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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: |
Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
122237 | Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
Development Quality Partner-Services SETA | ||||
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY | NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK | |||
QCTO - Quality Council for Trades and Occupations | OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework | |||
QUALIFICATION TYPE | FIELD | SUBFIELD | ||
Advanced Occupational Cert | Field 11 - Services | Wholesale and Retail | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 248 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | Regular-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered | EXCO 0822/24 | 2024-03-07 | 2029-03-07 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2030-03-07 | 2033-03-07 |
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 |
91789 | Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager: Retail Store Manager | Not Applicable | NQF Level 06 | 507 | Complete |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Retail Store Manager. A Retail Store Manager ensures the viability, profitability, and sustainability of a retail business through the application of a full range of professional business and management practices. A competent Retail Store Manager will demonstrate the following key attributes: visionary, complexity thinking, agile leader, organisational expert, and sales driver. A qualified learner will be able to: Rationale: The Occupational Certificate: Retail Manager: Retail Store Manager, SAQA ID: 91789 was registered on 1 July 2018.�The industry implemented the qualification with a positive effect. Because of the importance of this qualification, a process was initiated to review and update the existing qualification. The growth of the retail sector in South Africa and across the Southern African region is a core part of the National Development Plan. The sector provides vast opportunities for new job entrants and, because of the diverse nature of the sector it serves as an ideal platform through which new entrants into the job market can access employment and eventually grow themselves as corporate employees and small business owners. The retail sector is vital to the South African economy, employing a significant portion of the workforce and contributing to the country's GDP. For the retail sector to thrive and remain competitive, it is essential that there is a skilled and competent workforce in place, particularly in managerial positions. A qualification for Retail Store Managers would provide learners with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage a retail store. This would include inventory management, customer service, financial management, and human resource management skills. By equipping retail store managers with these skills, the retail sector would benefit from increased efficiency and productivity, which would lead to improved profitability and economic growth. This qualification is targeted at the range of management levels within retail businesses, and it provides knowledge and skills to develop the entrepreneurial abilities that will enable successful participants to manage existing retail stores and/or start and manage their own businesses. Furthermore, this qualification will also benefit the wider community and society. Effective retail store management can positively impact the local community by providing employment opportunities and contributing to the local economy. It can also lead to improved customer experiences, enhancing the retail sector's reputation and increasing consumer confidence. Learners who would benefit from such a qualification include individuals currently working in the retail sector, particularly those in entry-level management positions and those looking to progress their careers in this field. The certificate would give learners the skills and knowledge necessary to take on more senior management positions or start their own retail businesses. A retail store manager can operate in various occupations within the retail industry, including but not limited to District Manager/Area Manager, Regional Manager, Retail Operations Manager, Merchandising Manager, and Inventory Control Manager. There is a professional body for Retail Managers in South Africa. The Retail Management Association of South Africa (RMA) is a non-profit organization that represents the interests of retail managers and provides support and resources for professional development. However, it is not compulsory for a Retail Manager to be registered with the RMA or any other professional body in South Africa. Membership with professional bodies is typically voluntary, and while it can provide benefits such as access to professional networks and training opportunities, it is not a legal requirement for practicing in the field. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
RPL for Access to Training/Exemption Learners may use the RPL process to gain access to training opportunities for a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme if they do not meet the formal minimum entry requirements for admission. RPL assessment provides an alternative access route into a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Such an RPL assessment may be developed, moderated, and conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider, which offers that specific qualification/part qualification/skills programme. Such an assessment must ensure that the learner is able to display the equivalent level of competencies required for access based on the NQF level descriptors. RPL for Exemption from Modules For exemption from modules through RPL, learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience may be awarded credits towards relevant modules, and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. RPL for Access to the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) or Final Integrated Supervised Assessment (FISA) Learners who have gained the stipulated competencies of the modules of a programme of learning, qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme through any means of formal, informal, or non-formal learning and/or work experience, may be awarded credits towards relevant modules and gaps identified for training, which is then concluded. A valid Statement of Results (SoR) is required for admission to the EISA in which confirmation of achievement is provided that all internal assessment criteria for all modules in the related curriculum document have been achieved. For a Skills Programme, the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP) must ensure all modular competency requirements are met prior to the FISA and keep a record of such evidence. After successfully completing the EISA/FISA, RPL learners will be issued the QCTO certificate for qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Quality Partners are responsible for ensuring the RPL mechanism and process for qualifications and part qualification is approved by the QCTO. Entry Requirements: An NQF Level 4 qualification. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:
Knowledge Modules 142103-001-01-KM-02, Building, Protecting and Managing the Human Assets in a Retail Business, NQF Level 6, 13 Credits. Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 89 Practical Skill Modules Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules: 87 Work Experience Modules Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 72 |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Apply a detailed understanding of strategic business theory to analyse business feasibility and implement appropriate business strategies and related business processes.
