university of cape town

Advanced Diploma
in Business Project
Management

Information Pack
February 2015 Presentation

Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management

NEED FOR THE PROGRAMME

PROGRAMME OVERVIEW

According to research by the Project Management Institute (PMI), the demand for skilled

This 1-year diploma offers a

global level, organisations have become increasingly aware of the value of hiring skilled

and practice of business project

and knowledgeable project management professionals is on the rise. At both a national and
project management professionals to coordinate and lead their endeavours to successful
conclusions. The challenge for these organisations lies in finding these professionals:

the resources available in the job market simply do not match this rising demand. Many
professionals find themselves managing projects without a thorough grounding in the
discipline. They are limited in large part due to inaccessibility of high-quality project

management programmes in South Africa. The Advanced Diploma in Business Project

solid grounding in the theory

management principles and

guidelines, to educate students

to achieve better success in

their projects and produce more

effective project plans.

management aims to address this need and provide students with quality education that

PROGRAMME DURATION

interested individuals to enter the project management industry, as salaries are high and

delivered online with one final

can be accessed from any location. The next few years present the perfect opportunity for

1-year part-time programme,

skilled professionals are scarce.

exam at centres throughout

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
Project management skills are among the most transferable in todays competitive job

market. Project managers, whether they have the official title or not, are needed across

the business sector, and the discipline in itself is fundamental to the economy. Regardless

South Africa. The programme is

available throughout Africa, and

requires approximately 15 - 20
hours per week.

of role or industry, everyone practices project management to some degree, and this

PROGRAMME APPROVAL:

interest to the next level. As business projects are found across numerous industries,

by UCT. You will receive a

programme is ideal for individuals who want to take their project management skills and

This programme is accredited

including (but not limited to) events, IT, government, service, NGOs, financial, retail,

diploma issued by the

commercial oil, and telecommunications, students of project management have versatile

opportunities to build a career that spans a wide variety of industries. Managers or

business owners who find themselves overseeing projects on a regular basis can expand
their careers and businesses by developing project management skills. In short, project

university once you have

successfully completed
the programme.

managers have a wide range of industry and career options open to them.

PROGRAMME DATES:

PROGRAMME-LEVEL OUTCOMES

Programme starts:

By the end of this programme, students will be able to:

Apply the hard skills of project management, which include the methodologies,
processes, tools, techniques and standards that make up the various project
management bodies of knowledge.

Analyse the soft skills required for effective people management within a business
project context, specifically around managing teams and team members.

Analyse the context in which their selected business project is situated.

Plan, design and construct the various project artefacts required to execute their project.
Evaluate their organisations approach to project management by assessing its
structure, competitive edge, maturity level, and the role of its business plans.

Late applications now accepted

February 2015
Exams: TBC
CONTACT:
Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

Evaluate the strategic alignment of their business project within their organisation.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management

PROGRAMME

APPLICATION DATES

The following modules are covered during the programme:

Late applications now

Module 1

accepted
PROGRAMME fees:

Foundations of project management

Non-refundable

Module 1 covers the hard skills required for managing a business project effectively.

application fee: R100

By the end of this module, students will be able to:

Total programme fees:

Define what constitutes a business project and identify how this fits into the projects

R35,000 (estimated)

Discuss the factors necessary for a business project to be successful.

30 November 2014

business and social environments.

Distinguish the different elements of a project and project plan in a variety of

Initial payment of R10,000 by

business-related case studies.

Contact us

as well as close the project.

please contact Brendan or

Explain how to execute, monitor and control, and implement the project plan,

module 2
Managing people in business projects
This module covers the all-important and often neglected soft skills required for effective

project management. Soft skills are needed for effective self, project team, and stakeholder
management, as well as to ensure that project communication and relationships run
smoothly. By the end of this module, students will be able to:

Analyse the crucial skills needed for effective general management, including

Should you have any queries,

Timothy:

Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

delegation, authority, trust, responsibility, and accountability, along with planning,

organising, and controlling.

Identify the key competencies required of successful project managers.

Describe the differences between leadership and management as applied to

project management.

Demonstrate how the concepts of emotional intelligence, personality assessment,

team development, productivity, and motivation can be used to manage project teams.

Discuss the ethical issues facing project managers.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management

Module 3
Building the project plan
Module 3 covers the how of managing projects. In this highly practical and applied

module, students will follow a step-by-step approach to building their own project plan
for their own organisation using the knowledge and skills gained in modules 1 and 2.
By the end of this module, students will be able to:

Analyse the components of the business case for their project.

