Bachelor of Commerce in Economic Sciences

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide students with integrated knowledge of economic concepts, theories, models, laws, principles, skills, research methods and applied competence enabling them to pursue rewarding careers in the changing economic environment within the national and international context.

Rationale

This qualification aims to provide South Africa with Graduates who are competent in the field of economics with the capacity to understand and function effectively in the economy.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The principles underlying outcomes based, source-based and lifelong learning are subscribed to. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning qualification. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge the learner already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the learner has to master prior to being accepted for the qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal learning setting. An RPL learner seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, qualifications and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the qualification as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements for admission into the Bachelors studies are

• National Senior Certificate, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, Level 4 with matriculation exemption.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational, Level 4 granting access to Bachelor Degree studies.

This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7.

The set of compulsory and elective modules to be completed depend on the specialisation followed and are prescribed by the institution for each specialisation:

Compulsory Modules, Level 5

• Mathematical Technology, 12 Credits.
• Inferential Statistics and Operational Research, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Statistics, 12 Credits.
• Advanced Mathematical Technology, 12 Credits.
• Graphic Interface Programming I, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Computers and Programming, 12 Credits.
• Professional Skills Development, 12 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting (Spec), 16 Credits.
• Business Management, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Management and Management Processes, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting (Special), 16 Credits.
• Basic Micro and Macroeconomics, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Economics, 12 Credits.
• Introduction to Computers and Programming, 12 Credits.
• Introductory Statistics, 12 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5

• Academic Literacy, 12 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 16 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6

• Consumer Behaviour, 16 Credits.
• International Trade Finance and Payment, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Business Opportunity, 16 Credits.
• Systems Analysis I, 16 Credits.
• Purchasing Management and Supply Chain Management, 16 Credits.
• International Trade, 16 Credits.
• Microeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Computer Science, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Marketing Management, 16 Credits.
• Computer Science, 8 Credits.
• Management Accounting: Costing Concepts, Elements and Systems 1,16 Credits.
• Investment Management, 16 Credits.
• Macroeconomics, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Risk Management, 16 Credits.
• Understanding the Economic World, 12 Credits.
• Services Marketing, 16 Credits.
• Macroeconomics Applications, 16 Credits.
• Management Accounting: Costing Concepts, Elements and Systems 2, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6

• Microeconomics: Applications, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Economic Planning, 16 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7

• The Strategy of Planning, 16 Credits.
• International Economics, 16 Credits.
• Planning Techniques, 12 Credits.
• Business French For Beginners 2, 12 Credits.
• Business French For Beginners 1, 12 Credits.
• Applied Ethics, 16 Credits.
• Development Economics, 16 Credits.
• Fiscal & Monetary Policy, 16 Credits.
• Computer Science, 16 Credits.
• Strategic Management), 16 Credits.
• Computer Science, 16 Credits.
• Production and Operations Management, 16 Credits.
• Financial Markets, 16 Credits.
• Bank Risk Management, 16 Credits.
• Computer Science, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management, 16 Credits.
• International Trade Geography, 16 Credits.
• Decision Support Systems II, 16 Credits.
• International Business Communication, 16 Credits.
• Economic Analysis, 16 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7

• Financial Risk and Investment Management, 16 Credits.
• German Elementary 1, 12 Credits.
• German Elementary 2, 12 Credits.
• Project Management, 16 Credits.
• Quantitative Economics, 16 Credits.
• Public Finance and Policy Analysis Applications, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate integrated knowledge of the central areas of the economic sciences, including an understanding of and an ability to apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of economics.
2. Demonstrate insight into the different perspectives on and worldviews of economic problems in order to develop a personal philosophical framework for functioning in the economy.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of a range of methods of enquiry in the field of economic sciences and their suitability for specific investigations.
4. Select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within practice.
5. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in the context of economic sciences.
6. Develop and apply appropriate processes to access, process and manage information within the field of economic sciences.
7. Independently validate the sources of economic information and evaluate and analyse the information.
8. Formulate, present and communicate insightful and creative academic and professional ideas and arguments effectively, verbally and in writing, using appropriate media and communication technology and suitable economics methods.
9. Investigate, critically analyse, understand and solve complex real life and/or hypothetical problems in a coherent and creative manner, demonstrating advanced use of critical thinking in economics in a self-directed manner.
10. Take personal responsibility for own work, decision making and use of resources, and limited accountability for the decisions and actions of others in the varied and dynamic world of business.

The Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes

• A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories is achieved.
• The ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information is demonstrated.
• An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice is critically reflected.
• Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations is displayed.
• Scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas, written or oral arguments, using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology are communicated.
• Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

Qualification and module outcomes and assessment criteria are clearly formulated according to the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) level descriptors and correctly communicated to students as guiding principle for assessment practices. At least one opportunity for integrated assessment, where the main purpose and key outcomes of the qualification are assessed, is included in the assessment activities for this qualification.

The following Formative Assessment modes are used, namely class tests and integrated assignments. The weight of formative assessment is a maximum of 50%. Summative Assessment consists of one or more two or three-hour examinations per module with a weighting of 50%.