Bachelor of Commerce in International Business

Purpose

The content within this qualification has been formulated to be aligned with the institution's long-term strategy, the Department of Business Management's vision, and the Millennium Development Goals such as gender equality, environmental sustainability and international partnerships for development. In the broadest sense the purpose of this qualification is to develop learners that have a unique trans-disciplinary skill set covering the Faculties of Economic and Management Sciences, Social Sciences and Law. The qualification will enable learners to contribute significantly to the management and growth of organisations that need to be competitive in a global economy.

Rationale

In a world characterised by increasing globalisation, most South African firms have expanded their operations beyond their traditional domestic markets. A large number of multinational firms, have recognised the increased importance of developing economies, and have been entering the South African market by means of foreign direct investment. These firms require employees who are equipped with the knowledge and skills that will enable them to work locally and globally in a networked society.

The Bachelor of Commerce in International Business [B.Com (International Business)] qualification will typically attract those learners who are planning a career within a multinational business. It is envisaged that both South African, as well as international learners will enrol for the qualification. South African learners who are interested in acquiring the knowledge and skills required by multinational firms, as well as international learners who aim to get some exposure to the South African business environment would not only benefit from the cross-disciplinary nature of the qualification, but also from the international exchange programme.

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 or completely through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. Each learner will be considered according to the institution's policy and guidelines. The learner will be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used and the appropriate support/guidance will be provided. The process will provide the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence in the relevant learning areas/outcomes and will not prevent him/her from taking up the RPL option towards attempting to gain a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits will be assigned to him/her. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of an appropriate Integrated Assessment method as mentioned above.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow a successful learner

• Accelerated access to further learning at this or higher levels on the NQF.
• Obtaining of this Qualification in part or in whole.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following to be considered for admission

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) allowing for Bachelors' Degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate (SC) with endorsement.

This qualification consists of compulsory and elective modules at NQF Levels 6 and 7 totalling 518 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6 (172 Credits)

• Economics 114, 12 Credits.
• Economics 144, 12 Credits.
• Information Systems 112, 6 Credits.
• Theory of Interest 152, 6 Credits.
• Statistical Methods 176 or Statistics 186, 24 Credits.
• Business Management 113, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 142, 12 Credits.
• Political Science 144, 12 Credits.
• Economics 214, 12 Credits.
• Political Science 144, 12 Credits.
• Political Sciences 114, 12 Credits.
• Economics 244, 16 Credits.
• Financial Accounting 188, 24 Credits.

And learners will choose two of the following

• Chinese 178, 12 Credits.
• French 178, 12Credits.
• German 178, 12 Credits.

Electives at NQF Level 6 (The institution will provide further guidelines when selecting electives)

• Language and Thinking skills for EMS 114, 12 Credits.
• Philosophy 142, 6 Credits.
• Sociology 114, 12 Credits.
• Sociology 144, 12 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology 152, 6 Credits.
• Marketing Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Marketing Management 244, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management 244, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 244, 16 Credits.
• Political Science 242, 8 Credits.
• Sociology 242, 8 Credits.
• Sociology 252, 8 Credits.
• Political Science 212, 8 Credits.
• Sociology 222, 8 Credits.
• Sociology 212, 8 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7 (116 Credits)

• Intercultural Communication, 12 Credits.
• Exchange Semester, 60 Credits.
• Legal Aspects of International Business Transactions, 12 Credits.
• Management of Corporate Social Responsibility, 12 Credits.
• Political Science 222, 8 Credits.
• Strategic Management 344, 12 Credits.

Electives at NQF Level 7 (The institution will provide further guidelines when selecting electives)

• Marketing Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 214, 16 Credits.
• Social Anthropology 324, 12 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology 224, 16 Credits.
• Industrial Psychology 224, 16 Credits.
• Financial Management 314, 12 Credits.
• Financial Management 322, 12 Credits.
• Financial Management 344, 12 Credits.
• Financial Management 354, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management 314, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management 324, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management 344, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management 354, 12 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 318, 24 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 348, 24 Credits.
• Political Science 324, 12 Credits.
• Economics 318, 24 Credits.
• Economics 348, 24 Credits.

1. Apply the core knowledge and skills of the various specialised aspects of management (including strategic management, project management, financial management, personnel management, and marketing) within the context of International Business in order to promote sustainable growth and development to maximise prosperity in all sectors of the economy and society.
2. Effectively communicate by using appropriate communication styles and behaviours in a variety of languages.
3. Demonstrate the skills required to apply learnt knowledge in conflict management, leadership and teamwork.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The procedures for the creation of a new business are outlined.
• The general nature of the relevant activities within a modern business enterprise is discussed.
• The structure and composition of a company's balance sheet and income statement is understood.
• The influence of the economy and the sector on the investment decision is understood and described.
• The applied fundamental and generic cross-functional knowledge and skills to steer sustainable development, growth and prosperity in the most appropriate direction in the globalised marketplace is applied.
• The latest developments in international business practice is assessed and reported.
• The capacity to think strategically about a company, its business position, and how it can gain sustainable competitive advantage is developed.
• The approaches to Global Political Economy together with their assumptions are described.
• The link between the concepts state, market, politics and economics is explained.
• The link between technological change and innovation is analysed.
• The ability to encourage creativity within existing enterprises is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The fundamentals of linguistic communication, including knowledge of the general nature of language and communication, and the functions and use of language in various types of discourse are identified and discussed.
• General and culture-specific patterns in the use of language across cultures, and the management of culture-specific features of discourse in intercultural communication are displayed.
• The ability to communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in written and verbal presentations is demonstrated.
• Group work is encouraged and ideas are orally presented.
• The message that is used during marketing communication is prepared and evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Business related problems, using critical thinking, are identify and solved.
• An appropriate career management model to assist others with individual career decisions is used.
• A range of interdependent arguments are reconstructed, analysed and evaluated.
• The ability to co-operate effectively with other members of a team, a group, an organisation and/or a business community is demonstrated.

Integrated Assessment

All modules make use of both formative and summative assessment. The validity and reliability of assessments are monitored in accordance with the policy. The use of ICT's in teaching and learning will benefit the learner as feedback after completion of an assessment.

Summative assessments in the form of theory and practical tests per term and a final annual theory are the predominant mode of assessment. In addition significant use of a range of contexts for formative assessment is employed. These assessments are ongoing and less formal and conducted in order to achieve a more holistic development of competencies. Within the qualification there are also a notable use of critical self-reflection, group work, case presentation, and online assessments. Class assignments and projects are assessed in both written and oral formats.