Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics

Purpose

The Bachelor of Commerce in Politics, Philosophy and Economics is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines and fields of study, and to enable them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. The qualification will equip learners with fit-for-future knowledge and skills to become leaders in a diverse and global economy.

The curriculum and exit level outcomes of the qualification are structured to ensure that learners will graduate as well-rounded commerce professionals with the ability to approach decision-making and problem-solving initiatives from new perspectives, whilst simultaneously being able to lead a diverse and multicultural workforce.

Successful graduates will be able to participate in a range of commercial activities many of which lie in the field of commercial expansion based on a sound understanding of political trends, philosophical theories, and the way each of these spheres interact with the economics of both a country and the world. Learners will be able to perform an effective analysis of finances from both a commercial and industrial perspective and assessed by various philosophical approaches.

Graduates will be problem-solvers adept at managing industrial relations, interpreting labour relation law, and evaluating supply chains not only within South Africa but on the global stage and to articulate into a diverse range and scope of postgraduate commerce-related fields of study.

Rationale

The Covid-19 pandemic changed the way local and international trade takes place with digital technologies softening the barriers some enterprises faced when entering the global market. As a result of these changes, it is important for commerce graduates to be exposed to both local and international theories, to have a foundational knowledge of the role of digital concepts in business management, and to navigate various political or financial scenarios and worldwide economies through the lens of a variety of philosophies.

It is essential for institutions to produce graduates who have a firm understanding and capability in commerce to promote commercial innovation via multi-disciplinary approaches. The qualification will contribute to the growth of the national economy (GDP) and lasting international relations within the global marketplace.

The development of the qualification was influenced by the institution's strategic decision to develop leaders and organisations not only from a managerial context but to awaken potential across all professions, sectors, and disciplines. The institution envisions graduating learners who are experts at analysing economic trends, theories, and current events as they solve problems within the field of labour relations and supply chains. Graduates will have an in-depth understanding of the various labour and trade laws, further enabling them to manage the financial aspects of projects on a global scale.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution applies recognition of prior learning in the scope of the SAQA policy principles as amended in 2019. The institution's RPL Policy and Process determine the criteria and methodology used to assess prior learning. RPL offers an alternative access route into a programme of learning, professional designation, or recognition in the workplace to those who do not meet the specified qualification entry requirements. In this regard, qualifications, part-qualifications, and professional designations registered on the NQF must provide alternative entry requirements so that candidates can be admitted to the qualification, part qualification, or professional designation, through RPL.

RPL for access

• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) may be applied for by applicants who do not meet the admission criteria for any programme.
• Admission of applicants per programme through an RPL route would not constitute more than 10 percent of the learner intake for the programme.

RPL for credits

Where credit is awarded, it must be based on the assessed evidence of the knowledge and skills acquired informally and non-formally.

The RPL process is multi-contextual and differs across contexts. It may be developed and implemented differently for recognition in the context of the three NQF Sub-Frameworks, professional designations, and recognition in the workplace. Furthermore, it is conducted using a variety of specialised learning interventions and/or assessment approaches through which the knowledge, skills and values of a person are made visible, mediated and assessed. The purposes and contexts of RPL determine the practices and outcomes of the RPL process in each case. The focus is on what has been learned, and not on the status of the institution or place where the learning was obtained.

Assessment is an integral feature of all forms of RPL and exists in combination with a range of other strategies that allow for different sources of knowledge and forms of learning to be compared and judged. RPL includes diagnostic, formative, or summative assessments, to create opportunities for, or towards, access and/or credit.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's degree studies.

