Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management

Purpose

This qualification has the primary purpose of providing a well-rounded and broad education. It seeks to equip the qualifying learner with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines, and enables them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. Principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, postgraduate studies, or professional practice in a wide range of careers.

This qualification is to equip learners with knowledge, applied competence and skills related to business management principles. The emphasis is on general business management principles, pertaining to all kinds of managers on all the various managerial levels of an organisation. The qualification also provides a basis for the management principles pertaining to all functional areas of management, such as the management of the marketing, finance, purchasing and supply chain, operations, information, human resources, and industrial relations functions. The qualification also provides a basis for understanding project management. Lastly, various issues pertaining to business ethics, sustainability, corporate governance and social responsibility are also addressed.

Rationale

This qualification was developed to provide learners with a more comprehensive qualification in the field of Business Management. Learners will not just be introduced to the above mentioned discipline, but will also gain valuable insight into business management at a strategic, as well as a philosophical level.

One of the main aims of this qualification will be to allow for the practical application of acquired theory. Although appropriately structured to address the theories of commerce, business management and related disciplines, the proposed modules at every NQF level are designed in such a way that they all contribute towards practical reciprocity with the business world.

To promote a philosophy of lifelong learning, the qualification aims to provide learners with improved articulation options, thus enhancing learners' chances of accessing higher level qualifications at other institutions.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 390 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5

• Business Management 1, 20 Credits.
• Economics, 20 Credits.
• Commercial Law, 20 Credits.
• Business Communication, 15 Credits
• Elementary Quantitative Methods, 15 Credits.
• Business Ethics, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Business Information systems, 15 Credits.

Totalling 130 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6

• Business Management 2, 20 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 20 Credits.
• Purchasing and Operations Management, 20 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 20 Credits.
• Financial Management and Personal Financial Management, 20 Credits.
• Human Resources Management and Labour Relations Management, 20 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 15 Credits.

Totalling 135 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7

• Business Management 3, 30 Credits.
• Sustainability and Responsible Citizenship, 30 Credits.
• Project Management, 20 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
• The Management of Innovation and Technology, 15 Credits.
• International Management, 15 Credits.

Totalling 125 Credits.

1. Apply effective communication of information reliably and coherently in Business Management using appropriate and professional formats.
2. Demonstrate the application of key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Business Management in interaction with selected appropriate groups through participation in business related activities.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelatedness of the different areas of Business Management and how actions, ideas or developments impact on applications of theory and practice.
4. Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
5. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of the management of technology, the management of innovation and the management of people processes within a working environment.
6. Apply business knowledge and skill in the business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Correct language is used to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate management principles.
• Information and communication technology is applied in the field of management.
• Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.
• Business management information is presented verbally in front of others.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Theory and application of purchasing and supply chain management is explained from four perspectives, namely purchasing, operations, logistics and the integration of processes within these three vitally important areas of the organisation.
• An understanding of the concepts of entrepreneurship is demonstrated and these concepts are applied in the development of business plans.
• An understanding of challenges stemming from the movement of goods, human resources, technology, finance and ownership across national boundaries is demonstrated.
• The management process and the importance of each functional area of management in terms of organisational theory are demonstrated.
• A critical understanding of various management theories and concepts is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Organisations' information is timely and accurately is managed so that it is available to managers at all levels.
• Diversity in society and its impacts on the design of appropriate information as well as media-use aimed at different target groups is acknowledged.

> Range of diversity: Culture, literacy, education, habits, beliefs, access to technology.

• Understand the complex context in which South Africa organisations operate is demonstrated.

> Range: Individual, group, organisational and environmental levels.

• Sensitive issues and practical challenges to business management in a culturally diverse society are identified.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Quantitative skills are applied when solving problems.
• Problems are solved using analytical thinking and case histories.
• Knowledge is integrated, e.g. from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving management problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Management knowledge is applied to practical business situations and various alternatives are evaluated.
• Central methods of enquiry are applied and research is conducted independently regarding a business problem.
• The ability to appreciate the multicultural and socio-economic aspects of the environments in which the international firms operate is demonstrated.
• Specialised management theories and knowledge in group projects are applied to diagnose problems that organisations face and effective solutions are presented.
• Strategic thinking techniques to the current position of an organisation, its long term direction, resources, competitive capabilities, its present strategy and opportunities for gaining sustainable competitive advantage are demonstrated and applied.
• Strategic management process is introduced and the relevance and importance of strategic management to an organisation is explained.
• Knowledge of various functional aspects of management and the management process in organisational design and change is integrated.
• Understanding of the project management process is demonstrated.
• Understanding of finance theory and practice, the effects of technology and a globalising world economy on financial markets and instruments is demonstrated.
• Four main functions of management, namely planning, organising, leading and control are identified and explained.
• Planning and maintenance of human resources in an organisation is explained and understood.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Production forecasts are monitored and controlled using relevant techniques.
• An understanding of the manufacturing process strategy, capacity planning, layout strategies, location strategies, inventory management and scheduling is demonstrated.
• A budget is prepared and its effect on strategic and tactical planning is identified and considered.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for decisions made is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learning, teaching and assessment are in line with each other.

The term 'Integrated assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

A variety of methods must therefore be used in assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

Assessment methods include

• Self-assessment activities.
• Knowledge tests.
• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Research and project based assignments.
• Written examinations.
• Oral assessment.