A person acquiring this qualification can manage first-line managers in an organisational entity. First line managers may include team leaders, supervisors, junior managers, section heads and foremen. The focus of this qualification is to enable learners to develop competence in a range of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values, including: 

• Initiating, developing, implementing and evaluating operational strategies, projects and action plans, and where appropriate, recommending change within teams and/or the unit to improve the unit's effectiveness. 
• Monitoring and measuring performance and applying continuous or innovative improvement interventions in the unit to attain its desired outcomes, including customer satisfaction, and thereby contributing to the achievement of the entity's objectives and vision. 
• Leading a team of first-line managers, by capitalising on the talents of team members and promoting synergistic interaction between individuals and teams, to enhance individual, team and unit effectiveness to achieve the entity's goals. 
• Building relationships using communication processes both vertically and horizontally within the unit, with superiors and stakeholders across the value chain to ensure the achievement of intended outcomes. 
• Applying the principles of risk, financial and knowledge management and business ethics within internal and external regulatory frameworks to ensure the unit's effectiveness and sustainability. 
• Enhancing the development of teams and team members through facilitating the acquisition of skills, coaching, providing career direction, and capitalising on diversity in the unit. 

The skills, knowledge, and understanding demonstrated in this qualification are essential for creating a talent pool of experienced and effective middle managers who represent the demographics of South African society. This qualification will create a leadership cadre for South African society throughout multiple industries and sectors, both private and public.