University of Cape Town
Facilities Management
Learn to design a helpdesk process and recommend strategies for optimal facilities management.
Start date
22 February 2021
Enroll by 16 February 2021
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course overview
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
A once dislocated industry of isolated services, facilities management has transformed into a fully fledged market and profession, targeting the entire value chain.1 Today, it plays a critical and integrated role within an organisation’s strategy, structure, and processes.
The Facilities Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) explores the context of this core component of management, and establishes its place within strategic and operational business matters. You’ll explore the role of projects and maintenance, and the relationship between strategy, budgeting, processes, policies, and the environment. You’ll be introduced to the facilities management life cycle and will learn to design a helpdesk procedure for unplanned maintenance. Contract and tender management, alongside the role of technology in facilities management, will also be explored, equipping you with holistic and comprehensive skills for an in-demand and critical business role.
1 Engineering News (Mar, 2019).Is this course for you?
This course is beneficial to those already established within the industry, as well as anyone looking to start a career in facilities management. As an industry lacking formalised training, this online course provides professionals the opportunity to validate their skills and differentiate themselves within the market. Current facilities management employees will be able to advance their existing skill set, while aspiring professionals will gain a solid foundation of the skills required. Upon completion, students will walk away with a certificate, as proof of their expertise, from Africa’s leading university.2
2 QS Top Universities (2019).Course overview
Introduction
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
A once dislocated industry of isolated services, facilities management has transformed into a fully fledged market and profession, targeting the entire value chain.1 Today, it plays a critical and integrated role within an organisation’s strategy, structure, and processes.
The Facilities Management online short course from the University of Cape Town (UCT) explores the context of this core component of management, and establishes its place within strategic and operational business matters. You’ll explore the role of projects and maintenance, and the relationship between strategy, budgeting, processes, policies, and the environment. You’ll be introduced to the facilities management life cycle and will learn to design a helpdesk procedure for unplanned maintenance. Contract and tender management, alongside the role of technology in facilities management, will also be explored, equipping you with holistic and comprehensive skills for an in-demand and critical business role.
1 Engineering News (Mar, 2019).Is this course for you?
This course is beneficial to those already established within the industry, as well as anyone looking to start a career in facilities management. As an industry lacking formalised training, this online course provides professionals the opportunity to validate their skills and differentiate themselves within the market. Current facilities management employees will be able to advance their existing skill set, while aspiring professionals will gain a solid foundation of the skills required. Upon completion, students will walk away with a certificate, as proof of their expertise, from Africa’s leading university.2
2 QS Top Universities (2019).What will set you apart
The knowledge and insight to communicate facilities management risks and opportunities to senior management.
The ability to recommend strategies for balancing maintenance, operations, and upgrades to the working environment.
The skills to design a comprehensive facilities management helpdesk process for an organisation.
An overview of the legislation and regulation related to facilities management, and an understanding of the ways in which technology can be leveraged for added value.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Facilities management in context
Module 2
Leadership and strategy
Module 3
Policies and processes: communication and implementation
Module 4
Maintenance, life cycles and budgeting
Module 5
Managing projects and stakeholders
Module 6
Tendering and contract management
Module 7
Compliance and occupational health and safety
Module 8
Technology, systems and processes for business continuity
Get course prospectus
Convenor
Jacques Rousseau
Lecturer, Faculty of Commerce, University of Cape Town
About the certificate
Understand the role and context of facilities management and earn an official certificate of completion from the University of Cape Town.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
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Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
Financing options
We've recently partnered with financial services firm, FeverTree, to offer you another convenient way to finance your short course education. Find out how you can apply for a short-term loan below.
How do I apply?
- You have the option of applying for a full course-cost loan agreement with FeverTree (South African citizens and short courses only)
- FeverTree works with GetSmarter to ensure your studies are financed right away, giving you the chance to join the soonest presentation
- You can find out if you pre-qualify in seconds. Send an SMS with your “Name*Surname*ID Number*Gross Salary” to 30082
- FeverTree’s application process is simple and quick – expect a 15-minute turnaround to find out if you’ve been successful with your loan application
- Even if you aren’t successful in your FeverTree application, you’ll still be eligible for the payment plan options with GetSmarter
