Bachelor of Commerce Honours

Purpose

The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours is to equip learners with a holistic understanding of the multifaceted dynamics of business and commerce, thus creating graduates who can successfully navigate the complex interplay between internal and external factors that shape the business landscape and apply strategic leadership skills to assist organisations in achieving their long-term goals.

Within both the South African context and the broader global economy, there is a need for versatile and ethically conscious business leaders who possess a comprehensive understanding of business dynamics, economic principles, diversity promotion, ethical frameworks, and the ability to apply research methodologies to contribute towards the drive for data-driven decision-making in the corporate world. This qualification is intended for individuals already in junior and middle management who wish to expand their skills and expertise to enter strategic positions held by senior management, thus contributing to the achievement of long-term business goals at the local, national and international level.

The curriculum has been structured to ensure that skills in Financial Management, Information Systems Management, Human Resource Management, Marketing Management, Economics, Business Research, and Strategic Management provide a balanced approach for the development of well-rounded postgraduate professionals.

Rationale

From an external perspective, the Bachelor of Commerce Honours degree has been designed in response to some of the key developmental areas identified in the South African National Development Plan - Vision for 2030, specifically the need to create ethical and socially responsible graduates who can lead organisations with integrity, thereby contributing to South Africa's pursuit of ethical corporate behaviour and sustainable development.

The South African socio-economic landscape is both diverse and constantly evolving due to a multitude of internal and external factors. Given the goal of sustainable development, whilst simultaneously attempting to rectify historical imbalances related to both academic and professional opportunities, the country requires leaders who can quickly formulate strategic plans, guide organisations towards long-term objectives, and navigate changing business terrains with agility and innovation. Future leaders need to have both theoretical knowledge and skills to navigate the emerging economy but have developed a holistic understanding and appreciation of diversity and inclusivity within South Africa's multicultural environment.

From an internal perspective, the rationale for adding this qualification to its profile was influenced by the institution's strategic decision to develop leaders and organisations not only from a managerial context but to awaken potential across all professions, sectors, disciplines, and organisations. This qualification complements and articulates vertically with the Bachelor of Commerce, and potentially with the Bachelor of Business Administration, whilst allowing opportunities for further studies towards the Master of Business Administration.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL refers to an assessment process to determine the potential of a learner to succeed at a particular level of a qualification based on prior informal or non-formal learning. This process is guided by institutional policies. The RPL assessment is based on the demonstration of abilities in respect of knowledge, competence, attitudes, and values at the NQF level that the learner wants to attempt. Upon a positive result of the assessment, learners may elect to apply for exemption from relevant modules.

RPL for access

• RPL is applied to applicants who do not meet the admission criteria for a qualification and access through RPL is based on an assessment of learners' prior informal and non-formal learning.
• RPL access into this qualification will be applied to learners who discontinued their studies at this or other institutions.
• The Institution also complies with the CHE principle that no more than 10% of a cohort of learners within the qualification are admitted through the RPL process.

RPL for exemption from modules

• RPL may be used to grant access to a qualification/qualification from modules or courses of a particular qualification. This does not translate to credits being awarded to the modules or courses within the RPL process.
• RPL assessment process will only apply to learners who discontinued their studies at either NQF Levels 5,6, and 7 in a cognate qualification and should it be determined that there is a 70% correlation in modular content between the completed modules and the applicable institution's modules.

The institution implements specific quality assurance processes for any learner who apply to enter the qualification or qualification via the RPL process -this includes processes linked to RPL applications, assessment and reporting, while ensuring that administrative and support systems are in place throughout each process. During the assessment of the RPL application, the institution ensures that the standard of the qualification is maintained by implementing an assessment process that is appropriate to the modules and exit level outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7. Or
• Bachelor of Commerce in Accountancy, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Economics, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Finance, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce in Financial Management, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8, totalling 125 credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Advanced Financial Management, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Human Resource Management, 15 Credits.
• Economics, 15 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Information Systems Management, 15 Credits.
• Advanced Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals of Business Research, 30 Credits.
• Intermediate Personal Mastery, 5 Credits.

