Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship is to prepare learners for careers as entrepreneurs and business leaders. The qualification will equip learners with a broad understanding of business principles, including finance, accounting, marketing, operations, and human resources, as well as specialised knowledge and skills related to entrepreneurship and innovation. The provision of valuable exposure to modules/areas such as entrepreneurial finance exposes learners to the world of finances within Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SME's) and micro-enterprises. This will allow learners to navigate the financial aspects of a business when starting new ventures.

Through a combination of open-distance and e-learning, case studies, and practical projects, learners will develop a deep understanding of the entrepreneurial process, including opportunity identification, market analysis, business planning, and execution. They will also develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills required to manage and grow successful ventures.

The qualification will produce graduates who can launch and manage successful businesses that create jobs and contribute to South Africa's economic growth and development. By emphasising entrepreneurship throughout the curriculum, the qualification will help bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering learners to become job creators and agents of change in their communities.

Learners will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities that develop their knowledge and skills. The exit level outcomes offer learners learning and career pathways with opportunities for articulation with other qualifications, both nationally and internationally. Graduates will be equipped to pursue a range of careers in business and related fields or to pursue further studies at a postgraduate level. Graduates will be well-prepared to become economically active or pursue further studies in business and related fields, with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration and entrepreneurship.

Rationale

Entrepreneurship forms the backbone of the South African economy, resulting in a need to uplift and fast-track entrepreneurs within South Africa. South Africa's high unemployment rate and the need for new ventures to create jobs inspired the design of the Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Entrepreneurship. degree. There is a dire need to prepare the country's youth to become job creators rather than job seekers and equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to launch and manage successful businesses, which is crucial to achieving this goal. The South African business sector's inability to absorb the growing number of unemployed graduates results in an urgent need for more entrepreneurs and small business owners to create jobs and stimulate economic growth. According to the Quarterly Labour Force Survey (QLFS) for the fourth quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate was 60% for those aged 15-24 and 40% for those aged 25-34 years, while the current official national rate stands at 33%

Exacerbating the burden of unemployment is the unemployment rate among young graduates (aged 15-24 years) of 32,6% in 2022. South Africa's youth continue to bear the burden of unemployment. Considering the target audience age group of 18-25 years, highlights the need for a qualification that provides learners with the necessary entrepreneurial competencies to succeed in the business world.

The qualification meets the needs in the business sector by providing learners with a comprehensive understanding of business principles and practices, combined with entrepreneurial skills and knowledge. The qualification focuses on developing learners' abilities to identify opportunities, innovate, take risks, and manage business ventures effectively. This is particularly important in South Africa, where small businesses face numerous challenges, such as access to funding, market competition, and regulatory compliance.

The qualification subsequently emphasises a more practical and applied approach to business education, focusing on entrepreneurship, innovation, and business strategy. The qualification will provide learners with the skills and mindset required to launch and manage businesses successfully.

The design of the qualification is based on literature from recognised bodies, such as the South African Institute of Entrepreneurship, the National Small Business Chamber, and the Department of Small Business Development. These bodies have provided valuable insights into the needs of the business sector and have contributed to a qualification that meets the demands of the National Development Plan (NDP). It is envisaged that the qualification will strengthen the institution's market position and enhance the undergraduate qualification offerings.

The qualification is suitable for a range of learners, including school leavers who have done business studies or entrepreneurship in high school, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Graduates of this qualification will be well-equipped to start and manage their own businesses, work in business development or entrepreneurship support organisations, or pursue further studies in business or entrepreneurship-related fields. The qualification is designed as a three-year open distance and e-learning (ODeL) qualification that provides a broad-based education in business and entrepreneurship. It also provides opportunities for graduates to engage in practical learning experiences such as internships, entrepreneurship competitions, and business incubation programmes.

The qualification will provide quality and relevant education and training to all its learners, thereby enhancing, uplifting, and continuously improving the quality of education and training in Southern Africa through "Education for Life". The qualification will further provide numerous benefits to the learners, society, and the economy. Learners will acquire valuable business and entrepreneurship competencies that will enable them to create new ventures, generate employment, and contribute to the growth and development of the economy. Society will benefit from creating more sustainable and socially responsible businesses that address the needs of local communities. The economy will benefit from increased economic activity, job creation, and the development of a more diversified and competitive business sector. The qualification will produce graduates who can also navigate the complexities of a changing world and embody critical consciousness, creativity, and social engagement within the South African civil society.

The qualification is globally recognised as a valuable foundational qualification for individuals pursuing careers in various fields of business. The qualification will subsequently provide learners with a strong foundation in the theoretical and practical aspects of business administration, specifically in relation to starting and growing a business enterprise. This will enable graduates to contribute to the needs of industry and society in South Africa and beyond. The qualification will enhance, uplift, and continuously improve the quality of education and training in Southern Africa.

Career opportunities for graduates of this qualification exist as

• Entrepreneur.
• Small Business Manager.
• Corporate Entrepreneur.
• New Business Developer.
• Business Consultant.

This qualification will prepare graduates to further their Entrepreneurship studies at an honours level and/or postgraduate diploma level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Institution's existing RPL policy and practices will be applied to this qualification. The principles of recognising prior learning will be applied at a modular level.

The institution follows the CHE's Policies on Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment (CHE, 2016).

RPL for credits

• Learners applying for admission to the qualification via RPL can only be exempted from a maximum of 50% of the qualification modules.
• Learners must demonstrate their prior learning either through evaluation/verification and/or assessment.
• Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and learners will discuss with the RPL advisor to determine the requirements for the RPL assessment/portfolio of evidence.

