Higher Certificate in Business Management

Purpose

The qualification focuses on business management theories, principles and practices as well as basic finance, human resources, marketing, project management and operations support skills to provide the particular balance of skills identified as critical for successful further studies into the broader management field. Alternatively, learners are well-prepared for entry-level positions in the business management field.

The design of this qualification facilitates basic critical learning through exposure to, and application of, specialised and support learning areas in the theory and practice of business management. The qualification design instils a problem-solving approach to learning accompanied by the development of the ability to apply solutions within a familiar context. The qualification also requires that the learner develops the ability to answer for their own actions as well as collaborate with teams.

In the modules Business Management and Operations Management, knowledge and understanding of the context of business is formed and the role of management in the world of work will be presented. Added to this is the different management activities, entrepreneurship, forms of small business, various business functions and the operations and quality management methods used to process and improve the quality and overall business performance.

In the finance modules the concepts and principles of appropriate accounting frameworks and policies are covered. These modules will provide the learner with the applied competence to orderly and systematically identify and record monetary values of business transactions.

In the Human Resource module learners will gain foundational knowledge of the concepts, principles and theories of Human Resource Management. Foundational and practical knowledge will be gleaned in the Project Management module, with emphasis on project phases and the tools used in project management.

In the module marketing, focus will fall on developing learners' foundational knowledge and understanding of the concepts, theories, principles, and processes of marketing in the business environment.

In addition, the curriculum has been designed to support the achievement of the outcomes related to this qualification by incorporating the different skills learned in different modules in the integrated simulation project (a simulated business plan) which is the Work Integrated Learning component of this qualification. Practical work completed is presented in a portfolio, which will be submitted at the end of the course and can also be used by the learner in their applications for employment or further study.

Throughout the qualification, cognisance is taken of the importance of a sustainable approach to doing business in the modern South African context.

Rationale

This qualification will provide learners with a basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and applied tools and techniques through its combination of theory and practical skills. This qualification will provide a solid vocational foundation for those wishing to work in junior positions in the management of business administration, and in addition will prepare learners for further undergraduate studies in business management field. The qualification will provide a balance of theoretical, experiential and applied components to facilitate the enhancement of business thinking and through the core modules, give learners a basic business management understanding to enter the industry.

There are few opportunities for learners without university exemption to formally study business management in order to enter the profession, which is the demand that this qualification wishes to address. Successful learners will gain a basic understanding of the contemporary business environment and the basic principles and applications of management. The core focus is supported by essential business management, finance, marketing, and human resource skills to prepare learners that can be employed as fully functional employees in various business administration positions.

The qualification is intended to provide an entry level that will enable learners to enter internships or entry-level positions in related fields or to assist learners to qualify for access to a Degree or Diploma in business management, or a further qualification in administration or a related field.

Throughout, the focus of the qualification will be on the interplay between theory and practice in the contemporary business world, including the importance of sustainability in the contemporary business environment.

Career opportunities for learners exist in/as a

• Assistants to Business Managers.
• Business Administrators.
• Junior Business Administration Managers.
• Administration Supervisors.

Learners will be adequately prepared to take up further undergraduate studies in business management.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners can achieve this qualification in part through Recognition of Prior Learning.

RPL for formal learning (Credit recognition)

Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for modules already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions.

RPL for informal and non-formal learning

Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the RPL process.

Entry Requirements

• National Senior Certificate.
• Senior Certificate (Vocational).
• Recognition of Prior Learning.

The qualification consists of 8 compulsory modules at the NQF Level 5 totalling 125 credits

• Accounting A, 12 Credits.
• Business Management 1, 22 Credits.
• Marketing 1, 24 Credits.
• Introduction to Project Management, 9 Credits.
• Accounting B, 12 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 16 Credits.
• Operations Management, 10 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 20 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the success factors of a business.
2. Demonstrate the ability to develop basic business and marketing plans to support effective management and administration of a business.
3. Demonstrate the ability to apply human resource principles, practices and processes within a given context.
4. Apply basic financial principles and practices to a business.
5. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the role, value and function of effective operations and quality management in the business context.
6. Apply basic project management principles and practices to a given project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The concepts, principles and practices of business management are explained.
• The foundational principles of management within a given business environment are applied.
• The impact of the environment on business and management is evaluated.
• The effectiveness of business practices are explained.
• The relationship between the various business functions in a business is described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The concepts, principles and practices of marketing are explained.
• The relationship between the marketing function and other business functions are described.
• Marketing concepts and principles to the development of the relevant section of a basic business plan are applied.
• A basic business plan for a business environment is developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The theories, principles and practices of human resource management are explained.
• The principles and practices of human resource management in a business context are applied.
• Human resource management approaches and practices implemented in a business are evaluated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

- Accounting principles and practices used in a business are explained

• Knowledge and understanding of statutory requirements in a business are demonstrated.
• Financial transactions to trial balance are accurately recorded.
• The principles and practices of accounting are applied to develop a basic financial plan for a business.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The concepts and principles of operational and quality management in a business are outlined.
• Effective operational processes for a business entity are developed.
• The principles and practices of management are applied to develop a basic operations plan for a business plan.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• The concepts and principles of project management in a business are outlined.
• Effective project management plans for a business entity are developed.
• The principles and practices of project management are applied to effectively complete a project.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment

Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes.

Summative assessment

Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement must include integrated assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, reports or equivalent assessments, such as a portfolio of evidence, assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module.

Integrated assessments will be designed to achieve

• An integration of the achievement of Exit Level Outcomes in a way which demonstrates that the purpose of the qualification as a whole has been achieved.
• The evaluation of learner performance which can provide evidence of applied competence.
• Criterion-referenced assessment which is clearly explained to, and understood by, the learners and which can be applied in the recognition of prior learning.