Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences

Purpose

The Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences has as primary focus the development of knowledge and competencies needed to successfully enrol for and complete higher education qualifications. The large numbers of school leavers who have not obtained a National Senior Certificate granting access to Diploma and Bachelors' Degree study as well as those who have not sufficiently developed the necessary cognitive skills to be successful in higher education studies are justification for this qualification.

Rationale

The Higher Certificate in Economic and Management Sciences (HCert EMS) specifically focuses, apart from the foundational subjects, on introductory knowledge in terms of various fields of studies in the Human Resource Management, Business Management, Public Administration and Political Science, depending on electives chosen. This qualification was developed to address the post-school education and training needs of many deserving learners who might not meet the minimum current requirements for entry into university studies. It may also be seen as ground breaking in terms of what it could mean for the Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) crisis as it has as primary focus the development of knowledge and cognitive skills needed for success in Higher Education studies in a particular discipline.

Successful learners of this qualification will to be able to progress to related studies in Advanced Certificates, Diplomas and/or Bachelors' Degrees at various institutions such as Universities, Universities of Technology and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Colleges.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL, in accordance with the rigorous Institutional RPL policy, will be applied in cases where learners, who might not have completed either a National Senior Certificate (NSC) or National Certificate Vocational (NCV) Level 4, but who, through various other proven education and training activities can be recognised as suitable candidates with the potential to succeed in the Higher Certificate, and who will be in a position to attend a full-time study programme.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirements are

• Senior Certificate (SC).

Or

• National Senior Certificate (NSC).

Or

• National Certificate Vocational (NCV), Level 4.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 168 Credits.

Compulsory modules, Level 5

• Skills and Competencies for Lifelong Learning, 16 Credits.
• Academic Literacy for the Economic and Management Sciences, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to Individual Differences, 20 Credits.
• Introduction to Political Science, 16 Credits.
• Introduction to World Politics and Global Governance, 16 Credits.
• Elementary Mathematics, 16 Credits.
• Calculus, 16 Credits.
• Calculations related to Business and Office Administration, 32 Credits.

1. Apply the foundational competencies of communication in a chosen language.
2. Demonstrate elementary understanding of Politics, Economics and Management Sciences as scientific disciplines of study.
3. Numeracy skills are used in performing administrative tasks related to business and personal daily life.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Paragraphs are written and expository essays based on passages are read.
• The main ideas of written texts are summarised.
• Notes are taken and reports are prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Concepts such as politics, state and government are conceptualised and defined.
• The roles of the organisation of government, regime types and political parties are explained.
• The concepts of micro and macro-economics are explained and discussed.
• Factors which influence the South African economy are outlined.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Mathematical ideas and concepts are communicated and applied using mathematical language.
• Basic geometric figures are analysed.
• Linear equations, functions and trigonometric functions are used where appropriate.
• A scientific calculator is confidently and accurately used in calculations.

Integrated Assessment

Learners will be assessed continuously over the semester or year, for formative and summative assessment in all modules. The number and types of assessment vary from module to module but generally constitutes a range of formative assessment types that include portfolios, class tests, class notes, semester tests, presentations. Summative assessment will be done through examinations in all modules, except in Academic Literacy for the Economic and Management Sciences where semester tests will be taken.