Higher Certificate in Business Management

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to develop an integrated conceptual understanding, synthesis and application of specific issues in Business management. The qualification is also aimed at the learners having some relevant work experience but who aspire to grow and hold management positions in their respective industries. At the exit point of this qualification, learners will be able to:

• Apply management principles and in a work-based context.
• Display project management skills.
• Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
• Communicate effectively using both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Rationale

The complex nature of the modern day business world requires that individuals with the requisite level of knowledge and skills be recruited to lead and manage different industries. This qualification (Higher Certificate in Business Management) is developed as a way of contributing to regional and national goals by facilitating capacity building and human resource development in various sectors of the economy. Learners of this qualification will be introduced to different management and business principles to enable them to function effectively in a variety of business settings.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution has an overarching RPL policy and the various faculties apply their RPL policies in line with their admission requirements.

Entry Requirements

Learners are required to have the following in order to be considered for admission

• Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Senior Certificate.

Or

• National Certificate Vocational.

This qualification consists of 8 modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Modules

Fundamental learning: 45 Credits.

• Information Retrieval, 15 Credits.
• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Business Mathematics, 15 Credits.
• Management Principles, 15 Credits.
• Project Management, 15 Credits.
• Marketing, 15 Credits.
• Accounting and Finance, 15 Credits.
• Business Law, 15 Credits.

1. Apply management principles and in a work-based context.
2. Display project management skills.
3. Demonstrate ethical considerations in executing business agreements or contracts.
4. Utilise technology to communicate effectively.
5. Communicate effectively using both verbal and non-verbal communication.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The principles of Total Quality Management are explained and applied.
• The evolution of management theory is outlined.
• Knowledge of general management functions is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• The responsibilities of a project manager are outlined.
• The phases of a project are described.
• A project is defined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The rights of parties associated with sale agreements are determined.
• The legal framework within which businesses operate is understood and complied with

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Knowledge of concepts and developments in computer hardware, software, database management and telecommunications technologies is displayed.
• The role of information systems is described.
• The retrieval of information using information systems is realised.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The key elements of an effective presentation are Identified.
• How verbal and non-verbal communication affects a listener's interpretation of a message is described.
• Barriers to effective communication are identified and eliminated.

Integrated Assessment

Both formative and summative modes of assessments are used.

Assessment is based on

• The use of work based assignments to test the application of management principles in an organisation.
• The use of information technology, networks and web browsers to obtain work related information and communicate with peers.
• The use of basic research to solve problems.

Assessment centres around

• The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of management education.
• The application of theory to a practical context.
• The methods of research used.
• A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the qualification.
• The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.