Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship

Purpose

Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic growth in today's time. However, in a competitive and complex business environment it needs more than just passion alone. The primary objective of this programme is to provide learning opportunities for understanding the various aspects of entrepreneurship, along with the key functional skills required to practice it.

The secondary objective is to stimulate venture creation and is meant for those individuals who would like to equip themselves with the skills of being self-employed instead of being dependent on a job. On successful completion, this programme will give candidates opportunities to drive economic growth in a business environment.

Finally, the programme creates opportunities, for individuals in companies going through job cuts. This programme can assist individuals to make a new beginning by starting their own businesses.

Rationale

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship has been developed in response to the growing need to provide students with the necessary skills; or to further enhance their existing skills in establishing their own businesses thereby assisting in improving the economical landscape in Southern Africa. This programme will provide students with the opportunity to assume the responsibility, risk and rewards of starting and operating their own business. The Certificate in Entrepreneurship offers students the opportunity to improve their business management skills.

• The learner is proficient in the language of instruction.
• The learner is able to work independently.
• The learner has obtained the general theoretical, practical, and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 4.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Admission to this programme may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning. Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of the minimum admission criteria may be considered for admission through a process of RPL in keeping with the RBS RPL policy.

Access to the Qualification

Candidates for admission to the programme are required to have an appropriate senior certificate or equivalent. No additional Qualifications or experience are required.

Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of any of the above but who feel that they are adequately equipped to cope with the programme will be considered for admission through a process of RPL supported by detailed motivation of the candidate's ability to succeed. The Programme Selection Committee will carefully consider this motivation.

Level, Credits and Learning Components assigned to the qualifications.

The Certificate in Entrepreneurship is a 120 Credit qualification at NQF level 5.

Level at which qualification is fixed; Total Credits; Credits required for

• NQF Level 5; Total 120 Credits.

Fundamental Learning

• Management Principles: 20 Credits.
• Business Communication: 15 Credits.

Core learning

• Entrepreneurship: 25 Credits.
• Small Business Marketing: 20 Credits.
• Small Business Finance and Accounting: 20 Credits.
• Strategic Small Business Management: 20 Credits.

1. Develop the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
2. Communicate effectively.
3. Use and understand conventional accounting processes for small businesses.
4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal context of businesses.
5. Display knowledge of selected day-to-day management functions of a business enterprise.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

• Display the necessary knowledge and skills, attitudes and applied competence to enable them to demonstrate administrative proficiency.
• Display knowledge of management in general.
• Apply skills of rational judgement and planning.
• Recognise and appreciate changes within organisations.
• Make appropriate use of information technology.
• Analyse and solve operational problems.
• Display skills for the recording and processing of information.
• Display ethical behaviour in a corporate management context.
• Develop the functional competence of a graduate to proceed to middle management level within an organisation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• The four basic functions of a manager are explained.
• Selected management theories and concepts are evaluated.
• The context in which entrepreneurs, as managers operate is described.
• The historical context of management is explained.
• The role of stakeholders in an organisation is explained.
• Ways to improving an entrepreneurial organization are identified.
• The competencies, characteristics and success factors of an entrepreneur are described.
• Small business development ideas are identified and evaluated.
• A feasibility and viability study for a proposed business idea is conducted.
• The legal implications of the form of business are described.
• The characteristics and rules for establishing different forms of business ownership are identified.
• Knowledge with regard to the human resource and labour relations functions of a small or medium business organization is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Components of the communication process are described.
• The communication skills in an entrepreneurial environment are discussed.
• Written, verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication are applied.
• Formal business communiqu�s are prepared.
• Business presentations are planned, prepared and delivered.
• Business meetings are planned, prepared and conducted.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• The importance of finance in small business development is explained.
• Financing options for small business are evaluated and chosen.
• Basic financial analysis tools are applied to measure business performance.
• Budgets and cash flow plans for a small business are prepared.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Different types of franchising agreements are described.
• The franchisor and the franchise proposition are investigated.
• The propositions for negotiating and buying existing business are discussed.
• The exporting process is described.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• The strategic aspects of marketing as a success factor for new and small business development are described.
• Product Development Strategies are initiated.
• Basic pricing strategies are described.
• The types and use of different distribution channels are described.
• A promotional mix for promoting a product is designed including basic internet marketing.
• Opportunities for strategic alliances are identified.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment centres on

• 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.

The Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules and contact sessions. These assessment methods include:

• Case studies.
• Report writing.
• Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
• Work based assignments.
• Self assessment activities in the course material.