Bachelor of Commerce

Purpose

The qualification is aimed at providing students with a solid grounding in the academic theory underpinning the main concepts of the field of Commerce and Business Economics and Management. The qualification includes a significant experiential component, culminating in an industry internship or project which forms part of the final year curriculum. The qualification includes a range of more generalised modules, such as Business English, Business Law and Business Ethics, knowledge of which will assist graduates to function competently in today's business environment.

The graduate, on successful completion of the qualification, has the option either of entering the world of work immediately, or of continuing with further study in the field of Business Management or Administration.

Rationale

This qualification will empower learners with graduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence to pursue practical and rewarding careers in the local, national, regional and global business and public sector economic environment. It will also provide South Africa with graduates competent in one or more of a range of specialisations, such as economics, information systems, marketing, human resources, finance, public sector studies and law. Further, the qualification will assist and enable the learner to develop his/her intellectual and moral capacity, understand the business and economic environment, think critically and innovatively and build a foundation for further specialisation.

It is assumed that a learner this qualification is competent in Communication and Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of prior Learning

Learners' prior learning is recognized through a formal process of submission of portfolio of evidence and evaluation by our staff to recognize any formal or informal learning that the learner might have achieved previously.

Access to the qualification

A learner entering in this qualification must have achieved a FET Certificate at NQF Level 4 (Grade 12 with exemption).

The qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules, that must be completed within the specified time/duration.

The following modules are compulsory

• Business Management 111.
• Marketing 111.
• Financial Accounting 111.
• Economics 111.
• Human Resource Management 111.
• Business Management 121.
• Marketing 121.
• Financial Accounting 121.
• Economics 121and Macro Economics.
• Human Resource Management 121.
• Business Management 211.
• Marketing 211.
• Management Accounting 211.
• Entrepreneurship 211.
• Business Management 221.
• Marketing 221.
• Financial Management 221.
• Business Management 311.
• Marketing 311.
• Research Methodology 311.
• Business Management 321.
• Marketing 321.
• Business Mathematics 321.

Learners are to choose five elective modules as follows to complete the qualification

• Business English 111.

Or

• Business Law 111.

Or

• Public Relations 111.

And

• Quantitative Techniques 121.

Or

• Business Law 121.

Or

• Industrial Relations 121.

And

• Human Resource Management 211.

Or

• Entrepreneurship 211.

And

• Human Resource Management 221.

Or

• Consumer Behaviour 221.

And

• Human Resource Management 311.

Or

• Business Ethics 311.

Or

• Public Relations 311.
• Human Resource Management 321.

Or

• Production and Promotions Management 321.

Or

• Public Relations 321.

1. Demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area.
2. Operate in both turbulent and stable economic environments and to respond effectively to uncertainties.
3. Access, process and communicate information appropriately and effectively.
4. Work effectively as an individual, in multicultural teams and in multidisciplinary environments.
5. Understand the requirement to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of the changing business, financial and policy environment which constantly brings new methods, techniques and competitive challenges.
6. Act ethically and show awareness of the code of conduct adopted by the workplace and of the necessity to carry this code into the world of work.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
• Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
• Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
• Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
• Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:

• Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
• Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
• Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
• Exploring education and career opportunities.
• Developing entrepreneurial opportunities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge of a major discipline in more than one area of own choice.
• Apply specialist skills required in a major discipline and sub-discipline of own choice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Understand the nature and functioning of diverse forms of enterprise and economic systems and perform tasks necessary for the effective functioning of enterprises in varying circumstances.
• Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organisational, business and social problems.
• Use multi-disciplinary approaches to conceptual thinking and problem solving.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Access information using a spectrum of technologies, ranging from hand-written and auto-generated business records, to electronic data bases.
• Process and communicate information using technologies ranging from written reports to visual presentations.
• Access, use and organise information knowledge in an ever-changing context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Understand and use skills to manage self and exercise self discipline.
• Plan and initiate the successful completion of management supporting, management and administrative tasks - individually or in collaboration with a team.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Formulate and propose potential solutions to various economic, organisational, business and social problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Show through own behaviour that the importance of ethical behaviour is understood and continuously applied.

Integrated Assessment

During the course of study and particularly at the stage of final assessment, assessment practices include criteria pertaining to all the outcomes for the degree to ensure that these outcomes are integrated with one another. The qualifying learner has demonstrated that he or she has achieved all the exit level outcomes by passing all course requirements for obtaining the qualification.

Continuous assessment is provided through a whole range of formative and summative assessment methods that include

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Workplace assessments and practical workbooks.
• Written assignments.
• Written tests.
• Case studies and case presentations.
• Peer group evaluation.
• Competency evaluations of clinical skills.
• Face to face contact with learners.
• Final examination.