ITRISA's distance education programme is designed for those who wish to enhance their knowledge and further their careers in international trade via the professional qualification route. |
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ITRISA’s distance education
programme in international trade comprises THREE different courses:
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The 1-year
Certificate in International Trade which is ideal for those who are looking for
a solid grounding in the field and/or have not yet decided on a particular
specialist stream (i.e. exports or imports). Old NQF Level: 5 (ID 24330); proposed new NQF Level: 5 (pending).
The Certificate in International Trade, which falls into the higher education band, is fully accredited in South Africa by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is also internationally accredited by the International Association of Trade Training Organisations (IATTO).
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The 2-year Advanced
Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports) which is ideal for
those who are wanting a more in-depth, practical grasp of the international
trade field, with particular emphasis on exporting or, alternatively, importing.
The first year of the two Advanced Certificate courses is identical, with
one or other specialisation (i.e. exports or imports) becoming apparent at the
second year level. Old NQF Level: 5 (ID 24356); proposed new NQF Level: 6 (pending).
The Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports), which falls into the higher education band, is fully accredited in South Africa by the Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is also internationally accredited by the International Association of Trade Training Organisations (IATTO).
§
The 3-year Diploma
in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports) which is ideal for
those who are looking to develop the knowledge and competencies required to
direct the export or import operation of a South African company. The
first year of the two Diploma course options is identical, with one or other
specialisation (i.e. exports or imports) becoming apparent at the second year
level. Old NQF Level: 6 (ID 24333); proposed new NQF Level: 6 (pending).
The
Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports),
which falls into the higher education band, is fully accredited in South Africa by the
Council on Higher Education (CHE) and is also internationally accredited by the International Association
of Trade Training Organisations (IATTO).
Curricula and course structure
The Certificate in International Trade course comprises 4 subjects:
- International Trade Relations
- International Cargo Movement
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing
- International Trade Finance and Payment
The Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) comprises 8 subjects:
1st year level:
- International Trade Relations
- International Cargo Movement
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing
- International Trade Finance and Payment
2nd year level:
- International Monetary Relations
- International Trade Law
- Export Marketing
- Export Administration
The Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Imports) comprises 8 subjects:
1st year level:
- International Trade Relations
- International Cargo Movement
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing
- International Trade Finance and Payment
2nd year level:
- International Monetary Relations
- International Trade Law
- International Purchasing
- Import Administration
The Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) comprises 12 subjects:
1st year level:
- International Trade Relations
- International Cargo Movement
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing
- International Trade Finance and Payment
2nd year level:
- International Monetary Relations
- International Trade Law
- Export Marketing
- Export Administration
3rd year level:
- General Principles of International Trade Management
- International Financial Management
- Export Marketing Management
- Export Logistics Management
The Diploma in International Trade Management (Imports) comprises 12 subjects:
1st year level:
- International Trade Relations
- International Cargo Movement
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing
- International Trade Finance and Payment
2nd year level:
- International Monetary Relations
- International Trade Law
- International Purchasing
- Import Administration
3rd year level:
- General Principles of International Trade Management
- International Financial Management
- International Purchasing Management
- Import Logistics Management
If an applicant has chosen one of the Advanced Certificate course options, he/she must successfully complete all four subjects at 1st year level (i.e. submit the assignments and pass the examinations) before he/she can proceed with any 2nd year level subjects. Similarly, if he/she has chosen one of the Diploma course options, he/she must successfully complete all eight subjects at 1st and then 2nd year level (i.e. submit the assignments and pass the examinations) before he/she can proceed with any 3rd year level subjects.
It should be emphasised that if an applicant has enrolled for the Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports) or the Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports), and only completes the first year of the course, he/she will receive credits for the subjects in question but will not receive a final qualification. In the same way, if he/she has enrolled for the Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports), and only completes the first two years of the course, he/she will receive credits for the subjects in question but will not receive a final qualification.
