Bachelor of Commerce

The purpose of the degree is to provide a general academic training for people interested in careers in commerce and industry.

A second purpose is to produce quality graduates who can apply fundamental and specialist knowledge to solve a range of problems and operate effectively in a business environment.

A third purpose is to provide an introduction to the techniques for independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to postgraduate study.

Candidates are not normally admitted to the full curriculum for the degree unless they are in possession of a matriculation exemption certificate and have obtained at least an F symbol in Mathematics on the Higher Grade, or an E symbol on the Standard Grade in the matriculation examination, or a pass in mathematics deemed to be the equivalent of the above.

Candidates should be able to communicate coherently in both written and spoken English.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Candidates are granted credit for equivalent prior learning and experience as determined by the University rules governing the recognition of prior learning and experience.

1. The learner will possess an adequate knowledge to commence an appropriate career in a commercial setting. This may involve an entrepreneurial initiative in self employment, or reflect an ability to function as a valuable employee in any business environment.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Knowledge outcomes

a. Understand the concepts and principles necessary for functioning in a business or industrial environment.

b. Be aware of the critical techniques necessary for the study and application of business principles and the ability to evaluate competing theories and approaches.

c. Demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the information, concepts and principles applicable to a selected set of subjects.

Skills outcomes

a. Behaviour in an adaptable and flexible manner, with sound social skills in dealing with others.

b. Have the ability to perform tasks independently without supervision.

c. Work effectively on projects as a member of a team.

d. Have the ability to think laterally and innovatively in applying concepts and principles in a business environment.

e. Display judgement and objectivity in analysing information and performing tasks.

Value & Attitudes Outcomes

f. Have an appreciation of the need to respond ethically and to operate with integrity and moral courage in the business environment.

1. The learner will have a range of broader skills for dealing with issues of professional and personal life, including: confidence in written and oral communication; the ability to manage time effectively; productive use of information technology; and working effectively in teams.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Skills outcomes

a. Be able to communicate ideas from one or more general fields of business studies and economics in both the spoken and written word.

b. Be able to manage time effectively.

c. Be able to use appropriate technology to facilitate communication.

d. Work effectively in teams showing leadership and performing critical functions.

Value & Attitudes Outcomes

e. Be aware of the multilingual nature of South African society, and are able to use language appropriately.

1. The learner will be competent in the techniques of independent research, analysis and articulation of ideas, which are transferable to postgraduate study.

In order to meet this exit level outcome, learners will

Knowledge Outcomes

Possess a framework against which new information and advances in business studies can be assessed and assimilated.

Skill Outcomes

Be able to access new information from libraries, the Internet and other appropriate sources.

Values & Attitudes Outcomes

Understand that business and economic systems change continually requiring the acquisition and application of new information to address changing circumstances requiring the need for life-long learning.

After the first year

Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice, of the basic principles, theories and facts that are central to a set of subjects that form the core of a particular curriculum. Learners will have a broad knowledge base with substantial depth in some areas.

Learners should be able to use available resources to gain access to information.

Learners should be able to interpret and summarise information from a variety of sources in the form of a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the second year

Learners should be able to demonstrate an understanding, both in theory and practice,

of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of the major sub-disciplines of the degree.

Learners should be able to use all available library resources to undertake independent study.

Learners should be able to analyse and evaluate a wide range of information and present the results as a logically structured and well-written essay.

After the third year

Learners should be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding, both in theory and practice, of the principles, theories and facts that form the core of a major sub-discipline of the degree. Learners are expected to show a complete understanding of more than one topic within the sub-discipline.

The learners will be required to demonstrate basic research, creative problem solving and critical thinking skills, as individuals and in groups.

The learner will have developed communicative skills and should be able to structure a logical argument both in writing and in the spoken from.

Integrated assessment appropriately incorporated to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved

Integrated assessment is incorporated using a wide range of formative and summative assessment methods.

Assessment entails three elements: Continual formal assessment, both formative and summative; continual informal assessment (formative) e.g. in tutorials; and, formal end-of-course assessment (summative) e.g. by way of examination.

The course work on which continuous assessment is based includes work done individually and in groups, and may consist of combinations of tests, essays, practical reports and seminars.