Diploma in Business and Information Administration

Purpose

This qualification will provide the business world with multi-skilled office administrators who are equipped with technological, communication and managerial knowledge and skills, and who are able to manage information efficiently, so as to contribute meaningfully to any organisation.

Rationale

This qualification is intended to prepare well-trained administrative assistants and office management support staff with vocationally oriented knowledge and office management skills. Graduates will provide independent and competent administration and management support by demonstrating administrative and communication skills in diverse corporate and business-related environments. The academic department conducted a situation analysis and engaged with a range of stakeholders including alumni, current students and staff, employers and industry in general to confirm the focus of this particular qualification.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning is a process of identifying the knowledge and skills of an applicant against the admission requirements of qualification and/or for credits against a part thereof. The process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal, non-formal and/or formal learning. The RPL process is multi-dimensional and multi-contextual in nature, aimed at the individual needs of applicants and is handled in accordance with an institutional RPL policy by a unit dedicated to this activity. The RPL process includes guidance and counselling, as well as the preparation of a body of evidence to be presented by the RPL candidate to meet institutional requirements. An appeal procedure is also in place to accommodate queries. RPL in this qualification will relate to gaining access to the qualification and/or credits/advanced standing as described in institutional guidelines.

Curriculum development and/or curriculum revision as required by the Higher Education Qualifications Sub-Framework (2013) is a multi-faceted process that requires the application of educational theories as well as practical processes such as conducting a situational analysis and comparability exercise. While the situational analysis engages various stakeholders that have a direct bearing on the qualification, such as employers, professional bodies and Advisory Committees, comparability refers to drawing comparisons with qualifications, subjects and educational practices at similar institutions, nationally and internationally using particular curriculum components as points of reference.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to a Diploma is

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV).

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 5 and 6 totalling 366 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 180 Credits

• Business Applications 1, 24 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 1, 18 Credits.
• Business Administration 1, 24 Credits.
• Business Accounting, 18 Credits.
• Communication 1, 18 Credits.
• Legal Practice, 18 Credits.
• Diversity Management, 12 Credits.
• Workplace Psychology, 12 Credits.
• Communication 2, 18 Credits.
• Law of Contract, 18 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 186 Credits

• Business Information Systems 2, 24 Credits.
• Business Applications 2, 24 Credits.
• Business Administration 2, 24 Credits.
• Office Management and Technology Practice 3, 60 Credits.
• Business Administration 3, 18 Credits.
• Business Applications 3, 18 Credits.
• Business Information Systems 3, 18 Credits.

1. Demonstrate proficiency in relevant business applications and input at a rate of 35 wpm.
2. Analyse the various components of a modern organisational information system, its impact on people and the business environment and its importance for decision-making at all levels of management.
3. Apply knowledge and application of the relevant administrative principles relating to the acquisition, maintenance and development of human resources in order to identify, collect, organise, analyse and critically evaluate information to support the administrative management function in various environments.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of communication in interpersonal as well as corporate contexts and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing in professional environments.
5. Demonstrate understanding of specific legal principles as they relate to business environments.
6. Apply ethics and professionalism in the workplace.
7. Demonstrate proficiency in basic business accounting practices.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment forms part of continuous assessment at the institution and takes the form of an appropriate mix of both formative and summative assessment methods. Assessment policy and practices at the institution promote constructive alignment of the curriculum, student centred-learning and assessment, and the importance of feedback to enhance student engagement. Assessment practices should be fair, reliable and valid. It should also be in keeping with academic disciplinary and professional field norms and standards.

Formative Assessment is aimed at enhancing student learning and provides students with an opportunity to reflect critically on their own learning and to improve their own levels of personal accountability and time management. Formative Assessment usually consists of a variety of assessment tasks relevant to the field of study.

In this qualification it will consist of a variety of tasks such as problem solving individual and/or group assignments and projects, case studies, portfolio development, class discussions, and quizzes.

Summative Assessment will take place at the end of a section of work/quarter or semester and is aimed at assessing student's attainment against the learning outcomes of the qualification and subject(s). Summative Assessments are internally and externally moderated based on institutional policy and requirements. Summative Assessments usually consist of a variety of formal assessment tasks relevant to the field of study, including written tests, reports and examination. In this qualification it will consist of written assessments in the form of written tests and assignments conducted during and at the end of the academic year.

Integrated Assessment often cuts across a number of subjects/modules of a qualification and is aimed at the holistic development of students and contributes to student's personal and professional development in the field of study in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive competence. Integrated Assessment in this qualification will take place at the third year of study and students will be assessed holistically by means of project reports, a portfolio of evidence and an oral presentation related to the needs and requirements of the industry and field of study.