2. Evaluate, select, and apply professional management practices to direct and oversee the professional management of all retail business functions. 3. Identify, analyse, and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems to facilitate critical decision-making, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of a retail business. 4. Apply professional management practices to plan, organise and control the core activities of a retail business. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
ELO 1: Apply a detailed understanding of strategic business theory to analyse business feasibility and implement appropriate business strategies and related business processes. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: ELO 2: Evaluate, select, and apply professional management practices to direct and oversee the professional management of all retail business functions. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: ELO 3: Identify, analyse, and solve familiar and unfamiliar problems to facilitate critical decision-making, ensuring the ongoing sustainability of a retail business. Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: ELO 4: Apply professional management practices to plan, organise and control the core activities of a retail business. Integrated Assessment: Integrated Formative Assessment Formative assessments are conducted throughout the training of learners. A range of formal, non-formal, and informal ongoing assessment activities focus on teaching and learning outcomes to improve learner attainment. Formative assessments are conducted continuously by the facilitator to feed into further learning, identify strengths and weaknesses, and ensure the learner's ability to apply knowledge, skills, and workplace experience. Formative Assessments are conducted by the accredited Skills Development Provider (SDP). Various ongoing assessment methods, such as quizzes, assignments, tests, scenarios, role play, and interviews, may be used. Continuous feedback must be provided. Integrated Summative Assessment Integrated Assessment involves all the different assessment tasks required for a particular qualification, part-qualification, or occupational skills programme, such as written assessment of theory and practical demonstration of competence. The Internal Assessment Criteria (IAC) for all modules, as found in the QCTO curriculum document, must be followed to achieve this. An accredited SDP should implement a well-designed, formal, relevant, final internal Summative Assessment strategy for all modules to prepare learners for the EISA. These assessments evaluate learning achievements relating to the achievement of each module of the relevant components of the qualification, part-qualification, or skills programme. Internal Summative Assessments are developed, moderated, and conducted by the SDP at the end of each module or after integration of relevant modules, e.g., applied knowledge tests, workplace tasks, practical demonstrations, simulated tasks/demonstrations, projects, case studies, etc. The results of these final formal summative assessments must be recorded. These results, which include the Statement of Work Experience results, where applicable, contribute to the Statement of Results (SoR) requirement for admission to the EISA. Using the template provided by the Quality Partner, an SoR is issued by the accredited SDP for qualifications and part-qualifications. The SDP must produce a valid Statement of Results for each learner, indicating the final result and the date on which each component's competence was achieved in each module. Learners are required to produce this SoR, together with their ID document or alternative ID document, at the point of the EISA. |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
This qualification was compared to the following internationally recognised qualifications in the United Kingdom and in Australia.
