Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Statistical Sciences

The Honours programme is the first-year of Postgraduate study in the Statistical Sciences, which is understood to include both statistical modelling and inference and quantitative management science (operational research). The core of the programme provides the opportunity for intensive study in statistical theory and operational research. Also, the learner selects four further modules, involving either theoretical specialisations (e. g. econometrics) or studies in application to specific problem areas (e. g. finance).

The programme includes training in concepts and research methods, as well as in the practical application of the theory. This is designed to equip the candidate with the skills necessary for employment in quantitative analysis functions in either public or private sectors. It will also prepare learners for further study, locally or internationally, at Masters Level in Statistics, Operational Research, or related quantitative subjects.

Entry requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Advanced Diploma in Actuarial Science, NQF Level 7.
• Bachelor of Commerce, NQF Level 7.

1. Understand and manipulate qualitative and quantitative data within an area of specialisation;
2. Design and conduct research in his or her area of specialisation;
3. Produce academic papers that reflect an ability to interrogate the professional literature and engage in critical debate;
4. Find information of professional relevance efficiently and independently;
5. Use information-technology efficiently and independently;
6. Embark on Masters level research study under supervision.
7. Articulate an understanding of an area of specialisation at a high level of abstraction;
8. Independently apply discipline-based knowledge and practices to an understanding of conceptual and practical problems;
9. Design and conduct research utilising the methods of the discipline;
10. Apply the theory and research methods of the discipline to the development of research questions;
11. Produce theoretical and research communications that draw on a range of information bases.

The following associated assessment criteria apply across all Exit Level Outcomes

• Demonstrate knowledge of the most important recent findings and discoveries in the discipline they are studying.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the principal academic issues and controversies being debated by academics in their field of study.
• Demonstrate appropriate levels of technical competence in the application of quantitative and computer assisted problem solving.
• Read and discuss some of the important articles that appear in the relevant academic journals.
• Conduct a literature search and construct a catalogue raisonne of the principal academic works relating to a particular subject matter.
• Apply their specialist knowledge to real life commercial situations in South Africa and globally.
• Participate in discussions of normative issues relevant to the conduct of research and the conduct of business.

Integrated Assessment

Successful learners, in addition to being examined on specialist areas of their subject, are also required to complete a project which is written up as a short dissertation.

The Honours project may in exceptional circumstances be a piece of supervised research on a theoretical problem in the statistical sciences, but is more usually the application of appropriate quantitative tools to a real world problem related to management or decision making. After initial discussions with relevant affected parties or specialists regarding the problem, the learner would start by formulating the modelling approach, also identifying data needs. Thereafter, the learner would review relevant literature, obtain relevant data, build the appropriate models, and use these to generate required analytical results or recommendations. The project is written up as a report, documenting problem analysis, literature, data, models and recommendations. Such a report is intended to be presented to the owner of the original real-world problem. The results are also presented at a departmental seminar, attended by members of staff, other learners, and anyone else with interest in the results.

The project report will be assessed on the basis of competence in analysing the problem, in reviewing relevant literature and formulating appropriate models, invalidating and using the models, in drawing valid conclusions, and in presenting the results and recommendations.

Formative assessment will occur continuously through the feedback from the project supervisor.

Summative assessment will involve the assignment of an overall grade to the completed project.