Create a project charter for their specific project.
Revise the components of a typical project plan.

Build the various planning artefacts that are required to execute the project, and that
constitute the project plan, including the scope statement, schedule, budget, risk

register, quality matrix, communications plan, procurement plan, HR plan, change

management plan, and implementation strategy and handover plan.

APPLICATION DATES
Late applications now
accepted
PROGRAMME fees:
Non-refundable
application fee: R100

Total programme fees:

R35,000 (estimated)

Initial payment of R10,000 by

30 November 2014

Contact us
Should you have any queries,
please contact Brendan or

Module 4
Strategic project management
This module focuses on the effectiveness and of projects in business at a strategic level,

and looks at how businesses can use project management to set themselves apart form the
competition. By the end of this module, students will be able to:

Assess agile and traditional organisational structures, focussing on the move towards

project-based organisations and with special reference to the organisational structure

in which their business project is situated.

Timothy:

Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

Analyse how the business can create competitive advantage using projects.

Explain how business plans can be converted into projects using project portfolio

management, the business case, the project office, and programme management.

Assess the importance and advantages of benefits realisation management,

as well as its processes and how these concepts can be applied in the organisation
in which their project is situated.

Evaluate the Organisational Management Maturity Model, with special reference to

business projects in general, and their organisation in particular.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

This programme is aimed at:

1. Individuals who hold an undergraduate qualification in project management or

another discipline; or

2. Individuals working in a project management capacity without a distinct project

management qualification, with an emphasis on business projects.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management
Individuals with existing project management qualifications can fast track their career

through this programme, and those without formal qualifications of any kind, but with
the prerequisite experience, will also be given the opportunity to enhance their skills
and open new doors.

Although students from other areas, such as construction and engineering, will be accepted
if they qualify, they must understand that the focus is on the business sector.

Business projects are found across numerous industries, including (but not limited to) events,
IT, government, service, NGOs, financial, retail, commercial oil, and telecommunications.

Many people working in these industries are fulfilling a project management role, regardless

of whether or not they possess the title of project manager. In addition, experienced managers
who require project management skills to enhance their existing abilities would also benefit
from this programme, provided they have access to a current or historical business project
for reference and assessment throughout the programme.

APPLICATION AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The following application requirements apply to the Advanced Diploma in Business
Project Management:
Qualifications
Ideally, applicants should have an undergraduate degree or equivalent (in any field
of study) from UCT or an equivalent tertiary educational institution.

Individuals seeking to apply for admission into the programme who hold qualifications

other than an undergraduate degree will need to satisfy the Senate (through Recognition

APPLICATION DATES
Late applications now
accepted
PROGRAMME fees:
Non-refundable
application fee: R100

Total programme fees:

R35,000 (estimated)

Initial payment of R10,000 by

30 November 2014

Contact us
Should you have any queries,
please contact Brendan or
Timothy:

Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

of Prior Learning) that their qualification and/or experience are an adequate preparation
for the work prescribed in the programme.
Documentation
All applicants are required to submit a 2-page CV detailing previous relevant work
experience and/or extra-curricular involvement.

Applicants with undergraduate degrees from universities other than UCT are required
to submit their full academic transcripts to date (stating proof of graduation).
NB: Degree certificates alone are not sufficient.

Applicants who wish to acquire Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) must provide a letter
of motivation. The application fee for RPL assessment is R800. Those eligible for the

RPL course will be required to complete a compulsory, two-week Recognition of Prior

Learning course presented entirely online. The third and final RPL course (assessing

eligibility for the 2015 presentation of the postgraduate programme) will be presented
from 26 November - 10 December 2014. NB: Applications for this RPL course, and

therefore all RPL candidates who wish to apply for admission to this programme,
are closed as of 14 November 2014.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management
Resources
Students must have a current email account, access to a computer and the internet,

as well as be able to read documents in Adobe PDF and create documents in Microsoft
Word and Microsoft Excel to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations.

Students will be required to use various online tools and possess a good level of
computer and internet literacy.

Students require sufficient bandwidth and data to watch videos, attend live tutorials,
download course content, and upload assignments throughout the programme.

Note that an application does not guarantee admission to the programme.

Due to the popularity of the programme, early application backed by a solid academic and
professional record will be advantageous. Applicants will be informed about the results of
their application four to six weeks after close of admissions. Late applications are now
being accepted.

