Bachelor of Business Science Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the Honours degree is to provide a higher level of expertise that is valued by employers and graduates therefore have a competitive advantage in the job market. An honours degree programme is also the first step towards a research-based higher degree, such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Commerce (MCom) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Commerce (DCom) degree. The honours year offers the opportunity to build on the undergraduate degree and to conduct a supervised research project.

The programme further aims to produce graduates who have excellent conceptual, practical and research skills in the respective fields that will be highly prized in both academic and industry circles.

The Honours degree offers skills development and extension that will be invaluable to the expansion of career prospects. Honours students benefit from building their network through small classes of high achieving focused learners.

This programme has been especially designed to offer students the opportunity for advanced study in one of the specialist business areas within the Faculty of Business and Economics and to teach students how to conduct business-related research at an advanced level.

Rationale

Honours is an upward articulation opportunity provided to undergraduate students who are keen to pursue further study in an intensively supported and well structured programme of independent study. Mentoring and an individualised supportive learning environment are key features of the Honours programme in Business and Economics. The Honours degree offers skills development and extension that will be invaluable to the expansion of career prospects.

This one-year, full-time programme has been especially designed to offer selected students the opportunity for advanced study in one of the specialist business areas within the Faculty of Business and Economics and to teach students how to conduct business-related research at an advanced level.

It is assumed that learners are competent in leaning at bachelor degree level. It is also assumed that they are able to communicate well; articulate thoughts and concepts verbally and in written form, work well in teams and possess the ability to solve problems collectively and as an individual. Applicants should also be proficient in computer use and be familiar with Microsoft Office.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university endorses policies and procedures to allow for an educationally appropriate alternative and/or supplement to established forms of advanced standing based on the recognition for credit of the following:

• Learning acquired in a 'credentialed' context, other than an accredited institution, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other provider recognised by the necessary authorities.

>Students must lodge an application form together with required documentation (e.g. academic transcript, syllabi, course structure, contact hours, assessment details). Applications are forwarded to the relevant committee and assessed.

• Learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or through life experience.

>At present the learner is required to submit details of such experience to the faculty, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis. The school evaluates the background and experience of the applicant against the course requirements.

Access to the qualification

Admission to the Honours degree can be obtained through a Bachelor of Business and Commerce or equivalent degree programme offered at Monash University, or an equivalent from another recognised and accredited institution. Candidates should obtain an average of 65 per cent for the undergraduate degree in the specialised area of business.

Prospective students should meet the following entry requirements

• A three year undergraduate qualification or equivalent degree (NQF level 6/HEQF level 7) in a related field of study from an accredited institution with an average of 65% or higher.
• English is the language of instruction and assessment at Monash South Africa. Students must meet one of the following English language requirements to be eligible for admission:
• A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the higher grade (first or second language) in the South African Senior Certificate, or a score of 4 (50 - 59%) in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).
• A ass in English at A level, O level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent.
• American Tests of English (paper based) as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), achieving a minimum score of 580 with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4,5 or more - scores must be available for both TOEFL and TWE.
• Computer-based TOEFL, achieving a minimum score of 237 and an essay rating (ER) score of 5 or more.
• Internet-based TOEFL: 90 overall, Writing 20 and no section below 20.
• International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), achieving a minimum score of 6.5 (Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6).
• Practical experience in a related field is highly recommended for mature learners returning to higher education studies.

English requirements for international students

• IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0, Reading and Listening bands require a score of at least 6.5; TOEFL 580 with a TWE of 4.5; or an internet-based TEOFL score of at least 90 with 22 in Writing and no section lower than 20.

1. Demonstrate in-depth and specialised knowledge of a specialist area in business and economics.
2. Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the theory and research methodology of one or more disciplines/fields including extensive grounding in empirical, theoretical, practical, and research methodologies and an understanding of the key research issues in these areas.
3. Relate theory to practice and vice versa.
4. Undertake research in an area of specialisation by selecting and applying research methods effectively.
5. Deal with complex problems using the intellectual research and technological resources and tools relevant to a particular discipline or field.
6. Communicate research activities and findings using the appropriate discourse.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

Competence is evident when the learner is able to

• Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking by formulating e and solving contextual problems and propose potential solutions.
• Have the knowledge, competence, skills and attitudes that will enable them to organise and manage their own activities, work effectively with others as a member of a team, group or community, also to lead and become accomplished in their chosen employment fields locally or overseas.
• Operate in any environment, managing uncertainty and an ever changing social context. To participate as an active member of society by contributing to both personal and societal growth.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by identifying, sourcing, applying and effectively utilising material and resources in response to individual, employment or community needs.
• Communicate effectively with both the layperson and the specialist in both formal and informal contexts, using appropriate technology to illustrate and inform. Instruct the uninformed in areas relevant to the learner's area of expertise and to contribute to an informed community in the field.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, mindful of its effects on the environment and the health of others.
• Demonstrate a mastery of the technology necessary to the learner's field, and a responsible application of its uses. Maintain the utmost regard for the environmental and health impacts of the application of such technology.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as an interlocking set of related systems. Demonstrate the importance of ethical behaviour and the reliance of a behavioural value system that is sensitive across a range of social contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 1

• Knowledge of the discipline, fundamental concepts, their use and application is demonstrated.
• The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the specific discipline/field by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made is demonstrated.
• Theories regarding the field of study are evaluated and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 2

• Insight into the key research issues in the field of study is demonstrated.
• The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the discipline/field is demonstrated.
• The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the appropriate discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken, is demonstrated.
• Knowledge of techniques and skills involved in the research process is demonstrated.
• Current research and scholarship in a discipline is analysed and critiqued.
• Current research is analysed and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 3

• An understanding of the grounds, theory, science, and methods of knowledge is demonstrated.
• The capacity to relate theory to practice and vice versa is demonstrated.
• The relation between theory and practice and vice versa is critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 4

• An appropriate research programme for the dissertation is selected.
• A relevant research topic and survey of the relevant literature is proposed.
• The ability to select and apply research methods within the compilation of the dissertation is reflected.
• The research project address the issues identified.
• The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the specific discipline/field by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made is demonstrated.
• The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the specific discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 5

• An understanding of various research approaches and paradigms and methods of data collection and analysis is demonstrated.
• The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues related to the discipline/field is demonstrated.
• The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively when dealing with complex problems is demonstrated.
• Appropriate solutions to specified problems are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 6

• Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively orally communicated.
• Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively verbally communicated.
• Debates and themes regarding the field of study is coherently presented and discussed.

Integrated assessment

Unit assessment is based on a mixture of examinations, assignments, practical assignments, and a research dissertation.

In general the objective outlined above for the course will be assessed as follows

• Knowledge outcomes will be assessed principally through examinations and the research dissertation, which will require the students to demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts and their use and application.
• Understanding outcomes will be assessed principally through assignments which will require the students to discuss, evaluate or extrapolate concepts and techniques, and through research dissertation which will require the students to show their understanding of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to a specific case.
• Skills outcomes will be assessed through practical assignments, group work and the research dissertation which require the students to use the tools and techniques that they have been taught to create appropriate solutions to specified problems.
• Attitudes outcomes will be assessed through the students' participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.