Advanced Certificate in Management Studies

Purpose

The AdvancedCertificate in Management Studies is a qualification that provides an introduction to management theory and practice. It provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary management practice in a national and international context as well as an introduction to quantitative management methods.

The qualification aims to develop conceptual understanding, synthesis and application of management theory for learners wishing to progress in management careers.

The qualification is directed towards technically qualified persons occupying junior and middle management positions in organisations, who are aspiring towards senior management positions. It is directed primarily at non-commerce learners to enable them to develop and improve their management skills. Such learners would not have had previous exposure to the theoretical underpinnings of management.

Upon completion of the qualification the learner will be able to

• Apply fundamental management principles in a work-based context.
• Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
• Solve marketing problems.
• Interpret financial statements.
• Manage information in a business context.
• Demonstrate knowledge of basic economic principles.

Rationale

The Advanced Certificate in Management Studies contributes to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development in management for social and economic development. This qualification provides learners with the opportunity to proceed on a course of study towards the attainment of a Master's Degree in Business Administration. Upon completion of the qualification the learner will attain the necessary the skills and competencies to be able to function and grow in corporate and business environments. The qualification will also broaden the social base of learners in higher education by targeting mature learners with work experience.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning. In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:

• It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of an examination of their Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from their organisations/companies.

Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess the applicants. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating these candidates include:

• The applicants' motivation, maturity and realistic approach to their studies; Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references; The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. The amount of 'specific' credit granted is dependent on the match between prior learning and award towards which the intended qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum admission requirement for this qualification is a Higher Certificate in the relevant cognate field.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits

• Microeconomics, 20 Credits.
• Principles of management, 20 Credits.
• Marketing, 20 Credits.
• Business statistics, 20 Credits.
• Business information systems, 20 Credits.
• Accounting, 20 Credits.

1. Apply fundamental management principles in a work-based context.
2. Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
3. Solve marketing problems.
4. Interpret financial statements.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of basic economic principles.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Management theories are identified and analysed and an organisation is located within these typologies.
• The management challenges confronting managers within their work organisation are outlined.
• The management environment is described and the external and internal environment of an organisation is analysed.
• The different functions of management are differentiated.
• Decision-making techniques are utilised.
• Group theory is applied to terms in a number of contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The operational, managerial and strategic roles of information systemsare described.
• An appreciation of the major concepts, developments, and managerial implications involved in computer hardware, software, database management and telecommunications technologies is gained.
• An understanding of how information technology is used in modern information systems to support the end user collaboration, enterprise operations, managerial decision making, and strategic advantage is undertaken.
• IS systems to support decision making are utilised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The nature and scope of the market environment is described.
• Environmental factors that impact on marketing in an organisation are identified and evaluated.
• Basic marketing research concepts are applied to the organisation.
• Target markets are determined and market segmentation undertaken for particular products and services.
• A basic marketing strategy for an organisation is developed.
• Product prices are defined, classified and determined.
• The role of the channel of distribution is described and differentiated between types of channels.
• Retailers and wholesalers are classified according to a number of different organisational and operating dimensions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• How the major documents of financial information are produced.
• Financial information to analyse an organisation's performance is utilised.
• Financial information to produce and understand costs is implemented.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The relationship between the different sectors, markets and flows is described.
• The basic concepts and techniques of economic analysis are explained.
• How demand and supply can be used to analyse development in different markets is explained.
• The concepts of price, income and cross elasticity of demand is defined and applied.
• The basic production and cost concepts required to analyse the decisions of firms to supply quantities at various prices are described.
• Outputs and various prices related to profit maximisation, efficiency maximisation and revenue maximisation are identified.
• The equilibrium of a perfectly competitive industry is explained.
• Cost and revenue concepts in different market structures are applied.
• The modern theory of the firm with traditional theory is compared and contrasted.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment is carried out by

• The use of work based assignments to test the application of management principles in the organisation.
• The use of numerical exercises to test the calculation , implication and interpretation of quantitative concepts.
• The use of technology in the submission of assignments and access to learning resources.

Integrated assessment will assess the extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of management education.

The assessment methods will measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through the modules.

These assessment methods will include

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Work based assignments.
• Self-assessment activities in the course material.