Bachelor of Administration Honours in Human Resource Management

Purpose

This postgraduate qualification in Human Resource Management is designed to provide students with a sound basis of Human Resource Management theory as well as the application of its principles in both the public and private sectors. The Degree is a postgraduate specialisation qualification which furthermore prepares students for research-based postgraduate study at Level 9. This qualification's purpose is to consolidate and deepen the students expertise in Human Resource Management and to develop research capacity in its methodology and techniques. The postgraduate modules are in line with the development of academic research in the field and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent and successful in exercising the functions of human resource practitioners and apply the skills required to analyse, advise and support employers/employees in the work context regarding human resource related issues/aspects.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to develop the student's ability to analyse human resource management issues/aspects, to advise employers and employees in this regard and to render support where necessary. Students will be able to register with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). This qualification will empower students to continue with a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management should they adhere to all the relevant admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning, in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a significant role. The University subscribes to the view that Recognition of Prior Learning, whether acquired by formal education curricula at this or another institution, or informally (by experience) is an indispensable element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme of the North-West University. Formal prior learning: Prior accredited learning at the Further Education and Training (FET) or Higher Education and Training (HET) level in relevant domains, which constitute credit-bearing units or modules, should be recognised if evidence can be produced that shows that the student has achieved, at a satisfactory level, the Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria specified for modules of the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and, if appropriate, allows the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part or in full. Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning: An applicant who falls outside of the formal qualifications system but who can demonstrate (through the production of substantial and satisfactory evidence) experiential or work-based learning or a non-formal qualification (or a combination), may be considered for admission and/or for the Recognition of Prior Learning for the achievement of the qualification in part. An applicant who, after such assessment, is deemed to have sufficient potential, but is in need of further academic development, will be directed to other suitable learning programmes prior to admission, or to parallel programmes after admission.

Entry Requirements

Students must have passed a Bachelor of Administration or have passed Public Administration at Level 6 with a mark of 60%.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8.

Modules

• Labour and Social Security Law (MCLM621) 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Training and Development (HRNM611) 12 Credits.
• The Human Resource Management Function (HRNM612) 12 Credits.
• Career Psychology (IPSM622) 12 Credits.
• Strategic Human Resource Management (HRNM621) 12 Credits.
• Research Project (HRNM671) 60 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge and skills to assess and predict work-related competencies and skills of existing and prospective human resources.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills for advising on or supplying solutions to problematic human interaction situations in the work context.
3. Apply knowledge and skills to devise or create formats, structures and systems for the development of work-related skills and competencies in the work context.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to devise frameworks and systems regarding the maintenance (conditions of service, fringe benefits, etc.) of human resources.
5. Apply skills in the management of projects in the aforementioned areas.
6. Consult relevant literature and undertake empirical research of limited scope, draw valid conclusions and assist in the application thereof.
7. Provide inputs in the negotiation of labour relations agreements and the settlement of labour relation disputes.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.