MEET EMERITUS PROFESSOR DEREK SMITH

APPLICATION DATES
Late applications now
accepted
PROGRAMME fees:
Non-refundable
application fee: R100

Total programme fees:

R35,000 (estimated)

Initial payment of R10,000 by

30 November 2014

Contact us
Should you have any queries,
please contact Brendan or
Timothy:

The programme will be designed and convened by academic leader, Derek Smith, Emeritus

Brendan Marsh

years of experience both locally and internationally. He is a certified Project Management

Timothy Dimech

Professor at UCT. Derek is a highly acclaimed academic and professional, with over 45

Professional (PMP), and founded a private training company where he has successfully taught
project management for 25 years. He has many highly acclaimed research publications in

international journals, and has presented papers at several international research conferences
in the project management field.

brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za
timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

PROGRAMME DELIVERY
The programme is delivered through the unique GetSmarter Learning website. To ensure
that you are able to maintain a work-life balance while completing the programme,

the content for each of the four modules is divided into manageable weekly modules.

On each Wednesday of the 1-year programme, you will receive one module to complete

in your own time and at your own pace throughout the week (incremental deadlines may
apply). Modules vary in composition, depending on the best method of delivery for each
modules unique content, and can include the following components: module notes;

video lectures; presentations; branching tree scenarios; interactive videos; workshops;

wikis; online classes; online discussion forums; online multiple-choice practice quiz;

online and downloadable written submissions; quiz assignments; and other readings and
web resources. A typical week will entail a commitment of 15-20 hours. The Instructor,

Professor Derek Smith, will provide you with academic support through the online discussion

forum for the duration of the programme. A designated Course Coach will also be available
via email and telephone to provide you with administrative support.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management

ASSESSMENT AND AWARD OF THE DIPLOMA

APPLICATION DATES

The programme is focused on teaching you practical, formal skills that you can apply to

Late applications now

your immediate work environment and throughout your career. Your final results will be

accepted

exam at the end of the programme. Formative assessment is based on a series of practical

PROGRAMME fees:

well as 50% overall (coursework and exam combined) to receive the diploma as issued by

application fee: R100

based on a combination of formative continued assessment and a final contact-based

weekly assignments completed online. You will need to achieve at least 50% on the exam as

Non-refundable

the University of Cape Town at the graduation ceremony.

Total programme fees:

PROGRAMME APPROVAL
This programme is accredited by the University of Cape Town. You will receive a diploma
issued by the university once you have successfully completed the programme.

R35,000 (estimated)

Initial payment of R10,000 by

30 November 2014

The programme is developed and presented by the University of Cape Town in partnership

Contact us

accredited by any SETA (Sector Education and Training Authority) as a provider of education

please contact Brendan or

with GetSmarter. GetSmarter is the first and only entirely online education company to be

Should you have any queries,

in South Africa. Institutional accreditation number: 3692.

Timothy:

ABOUT GETSMARTER
GetSmarter has a proven track record of delivering an unmatched high-quality online

education experience in partnership with Africas leading University and other reputable

organisations. GetSmarter brings career advancement closer to working professionals by

offering a variety of online short courses and commerce-based Postgraduate Diplomas
throughout South Africa, and across Africa.

Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

ABout Across Africa

Across Africa is a strategic partnership between UCTs Faculty of Commerce and

GetSmarter, to provide access to the highest quality blended mode business education
across the African continent.

HOW TO Apply
Apply online at www.commercepostgrad.uct.ac.za/uct-advanced-diploma-in-businessproject-management/

Please click the Apply online now button at the bottom left of the page.

Late applications are now being accepted. See page 5 for details on the application and
entry requirements.

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Advanced Diploma in Business

Project Management

PAYMENT DETAILS

APPLICATION DATES

1. Once-off payment

Late applications now

Initial payment of R10,000 by 30 November 2014

Remaining payment to settle: R25,000 (estimated)

accepted
PROGRAMME fees:

2. Payment PLAN

Non-refundable

Remaining payment to settle: R25,000 (estimated)

Total programme fees:

Initial payment of R10,000 by 30 November 2014

R6,250 (estimated) x 4 payments in 2015

CONTACT US
Should you have any queries, please contact Brendan or Timothy:
Brendan Marsh
021 447 7565
021 457 8344
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za
Timothy Dimech
021 447 7565
021 457 8344
timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

application fee: R100

R35,000 (estimated)

Initial payment of R10,000 by

30 November 2014

Contact us
Should you have any queries,
please contact Brendan or
Timothy:

Brendan Marsh
brendan.marsh@uct.ac.za

Timothy Dimech

timothy.dimech@uct.ac.za

021 447 7565

021 447 8344

Page 8 of 8