Bachelor of Commerce in Project Management

Purpose

This qualification was designed to provide learners with a well-rounded education through a broad knowledge base combined with focused theory and methodologies of the discipline concerned that will enable them to enter the world of project management at a professional level. Amongst other, qualifying learners will receive tuition on the Global Standard Knowledge of which all training materials are aligned with. This standardised knowledge will give the qualifying learner the best practices to manage any project effectively.

The qualifying learner will be able to

• Develop a deeper understanding of and become specialist in certain areas relevant to business marketing.
• Combine theories, practical and technological techniques in an integrated manner.
• Negotiate an area of specialisation in this particular field of study.
• Seek a learning program that provides the opportunity to conduct research that will contribute to knowledge growth in this particular field.
• Obtain a qualification that will enable them to prepare for and continue with a further postgraduate qualification in this particular discipline.

Rationale

This qualification addresses the human resource development needs of the country. There is a growing need for graduates with a qualification in project management. Project Management has become the fastest growing form of management. Projects and programmes are the core of any organisation's strategic initiatives that brings forth change. Having the talent to implement those initiatives successfully is the critical capability that gives organisations a competitive edge to navigate through the necessary change.

A number of dramatic shifts are causing organisations to critically re-evaluate their relevance and their ability to meet current and future market demands. These shifts are creating opportunities for project managers to elevate their value as strategic partners in business success. Project leaderswho possess a combination of technical, leadership, and strategic and business management expertiseare assisting in driving optimum project performance when faced with the trends and difficulties such as digital advancements, changing workforces, high customer expectations and disruptive organisations.

Each industry, nationally or internationally has a need for project managers, because all industries have projects and need project managers to coordinate them. Different industries such as construction, software, information technology or healthcare need leaders to manage their teams, estimate and budget, and make sure that everything gets done. There is a huge demand for qualified Project Managers in South Africa, and varies in different job titles such as Materials Planner, Business Development Specialist, Project Planner, Skills Development Facilitator, Business Development Coordinator, Capacity Planner, Business Advisor, Merchandise Planner, Research Officer/Assistant, Project Manager, Business Analyst, Operations Analyst, Business Development Manager, and many more.

In developing countries such as South Africa, individuals wishing to develop project management related skills are linking with global initiatives from Donors, or to PRINCE2 from the United Kingdom (UK) government and/or to professional bodies such as Project Management Institute (PMI), Association for Project Management (APM) and International Project Management Association (IPMA). A common trend is for global companies to utilise qualifications such as from PMI, APM or the PRINCE2 set (UK) in conjunctions with their own qualifications and career path. This then introduces those qualifications to a country that has no or limited local training in project management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The qualification allows for open access; therefore, provision should be made for prior learning to be recognised so that learners have the opportunity to gain access to the qualification, obtain the qualification in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process, or obtain advanced placement in the prescribed learning programme (fast-tracking). Learners may gain credit for certain modules successfully completed elsewhere, or in a relevant qualification previously completed at this institution. RPL candidates must demonstrate competence in respect of certain specified knowledge, skills and/or attitudes pertaining to this qualification.

Through RPL, such learners also have the opportunity to enter into more advanced qualifications sooner and further their studies to acquire additional qualifications compared to the state of affairs at the point of applying for RLP.

The specific form of assessment to determine the extent of recognition of prior learning will depend on evidence produced by each individual applicant. In case of the applicant not being able to produce a certificate of credits gained, the assessment will at least involve the presentation of a portfolio of practical work as demonstration of applied knowledge and skills.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

Or

• National Certificate (Vocational) NC(V)) at Level 4 granting access to Bachelor's Degree studies.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 5: 120 Credits

• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
• Business Management, 15 Credits.
• Accounting for Financial Decision-making, 25 Credits.
• Information Management Systems, 15 Credits.
• Project Management 1A, 15 Credits.
• Project Management 1B, 15 Credits.
• Statistical Methods, 5 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 6: 120 Credits

• Micro Economics, 15 Credits.
• Macro Economics, 15 Credits.
• Project Management 2A, 15 Credits.
• Project Management 2B, 20 Credits.
• Project Information Management Systems, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Management A, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Management B, 20 Credits.
• Academic Literacy, 5 Credits.

