Bachelor of Science Honours in Agricultural Management

Purpose

The Agricultural industry plays a vital role in the South African economy in terms of meeting the increasing food demands, employment, adding value and linkages with the other sectors of the economy. The purpose of the qualification is to deepen the learner's expertise and theoretical knowledge in the agricultural management discipline. The qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence which strengthen the ability of learners to manage future planning, encourage strategic thinking and manage production sustainably and productively in the Agricultural industry.

The qualification will equip farm managers with the appropriate management tools to maintain a successful enterprise and thus contribute to the current land redistribution debate, its long-term effects, the planning and management thereof. It will expose learners to research techniques, philosophies, strategic thinking and will stimulate analytical thinking at a level required for the management of complex natural resource systems. These are required skills for either research-orientated or middle/higher level management careers.

Rationale

Appropriate agricultural management is central to sustainable development, both in a biophysical and socio-economic environment. As a result, agriculture and food security feature prominently in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Agriculture in South Africa is regarded as a strategically important resources and make a very significant contribution to the economy of South Africa. Aspects of sustainable agriculture are firmly embedded in both national legislation as well as strategies for economic growth. The qualification, therefore, offers a variety of career options to successful graduates, which further supports increased interest in agriculture.

The complexity of agriculture requires highly skilled employees that are adequately trained in the sustainable management of the complex environment. These complexities have resulted in job profile differentiation at middle and higher-level management. The qualification therefore will play an important role in providing a workforce with relevant and adequate research skills and knowledge to ensure a competitive and sustainable agricultural industry.

The qualification is designed to provide the learners with the analytical, reasoning and communication skills required to enter the agricultural management profession. The education will empower learners to make critical assessments of real-life problems that are pertinent to their chosen profession. Qualifying learners will be able to be employed in government, agribusiness, private consultancies, and education and manage their own businesses. The qualification provides access to lifelong learning and higher qualifications in the environmental sciences which allow learners to articulate to the Master's Degree.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be obtained in whole or in part through the Recognition of Prior Learning. Recognition of prior learning will be taken into consideration according to the institution's policy. RPL process will be used to identify the applicant's knowledge and skills against a qualification or part thereof. It involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and /or formal learning.

RPL for access

• RPL is designed to support access to higher education for candidates who have gained Degree-related knowledge and skills through informal study or experiential means.
• Entry into this qualification is possible via RPL for learners who do not meet the direct admission requirements, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an equivalent NQF Level 7.
• Learners must provide a formal, properly structured assessment of prior learning in terms of the institution s' RPL Policy.
• Advanced standing may be granted.

RPL for exemption of modules

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted for modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

RPL for credits

• Applicant's experience in the Agricultural and/or Agri-Business environment will be considered and competence in the relevant fields, including numeracy, computer and communications competence, will be assessed to determine whether an exemption from modules may be given.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Agricultural Management, NQF Level 7.

or

• Advanced Diploma in Agricultural or an equivalent qualification, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8,120 Credits

• Enterprise Development, 27 Credits.
• Sustainability Management, 27 Credits.
• Research Project, 30 Credits.
• Agro-ecology and Sustainable Livelihoods, 12 Credits.
• Agriculture Economics, 12 Credits.
• Agricultural Production Management, 12 Credits.

1. Investigate and manage current challenges in the agricultural industry through engaging with concepts and methods which will react meaningfully to the complexity of the industry while taking into account the unique challenges of the agricultural industry.
2. Analyse and explain the inter-relatedness of social, economic and biophysical environments and their influences in the broad discipline of Agriculture.
3. Analyse, interpret and review contemporary issues and challenges related to the agricultural industry.
4. Formulate sustainable Agricultural Management strategies.
5. Apply a creative and global entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking within the agricultural environment.
6. Conduct a research project in the agricultural management discipline.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Define and analyse the problem, and identify criteria for an acceptable solution.
• Analyse and apply relevant information and engineering knowledge and skills used for solving the problem.
• Examine and formulate various approaches that would lead to workable solutions.
• Analyse and model solutions.
• Evaluate solutions and select the best solution.
• Formulate and present a solution in an appropriate form.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Evaluate and apply an appropriate mix of knowledge of natural science at a fundamental level to solve well-defined agricultural problems.
• Examine and apply production and scientific principles.
• Present concepts and ideas logically and methodically.
• Identify and apply agricultural systems or processes.
• Outline and justify procedures for dealing with uncertain/ undefined/ill-defined variables.
• Use the agricultural field as the source of data and view the industry needs as an interrelated system.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Analyse the scope of the investigation to review contemporary issues and challenges
• Plan and conduct Investigations within an appropriate discipline.
• Conduct literature review and evaluate the suitability for the investigation.
• Select relevant equipment used for the investigation.
• Analyse and interpret data.
• Draw conclusions from an analysis of all available evidence and make recommendations.
• Record the purpose, process and outcomes of the investigation in a technical report.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Identify priorities considering a broad range of factors in solving problems and making decisions on operational strategies.
• Explain the need for and the benefits of change and make recommendations to achieve the intended results.
• Undertake the initiatives linked to organisational goals and objectives.
• Initiate and develop operational strategies, projects and action plans.
• Implement and evaluate operational strategies, projects and action plans.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explore the meaning of entrepreneurship and the world of the entrepreneur.
• Discuss the outline and the main rewards of entrepreneurship.
• Develop a market feasibility study.
• Analyse the market share of an agricultural enterprise.
• Determine and calculate revenue, costs, profit and break-even point.
• Explain the process of buying an existing business.
• Examine the life cycle of a business.
• Illustrate the need for innovation and creativity in business.
• Explain risk management for sustainability.
• Illustrate how entrepreneurship inspires innovation in agriculture.
• Experience entrepreneurship in action: realizations in the field.
• Critically reflect on the power of entrepreneurship and the future of farming.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Explore the structure, style and language of written and oral communication for the communication and the target audience.
• Use graphics appropriately and effectively in enhancing the meaning of the text.
• Apply visual materials to enhance oral communications.
• Present information in a format that can be used by others involved in the activity.
• Present information orally with the intended meaning being apparent.