Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with detailed knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship and operating small business. A qualified learner will be able to:

• Manage a small business in a sustainable manner.
• Use ICT tools to manage a small business effectively and efficiently.
• Design entrepreneurial products and approaches for a successful small business.

Rationale

The Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations is designed to provide learners with detailed knowledge and understanding of operations in the area of entrepreneurship and enterprise development. The need to expand the South African economy, especially through increased entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy, calls for focused and increased training in the area of entrepreneurship and enterprise development. Investment in entrepreneurship development will in the long run produce major returns to society. The aim of this qualification is to create learner awareness of the changing economic conditions of South Africa and also to create depth of knowledge in the area of business practice. Learners will be equipped with skills and attitudes required to establish and operate an enterprise efficiently, effectively and sustainably. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated into this qualification as it prepares learners with knowledge and skills to operate small business in a global society.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Monash South Africa (MSA) adheres to national requirements for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has an RPL policy and procedures in place. MSA thus allows for an educationally appropriate alternative access to the qualification and may recognise the following:

• Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by MSA. These may include professional development or on - the job - training.
• Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL may be granted for admission to the qualification where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed as equivalent to the prerequisite qualification. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, work and practical experience will be considered in applications for RPL.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations is

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for entry into Diploma studies.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with endorsement for entry into Diploma studies or Equivalent.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

Modules, at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits

• Introduction to Entrepreneurial Business, 15 Credits.
• Technology and Business 1, 15 Credits.
• Critical Thinking and Ethics, 15 Credits.
• Communication Skills, 15 Credits.
• Business Calculations, 15 Credits.
• Business Information, 15 Credits.
• Marketing your Business, 15 Credits.
• Managing Human Talent, 15 Credits.

Modules, at NQF Level 6, 240 Credits

• Entrepreneurial Economics, 15 Credits.
• Technology and Business 2, 15 Credits.
• Accounting, Finance and Costing for Entrepreneurs, 15 Credits.
• Funding and Tendering (WIL), 15 Credits.
• Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
• Business data, 15 Credits.
• Project 1, 15 Credits.
• Technological Innovation and Business, 15 Credits.
• Entrepreneurial Law, 15 Credits.
• Fundamentals in Business Administration, 15 Credits.
• Working in Business, 15 Credits.
• Workplace Readiness (WIL), 15 Credits.
• Innovation and Sustainable Business, 15 Credits.
• Project 2, 15 Credits.
• The Entrepreneur in a Globalised World, 15 Credits.
• Self-leadership, 15 Credits.

1. Manage a small business in a sustainable manner.
2. Use ICT tools to manage a small business effectively and efficiently.
3. Design entrepreneurial products and approaches for a successful small business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 1

• Principles of methods and operations for small business management are applied.
• The scaffolding required to run a successful small business is explained.
• Attributes of an entrepreneur are explained.
• The main components of running a small business are discussed.
• The context in which 21st century businesses operate is analysed.
• Solutions to business problems are designed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2

• Information and Communications Technology (ICT) applications are developed to manage business information.
• Appropriate ICT systems are created to support business practice.
• A practical ICT project demonstrating theory acquired is constructed.
• ICT is used as an integral part of the operations of a small business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 3

• Threats to entrepreneurial enterprises are identified.
• An entrepreneurial approach to the socio-economic context is developed.
• Entrepreneurial products are developed.

Integrated Assessment

The Diploma consists of both theoretical and practical components. The two project modules require learners to apply the acquired knowledge from all the modules into practical products. Projects thus integrate the content of all modules acquired to that stage into outputs that include reports, plans, portfolios, and working software applications. The projects are assessed accordingly.

Integrated assessment methods include the following

• Portfolios consisting of written reports, plans, management documents, and software applications
• Simulations of aspects of business processes, operations and management.
• Project which is a practical application of theory components: project proposal, project plan, and final summative project.