In contrast to the above provisions, if an applicant enrolled for and successfully completes the Certificate in International Trade and wishes to study further, he/she can apply to ITRISA for exemptions for the 1st year subjects of either of the Advanced Certificate courses with a view to being admitted to the 2nd year of the Advanced Certificate in his/her chosen stream (exports or imports). Similarly, if he/she successfully completes the Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports), he/she can apply to ITRISA for exemptions for the 1st and 2nd year subjects of either of the Diploma course options with a view to being admitted to the 3rd year of the Diploma in his/her chosen stream (exports or imports).
- International Trade Relations
The rationale for international trade; the composition of the international trade environment; international trade policies; the influence of international trade institutions and bodies on the course of world trade; the growth of bilateral and regional trade relationships throughout the world; South Africa’s international trade performance in recent years, and relationships with other countries and regions; strategies to optimise South Africa’s economic and trade potential
- International Cargo Movement:
International cargo types and transport modes; transport infrastructure in Southern Africa; preparation of shipments for international transit; cargo insurance; international customs practice - an overview; the function of the shipping department
- Introduction to International Marketing and Purchasing:
The essential components and key functions of a business; fundamental principles of purchasing; comparisons between the domestic and international business environments; applying the principles of marketing and purchasing in an international context
- International Trade Finance and Payment:
Financial risks in international trade transactions; methods and terms of payment in international trade; export credit insurance; costing and pricing of international trade transactions; finance facilities for exporters and importers
- International Monetary Relations:
The world economy at a glance; indicators of a country's economic wellbeing; policies to promote a country's international competitiveness and economic development; international monetary and economic co-operation; the impact of global economic developments on South Africa in recent years
- International Trade Law:
The international legal environment; the contractual nature of commercial transactions; international purchase/sales contracts; contracts for the carriage of goods internationally; agency and distributorship contracts in the context of international trade
- Export Marketing (export stream only):
Laying the foundation for an export marketing initiative; analysing and selecting foreign markets; determining appropriate forms of foreign market entry; developing/adapting products for foreign markets; international product promotion and communication channels; pricing for exports; selecting foreign market channels of distribution
- Export Administration (export stream only):
The export administration environment; gearing up for order processing; handling export enquiries; processing export orders; administering the financial aspects of the export process; making use of electronic export administration systems
- International Purchasing (import stream only):
The international purchasing decision; the link between purchasing and the supply chain; supplier selection and international procurement channel options; researching the international supply market; achieving efficiency in purchasing operations
- Import Administration (import stream only):
The import administration environment; gearing up for the import process; South African controls affecting the importation of goods; the indent; processing import orders; import customs clearance procedures; receiving goods on arrival; administering the financial aspects of the import process; making use of import administration systems
- General Principles of International Trade Management:
Business planning in a changing global environment; designing high-performance work systems; managing people in an international organisation; measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of subordinates and channel members; personal development plans for export/import managers
- International Financial Management:
The importance of financial management to a business; fundamentals of financial management: the role of financial statements; projecting financial performance and results; key decisions in financial management; financial implications of the risks facing international business operations
- Export Marketing Management (export stream only):
The strategic importance of export marketing management; formulating strategies for foreign market selection and entry; formulating strategies for foreign market development; information requirements for an effective export marketing initiative; human resource and operational strategies in export marketing management
- Export Logistics Management (export stream only):
Establishing an export logistics function; formulating an export logistics strategy; selecting external logistics service providers; managing the activities of external logistics service providers; risk management in the context of export logistics
- International Purchasing Management (import stream only):
Establishing the necessary infrastructure for an international purchasing operation; establishing international procurement channels; risk management in the context of international procurement; managing international procurement channels; relationship-building with foreign suppliers and channel members
- Import Logistics Management (import steam only):
Establishing an import logistics function; formulating an import logistics strategy; selecting external logistics service providers; managing the activities of external logistics service providers; risk management in the context of import logistics.
Entry requirements (including RPL [recognition of prior learning])
The basic entry requirement for the Certificate in International Trade, the Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports) and the Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports) is a Grade 12/Senior Certificate (or equivalent if an applicant has been educated outside South Africa). Practical business experience would be a distinct added advantage. It is also recommended that applicants have attained at least Grade 11/Standard 9 mathematics and a fair knowledge of geography.
