Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science

Purpose

The Bachelor of Business Science in Investment Science equips learners to deal with private and corporate investment in all its aspects, to analyse the performances of business enterprises and banking institutions, to analyse individual portfolios and guide individual investment plans. The qualification is designed to provide learners with a well-rounded, broad knowledge base underpinned by the theories, methodologies and principles essential to the effective management of public and private investments, focusing primarily on the disciplines of finance, economics, accounting, mathematics and statistics.

The purpose of the qualification is to broaden the learner`s financial and technical knowledge and to develop a detailed understanding of theory, to develop skills required for critical thinking, and to demonstrate initiative in developing strategies to compete in a global market and networked economy. The graduate attributes gained from this qualification will equip the learner with the basis of entry into a competitive labour market, professional training, Postgraduate studies or further studies towards the Certified Financial Analyst or Actuarial Science qualifications.

A further important consideration of the purpose of the qualification is that it enables the learners to diagnose and analyse complex finance and financial management related problems, and to synthesize credible and practical solutions by evaluating the ever-changing business environment and changing economy. This is achieved by preparing the learner for a research-based Postgraduate study, by developing research capacity in the methodology and techniques of finance, mathematics, statistics and economics through the curriculum design, the methods of assessment, and the specific outcomes of the qualification which include the successful completion of a research publication (worthy of publication in accredited journals locally or internationally. The fourth year of study is interdisciplinary and serves to strengthen and deepen the learner`s knowledge in the field of investment. This qualification subjects the learner to advanced reflection and development through research. This is achieved by exposure to and inclusion of current thinking, practice and research methods, the assessment of which demands a high level of theoretical engagement in intellectual independence.

Rationale

The qualification is a four-year professional (undergraduate) degree which is designed to address the national shortage of suitably qualified people in the sphere of Finance and Financial Management services, financial planning, international finance, investments and securities, public finance, credit management and finance education. It emphasises principles and theory in conjunction with procedural knowledge to provide learners with a thorough grounding in the knowledge, theory, principles and skills and the ability to apply these to their professional contexts.

The qualification aims to produce learners for the financial, commercial, industrial and educational sectors, to meet the challenges presented by South Africa's growing economy.

This qualification attracts learners from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. These learners develop skills applicable to both emerging and developed financial markets and experience interaction with the local business sector. Qualifying learners are equipped to make a contribution to the economy in this manner, in support of producing "self-confident and socially responsible graduates, conscious of their role in contributing to the national development effort and social transformation".

This qualification seeks to promote excellence in the field of finance, congruent with the needs of business, industry, commerce and government to enable learners to compete favourably and equitably on local, national and international job markets. This qualification aims to develop learners academically and professionally so that they can make a positive contribution to the South African economy and the continent's prosperity.

Learners would also be equipped with the necessary skills to be able to run their businesses, thereby alleviating unemployment levels and poverty. As future academics in finance, they would fill the existing skills gap.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is applied for in terms of the institution's RPL Policy aligned to the NQF RPL Policy. As such, the assessment of mature-age or other learners will recognise learning from experience; evidence supporting such experiential learning, which includes the assessment of learning outcomes which must be deemed to be sufficient and current for the qualification and discipline sought.

Access and credits may be granted to learners based on experience.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies, with Mathematics.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement and Mathematics.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor studies, with Mathematics.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6, 7 and 8 totalling 560 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 160 Credits

• Accounting 101, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Calculus, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Statistics, 16 Credits.
• InfoSystems and Technology 1A, 16 Credits.
• Accounting 102 or Accounting 103, 16 Credits.
• Principles of Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Calculus and Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Statistical Methods, 16 Credits.
• Integrated Business Studies, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 144 Credits

• Basic isiZulu Language Studies, 16 Credits.
• Intermediate Macroeconomics and Applications, 16 Credits.
• Finance 201,16 Credits.
• Probability Distributions, 16 Credits.
• Advanced Calculus and Linear Algebra, 16 Credits.
• Intermediate Microeconomics and Applications, 16 Credits.
• Finance 202, 16 Credits.
• Statistical Inference, 16 Credits.
• Further Calculus and Introductory Analysis, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 128 Credits.

