Higher Certificate in Human Resources Management

Purpose

The purpose of the Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management is to provide entry into the field of commerce and Human Resource management by catering for entry-level or school leavers as an initial foray into any industry in a commerce-related role. This is done by providing a formal learning intervention through a higher certificate qualification. The qualification will form the foundation of knowledge for learners entering any commerce related field across a variety of industries, through a blend of theoretical and practical learning. The overall aim of the qualification is to prepare learners with the fundamental skills required to become a Human Resource professional in the future.

The primary purpose of the qualification is to produce individuals capable of contributing positively to their employers' objectives. The qualification applies to learners across a variety of industries. Furthermore, the purpose of the qualification is encapsulated in the following four pillars:

• Equipping learners with foundational business principles.
• Developing fundamental management competencies.
• Exposing learners to the complexities of the current world of work.
• Understanding the interconnectedness of the current world of work.

The qualification targets the skills gap present in the South African economy by producing work-ready, skilled and knowledgeable graduates, ready to contribute to society.

Rationale

The qualification is intended to provide learners with the necessary skills, competencies and knowledge to pursue a career within the commercial context across industries. There is a constant and increasing demand for skilled entry-level professionals within a range of industry.

The underlying rationale for the qualification is to equip learners with a foundational and working knowledge of management within a commercial context for them the positively contribute to their profession. To contribute in such a manner that learners create sustainable and lasting value for their organisations.

The qualification will also act as the initial academic entry point for learners to pursue further higher education courses within the commerce and management fields.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The institution subscribes to the principles of lifelong learning and the role that the Recognition of Prior Learning plays in the promotion of lifelong learning, professional growth and career advancement. In applying the above, the institution supports the principles of lifelong learning as it brings with it access to learning and the mobility between institutions of learning and qualifications at the various levels of the NQF.

Persons who are not holders of the traditional qualifications required for entry-level study in higher education must be assessed for competencies relevant to the learning outcomes of the prescribed National Senior Certificate appropriate to the different endorsements levels of Higher Certificate, Diploma and Degree, respectively.

The fundamental underlying principle of the Recognition of Prior Learning at the institution is the granting exemption for modules for which it is determined a learner meets the exit criteria. In this regard, the institution recognises all forms of informal and non-formal learning to admission into its qualification.

When applying for RPL which involves exemptions towards modules, the institution subscribes to the following principles

• Learning occurs in all kinds of situations - formal, informal, and non-formal.
• Measurement of the learning takes place against learning outcomes required for a specific qualification.
• Credits are awarded for such learning if it meets the requirements of the qualification.

The fundamental aim in this aspect of recognition of prior learning is to identify which composite parts will make up the credits needed for the attainment of an outcome, and the system should be able to capture and transcribe such credits.

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 NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits

• Business Communication, 15 Credits.
• Information Systems, 15 Credits.
• Accounting, 15 Credits.
• Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.
• Statistics, 15 Credits.
• Human Resource Management, 15 Credits.
• Industrial and Employment Relations, 15 Credits.
• Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively using written, oral and visual presentations.
2. Analyse and assist in the development of commercial based plans within an organisation that yield tangible value-based results.
3. Understand various functions within a commercial context.
4. Understand sound financial and human resources management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
5. Understand the functions, roles and responsibilities that a manager is required to perform.
6. Contribute as part of a team to enhance the teams and functional area effectiveness within a commercial context.
7. Understand the principles of financial management, business information systems and economics to manage risk through decision-making frameworks.
8. Contribute towards continuous improvement and innovation within a commercial context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Create various types of business-related documents using numerous tools.
• Gather data from research and compile meaningful reports for decision-making purposes.
• Report and communicate various functions within a commercial enterprise.
• Communicate both written and spoken work effectively.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Apply financial management principles and decision-making frameworks ethically to manage operational risks.
• Evaluate the general management functions of an entry to middle manager.
• Identify project priorities by considering a range of options to make the operational decision.
• Evaluate the on-going business administration plans to assess their effectiveness.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Identify project priorities by considering a range of options to make an operational decision.
• Evaluate the on-going business administration plans to assess their effectiveness.
• Apply business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply human resources management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
• Apply human resources management principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.
• Understand fundamental financial and business management principles.
• Apply financial management principles and decision-making frameworks ethically to manage operational risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Understand key opportunities and challenges that are present daily for managers.
• Analyse the effectiveness of a process and procedure.
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the management functions from the day to the day management perspective.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Communicate both written and spoken work effectively.
• Apply innovative and/or continuous improvement projects are applied according to generally accepted theory and practice.
• Use tools and techniques effectively to manage processes within a commercial context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Apply business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
• Apply business management principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Apply business information system principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.
• Apply innovative and continuous improvement projects according to generally accepted theory and practice.
• Use tools and techniques to manage processes within a commercial context effectively.

Integrated Assessment

Integrated assessment is used continuously throughout the qualification through assignments, case studies, group work, individual online assessments and presentations. Formative assessments ensure the learner has continuous and timely feedback on their performance. Summative assessments ensure learners achieve each modules outcomes. Integrated Assessment will be applied extensively across the modules of learning to ensure the integrated achievement of the Exit Level Outcomes.

The Formative assessments are made up of assignments and test. These count 50% toward the final mark.

Summative Assessment refers to the examination that could be made up of a variety of assessment methods. This examination counts 50% towards the final mark.

The moderation policy ensures that learners who are being assessed are assessed in a consistent, accurate and well-designed manner. It ensures that all assessors who assess a particular outcome or qualification are using comparable assessment methods and are making similar and consistent judgments about learners' performance.