If an applicant does not have a Grade 12/Senior Certificate, his/her application might still be accepted in line with ITRISA's RPL (recognition of prior learning) policy which enables individuals - within certain parameters - to gain entry to a particular course on the basis of other relevant studies and/or business experience. In addition, someone may be eligible for an exemption in (a) particular subject(s) in one of ITRISA's courses if he/she can demonstrate that he/she has acquired the necessary knowledge and proficiency in that/those subject(s) via another formal course of study or work experience. More details about ITRISA's RPL and subject exemption facilities are available on request.
ITRISA in no way discriminates against applicants on the basis of race, gender, religion, age or physical condition.
ITRISA’s
courses are conducted through the medium of English.
While a fairly high level of proficiency in English is expected of
students, we recognise and make allowances for the fact that in many cases
English is not a student’s home language.
The study material is comprehensive, practical and compiled in a user-friendly format that will enable students to test their knowledge as they proceed from one module to the next. Additional textbooks are not prescribed for the Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma courses but students are encouraged to keep abreast of current events by reading newspapers and appropriate journals. Lists of recommended texts and useful web sites are also provided.
Two assignments have been set in respect of each subject, and each assignment has a specific due date for its submission. In this regard, students should be submitting an assignment roughly every three weeks. The assignments have been designed to test people's analytical and problem-solving abilities, and largely comprise case studies and other practical exercises. All assignments that are submitted will be marked and returned with comprehensive guidelines and tutorial letters.
Examinations are conducted twice a year, i.e. in June and November. As two subjects in the Certificate, Advanced Certificate and Diploma courses are covered in the first half of the study year and two subjects in the second half, a student may under certain circumstances write off the first two subjects at the initial examination session and the remaining two subjects at the subsequent examination session. Usually, all four examinations are written at the end of the study year.
Examinations will be written at specific locations in South Africa's main centres, i.e. Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, as well as at other selected venues which will be determined according to the geographical distribution of the students. If a student is writing at a centre with a high concentration of students, his/her tuition fees will cover the cost of the examination centre and invigilation. However, if he/she is writing examinations at a centre with only one or two other students, he/she will be required to carry the cost of special invigilation. One three hour examination must be written in respect of each subject.
The Certificate in International Trade, Advanced Certificate in International Trade (Exports) or (Imports) and Diploma in International Trade Management (Exports) or (Imports) are conducted in two separate study cycles per year.
- Those opting for the first study cycle are required to enrol by no later than the end of February.
- Those opting for the second study cycle are required to enrol by no later than the end of July.
Fees and payment options : 2012
The fee structure is as follows:
- Tuition fees (covering registration; all study materials for relevant study cycle; assessment of, and feedback on, assignments; standard telephonic/e-mail assistance; and examination entrance)
R2 950 per subject (applicable to payment by electronic transfer, credit card [Visa or Mastercard only]. cash or cheque). Preferred payment methods are electronic transfer and cheque deposit. Cheques should be made out to: 'International Trade Institute of Southern Africa'. ITRISA's bank details are as follows:
International Trade Institute of Southern Africa
First National Bank
Rosebank Branch
Account No. 50371106467
Branch Code 253305
- International surcharge (if applicable)
If you live outside South Africa are required to pay - over and above their tuition fees - an international surcharge upon enrolment to cover additional airmail postage and/or courier charges.
The current charge is R1 300 per subject.
Fees are payable in full upon enrolment. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept post-dated cheques or late payments. Note, too, that once an applicant's enrolment form and payment have been processed, no refunds will be given.
Click here to display the enrolment form. Print a hard copy of the form, complete the form in full and return it to ITRISA's offices accompanied by the necessary payment (or proof thereof) AND a copy of the applicant's highest formal education certificate, e.g. Senior Certificate or B.Com degree certificate. If payment is being made by direct (cheque) deposit, electronic transfer or credit card, the enrolment form and accompanying documentation may be faxed to ITRISA (see Contact Us).
Once an application has been processed, a letter confirming registration will be sent to the student concerned. Study material will be dispatched or made available for collection in good time for students to start preparing for the assignments.