.
The selection of these qualifications for comparison was informed by their curricular focus on inventory control, warehousing, procurement, and logistics operations, which are core components of the South African (SA) qualification. Furthermore, both international qualifications are situated within structured national qualifications frameworks (the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework and Kenya's KNQF), which facilitate meaningful benchmarking against South Africa's NQF Level 6. In terms of entry requirements, the CILT diploma in the United Kingdom admits candidates with prior academic qualifications such as a National Diploma, HND, or a first degree, alongside relevant professional experience. The Kenyan diploma requires a minimum KCSE grade of C- or a KNQF Level 5 qualification. NMU's diploma typically admits learners with a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or equivalent, which aligns with the Kenyan qualification and is slightly less demanding than the CILT diploma's professional entry criteria. The exit level outcomes (ELOs) of all three qualifications reflect a shared emphasis on developing competencies in inventory management, warehousing, procurement, logistics, and supply chain management. The SA qualification focuses on equipping graduates with both theoretical and applied knowledge relevant to inventory and stores environments. The diploma offered by CILT emphasises strategic logistics and transport planning, while the Kenyan diploma prepares learners for mid-level operational and supervisory roles in supply chain management. All three qualifications promote ethical practice, strategic thinking, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts. With regard to curriculum content, the SA qualification includes modules on inventory control, stores management, procurement, logistics, and supply chain principles. The CILT diploma comprises strategic logistics, supply chain management, transport operations, and inventory, while the Kenyan diploma covers warehousing, procurement, purchasing strategy, operations management, and international purchasing. These thematic overlaps confirm the international relevance and comparability of the SA qualification's curriculum. In terms of credits and notional learning hours, the SA qualification is registered at NQF Level 6 with approximately 360 credits. The Kenyan diploma, although not credit-rated in the same way, is pegged at KNQF Level 6 and comprises an estimated 2400-3000 notional hours, which is comparable to 360-390 South African credits. The CILT diploma, while structured differently, is considered equivalent to Level 5 on the UK framework and is typically completed over 12-18 months part-time, suggesting a similar depth of learning when adjusted for delivery mode. Assessment methodologies across the three qualifications include a combination of formative and summative approaches. The SA qualification employs practical assignments, tests, and examinations. The CILT diploma uses unit-based assessments and project work, while the Kenyan diploma incorporates coursework, examinations, and a research project with an industrial attachment, reinforcing experiential learning and workplace readiness. The duration of study is broadly comparable. the SA qualification is completed over three years full-time; the Kenyan diploma spans 2-3 years; and the CILT diploma is delivered over 12-18 months part-time, typically to working professionals. These variations reflect differences in delivery models rather than disparities in academic rigour or learning outcomes. In terms of articulation, all three qualifications offer clear progression pathways. the SA qualification graduates may articulate into Bachelor of Commerce degrees or pursue professional certifications such as CIPS or SAPICS. CILT diploma holders may advance to higher-level professional qualifications or academic degrees in logistics and transport. Kenyan diploma graduates may progress to bachelor's degrees in procurement, logistics, or commerce, and pursue certifications such as CSCP or KISM. In conclusion, the SA qualification compares favourably with both the CILT International Diploma and the Kenyan Diploma in Supply Chain Management. The alignment in curriculum structure, learning outcomes, assessment strategies, and progression opportunities supports international recognition and learner mobility. Graduates of the SA qualification are well-positioned to pursue further academic study or professional practice in logistics and supply chain environments, both locally and abroad. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| Horizontal Articulation
Vertical Articulation Diagonal Articulation |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| NOTES |
| N/A |
| LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: |
| When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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. | Nelson Mandela University |
| 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. |