Higher Certificate in Business Management in Operational Management

Purpose

The purpose of the qualification is to introduce learners in the workplace with general business management theories and basic operational management competencies to enable them in assisting management so that the organisational objectives can be achieved.

Rationale

This is a Career orientated qualification particularly associated with just in time and enough to meet the specified needs of the industry. The qualification facilitates access to learning in a manageable manner in terms of cost, time, energy and resources, both for the employer and employee. The qualification target specific adult learners to upgrade skills and knowledge in the workplace context.

Recognition of Prior Learning(RPL)

Recognition of Prior Learning in the case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted following the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning and experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds to the required National Qualifications Framework(NQF)-level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through Recognition of Prior Learning, learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or status recognition on the condition that they continue their studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum requirement is

• National Senior Certificate, National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 4.

This qualification comprises of compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework(NQF) Level 5 totalling 120 Credits:

• Introduction to Analytical Techniques, 12 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 12 Credits.
• Strategic Management, 12 Credits.
• Environment of Business, 12 Credits.
• Project Management, 12 Credits.
• Marketing Management, 12 Credits.
• Business Decision Making, 12 Credits.
• Accounting Aspects, 12 Credits.
• Risk Management, 12 Credits.
• Business Writing and Communication, 12 Credits.

1. Describe, explain and illustrate managerial theories applicable in the specific business environment.
2. Describe strategic management concepts and analyse the business environment.
3. Provide an overview of motivational theories and the management of conflict in the workplace.
4. Communicate and write reports in a business environment.
5. Illustrate basic management accounting principles.
6. Use performance management theories in evaluating the performance of a team or organisation.
7. Analyse the market environment through the application of marketing theories.
8. Describe, explain and illustrate risk management concepts in the business environment.
9. Apply basic business analytical techniques to inform management about operational business processes.
10. Use basic project management tools and techniques.

The Associated Assessment Criteria will be applied in an integrated manner across the Exit Level Outcomes

• Explain managerial theories that can be applied in a specific business environment.
• Discuss basic accounting principles.
• Report on strategic management concepts that a business can use in evaluating their business environment.
• List the motivational theories and the management of conflict in the workplace.
• Apply communication and writing skills in a business environment.
• Describe systems methodology as one of the components of a learning organisation.
• Review the market environment through the use of marketing theories.
• Practice accepted risk management terminology and the risk management framework in the work context.
• Apply basic business analytical techniques to inform management about operational business processes.
• Use basic project management tools and techniques to achieve project deliverables.

Integrated Assessment

The curriculum is coherently aligned in that all teaching, learning and assessment activities are linked to module outcomes and qualification outcomes. Assessment methods are varied and include a summative and formative assessment to enhance applied competence from students and facilitate authentic assessment and learning. Assessment will not only be used to determine whether outcomes were achieved but also to generate data for grading and provide feedback in order to improve the curriculum. Assessment methods used to test the knowledge of the learners are using a written individual assignment as well as a closed book examination. Each of these assessments counts towards the final mark, with a sub-minimum to be obtained in each assessment.