Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Transport Economics

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with comprehensive knowledge, analytical and interpersonal skills, effective oral and written communication skills, and problem-solving skills that will enable them to be self-driven and integrated thinkers, who can evaluate information critically and independently for research projects and to construct logical, well-founded arguments in the field of Transport Economics.

The research module in this qualification will introduce learners to the full cycle of the research process, including research design and some statistical techniques. Learners will be able to draft a research proposal for the supervised research project.

The qualification will enable learners to make strategic decisions in a transport economic and management context and to develop appropriate strategies that will enhance competitive advantages in business contexts.

Rationale

There is currently a regional and provincial demand for prospective workers in the field of Transport Economics as is evident from the number of inquiries received from employers - even more so for prospective employees with Postgraduate qualifications in Transport Economics. the Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative of South Africa (ASGISA) and the Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition (JIPSA) documents (Government Publications) have identified the field of Transport Economics as a scarce but critical field of study in South Africa, in rural areas in particular.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the Recognition of Prior Learning possible. This qualification may therefore be achieved in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

If a learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in some of the modules of this qualification, the appropriate exemptions will be granted.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirement is

• Bachelor of Commerce in Transport Economics and/or Logistics Management, Level 7.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 122 Credits.

Modules

• Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Strategic Transport Management, 16 Credits.
• Public Transport, 16 Credits.
• Transport Policy and Regulation, 16 Credits.
• Transport Planning, 16 Credits.
• Freight Transport, 16 Credits.

. Demonstrate integrated knowledge and engagement in the field of Transport Economics.

1. Make sound theoretical judgments based on evidence and think epistemologically on Transport Economics.
2. Identify, analyse and deliver workable and evidence-based solutions to complex real-world problems and issues pertaining to Transport Economics using theory-driven arguments.
3. Understand a range of research methods, techniques and technologies so as to select those appropriate for a particular research problem in transport economics.
4. Demonstrate efficient and effective information retrieval and processing skills as well as the identification, critical analysis, synthesis and independent evaluation of quantitative and/or qualitative data and current research and literature pertaining to Transport Economics.
5. Present and communicate academic and professional work pertaining to Transport Economics effectively, catering for a range of audiences by using a range of different genres appropriate to the context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The competition and ownership options under which individual transport businesses (private and public) operate; (for example privatisation, economic deregulation, competitive tendering.) are critically discussed.
• Competition for the market and competition in the market as options for efficient transport provision are explained.
• Competitive tendering as a market model in transport is critically discussed.
• The forces (or variables) to be considered in the market environment based on the Porter's model are discussed.
• The theoretical principles of alternative pricing strategies in transport are discussed.
• Profit maximisation, social welfare maximisation and constrained social welfare maximisation are explained
• The roles of different spheres of government with regard to policy matters in South African are discussed.
• An overview of the relationship between transport and land use planning is provided.
• The nature and pattern of transport plans are explained.
• The mechanisms for translating national policies into plans and programmes at various levels of government are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The demand for transport with due consideration of factors that influence demand is predicted.
• The cost of transport operations is calculated.
• Appropriate principles (individual total cost coverage, incremental cost coverage and value of service) are applied to practically establish tariffs (rates or fares) under varying market circumstances.
• A general approach to be followed in developing alternative transport networks is discussed.
• Proposals on the procedure to assign current and future traffic to different transport networks are argued.
• The principles of freight transport regulation are described.
• The regulation of freight transport in SA is compared with regulation in developed countries.
• The principles, objectives and strategies for freight transport in South Africa as contained in policy documents such as the White Paper on National Transport Policy and the National Freight Logistics Strategy are outlined, analysed and interpreted.
• The modes of transport in terms of effectiveness and efficiency are compared.
• Loading units, transfer equipment and communication systems in intermodal transport are discussed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The external environment (institutional, economic, technological, social, physical and market environments) within which transport has to be managed is assessed.
• Proposals on the provision of quality transport services by referring to user requirements are formulated.
• An approach for effective and efficient fleet planning (including fleet composition, vehicle selection, vehicle maintenance and replacement) is formulated and argued.
• A vehicle maintenance plan is compiled and evaluated.
• Key performance indicators (KPI's) for transport operations are established.
• The urban transport problems in South Africa are compared with those in developing and developed countries.
• An overview of the relationship between transport economic development and land use is provided.
• A holistic view of the stages in a generic transport planning process is provided.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• A research problem and question in the context of existing literature and research are identified and formulated.
• An appropriate research design is substantiated.
• The research methodology to be used in the research is argued.
• An approved proposal for a research project is prepared.
• The proposed project is successfully conducted under supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The appropriate literature is obtained and selected.
• Primary data is generated.
• An appropriate literature review is performed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Appropriate and suitable recommendations are made to targeted audiences.
• The information generated through literature review and data analysis is synthesised.
• The data is logically interpreted and presented.
• Computer software to be utilised for data analysis is identified and selected.
• The data from research instruments is captured and analysed.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment practices are open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged in any way.

Integrated Assessment ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved. Learning, teaching and assessment are inextricably interwoven. Whenever possible, the assessment of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values shown in the qualification will be integrated. A variety of methods will be used in assessment and tools and activities will be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working or will work.

Theoretical and practical components will be assessed together during integrated assessment, and various Formative and Summative Assessment tools and methods will be implemented to ensure confirmation of the mastering of all the outcomes and related workplace competencies, such as written assignments, written tests, case studies and case presentations as well as group discussions. Advanced information retrieval and processing skills and critical analysis projects, will prove integration and application of the knowledge, critical thinking and communication of information.

Summative Assessment in each of the modules in the qualification will be conducted by means of a three hour written examination. The project's mini-dissertation will determine whether the learner is able to demonstrate critical application of theory, concepts, principles, transportation policies and rules, processes and structures to solve factual and real world problems and issues. The outcome of this mini-dissertation will also determine the learner's ability to find new information and to integrate this information with existing knowledge.