Compulsory Modules at Level 7: 120 Credits

• Business Management A, 20 Credits.
• Business Management B, 15 Credits.
• Commercial Law, 20 Credits.
• Project Management, 50 Credits.
• Research Methodology, 15 Credits.

1. Apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories in project management, and how it relates to other disciplines such as business management.
2. Evaluate types of knowledge, principles and concepts common to the study of project management.
3. Select and apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within project management.
4. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments in project management.
5. Take decisions and act ethically and professionally, and justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a project management environment.
6. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use; and independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
7. Develop and communicate ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate terminology in the project management and related fields.
8. Manage processes in unfamiliar and variable contexts, recognising that problem solving is context and system bound, and does not occur in isolation.
9. Identify, evaluate and address own learning needs in a self-directed manner, and facilitate collaborative learning processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Conceptualise the scope, features, work environment and challenges related to project management.
• Identify and comprehend the common challenges associated with project management, and effective means of addressing it.
• Discuss contemporary issues, the key role players, their respective inputs, responsibilities and development trends in the project management environment.
• Explain management principles and theories that underpin a project.
• State research principles, concepts, methodology and processes.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Show understanding of human resources and legal matters pertaining to the project management environment.
• Identify and evaluate dilemmas, principles and concepts relevant to project management practice.
• Understand the systems in a project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Interrogate multiple and suitable sources of information in the project management industry.
• Choose and apply different methods, including statistical data, to deal with specific problems in project management practice.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply suitable measures relating to project risk management.
• Execute financial tasks applicable to project management, and comprehend its impact on business.
• Evaluate and review practices, and justify actions as well as decisions pertaining to project management.
• Understand the requirements and follow procedures relating to project budgets.
• Apply management, leadership and teambuilding skills in the project management environment.
• Make improvements in contingency plans based on identified shortfalls and examples of best practice in planned activities and projects.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Make feasible and informed decisions regarding best project management practice confidently, e.g. in planning and staging projects and managing people and logistics involved.
• Act professionally in planning and executing projects.
• Comply with a code of ethical conduct when dealing with all stakeholders.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Plan, implement and review processes to ensure successful executing of a range of projects, information collection, employment relations, communication, budgeting and management.
• Utilise relevant computer software programs and information administration systems to perform routine tasks associated with project management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Use effective communication skills in performing work-related tasks which should include interpersonal skills such as talking, listening and writing skills.
• Communicate decisions and solutions in a professional manner.
• Present convincing and persuasive arguments that are grounded in a critical theoretical and practical context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Apply processes and procedures concerning the planning, staging and review and assessment of projects in a holistic manner.
• Utilise a variety of support and allied services as an integral part of project management industry.
• Manage staff within the requirements of existing law.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Plan and execute tasks in an organised manner to ensure completion at required dates according to a feasible timeframe and priority list.
• Plan and monitor personal learning progress and take appropriate steps to close knowledge gaps, e.g. through acceptable methods.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Plan, manage, organise and stage projects responsibly, including the use of available resources.
• Take own decisions and actions relating to staging events and associated activities.
• Show teamwork capabilities for decisions made together with fellow workers or stakeholders.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of competence is an integral part of qualification delivery. Assessment is conducted throughout the duration of the qualification as a mechanism to monitor learning progress, identify weak points or limitations and give guidance to individual learners towards further learning and professional development (formative assessment). This complemented by summative assessment with the emphasis on measuring the ability of the learner to integrate knowledge and skills from different related modules (using cognitive skills of application, analysis and synthesis).

Since the execution of job-related tasks require the integration of theory with the application of knowledge and skills, assessment practice will as far as possible be conducted along the same line. This means that assessment tools will be suitable to assess mastery of knowledge as well as skills together, rather than written tests and exam alone. Different outcomes are thus also assessed in a combined manner.

At the same time, the specific learning outcomes and critical cross-field outcomes will be assessed jointly, e.g. creative problem-solving, the ability to organise and manage oneself responsibly and effectively, collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information as well as using computer technology in a responsible manner.