Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Human Resource Management

Purpose

This qualification's purpose is to consolidate and deepen the students' expertise in human resource management and to develop research capacity in its methodology and techniques. The Postgraduate modules are in line with the development of academic research in the field and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent and successful in exercising the functions of human resource practitioners and apply the skills required to analyse, advice and support employers/employees in the work context regarding human resource related issues/aspects.

Rationale

The rationale of this qualification is to develop the student's ability to analyse human resource management issues/aspects, to advice employers and employees in this regard and to render support where necessary. b) Students will be able to register with the South African Board for People Practices (SABPP). c) This qualification will empower students to continue with a Master's Degree in Human Resource Management should they adhere to all the relevant admission requirements.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. This Institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment of the submitted portfolio, to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into Honours Degree studies are

• A Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Bachelor of Commerce status as approved by the Board of the relevant Faculty.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

Compulsory Modules Level 8, 30 Credits

• Research Report, 30 Credits.

Elective Modules Level 8

• Applied Labour Relations, 16 Credits.
• Human Capacity Building, 8 Credits.
• Practical Work, 16 Credits.
• Authentic Helping, 8 Credits.
• Psychological Evaluation, Recruitment, Selection &Placement, 8 Credits.
• Organisational Development, 8 Credits.
• Work Wellness, 16 Credits.
• Career Psychology, 8 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 8 Credits.
• Organisational Behaviour, 8 Credits.
• Industrial Sociological Theories, 8 Credits.
• Collective Bargaining And Negotiation, 16 Credits.
• Human Resource Management Strategies, 16 Credits.

1. Apply knowledge and skills to assess and predict work-related competencies and skills of existing and prospective human resources.
2. Demonstrate knowledge and skills for advising on or supplying solutions to problematic human interaction situations in the work context.
3. Apply knowledge and skills to devise or create formats, structures and systems for the development of work-related skills and competencies in the work context.
4. Demonstrate knowledge and skills to devise frameworks and systems regarding the maintenance (conditions of service, fringe benefits, etc.) of human resources.
5. Apply skills in the management of projects in the aforementioned areas.
6. Consult relevant literature and undertake empirical research of limited scope, draw valid conclusions and assist in the application thereof.
7. Provide inputs in the negotiation of labour relations agreements and the settlement of labour relation disputes.

The following Associated Assessment Criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes.

• Demonstrate a systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories.
• Apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information.
• Demonstrate critical reflection on, and understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice.
• Demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
• Effectively communicate scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas in written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology.
• Demonstrate effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress.

Integrated Assessment

Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, portfolios, tests and so forth are employed, as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation, project or report. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects or seminars in individual as well as group context may also be employed.

Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the workplace.