Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Quantitative Management

Purpose

This programme will allow candidates who have completed Quantitative Management at third year level to enroll for a Bachelor of Commerce Honours Degree: Quantitative Management at Stellenbosch University. Study in this focal area will equip the student with a combination of management and analytical capabilities in order to be highly competitive in the business world. The aim is to educate managers and analysts, who will, after adequate experience, be able to analyse and manage business functions and processes within the firm at the strategic, tactical and operational levels, and to substantiate decisions quantitatively in order to help maximise the firm's worth. The focus will now also be on presentation of solutions, through presentation and report writing.

This qualification will enhance their quantitative skills and will focus on quantitative modelling of business applications with a greater emphasis on methodology of modelling and delivery of results.

The main purpose of this programme is to

• Equip students with knowledge and analytical skills across a wide range of different specialized aspects of Quantitative Management and to empower them to be able to follow a career in the field of Quantitative Management.
• Develop capable leaders in the field of Quantitative Management in the primary and secondary economic sectors, who have advanced applied knowledge and analytical skills to drive sustainable development and growth within their fields of application.
• Supply a base of knowledge to enable students to continue with Master's studies in Quantitative Management.
• Provide practical experience in modeling of real world problems, to develop written and verbal communication, and to promote the utilization of different techniques in these real world applications.

Rationale

Currently, students following Quantitative Management at third year level who wish to continue with postgraduate studies only have one option, which is to follow the Honours programme in Logistics Management. The skill acquired through the training at the undergraduate level of quantitative analyses is not explored or deepened sufficiently any further. The introduction of the Bachelor of Commerce Honours: Quantitative Management will allow students to capitalise on these scarce skills and further their training in Quantitative Management.

It is assumed that learners are competent in Quantitative Management at NQF Level 7.

Recognition of Prior Learning

The University has an official Policy for the Assessment and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). It allows for various forms of assessment, including access assessment instruments (access and placement tests), examinations assessed numerically, consideration of submitted learning portfolios and qualitative screening thereof by qualified staff, conditional admission (learning goals are set), prescribed additional work to be assessed, recognition of formal learning at other institutions, professional short courses, recognition of informal learning through job experience.

Access to the Qualification

Admission requirements is a Bachelor of Commerce Degree, with at least 60% in Quantitative Management at third year level, or any other relevant Bachelor's Degree as approved specifically for this purpose by Senate.

The qualification consists of the following

• Three compulsory modules of 15 credits each.
• A compulsory research assignment, of 30 credits.
• Optional Modules from the Logistics Management Honours programme, worth 45 credits. Of these, quantitative oriented modules can be selected from other departments to a maximum of 30 credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and analytical skills across a wide range of different specialized aspects of Quantitative Management.
2. Demonstrate the ability to apply advanced applied knowledge and analytical skills to drive sustainable development and growth within a field of application in Quantitative Management in the primary and secondary economic sectors.
3. Model real world problems utilizing different techniques in real world applications.
4. Use written and verbal communication in Quantitative Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Analyse, organise and critically evaluate related information.

1.2 Use scientific methodology in the acquisition of quantitative data, information and knowledge.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Use science and technology of a quantitative nature critically and effectively, while taking the environment and the interests of others into account.

2.2 Apply a series of advanced quantitative techniques, procedures and experimental approaches in problem solving.

2.3 Apply knowledge and practical skills in quantitative management.

2.4 Use a range of methodology when solutions to practical problems in disparate fields of industry are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Identify divergent problems and resolve them creatively by applying the appropriate Quantitative Management methodology.

3.2 Apply knowledge and practical skills in quantitative management methodology when practical problems in disparate fields of industry are attempted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Read and interpret management focused literature, especially that of a quantitative nature.

4.2 Communicate effectively by employing graphical, statistical, mathematical, and language skills when making oral and written presentations.

4.3 Work effectively as a member of a team.

Integrated Assessment

The University has a formal Assessment Policy driving all assessment practices. According to the policy, assessment criteria are prescribed that ensure the attainment of assessment validity, reliability, transparency, justice, attainability and timeous feedback. The academic honesty criterion is ensured through a formal policy of the curtailment of plagiarism.

Because of the different natures of the modules, assessment will vary amongst the modules. For the modules "Quantitative Modelling", "Introduction to Forecasting" and the electives, students will be required to submit weekly individual assignments. A written examination is also required.

The module "Methods of Quantitative Management" is a project-driven module. Students will be assessed within their groups on their reports, as well as their oral presentations. Three reports and oral presentations will be required for this module.

The research assignment will be assessed by the supervisor, as well as by a second, internal, examiner. An oral presentation on the topic is also required.