Bachelor of Commerce in International Business

Purpose

This qualification is directed at those individuals wishing to pursue a qualification with emphasis on the multinational environment. Learners will develop skills and possess the knowledge required to effectively perform key management tasks whilst maintaining cultural sensitivity given the international nature of the business environment. The course work of the qualification will build skills in business management by taking a holistic approach and covering the core areas in international business.

Rationale

The Bachelor of Commerce in International Business [(BCom (International Business)] responds to the ever changing business environment. This qualification prepares and equips learners with the knowledge and skills to understand the link between political, economic, socio-cultural and environmental factors to multinational organisations. The qualification allows learners to gain a broader and more in-depth understanding of the role and importance that a government plays; not only at a national level but an international level too. The qualification contributes fruitfully towards developing management skills amongst the states in the region. The qualification is aimed at building advanced skills and knowledge in the field of international business.

Globalisation is a difficult concept to measure, however the impact of globalisation has been well documented. It can be reasoned that global events and competition affects all forms of businesses irrespective of size and scale. As the interdependence increases among nations, therein is derived the need to understand the workings of international business. The complexities and challenges that belie a multinational organisation are far more convoluted than that of a domestic organisation. The composition of the international environment requires businesses to place greater emphasis on factors such as transnational culture, behaviour, trade restrictions, business dynamics, and trade laws.

With the advancement and proliferation of technology, the ability of organisations and individuals to interact and conduct business has been greatly enhanced. This has become a major catalyst for the rapid growth in international trade. Nations now depend on trading partners for a large percentage of goods and services and many nations have become net importers. With this rapid growth in international trade, the need to develop critical skills in managing international business becomes of vital importance. The current dearth of qualifications in international business creates a need for this qualification in South Africa.

The course work on the qualification facilitates a sound understanding of the key business theories, methodologies and practices. It further provides a balance of theoretical and practical aspects of international business.

With the scarcity of Bachelor Degrees in International Business and the current shortage of expertise and skills in this area, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of the following attributes:

• Critical thinking.
• Fundamental problem solving skills.
• Communication skills.
• Ethical and legal conduct.
• Global awareness.
• Cultural sensitivity.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the recognition of prior learning. In the cases where prior learning is to be recognised for purposes of access to the qualification:

It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Such 'non-standard' candidates will be selected on the recommendation of a senior manager from applicants' organisations/companies.

Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Some of the key criteria that will be used in evaluating 'non-standard' applicants include:

• The applicant's motivation, maturity and realistic approach to postgraduate studies.
• Job description, covering relevant area of work, giving examples of tasks carried out, possibly supplying references, linked to a portfolio of evidence.
• The nature and level of life/work experience and prior study, and the learning which has resulted from such experience.
• Details of in-company short courses, length, content of material covered, standard achieved.
• The clarity of the applicant's educational goals and objectives.
• The extent to which the applicant can provide evidence of the threshold skills and knowledge for the qualification.

Where prior learning is recognised for advanced standing, credit will be given for prior certificated learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. Credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• National Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) with appropriate subject combinations.

Or

• Higher Certificate.

Or

• Advanced Certificate.

Or

• Diploma in a cognate field may satisfy the minimum admission requirements.

The qualification comprises the following compulsory modules at Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits

Modules at Level 5, 120 Credits

• Business Management 1A, 15 Credits.
• Economics 1A, 15 Credits.
• Business Mathematics, 15 Credits.
• End User Computing, 15 Credits.
• Business Management 1B, 15 Credits.
• Economics 1B, 15 Credits.
• Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Introduction to Politics, 15 Credits.

Modules at Level 6, 120 Credits

• Business Management 2A, 15 Credits.
• Business and Society, 15 Credits.
• International Trade Theory, 15 Credits.
• Business Law, 15 Credits.
• International Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
• International Business Environment, 15 Credits.
• Value Chain Management, 15 Credits.
• Business Statistics, 15 Credits.

Modules at Level 7, 120 Credits

• Business Management 3A, 15 Credits.
• Global Political Economy, 15 Credits.
• International Trade Law, 15 Credits.
• International Strategy Management, 15 Credits.
• International Finance, 15 Credits.
• Managing Across Cultures, 15 Credits.
• International Marketing, 15 Credits.
• International Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.

1. Understand the role of management and leadership in multinational organisational success.
2. Employ integrated knowledge to solve complex problems in an organisation.
3. Demonstrate an understanding of intercultural behaviour and sensitivity.
4. Understand the key aspects of globalisation so as to manage multinational organisations.
5. Understand the interdependence of multinational organisations.
6. Display an understanding of marketing, finance, supply chain, politics and law principles and practices.
7. Assess problems in organisations and propose viable solutions.
8. Demonstrate an appreciation and understanding of ethics, accountability and corporate social responsibility.
9. Apply the concepts of economics and data analysis to process information for decision making.

The associated assessment criteria will be assessed in an integrated manner

• Explain concepts used in Business Management, International Marketing, Finance, Trade Law, Logistics and Supply Chain Management, International Finance, International Trade Law and Global Political Economy.
• Apply management theory to a practical context.
• Apply methods of research and its relation to theory.
• Demonstrate the balance between theory and practice and its relevance to International Business.
• Develop strategic and leadership capabilities of the student.
• Use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.
• Develop critical thinking and problem solving.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited number of outcomes.

Summative assessment

Examinations or equivalent assessment such as a research essay or portfolio in order to determine a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessment

All assessment will attempt to integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence.