Bachelor of Business Administration

Purpose

The Bachelor of Business Administration aims to assist individuals and organisations to achieve their personal and organisational goals by enhancing their management and leadership potential.

This qualification intends to equip participants with management and leadership skills and knowledge so they can make a positive difference on a personal and organisational level.

In many cases, potential learners interested in the qualification may not have had much formal work experience, but the Bachelor of Business Administration will prepare them for formal employment or self-employment.

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide knowledge and skills in general management, which will enable one to realise their potential and assist in progression towards managerial roles within organisations. The qualification is structured in such a way that it provides individuals with a set of core management competencies, which are augmented through specific electives. The competencies gained through studying this qualification are valuable to an individual who wishes to grow in their career. The learners completing this qualification benefit the Business Administration, Management and Operations sectors within the country.

The exit level outcomes have been developed for learners to obtain the necessary knowledge required for execution tasks within managerial functions, assisting with honing abilities in organisational assessments. From a broad perspective, the exit level outcomes prepare learners to "fit into" business environments, in addition, they are also able to adapt in public sector settings. Further to this, learners are equipped and able to participate in the economy as active entrepreneurs. Upon successful completion of the qualification, learners could pursue postgraduate studies, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management.

Upon successful completion of the qualification, the qualifying learner will be able to

• Illustrate competence in communicating effectively in the business environment.
• Illustrate understanding of concepts relating to research methodology and the ability to prepare a research proposal.
• Apply knowledge and understanding of and the ability to apply management principles in the business environment.
• Reflect and participate in the economic environment that influences business managers.
• Apply knowledge of business law and its implications for business management.

Rationale

The rationale behind the development of this qualification is to provide fundamentals in education within business, management and leadership concepts, principles, theories, and models, and prepare learners for a broad range of job opportunities. Globalisation has led companies into various areas of growth, knowledge and skills within the business environment can now be seen as highly significant, hence the need for this qualification. In the context of the high demand for managerial skills and knowledge of the systemic interrelatedness of organisational functions, this qualification directly addresses the management needs of the economy.

This qualification has been developed for individuals interested in gaining insight into business organisations and their functions, through an in-depth investigation of key general management functions and an interrogation of its management thereof. The intended outcome of this qualification is the development of general business managers who are equipped with the relevant management skills to perform their roles and responsibilities more effectively and to create career progression and entry opportunities for learners.

This qualification aims to assist individuals who are new to the business environment as well as those who are currently employed at businesses to elevate into general management.

The aim is to also offer career opportunities for learners by broadening their understanding of local and international general business administration and management practices, so they can generate and implement integrated plans and make decisions based on a holistic understanding of organisational structure, systems, culture, and strategy. In addition, this qualification provides many articulation pathways assisting learners to advance within their studies. The qualification can be deemed beneficial to business communities within the public and private sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy applicable to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

RPL for access

• Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
• To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credit

• Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
• Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

Or

• Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.

Or

• Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 7 totalling 380 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 120 Credits.

• Economics I, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management I, 20 Credits.
• Human Resource Management I, 20 Credits.
• Marketing Management I, 20 Credits.
• Project Management I, Credits 20 Credits.
• Strategic Management I, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits.

• Economics ll, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management II, 20 Credits.
• Human Resource Management II, 20 Credits.
• Marketing Management II, 20 Credits.
• Project Management II, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Management II, 20 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits.

• Business Law, 20 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Strategic Management III, 20 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits (Select two modules)

• Economics, 30 Credits.
• Financial Management, 30 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 30 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 30 Credits.
• Project Management, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 20 Credits (Select one module)

• Change Management, 20 Credits.
• Information and Communication Technology, 20 Credits.
• Negotiation and Conflict Management, 20 Credits.
• Quality and Customer Service Management, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate competence in communicating effectively in the business environment.
2. Demonstrate understanding of concepts relating to research methodology and the ability to prepare a research proposal.
3. Demonstrate understanding of and the ability to apply management principles in the business environment.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the economic environment that influences business managers.
5. Demonstrate knowledge of business law and its implications for business management.
6. Demonstrate basic knowledge of financial management in the business management environment.
7. Demonstrate knowledge of labour law and its implications for business management.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to implement project management in the business environment.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to implement human resources management in the business environment.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to implement marketing management in the business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.

• Illustrate an ability to display a thorough understanding of the importance of effective communication within a business environment.
• Apply the necessary skills to ensure no miscommunication occurs between stakeholders.
• Apply effective written and verbal communication in support of internal and external business requirements.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.

• Present a detailed understanding of research methodology and all the concepts related to it.
• Effectively design research studies and analyse data.
• Communicate research findings to a variety of stakeholders to contribute towards data-informed decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.

• Illustrate a comprehensive understanding of management principles.
• Skillfully apply business principles in a complex business environment, ensuring efficient resource allocation, effective team coordination, and strategic decision-making for sustainable growth and success.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.

• Illustrate a thorough grasp of the economic landscape that significantly impacts business leaders, encompassing the ability to discern economic trends.
• Analyse market forces and make informed decisions to navigate the ever-evolving business terrain effectively.
• Explain the purpose, role, and function of marketing from a business perspective view.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.

• Display an in-depth understanding of business law and its far-reaching ramifications in the field of business management.
• Indicate the capacity to discern legal intricacies in the application of business principles.
• Apply compliance measures and make informed managerial choices that uphold legal standards and safeguard the interests of the organization.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.

• Illustrate a foundational understanding of financial management within the sphere of business management.
• Apply key financial concepts and analyse financial data.
• Make informed decisions that contribute to sound fiscal practices and the overall success of the organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.

• Illustrate a comprehensive understanding of labour law and its implications for the field of business management.
• Apply necessary labour law knowledge encompassing the capability to navigate employment regulations and address workforce-related issues.
• Make informed managerial decisions that align with legal requirements, fostering a harmonious and compliant work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.

• Exhibit a well-developed comprehension of project management principles and the proficiency to effectively apply them in the dynamic context of the business environment. > Strategically plan, execute, and monitor projects, ensuring timely and efficient outcomes that align with organisational goals and objectives.
• Develop budgets related to a project, department, or organisation in line with financial requirements applicable to organisational objectives.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 9.

• Showcase a comprehensive understanding of human resources management principles and the proficiency to effectively implement them within the dynamic business environment.
• Illustrate the ability to attract, retain, and develop talent, ensure workforce compliance, and contribute to a productive and harmonious workplace.
• Implement basic human resource best practices within a work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 10.

• Exhibit a comprehensive understanding of marketing management principles and the proficiency to adeptly apply them within the ever-evolving business landscape.
• Develop and execute marketing strategies, analyse market trends, and effectively promote products or services to achieve business objectives and enhance market presence.
• Develop and identify a marketing mix for a business organisational context.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The objective of integrated assessment is to assess whether the learners have acquired the necessary general management skills to effectively manage a business.

Both formative and summative assessment methods are to be used in the individual modules making up the qualification.

Formative Assessment

• Assignments in the form of case studies
• Organization-specific projects

The purpose of the assessment is to measure applied competence. In other words, it assesses whether a learner will be able to integrate the knowledge gained from the various management modules to perform general managerial functions competently (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to general managerial practices (reflexive competence).

Summative Assessment

Learners are required to submit

• Two assignments per module
• Case study analysis
• Projects.
• Examinations

Learners need to have an average of 50% in the assignments to qualify to write the examination. Learners are required to write one examination per module and need 50% to pass the examination.