1. Effectively engage with relevant financial management theories and decision-making processes to provide accurate comments on the influence of international investments on local economies, as well as to conduct various financial activities, inclusive of risk analysis, financial planning, and mergers and acquisitions assessment.
2. Interpret relevant labour relations and human resource management laws and regulations, integrating these into Human Resource Management operational strategies, inclusive of selection, recruitment and performance management operational plans.
3. Analyse and evaluate economic concepts and policies, considering factors such as fiscal and monetary policies and their potential impact on business, to effectively forecast economic trends to help organisations make informed decisions and strategies.
4. Conduct strategic analysis of organisations from a resource-based perspective, to manage processes and plans that will contribute towards the creation and maintenance of a competitive advantage in diverse markets.
5. Critically evaluate the impact of information systems management on business enterprises, assessing the influence of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence on both information systems management and business organisations.
6. Engage in critical analysis of strategic marketing plans, comparing strategies and market needs analysis of different approaches, and how these influence strategic relationships that contribute towards business success.
7. Demonstrate a detailed understanding of research methodology and concepts to effectively design research studies, analyse data and communicate research findings to a variety of stakeholders to contribute towards data-informed decision-making.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Prepare and present a detailed analysis, based on a case study, of the risks and returns associated with financial management.
• Offer a thorough interpretation of the required rate of return and the cost of capital for a business organisation to ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• Prepare a summary that concisely explains each of the steps associated with financial planning, highlighting the way this extends the control of the organisation.
• Offer a detailed comparison of the financial differences between company mergers and acquisitions, commenting on the benefits and pitfalls for all relevant stakeholders.
• Present a comprehensive and well-rounded explanation of the connection between international investments and international treasury, focusing specifically on how these influence local economies and, by extension, local businesses.
• Prepare a comprehensive explanation of Capital Structure theory and include relevant examples where necessary.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Present a comprehensive explanation and interpretation of how personnel and organisational policy influence human resource dynamics and flows, focusing on the way these policies influence the flow of the entire organisation.
• Provide a thorough comparison of labour relations and human resources law and regulations, distinguishing clearly how these are implemented and related.
• Present an analytical comparison of three different motivation and compensation systems within an organisation, commenting on the effectiveness of each.
• Offer a detailed personal analysis of the connection between the steps of recruitment and selection to career management for employees, both for internal promotional and external hiring.
• Present a comprehensive explanation and justification for the selection criteria with should be used when organisations intend to offer training qualifications to solve employee performance problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Present a comprehensive analysis of the connection between labour and goods markets, including citations of the relevant theories.
• Prepare a well-rounded essay providing one's interpretation of the connections between demand and supply, inferring how this influences consumer theory.
• Present a detailed outline of both economics and behavioural economics, including the theories related to each.
• Provide an exhaustive table, categorising and explaining the theories related to information economics and behavioural economics.
• Prepare a comprehensive comparison of exogenous and endogenous economic variables, focusing on how each influences the economy on both a domestic and global level.
• Prepare and present a personal interpretation of the applications of theories related to macro- and micro-economics, debating the merits of each.
• Investigate the influence of a singular event in the microeconomy of an organisation and interpret the effect thereof on the macroeconomy of the country based on a provided case study.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Prepare and present a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of "strategy" and "organisational strategy" as these relate to business organisations and their operations.
• Present a personal interpretation of how an organisation's competitive position is based on its resources and the ability to manage these; apply relevant theory and examples to substantiate the interpretation.
• Offer a detailed comparison of two different businesses, as laid out in case studies, evaluating how these businesses compete and operate in international markets, and propose a strategy for organisations to compete in these markets better.
• Prepare a comparative essay focusing on the way sustainable growth is related to the ethical, social, and environmental responsibilities of an organisation.
• Present a thorough analysis of how corporate culture and ethical leadership drive good strategy implementation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Provide a detailed comparison of the current theories related to information systems, commenting on the merits and oversights of each in practice.
• Provide a comprehensive depiction of the differences between daily enterprise systems practice and information security as these work together in a business environment.
• Prepare a comprehensive written report explaining the influence of emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, inferring how these may potentially change business organisations.
• Offer a personal interpretation on what the impact of artificial intelligence practices and advancements may be on information security systems, providing examples to substantiate the interpretation.
• Conduct a comprehensive analysis of the information systems management that impacts business enterprises by protecting their intellectual property.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Provide a detailed comparison and analysis of marketing plans, commenting on the logical (or illogical) development to describe the likely success thereof.
• Engage in a comprehensive analysis of a case study business where the marketing plan has been unsuccessful and suggest a possible solution.
• Offer a detailed interpretation of the purpose and need for a market needs analysis, commenting on how the process is carried out, and the impact it may have on the business in the provided case study.
• Present a detailed comparison of how two different competitive strategies have influenced the growth of an organisation in a provided case study scenario.
• Engage in a thorough analysis of a set of business relationships, explaining how each of the relationships influences each other and potentially leads to business success.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Present interpretation of the implementation process utilised in basic research uses the correct terminology to describe each of the concepts involved.
• Prepare a research plan based on the research process, explain each of the required steps for success, based on the research conducted.
• Present a literature review based on a research topic of choice or recommended by the lecturer, including all the articles used in an alphabetical bibliography.
• Conduct research into four different research methodologies used when conducting research into the chosen topic, presenting findings in a report and explain which method will be used to conduct research.
• Conduct research into four different data collection techniques and tools used when conducting research into the chosen topic, presenting findings in a report, and explaining which method was used to conduct research.
• Prepare a questionnaire, or other lecturer-approved sampling strategy, and utilise this tool for data collection, remaining cognisant of the POPI Act.
• Prepare a PowerPoint presentation which depicts the research outcomes of a data set which previously collected and analysed using Excel.
• Using all the necessary data tools and analytics, interpret the findings of a research study undertaken.
• Present research report, including all the required elements such as a literature review and data analysis.

INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT

Assessment practices must be fair, transparent, valid and reliable and should ensure that the learner is not disadvantaged in any way. Integrated assessment provides the opportunity for learners to demonstrate that they can integrate concepts, actions and ideas achieved across a range of unit standards and contexts. Integrated assessment must evaluate the quality of competence attained by the learner.

The assessment strategies used must ensure that all Specific Outcomes, Essential Embedded Knowledge and Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are assessed. The assessment of the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes should be integrated with the assessment of the Specific Outcomes.

The learner who has provided the required evidence for all the exit-level outcomes of the qualification will be assessed as competent and awarded the qualification. This will ensure that learning and competence are not achieved only by the building blocks of the unit standards but also the integration and application of the fundamental, core and elective building blocks to a particular context, i.e. the exit level outcomes.

Formative Assessments

• Learners are required to complete and submit two formal formative assessment tasks per module, constituting 50% of the module mark. Learners who do not achieve an average of 40% for their formative assessments may be allowed to resubmit their assessment tasks after academic support and guidance through the Academic Committee.

Summative Assessments

• Upon achievement of a sub-minimum of 40% for each formative assessment, learners will be allowed to proceed to the summative assessment, which constitutes 50% of the module mark. The summative assessment will also have a minimum of 40%.