Higher Certificate in Computers and Administration

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with the opportunity to acquire skills required to perform elementary functions in a Computer and Administration environment. This qualification provides both theoretical and practical training which allows learners to grasp fundamental knowledge in the workings of various software packages and the modern office environment.

The skills, knowledge and understanding demonstrated within this qualification are essential for social and economic transformation and contribute to the upliftment and economic growth within the business sector. The learners are trained to assist management with various administrative duties. Learners will be able to obtain employment in a range of business administration, clerical, general office administrators, secretarial, receptionist, data entry clerks and related positions.

This qualification will contribute to the full development of the learner within the Computers and Administration environment by providing recognition and further mobility within the field of Business Administration. The qualification supports the philosophy of life-long learning because learners will be able to increase their access to employment since this qualification also caters for individuals who are employed but lack the certification to perform efficiently or to be promoted.

This qualification is the start of a career path in the administration environment. The skills, value attributes, and knowledge reflected in this qualification are building blocks that will prepare learners for progression along the learning ladder.

Rationale

The current skills deficit across all sectors means that there is a premium placed on staff that is qualified and able to perform across the key areas of management and administration. The current skills' shortage also requires that employees be equipped with skills and knowledge that are key to the transformation of the South African economy and that they can contribute to the positive performance of their employers. Further, there is also a need for entry-level qualifications, which are vocationally, and industry focussed.

Statistics available from the National List of Occupations in High Demand (2018) and the Skills Plan for the Services SETA 2005-2010 reflects a need for skilled Clerical, Office Support, Data entry clerks and Administrative Workers. Computer literacy is a vital skill to function effectively in the business environment due to the increasingly computerized environment in which businesses operates within, both in South Africa and globally.

The qualification offers introductory knowledge to the areas of general business administration and computer skills within an office environment and prepares learners for a range of professional positions in the general business environment. Further, it also provides opportunities for upskilling, certification of skills obtained during on the job training or self-study or further studies.

The qualification is highly relevant and required in today`s business world as it focuses on what is current and in demand, thus making a positive contribution to the South African economy. The qualification further addresses the NQF objectives since it offers learners the knowledge and applied competence including the basic skills required for employment in a range of professional administrative positions in the business environment.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning, which includes informal, formal learning and work experience. The institution's RPL process is aligned to national RPL Policies. As per the national and institutional RPL policies and procedures, RPL applies to all prospective candidates. The candidate must demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes indicated in the qualification to gain access, obtain credits and/or credit exemptions.

RPL for access

• Applicants who do not meet the admission criteria as stipulated, but who can demonstrate experiential or work-based learning at an appropriate level may be considered for RPL.
• The Faculty's policy, derived from the institutional RPL policy, requires that each applicant be assessed on an individual basis.
• Learners must provide a portfolio containing sufficient evidence of written material, produced independently.
• The limitation of 10% of the cohort regarding admission applies as stipulated in the Council on Higher Education RPL Policy.

RPL for credits

• Candidates may apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior qualification study achieved.
• Credit is granted for RPL when in the assessment of the institution's selection committee, the learner's knowledge and skills correspond to the learning outcomes of the qualification or specific module for which credit is applied.
• Recognition of Prior Learning learner must comply with all the requirements stated in the learning modules and qualification as well as the institution RPL policy.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

or

• National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.

or

• Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5,120 Credits

• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Business Practice, 20 Credits.
• Call Centre Administration, 10 Credits.
• Office Administration, 30 Credits.
• Introduction to Business Management, 25 Credits.
• Office Computing, 20 Credits.

1. Communicate information reliably, accurately, and coherently, using conventions appropriate to the context, in written and oral or signed form or in a practical demonstration, including an understanding of and respect for conventions around intellectual property, copyright and plagiarism, including the associated legal implications.
2. Manage and organize electronic and printed documents and data sources to support effective decision making by line managers.
3. Plan office administration activities and evaluate abilities for the achievement of objectives.
4. Perform basic human resource management tasks and practices for the effective functioning of a business unit or organisation and key business functions of computer administration practice.
5. Demonstrate proficiency in the use of a range of office equipment and computing devices and applications.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Analyse and apply the different methods of communication in a business environment.
• Describe the different types of communication media.
• Discuss the importance of effectiveness and accuracy in written and oral communication.
• Demonstrate the use of the different types of communication media.
• Explain effective communication.
• Demonstrate effective verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrate evidence of people skills, such as tolerance, listening skills and empathy.
• Discuss call centre etiquette.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Discuss the layout and design of the office.
• Explain filing systems.
• Discuss document management systems.
• Explain databases and their application.
• Explain the different types of documents, used and processed in the office.
• Collect documentation and data from various sources.
• Capture and store data and documents accurately using appropriate manual and electronic systems.
• Retrieve documents efficiently from filing systems as requested.
• Collect and manage meeting records.
• Demonstrate the control of petty cash.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Explain the functions of the office and tasks of management.
• Discuss methods of controlling external and internal interference in the workplace.
• Demonstrate effective time management skills.
• Demonstrate organisation of oneself to be an effective and efficient employee.
• Discuss meeting procedures.
• Demonstrate meeting planning, scheduling and administration skills.
• Demonstrate travel planning, itineraries, scheduling and administration skills.
• Demonstrate knowledge of meeting and event planning logistics.
• Discuss call centre administration and management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Describe and explain the elements and components of various organizational types.
• Discuss organisational types and models.
• Discuss organisational cultures.
• Discuss leadership and management styles.
• Discuss planning, leadership, organising, motivating, and controlling as business activities and functions of managers.
• Describe the basic Human Resource (HR) legislation and regulations.
• Explain and apply routine Human Resource operations (recruitment, selection, retention, and Industrial Relations).
• Explain and apply Human Resource management models and approaches.
• Explain Human Resource Development.
• Explain the fundamental accounting terms.
• Describe accounting documentation (ledgers, journals, source documents).
• Explain accounting processes.
• Describe accounting legal requirements.
• Explain accounting transactions.
• Explain the accounting cycle.
• Demonstrate application of basic accounting principles.
• Explain the basic marketing terms.
• Describe marketing approaches.
• Discuss personal selling.
• Discuss advertising principles.
• Explain the people, pay, process, and promotion (4Ps).
• Describe marketing legal requirements.
• Explain the marketing competition using Porter's model.
• Demonstrate application of basic marketing principles.
• Demonstrated public relations skills.
• Discuss media liaison fundamentals.
• Discuss call centre Human Resources Management.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Explain the purpose and use of office and computing equipment and devices.
• Demonstrate proficiency in using the different functions and types of office equipment (fax, copiers, etc.).
• Demonstrate the use of computer hardware and software applications.
• Demonstrate the use of the Internet to complete business tasks.
• Explain Call Centre software and hardware tools and systems.