Bachelor of Commerce Honours

1. Public Good

1.1 To strengthen the pool of specialised entrepreneurs, managers, decision makers, advisors, professionals and researchers active in the economic life of South Africa in order to ensure that the local leadership base of innovative and value-adding economic and scholarly activity is widened.

2. Private Good

2.1 To provide qualifiers with research, professional and practical skills that build on prior graduate-level knowledge and skills, attitude and competence in the economic and related sciences in such a way that a high degree of specialisation, further growth and professional competence in these skills can readily take place.

2.2 To instil in qualifiers the necessary confidence and attitude to professionally address advanced issues in a particular economic or related science.

2.3 To provide qualifiers with the potential ability to develop the competence required for successfully specialising in endeavours of an economic nature at the global level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning will also be given for outcomes achieved in other related Degree/Diploma programmes; or relevant professional experience. This will be based on the learner's study record from an accredited provider or on a portfolio of evidence and an interview.

A Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent qualification approved by the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE) Senate, in a field relevant to the proposed honours programme, as well a minimum pass mark of 60 percent in the relevant discipline.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce or equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7.

1. Economic and related problem solving

The qualifier is competent to identify, formulate, assess and solve problems relating to the economic principle of satisfying unlimited needs with limited means at an advanced level - creatively, innovatively and professionally.

2. Application of fundamental and specialist knowledge

The qualifier confidently demonstrates deep knowledge of an area of specialisation in the economic or related sciences by:

a. Showing progressive understanding of relevant literature.

b. Practising critical and evaluate argumentative skills.

c. Working across disciplinary boundaries in solving problems at an advanced level.

3. Case Studies

The qualifier is competent to study at an advanced level cases of economic and business activity, involving the following abilities:

a. To analyse, reformat, synthesise and evaluate a wide range of information;

b. To justify and explain conclusions in terms of the principles and concepts underpinning the particular field of study.

4. Scientific Assignments

The qualifier is competent to work independently, on an individual or team basis, on advanced mini-research projects of an economic nature, involving the following practices:

a. Stating the problem to be investigated.

b. Planning the investigation.

c. Gathering, analysing, processing and interpreting relevant data.

d. Preparing a report that meets the requirements of a professional document and accurate communication.

5. Economic methods, skills, tools and information technology

The qualifier is competent to

a. Use advanced methods, skills and tools of the economic and related sciences in a professional manner.

b. Use computers, computer networks and information infrastructures for accessing, processing, managing and storing information to enhance individual and teamwork productivity.

c. Use computer packages for computation, modelling, communication and information handling, involving

i. Assessment of the applicability and limitations of the package.

ii. Proper application and operation of the package.

iii. Critical testing and assessment of the end-results produced by the package.

6. Professional and general communication

The qualifier is competent to

a. Communicate specialised information effectively, both orally and by other means, with relevant audiences and the community in a form appropriate to the particular areas of specialisation.

b. Apply methods of providing information for use by others involved in economic activity;

c. Interpret (verbally) statistical results obtained by means of case studies, scientific assignments and information technology in 3, 4 and 5.

7. Impact of economic activity on society and the environment

The qualifier is able to demonstrate in an exemplary manner

a. The need to be socially responsible in applying the principles of the particular discipline.

c. The importance of honouring ethical considerations, i.e. the personal, social, cultural values and requirements of those affected by economic and related activity.

d. The importance of exercising judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience.

8. Team and multi-disciplinary working

The qualifier is competent to work effectively as an individual, in teams and in multi-disciplinary environments, showing leadership ability and performing critical functions related to the economic sciences.

9. Further research

The qualifier is competent to

a. Apply research methods within broad parameters for defined areas;

b. Plan and conduct, with guidance, investigations of an advanced/specialised nature.

c. Apply appropriate advanced investigative methods.

d. Prepare a comprehensive report that meets the requirements of a scientific document and accurate communication at the advanced level.

10. Lifelong learning

The qualifier

a. Understands the requirements to maintain continued competence and to keep abreast of up-to-date tools and techniques in economic and related sciences in general and in a specialist field in particular.

b. Is competent to engage in lifelong learning through well-developed learning skills and qualitative debate.

11. Professional ethics and practice

The qualifier

a. Is critically aware of the need to act professionally and ethically and to take responsibility within own limits of confidence.

b. Is competent to exercise judgement commensurate with knowledge and experience in a specialist area of the economic and related sciences.

The assessment criteria will be based on the outcomes listed.

Integrated Assessment

A range of assessment strategies will be used to ensure that the above outcomes are integrated: workplace-based assignments, individual and group projects, mini-research reports, written and oral examinations.