Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Investment Management

Purpose

The qualification is comprised of a broad-based curriculum to prepare the learner for a wide range of investment-related specialities. The curriculum of this qualification has been redesigned to meet international industry standards. The qualification focus on Investment Management in South Africa and internationally to ensure our learners learning and applying industry relevant concepts. The curriculum of the Chartered Financial Analyst(CFA) Institute, which is an international professional body for Financial Analysis (which is closely related to Investment Management), has been used to align the qualification to industry relevant material. The main aim of this qualification is to prepare the learner for postgraduate research and to deepen their knowledge of the discipline of investment.

Rationale

This qualification provides qualifying learners with intellectual competencies and practical skills in the analysis, interpretation and application of basic and advanced investment principles in the different financial markets. The learner should be able to reflect on his or her investment decisions and applications to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of investment management as a practice. The successful learner will gain a global investment perspective and an in-depth understanding of the global marketplace which will provide them with a competitive advantage for employment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF)-Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirements

• A Bachelor of Commerce or any related qualification with at Level 7 with at least Accounting, Investment Management Economics and Statistics.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling at 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits

• Alternative Asset Investment Analysis, 10 Credits.
• Portfolio Management, 15 Credits.
• Financial Engineering, 15 Credits.
• Quantitative Investment Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Applied Investment Analysis, 10 Credits.
• Research Project: Investment Management, 30 Credits.
• Equity Investment Analysis, 15 Credits.
• Financial Risk Management, 10 Credits.

1. Identify and analyse short- and long-term factors that influence the objectives and constraints for both individual and institutional investors, in line with the client's capital market familiarity, life cycle and expectations.
2. Analyse economic, political and social data and integrate the information into investment selection by incorporating short- and intermediate-term expected conditions in the investment management process.
3. Analyse and value financial instruments traded in the equity, bond, money, foreign exchange, property, derivatives markets and collective investments, by applying quantitative and qualitative techniques, and manage financial exposure by applying appropriate strategies.
4. Construct a portfolio in line with the investors objectives and constraints by integrating current and projected market conditions, asset valuation techniques and existing portfolio management theories, incorporating appropriate asset allocation and security selection strategies; determine and monitor portfolio performance by applying appropriate quantitative techniques and re-align portfolio composition with changes in investor objectives and constraints and/or changes in market conditions.
5. Conduct empirical research in the broader field of Investment Management.

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

• Demonstrate his or her ability to identify and solve problems in the field of investment management correctly by applying the relevant theoretical principles and reflect on the application made according to standards.
• Plan and execute research in the field of investment management according to standards, including the gathering, analysing, synthesising and interpretation of information on investment management issues correctly by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken.
• Communicate according to standards, effectively orally and in writing with the different role players in the field of investment management by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflect on the application made.
• Develop an accountable theoretical and practical macro-vision of investment management nationally and globally according to standards.
• Organise and coordinate resources and opportunities in the field of investment effectively and responsibly by applying the relevant theoretical aspects and reflect on the application made.
• Demonstrate, according to standards, acceptable responsibility for his or her own activities in the field of investment management.
• Practice acceptable social sensitivity in the relationships with others and work effectively in a team by implementing the relevant theory and reflect on the implementation made.
• Utilise according to standards, appropriate technology effectively in the investment management environment.
• Explore different learning strategies, according to standards, to acquire the different capabilities of an investment manager.
• Promote responsible citizenship according to standards, through his/her approach or attitude towards the holistic application of management capabilities in investment.
• Practice social, cultural and aesthetic sensitivity, according to standards, towards the people of the different investment communities and the role players in the investment industry by applying the appropriate theoretical principles and reflect on the application made.
• Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills, according to standards, for entry into the different sectors of the investment industry by applying the theoretical principles of employment seeking skills and reflect on the application thereof.

Integrated Assessment

The qualification is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and includes summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from learners and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved, but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. For all the assessment purposes to be achieved, investigative projects or assignments, problem solutions, group and individual assignments, and multi-disciplinary projects, case studies, report writing, planning, oral presentations, semester tests, and final examinations will be used.