Advanced Diploma in Business Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with broad-based theoretical and practical knowledge of business administration. This qualification is a vocational qualification which is designed to provide or equip learners with a sound understanding of concepts, processes and techniques to supervise and manage any business-related environment. The qualification prepares learners to conduct preliminary research, and it also contributes to the economic and social up-skilling of South Africa. The primary purpose of the qualification is to prepare learners for senior administration level and first-line management positions in the private and public sectors. This qualification further prepares learners for Postgraduate study and to become fully competent organisational leaders and managers within and across the core functions of an organisation.

Rationale

There is a high level of unemployment and shortages of specific skills in the South African economy. This qualification is designed to provide the learner with the extensive understanding in business administration, management, marketing, project management and financial management and to ensure effective functioning by applying essential business strategies, principles and research techniques. It builds on the fundamental principles, concepts and methods of the disciplinary knowledge and skills gained in the qualification and other related Diplomas. It allows learners an opportunity to broaden the scope of their knowledge and gain an in-depth understanding of the areas of specialisation which will prepare them adequately to enter Postgraduate studies in this and other related fields.

The rationale for the qualification is to strive to instil business administration, managerial, financial, project management and research skills in our learners to support their academic talents. Also, the importance of effective corporate governance, transparency and ethics in management underpin the implementation of this qualification. A qualified learner will be able to work in both the public and private sector as administrators, office/business managers, project managers, and general managers.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Prior learning shall be recognised, subject to the requirements of the qualification and as per institution's policy for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

An RPL application is evaluated against the entry requirements of the qualification.. RPL may be used to demonstrate competence for admission into this qualification. This qualification may be achieved in part through RPL processes. Evidence of prior learning must be assessed through the formal institutional RPL processes using recognised methods.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Diploma in Office Administration, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Diploma in Administrative Management, NQF Level 6.

Or

• Cognate Diploma, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 totalling 120 Credits

• Business Administration, 15 Credits.
• Management Accounting Aspects, 15 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
• Financial Accounting Aspects, 15 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.
• Project Management, 15 credits.
• Financial Management, 15 Credits.
• Management Practice, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry and their suitability to specific investigations in the field of business administration, as well as the ability to select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within the practice of business administration.
2. Apply management accounting principles in an enterprise.
3. Manage projects related to business administration within the enterprise.
4. Demonstrate a full understanding and practical application of the marketing management concept.
5. Interpret financial statements and draw relevant conclusions for investment purposes.
6. Apply administrative principles within the business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and evaluate a range of methods of enquiry for their suitability to specific investigations in the field of business administration.
• Select and apply appropriate methods and techniques to resolve problems or introduce change within the practice of business administration.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply elementary accounting principles.
• Analyse and interpreting income statements and balance sheets of a business.
• Correctly analysing and interpret ratios and cash flow statements of a business.
• Analyse, interpreting and compiling a short and long-term capital structure for a business.
• Analyse, interpreting and compiling an effective working capital policy and procedure for business.
• Correctly analysing, interpreting and applying job order costing, process costing, and standard costing principles.
• Analyse, interpreting and setting a budgetary system for a business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate an understanding of project life cycles and work break- down structures.
• Develop a project schedule including a project procurement schedule and a basic project resource plan and S-curve.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Explaining the role and integration of marketing as one of the functional areas in a business environment.
• Analysing relevant marketing management principles and practices for an enterprise.
• Evaluating an enterprise in order to compile a comprehensive marketing plan for the enterprise successfully.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Analyse and critically evaluate the financial statements of any organisation.
• Apply investment decisions based on the analysis of financial statements.
• Conclude on short and long-term budgets and display an understanding of the management of the finances of an organisation.
• Apply long term decisions on the feasibility of projects using investment techniques.
• Estimate a project's cash flow and business risks and its suitability for inclusion in a firm's portfolio of investments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Analyse the business environment and demonstrate the ability to implement administrative principles and practices.
• Demonstrate the ability to collect, analyse, and organise theoretical and practical information across a range of functional areas of business administration.
• Apply strategic decisions in a theoretically sound way, ensuring goal maximisation, as well as a willingness to apply innovative solutions where appropriate.

Integrated Assessment

There are various Qualification Assessment strategies used to evaluate the effectiveness of teaching and learning. For instance, some of the assessment strategies include Participative assessment and case method approach. The qualification provides for sufficient practical application of knowledge, skills and attitudes across modules to ensure that the learners' competencies can be assessed through formative assessment and summative assessment. Formative assessment includes tests, presentations, assignments, case study methods, practical exercises and projects (in the case of research) are used to evaluate the performance of the learners. Summative assessment includes a written examination.