RPL for access

In addition to the admission criteria, the institution recognises that many learners who have not achieved a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or an equivalent prior qualification (e.g., Senior Certificate without endorsement) can benefit from higher education. In keeping with the objectives of the Ministry of Higher Education and Training to support wider and more diverse access to higher education within the higher education system, potential candidates who do not meet the technical benchmark for admission to the qualification may be considered for candidacy under the institution's recognition of prior learning (RPL) arrangements.

The institution follows the guidelines set by the CHE (CHE, 2016), and only 10% of a cohort will be admitted to a qualification on RPL basis.

Academic Committee and Registrar: Administration will adjudicate all RPL applications. The outcome of the applications will be communicated to learners in writing (via email). Although learners are rigorously assessed according to the RPL principles, there is no guarantee that a learner will be admitted to a qualification or receive exemptions from modules.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

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

Or

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

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement

Or

• Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship, NQF Level 5.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5, 6, and 7, totalling 382 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 124 Credits

• Academic Literacy, 16 Credits.
• Computer Literacy 1, 16 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1A: Introduction to Entrepreneurship, 22 Credits.
• Economics for Managers, 10 Credits.
• Commercial Law, 8 Credits.
• Accounting Principles, 14 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship 1B: Opportunity Assessment, 22 Credits

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 126 Credits

• Computer Literacy: Digital Transformation, 4 credits.
• Business Management 2, 10 credits.
• Financial Accounting, 20 credits.
• Entrepreneurship 2A: Innovation and New Venture Creation, 24 credits.
• Business Ethics, 10 credits.
• Introduction to Cost and Management Accounting, 10 credits.
• Entrepreneurial Leadership, 24 credits.
• Entrepreneurship 2C: Entrepreneurial Sales and Marketing, 24 credits.

Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 132 Credits

• Business Management 3, 32 credits.
• Research Methods, 8 credits.
• Financing Entrepreneurial Ventures, 16 credits.
• Family Businesses and Franchising, 14 credits.
• Project Management, 14 credits.
• Operations and Supply Chain Management, 14 credits.
• Entrepreneurship 3C: Applied E-Commerce, 14 credits.
• Business Plan, 20 credits.

1. Demonstrate an understanding of core business concepts and practices within an entrepreneurial context.
2. Demonstrate creative and innovative problem-solving, idea generation, and opportunity identification.
3. Create business plans and strategies that align with the goals and objectives of the business.
4. Demonstrate entrepreneurial leadership and management skills.
5. Demonstrate an understanding of ethical principles and practices, social responsibility, and sustainability.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the latest technology, innovative approaches, business strategies, and their entrepreneurial implications.
7. Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities and challenges of operating in international contexts.
8. Demonstrate skills and knowledge to manage finances and make financial decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Evaluate market trends and construct marketing strategies.
• Analyse financial statements and produce financial strategies.
• Assess processes, systems, supply chain, and craft operations strategies.
• Discuss employee relations and develop human resources strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Assess market demand.
• Identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Generate innovative ideas and solutions.
• Discuss evolving business environments and adaptive strategies
• Develop a compelling vision and effective communication strategies.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Create business models that align with objectives, capitalise on opportunities, and deliver value to customers and stakeholders.
• Conduct market research, analyse customer needs and the competitive landscape.
• Develop strategies that leverage market opportunities.
• Analyse financial data to inform business decisions and strategies.
• Discuss management of operations, including supply chain, quality control, and risk management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Contrast and compare entrepreneurial leadership theories and practices.
• Evaluate and refine entrepreneurial leadership approaches based on feedback and evaluation.
• Discuss organisational behaviour and culture.
• Develop human resource strategies and policies.
• Craft project management plans fit for entrepreneurial contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Debate ethical principles and values in business decision-making and leadership.
• Construct strategies, policies, and practices that promote social responsibility, sustainability, and a culture of ethical leadership and accountability.
• Craft communication plans for stakeholders about CSR policies, practices, and initiatives.
• Develop ethical policies and practices that align with business objectives.
• Describe stakeholder interests in relation to effective communication, conflict resolution, and satisfaction.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Explain innovation principles and practices.
• Discuss ideation and brainstorming techniques to generate and evaluate innovative ideas.
• Interpret the entrepreneurial impact of technology trends and digital marketing principles.
• Discuss project management and change management techniques for the implementation and adoption of technology solutions.
• Explain intellectual property principles and practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Describe international trade principles.
• Explain cross-cultural management principles.
• Analyse global corporate strategy principles.
• Deliberate economic development initiatives and policies.
• Evaluate international finance principles and practices.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Create financial plans that align with business objectives.
• Evaluate financial statements and discuss strategies for effective financial reporting and analysis.
• Simulate financial data management and Visualisation techniques to communicate financial information.
• Discuss funding and investment principles.
• Demonstrate risk management principles.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

The institution applies an integrated assessment approach, as outlined in the Higher Education Assessment and Moderation Management Policy. Assessment is designed to support learner learning and ensure the achievement of learning outcomes through a combination of formative and summative methods. These methods are appropriate to the qualification NQF levels and ODeL mode of provision.

Formative assessments are used throughout the learning process to provide feedback and guide learner development, while summative assessments evaluate the achievement of exit-level outcomes. Integrated assessment ensures that theoretical knowledge and practical competencies are assessed in a coherent and meaningful way, often through contextualised tasks such as case studies, projects, and simulations.

Assessment practices are moderated internally and externally to ensure fairness, reliability, and academic integrity. The assessment strategy is structured to reflect the complexity and progression of the qualification, supporting the development of applied competence and preparing learners for the world of work.