• Capital Market Theory, 16 Credits.
• Financial Risk Management, 16 Credits.
• Linear Models, 16 Credits.
• Applied Probability Models, 16 Credits.
• Corporate Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• Any level 3 ECON module, except for Quantitative Economics, 16 Credits.
• Applied Statistics, 16 Credits.
• Random Processes, Credits.

Compulsory, Level 8, 128 Credits

• Corporate Finance, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Methods in Finance, 16 Credits.
• Econometrics, 16 Credits.
• International Business Finance, 16 Credits.
• Portfolio Management, 16 Credits.
• Time Series Analysis, 16 Credits.
• Research Project in Finance, 32 Credits.

1. Source and analyse economic data using relevant econometric techniques.
2. Apply theoretical knowledge of corporate finance to determine factors relevant to shareholder wealth and perform necessary analyses to make sound financial management decisions.
3. Apply financial principles to appropriately address issues specific to transactions in the international business finance arena.
4. Apply theoretical models to investing in capital markets and managing investment portfolios.
5. Apply an appropriately defined research methodology to research within the domains of finance and economics.
6. Obtain, interpret and critically evaluate information, solve problems and make sound financial and economic decisions.
7. Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
8. Demonstrate a wide knowledge of the different parts of the field of investment, how the parts relate to each other, and how they are applied in practice, and be able to use this specialised knowledge to think independently and critically.
9. Produce and critically defend a body of research, using a quantitative research methodology.
10. Identify, analyse and address complex and abstract problems in the disciplines of finance, economics and statistics and produce papers or presentations/seminars on their findings.
11. Prove the ability to solve problems, through the use of statistical packages.
12. Demonstrate strong personality and work ethic, and a desire to contribute towards and effect change in the community and wider work environment.
13. Demonstrate the ability to manage own learning in a variety of contexts as well as demonstrate accountability.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Apply appropriate econometric techniques to source information.
• Analyse economic data accessed from different sources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Describe, explain and discuss corporate finance concepts and principles.
• Identify factors relevant to shareholder wealth.
• Apply concepts and principles to analyse these factors to enable sound financial management decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify issues concerning transactions in the field of international business finance.
• Apply fundamental and specialist financial principles to analyse these issues.
• Describe uncertainty and risk through the use of Probability and Statistics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Use theoretical models to make appropriate investments in capital markets.
• Apply theoretical models to manage investment portfolios.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and describe appropriate methods of inquiry across specific disciplines such as finance and economics to solve problems.
• Select and apply appropriate methods of inquiry in the field to solve problems pertinent to Investment Science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Access information from various sources with the aid of Statistical packages.
• Evaluate different sources of information, their validity and accuracy using methodologies relevant to finance and economics.
• Present an argument to justify choices made concerning such information based on Investment Science application concepts.
• Use selected information to solve financial problems which result in sound financial and economic decisions.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Communicate in language appropriate for the work environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Explain and discuss the different parts of the field of investment and their relationship to each other.
• Apply specialist knowledge of economics and finance investment problems to solve investment problems.
• Think critically and independently in solving investment problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Identify a researchable topic in finance or economics, integrating themes from different modules appropriately.
• Formulate a research proposal outlining research questions.
• Conduct a literature search.
• Apply quantitative methods to collect data.
• Analyse data, synthesise findings, and draw conclusions.
• Present an argument in defending conclusions drawn from research findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Identify complex and abstract problems in the disciplines of finance, economics and statistics.
• Use specialist knowledge in the fields of economics, finance and statistics as the foundation for solving problems.
• Present research findings both orally and in writing in various public fora.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Apply knowledge and skills from different fields of study to solve problems in their core areas of study.
• Apply specific Investment Science theoretical principles to solve problems using statistical packages.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Apply ethics in professional practice.
• Identify different value systems in different contexts.
• Use Investment Science theory and practical application which is directly relevant to mitigating existing societal challenges.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 13

• Work independently or in groups.
• Take responsibility for learning.

Integrated Assessment

Most modules are assessed through a final integrated written examination, contributing 50% towards the final mark of the module. The other 50% is constituted from a range of oral and written, group and individual class assignments during the semester, which provides learners with the opportunity to demonstrate a variety of competencies. The research project assesses the ability of learners to integrate themes from different modules appropriately and apply these to a practical financial/economic research problem.