Diploma in Business Management

Purpose

The competencies captured in this qualification will provide the learner with a contextually broad based understanding of business management. This will include an understanding of the tasks and responsibilities of the following functions within an organisation:

• Communication.
• Marketing.
• Finance.
• Human Resources.
• Operations.

The qualifying learner will be capable of

• Demonstrating detailed knowledge of the management of a business unit/venture.
• Demonstrating detailed knowledge of the operations of a business unit/venture.
• Demonstrating detailed knowledge of marketing and marketing communications of a business unit/venture.
• Demonstrating detailed knowledge of the financial influences and finances of a business unit/venture.
• Demonstrating detailed knowledge of human resources management within a business unit/venture.

Rationale

This qualification meets the needs of the sector by capacitating potential workplace managers in the provisioning of competencies linked to management, communication, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, and operations management, thereby opening up opportunities for the individual to productively apply acquired business aptitude within existing organisations or to the start of new ventures.

The typical learners attempting this qualification would migrate from the schooling system with the necessary admission requirements, and/or would already be active in the workplace. This qualification will allow the learner access to further learning in the same or a related field.

This qualification is a combination of learning outcomes which have the defined purpose of capacitating the learner with the applicable business management competencies, and which will provide the learner with a solid foundation for any future learning endeavours in business management, or a related field. Further, this qualification achieves the objectives of the NQF.

It is assumed that the learner has the following knowledge and skills

• Communication at NQF Level 4.
• Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 3.

Recognition of Prior Learning

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.

The learner should be thoroughly briefed on the mechanism to be used, and support and guidance should be provided. Care should be taken that the mechanism used provides the learner with an opportunity to demonstrate competence and is not so onerous as to prevent learners from taking up the Recognition of Prior Learning option towards gaining a qualification.

If the learner is able to demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification the appropriate credits should be assigned to the learner. Recognition of Prior Learning will be done by means of Integrated Assessment.

Access to the Qualification

There is an open access to this qualification for learners who have

• Successfully completed the National Senior Certificate with the relevant admission requirements.

Or

• Successfully completed the National Certificate: Vocational, NQF Level 4 with the relevant admission requirements.

Or

• Successfully completed a related qualification at NQF Level 5.

To be awarded the qualification learners are required to obtain a minimum of 360 credits, as detailed below

• 120 credits at NQF Level 5.
• 180 credits at NQF Level 6.
• 60 credits at NQF Level 7.

1. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the management of a business unit/venture.
2. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the operations of a business unit/venture.
3. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of marketing and marketing communications of a business unit/venture.
4. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial influences and finances of a business unit/venture.
5. Demonstrate detailed knowledge of human resources management within a business unit/venture.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

This programme aims to develop the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes as listed below

• Identify and solve problems in which responses display that responsible decision using critical and creative thinking have been made.
• Work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation and community.
• Organise and manage oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
• Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information.
• Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and written presentations.
• Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the heath of others.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems recognised that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

1.1 Strategic management principles and practices are applied in business management activities.

• Range: Principles and practices refer but are not limited to organisational design, organisational culture, diversity, authority and the nature of business management.

1.2. Entrepreneurial practices are applied in a new business venture.

1.3. Resource planning is conducted within a business environment.

1.4. Communication practices are applied within a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

2.1 Operational and administrative procedures and practices are developed within a business environment.

2.2 Productivity strategies are developed for a business environment.

2.3 Supply chain management practices are applied in a business environment.

2.4 Enterprise resource planning is conducted for a business environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

3.1 Marketing concepts and definitions are explained which are applicable to the business environment.

• Range: Concepts and definition includes but is not limited to consumer behaviour, market segregation, brand management, pricing and distribution.

3.2 Specific requirements are determined in terms of marketing and sales and the promotion of products and services.

3.3 A marketing strategy and plan is developed for the business environment for integration in the business strategy.

3.4 Integrated marketing communication is applied in the marketing strategy and plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

4.1 Financial planning principles and practices are explained which are applicable to the business environment.

• Range: Principles and practices include but are not limited to time value of money, cost of capital, and asset management.

4.2 Financial analysis, planning and control are conducted within a business environment.

4.3 Financial ratios are determined using financial statements.

• Range: Financial ratios include but are not limited to cost, input, break-even and profit margins.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

5.1 The role of the human resource function is explained within the business environment.

5.2 Human resource management principles and practices are explained which are applicable to the business environment.

5.3 Labour legislation is analysed in order to determine its impact on human resource management within the business environment.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will be assessed on a continuous basis throughout the qualification and can only gain access to the final Integrated Assignment if they meet the requirements stipulated for each section of the programme. Theoretical knowledge and the application of knowledge will be measured against the identified Exit Level Outcomes by means of content driven projects, assignments and practical work. The assessment of the programme is governed by the quality management system of the institution which further ensures that the purpose of the qualification is achieved.