Or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 80 Credits

• Politics 1A, 10 Credits
• Politics 1B, 10 Credits.
• Philosophy 1A, 10 Credits
• Philosophy 1B, 10 Credits.
• Economics 1A, 10 Credits
• Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
• Statistics 1A, 10 Credits
• Statistics 1B, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 5, 40 Credits (Select any four modules)

• Commercial Law 1A, 10 Credits.
• Commercial law 1B, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 1A, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 1B, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 1A, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 1B, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 1A, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 1B, 10 Credits.
• Ethical Leadership 1A, 10 Credits.
• Ethical Leadership 1B, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 1A, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 1B, 10 Credits.
• Project Management 1A, 10 Credits.
• Project Management 1B, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 60 Credits

• Politics 2A, 10 Credits.
• Politics 2B, 10 Credits.
• Philosophy 2A, 10 Credits.
• Philosophy 2B, 10 Credits.
• Economics 2A, 10 Credits.
• Economics 2B, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 6, 60 Credits (Select any six modules)

• Commercial Law 2A, 10 Credits.
• Commercial Law 2B, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 2A, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 2B, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 2A, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 2B, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 2A, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 2B, 10 Credits.
• Ethical Leadership 2A, 10 Credits.
• Ethical Leadership 2B, 10 Credits.
• Econometrics 2A, 10 Credits.
• Econometrics 2B, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 2A, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 2B, 10 Credits.
• Management 2A, 10 Credits.
• Project Management 2B, 10 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits

• Politics 3A, 10 Credits.
• Politics 3B, 10 Credits.
• Philosophy 3A, 10 Credits.
• Philosophy 3B, 10 Credits.
• Economics 3A, 10 Credits.
• Economics 3B, 10 Credits.

Elective Modules, Level 7, 60 Credits (Select any six modules)

• Commercial Law 3A, 10 Credits.
• Commercial Law 3B, 10 Credits.
• International Business Law 3A, 10 Credits.
• International Business Law 3B, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 3A, 10 Credits.
• International Economics 3B, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 3A, 10 Credits.
• Supply Chain Management 3B, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 3A, 10 Credits.
• Human Resource Management 3B, 10 Credits.
• Econometrics 3A, 10 Credits.
• Econometrics 3B, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 3A, 10 Credits.
• Information Systems Management 3B, 10 Credits.
• Project Management 3A, 10 Credits.
• Project Management 3B, 10 Credits.

1. Demonstrate systematic and thorough knowledge of the assumptions and theories of Economics cognisant of current political scenarios and philosophical approaches.
2. Use knowledge and methods of quality management, to identify, analyse, and solve problems to improve the quality of work.
3. Interpret the industrial relations framework in relation to labour-management relations, collective bargaining, and the management consultation system.
4. Analyse and apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to international business law and practice.
5. Discuss the classical and modern international trade theories, showing the implications of foreign trade for the domestic economy and demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the political and economic institutions and philosophical discourses within the field of commerce.
6. Display a thorough understanding of the General Principles of the South African Law of Contract when applying principles of law relating to sales, lease, and insurance contracts in the context of a selected business.
7. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Supply Chain functions; utilising analytical skills to identify and address potential project resource problems and apply project tools to alleviate these problems.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Discuss the concept of the fundamental building blocks of the field of study, interrogate and engage with the concepts.
• Relate these in the context of the broader application to the study of economics.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply problem-solving skills to relevant quality management aspects relating to business and the world of work from a commercial and industrial perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Apply the interpretation skills from a systemic and problem-solving perspective to industrial relations, labour management relations, collective bargaining, and management consulting.
• Relate these elements within the broader system of human resources.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Analyse and apply fundamental legal concepts, principles, theories and their relationship to international business law and practice from a legal perspective.
• Discuss how the competencies will contribute to the overall goal of qualifying as a well-rounded commerce learner who can make a useful contribution to the legal aspects of a business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Discuss with comprehension how the classical and modern international trade theories contribute to trade.
• Illustrate the implications of foreign trade for the domestic economy on the political and economic institutions and philosophical discourses within the commerce field.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Discuss the General Principles of the South African Law of Contract.
• Apply principles of law relating to sales, lease, and insurance contracts in the context of a selected business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Explain the Supply Chain functions.
• Utilise analytical skills to identify and address potential project resource problems and apply project tools to alleviate these problems.