Bachelor of Commerce Honours

Purpose

Learners will know the content and basic theories of Commerce at the intermediate level, and to provide them with a deeper grasp of Business Management, Human Resources Management, Economics and Accounting as well as to enable them to place new knowledge in context and to use appropriate methods for seeking resolution of problems. Learners will be skilled in a variety of basic scholarly and intellectual competencies, including the ability to question critically the assumptions of a limited range of theories and authorities, and to develop an understanding of elementary research methods used within the Commerce disciplines. They will have the ability to give an accurate account of scholarly positions and the competence to express their own opinions clearly and coherently, both in written and oral communication. Learners will be provided with a well-rounded and broad education in Commerce topics, thus preparing them for a wide range of professions crucial to the welfare of society. Learners will be able to think laterally, critically and creatively. They will be prepared for life-long learning and will have an understanding of the principles of critical citizenship, and be capable of critical citizenship. Learners will have gained in skills and the ability to propose a basic research project, to execute, analyse and report on it in a logical and knowledgeable manner.

Rationale

This qualification is relevant to the needs of the South African labour market by providing graduates who are trained to work in management and law contexts. The qualification will help achieve the objectives of the National Qualification Framework (NQF) by facilitating access, mobility and progression on a training and career path in Management and Law. This qualification instils a research capacity in Graduates that will allow them to continue their career paths academically as well as professionally. It aims to contribute not only to individual personal development, but also to the social and economic development of the nation at large, taking into consideration the existing needs of the workplace.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is guided by the institutional policy and is aligned to the objectives of the NQF. Entry into the qualification is possible via RPL as well as indicating advanced standing, provided that it is aligned to the institutional policy and that the applicant is evaluated by a qualified RPL assessor in a manner that is free from any form of discrimination. RPL practices also include standard Credit Accumulation and Transfer (CAT) practices of equivalent modules that may have been achieved in the course of the applicant's studies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Accounting, NQF Level 7.
• Advanced Diploma in Accountancy, NQF Level 7.
• Advanced Diploma in Cost and Management Accounting, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Accounting, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module/s at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits (Choose/Select ONE Module)

Accountancy

• Advanced Accounting, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Management Accounting and Finance, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Auditing, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Taxation, 20 Credits.
• Research Project (Accounting), 40 Credits.

Economics

• Advanced Microeconomics, 20 Credits.
• Advanced Macroeconomics, 20 Credits.
• Monetary Economics, 20 Credits.
• Economics of the Public Sector, 20 Credits.
• Econometrics and Research Project, 40 Credits.

Business Management

• Marketing Strategies, 20 Credits.
• Advertising strategies, 20 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 20 Credits.
• Project Management, 20 Credits.
• Research Project (Business Management), 40 Credits.

Human Resource Management

• Research Methodology, 20 Credits.
• Behaviour Measurement, 20 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
• Labour Relations, 20 Credits.
• Research Project (Human Resource Management), 40 Credits.

1. Demonstrate a scope of knowledge and knowledge literacy in the chosen discipline of specialisation. Consolidate and deepen one's expertise in a particular discipline.
2. Acquire problem solving skills use related methods and procedures to solve problems.
3. Demonstrate the ability to identify and address ethical issues in the related field of specialisation.
4. Apply effective learning strategies to cope with the high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Demonstrate an understanding of knowledge application in one of the following fields, viz.
• Business Management, Human Resources Management, Economics, or Accounting.
• Use multiple sources to gain knowledge and insight and synthesise academic arguments from them.

Associated Assessment Criteria 2

• Draw on the applicable body of knowledge in the discipline and identify, analyse and address problems.
• Present and communicate information, occupational ideas and texts effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria 3

Demonstrate the learner's critical reflection on the suitability of different ethical value systems and the application to specific contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria 4

Report research under supervision of at least 30 credits in the form of a research component that reflects theoretical engagement and intellectual independence.

Integrated Assessment

Learning and assessment across exit level outcomes within the qualification should be integrated to ensure a well-structured cohesive qualification. Assessments are based on formative assessments which are in place to assure continuous learning and feedback to learners and summative assessments which ensure a judgement of learning at exit level outcomes. Such assessments should assess the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, competencies and attitudes that are represented by the exit-level outcomes, either as a whole or as components of the qualification.