United Kingdom (UK) The Occupational Awards Limited (OAL) Level 4: Diploma in Retail Management: 603/7465/2 is a vocational qualification awarded by OAL, a UK-based awarding body that designs and develops vocational qualifications. This diploma is designed for individuals interested in pursuing a career in the retail industry or who are already working in a retail management role and want to enhance their knowledge and skills. The qualification is focused on developing the knowledge and understanding needed to manage retail operations, including leadership and management skills, financial management, marketing, and customer service. Various training providers, including City & Guilds Group, a leading UK vocational education organization, deliver the qualification. The City & Guilds Group is one of the approved centres that deliver this qualification, which means they have met the requirements set by OAL to deliver and assess the qualification. The Diploma in Retail Management offered by City & Guilds in the United Kingdom will facilitate the achievement of an "Occupational Award" at Level 4 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), which is equivalent to a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 6 Advanced Occupational Certificate in South Africa (SA). This qualification aims to build the knowledge and skills in retail and facilitate career development into taking up a senior role within the retail sector. Learners will be able to demonstrate their ability to lead and manage their teams through excellent organisation and communication, with a sound understanding of both business and people management skills. The role of the Retail Manager involves maximising income and minimising wastage through continuous improvement and engagement of their team in enhancing business performance and productivity. This qualification will support the progression of learners to roles such as Retail Store Manager, Senior Retail Manager, and Area Manager. This qualification is suitable for individuals working in a retail setting who have supervisory experience and the aspiration to move to a leadership or management role in the retail sector. There are no formal entry requirements for learners selecting this qualification. However, the achievement of a Level 3 qualification in Retail (SA NQF Level 4) or a related occupation may be an advantage to some learners. The learner should be in a position where they can demonstrate the competencies of the qualification with the support of their employer. This qualification is not approved for use by learners under the age of 18 years. This qualification covers areas such as Finance, Marketing, Leadership, Branding, Product and Services Merchandising, and Technology in the retail sector. This qualification is made up of 14 mandatory units of assessment. All units are allocated a credit value, which indicates the units' size in terms of learning hours: 1 credit = 10 learning hours. All units also have assigned Guided Learning Hours (GLH), which indicate the average number of hours a learner may require guidance and support from teaching, learning, and assessment professionals. During the comparison exercise, the following were identified as similarities and differences between the Scottish Qualification and the Advanced Occupational Certificate: Similarities Differences Australia The Diploma of Retail Leadership is targeted to�individuals who manage a retail business, multiple retail stores, or departments, following a business strategy to deliver profitable results for the organisation. These individuals support senior management and provide leadership to retail teams. They plan and evaluate the work of self and others, operating with autonomy and responsibility for personal outputs. Potential job roles suitable for this qualification include store manager, cluster manager,�merchandise manager, buyer, sales manager, and area/regional manager. Entry into this qualification can be by direct entry with previous industry employment experience in a job role that has involved the application of skills and knowledge described in core units of competency from the SIR40316 Certificate IV in Retail Management or after achieving SIR40316 Certificate IV in Retail Management. This qualification covers the skills and knowledge required to work in a range of retail settings, including specialty retailers, supermarkets, department stores, and quick-service restaurants. To achieve a Diploma of Retail Leadership, a total of ten (10) units of competency must be completed, including: Four (4) core units plus six (6) elective units: Six (6) Elective Units: During the comparison exercise, the following were identified as similarities and differences between the Australian Qualification and the South African Advanced Occupational Certificate: Similarities Differences Conclusion The Advanced Occupational Certificate: Retail Store Manager compares favourably with both international qualifications used for comparison here in terms of the purpose, level, and content of these qualifications. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification provides opportunities for horizontal and vertical articulation options.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
NOTES |
Qualifying for External Assessment:
The Quality Partner is responsible for the management, conduct, and implementation of the External Integrated Summative Assessment (EISA) in accordance with QCTO set standards. Competence in the EISA is a requirement for certificating a learner. For entrance into the EISA, the learner requires a valid Statement of Results issued by the accredited institution indicating: The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge, Practical, and Work Experience modules. OR The attainment of all modules for the Knowledge and Application Components. Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements: Criteria for the accreditation of providers: Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code are: Retail Store Manager: 142103-001-01-00. Encompassed Trade: Assessment Quality Partner (AQP): |
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. |
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. |