Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Transport Economics

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide the qualifying learners with the intellectual competencies and practical skills in the acquisition, interpretation, understanding and application of transport economic, management and regulatory principles. The learner should develop writing and creative thinking skills in the transport field.

Rationale

The qualification's curriculum was designed to make provision for the required research Credits and it was also amended from a semester module to a year module. Furthermore, industry relevant elective modules were added. The learner should be able to take important decisions in the context of a transport organisation, or the transport function of a company, and to assess public sector policy decisions impacting transport as a sector. The learner should also be able to reflect on his or her decisions and applications and to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of transport management and regulation.

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

• Bachelor of Commerce National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 7.

This qualification comprises of compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 8 totalling at 150 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 78 Credits

• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Infrastructure Studies, 12 Credits.
• Transport and Land Use Planning, 12 Credits.
• National and International Transport Policy, 12 Credits.
• Transport Policy Formulation, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 8, 72 Credits (Choose Six Elective Modules)

• Humanitarian Logistics Framework, 12 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management Level, 12 Credits.
• Airlines and Airports, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Aviation and Regulation, 12 Credits.
• Core Aspects of Logistics, 12 Credits.
• Shipping and Harbours, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Shipping and Maritime Regulation, 12 Credits.
• Public Passenger Transport Issues, 12 Credits.
• Road Transport Costing and Distribution, 12 Credits.
• Road Freight Transport Management, 12 Credits.
• Temperature Controlled Supply Chain Application, 12 Credits.
• Regulation of Public Passenger Transport, 12 Credits.
• Rail Transport Issues, 12 Credits.
• Humanitarian Logistics Response, 12 Credits.
• Temperature Controlled Supply Chain Framework, 12 Credits.
• Rail Transport Management, 12 Credits.

The learners should be able to

1. Evaluate and apply transport economic, management and regulatory concepts and principles; identifying and analysing important issues and problems relating to transport economic, management and regulatory strategies and policies; and proposing alternative courses of action and solutions.
2. Work in a team with a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the transport sector, as well as people on the grassroots level in the sector.
3. Act responsibly with respect to activities undertaken in the course of their application of transport economic, management and regulatory concepts and principles.
4. Plan, undertake and present research in the transport field, including gathering, analysing and integrating related information.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with role players in the transport sector, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Utilise the basic management technology appropriate to the transport management environment.
7. Reflect on the importance and role of the transport industry, and the management and regulation thereof, on a macro- and micro-level.
8. Identify different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a transport manager and/or regulator.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of, the transport sector; thus positively impacting on the economy.
10. Demonstrate a positive approach to different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respect to transport, within these communities.
11. Seek employment and entry into the transport sector, and identify areas in which he or she may establish for himself/herself a specialised career in the transport sector.
12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, especially own activities, and taking into consideration the implications thereof.

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

• Identify and solve important issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about transport economic, management and regulatory concepts and principles. Evaluate and, where relevant, correctly apply theoretical concepts and approaches to transport economic, management and regulatory problems, strategies and policies; thus proposing alternative courses of action and solutions. Reflect on the applications and proposals made.
• Display team ship and demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his or her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team, implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made. Display a thorough knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by, the transport sector.
• Display an ability to act responsibly in interactions with role players in transport field. Display an ability to accept responsibly in his or her application of transport economic, management and regulatory concepts and principles.
• Plan and execute research in the field of transport, including the correct gathering, analysing and integrating of information on transport economic, management and policy issues, by utilising the relevant theoretical research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken. Show that one can satisfactorily present the research executed.
• Communicate effectively, in an oral manner, including the usage of visual or graphic aids, with role players in the transport sectors by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made.
• Operate necessary management technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases. Use a computer as well as transport-related databases.
• Explain the importance and role of the transport sector, and the management and regulation thereof. Discern between the importance and roles of transport at these various macro- and micro-levels.
• Identify the different skills and capabilities necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a transport manager and/or regulator, the learner must identify different learning strategies or options to acquire and improve these skills and/or capabilities.
• Explain the link between the number of transport professionals and level of professionalism in the transport sector, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the transport sector and therefore of the economy. Identify various roles which a more effective and efficient transport sector will have in the economy and the impacts which this will in turn have.
• The learner must demonstrate a positive approach towards various different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities, by identifying the particular transport needs of different communities, taking in consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements with respect to the transport sector. Apply transport economic, management and regulatory concepts and principles to make proposals which will improve the circumstances of these communities.
• Apply the theoretical principles of employment-seeking and career-pathing into the transport sector and reflecting on the application thereof.
• Organise and coordinate resources and opportunities, in a prospective transport sector job, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made, particularly with respect to their own activities. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all organising and coordinating activities undertaken.

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, assignments, class tests, case studies, research project and summative assessment (examination) self and peer assessment, presentations, reports will be incorporated.