Master of Commerce

Purpose

The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide learners with an opportunity to undertake independent and original primary research under supervision and contribute to the development of knowledge at an advanced level. During the process of undertaking the research project, learners are expected to gain experience in all aspects of the research process. During the research, learners will also develop a deep and current understanding of the theories, ideas, and practices in their area of specialisation. Upon completion of the qualification, learners are expected to undertake further independent research and contribute to the generation of new knowledge. As a master's qualification is the minimum qualification entry into academia, this qualification will facilitate the creation of a pipeline of new academics in several specialised areas of commerce.

The learning outcomes for this qualification have been purposefully designed to align with the NQF level 9 descriptors as defined in the higher education qualification sub-framework. The learning outcomes have been carefully worded to be generic for research in commerce broadly to accommodate different specialised fields of commerce such as economics, business management, entrepreneurship, human resource management just to name a few.

Upon successful completion of the qualification under the supervision of an experienced supervisor(s), the learner will be able to:

• Undertake independent research in a specialised field of commerce that demonstrates independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a field of specialization in commerce.
• Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value, and knowledge creation systems of the chosen discipline/s, critically evaluate these and select an appropriate process to use for the research project.
• Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question.
• Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level that would address the problem being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.
• Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, their decisions, and their learning.

Rationale

Stakeholders within the field of commerce are varied and their needs include areas such as economics, business management, entrepreneurship, developing human resource management etc. The stakeholder needs are reflected in the vision of the country and set out in the national development plan and more recently in the economic reconstruction and recovery plan. In the South African context and considering the recent covid-19 crisis, commercial activities in many countries around the world were negatively impacted, often severely. Thus, the socio-economic challenges of the current times include reduced entrepreneurial activities, subdued business activities, high youth unemployment, high levels of poverty and inequality, lack of foreign direct investment, poor governance, political uncertainty and social unrest, misalignment of economic policies and subdued economic growth prospects.

The rationale of the qualification is to

• Create and provide a suitable postgraduate commercial qualification that provides upward mobility in the business and academic world.
• Allow learners to participate in most spheres of the economy.
• Allow learners with the qualification to further their studies at the doctoral level.

This qualification is designed to supply the industry with skilled graduates that have a deep practical understanding of research in commerce and the ability to play a role in the generation of new ideas and ways of thinking about economics and commerce broadly, thereby supporting the provincial growth and development strategy. It is envisaged that the resultant skills developed by the qualification will then be applied to develop the key commercial sectors to be better drivers of economic activity in South Africa.

The qualification is designed to equip would-be postgraduates with advanced research skills in areas of commerce such as economics, business management, entrepreneurship, human resources management, etc. necessary to address the complex socio-political and economic challenges of the time. The qualification will prepare candidates for senior administration-level and first-line management positions in the public, private and development sectors.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part or in whole through the Recognition of Prior Learning, which includes formal, informal, and non-formal learning and work experience. The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) assessment process involves the identification, mediation, assessment and acknowledgement of knowledge and skills obtained through informal and non-formal learning. RPL is applied in terms of policy and criteria of the institution. The necessary documentary evidence will have to be provided and a formal RPL process will be followed. The institution will apply in this qualification the RPL for both access and credits in line with the National Policy and Criteria for the Implementation of RPL (Amended in March 2019).

RPL for Access

Learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements of the required qualification may be considered for RPL. There are two options:

• Advanced Standing, in which case the minimum entry requirements are waived by the admitting institution based on evidence of prior learning, work experience or any other relevant circumstances that may apply to an individual learner. No portfolio is required.

Or

• Applicants may provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that the applicant has acquired sufficient relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies to be able to reasonably meet the expectations for learning demanded by the qualification for which they are seeking access.
• In instances where RPL is applied for access, no credits will be awarded for any previous learning. However, the candidate may choose the option of being assessed for credit.

RPL for credits

Learners who do meet the necessary entry requirements for admission to the qualification may be awarded some or all the credits towards the qualification. There are two possibilities:

• Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from a module or some modules by providing sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that a level of competency, equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module or modules, has been achieved. Credits will be awarded for such modules.

Or

• Learners may apply for RPL to be awarded all the credits required for the qualification. Sufficient evidence must be provided that demonstrates a level of competency equivalent to all the learning outcomes of the qualification.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Economics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Commerce, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Economics, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Cognate Postgraduate Diploma, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory and/or elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9,180 Credits

• Full Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Undertake independent research in a specialised field of commerce that demonstrates independent thinking, originality, critical analysis, and advanced insight into the chosen field of research.
2. Demonstrate specialist knowledge and an ability to engage critically with current research in a field of specialization in commerce.
3. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of the boundaries, inter-connections, value, and knowledge creation systems of the chosen discipline/s, and critically evaluate these and select an appropriate process to use for the research project.
4. Select, apply, and modify where necessary research methods including experimental design, data collection, data analysis and statistics to address a particular research question.
5. Draw appropriate conclusions and propose interventions at a policy or management level that would address the problem being researched, and fully discuss any possible negative consequences.
6. Act reflectively, ethically and with integrity and be accountable for their work, their actions, their decisions, and their learning.
7. Manage, collate, critically evaluate, and synthesise information from a range of sources relevant to a particular field of specialisation.
8. Communicate effectively and efficiently with both professional and lay audiences using appropriate language, academic discourse, and technology. Defend new ideas using logical argumentation that is supported by data and incorporate feedback into one oral and written presentation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Decide and clearly describe the project question and scope.
• Demonstrate the ability to draw information from a range of primary sources, and critically evaluate that information by conducting a comprehensive literature review.
• Develop a comprehensive and achievable project plan that adheres to the required format.
• Fully justify the chosen methods are appropriate.
• Consider and address ethical issues.
• Data or information is collected and analysed in accordance with the project proposal and plan.
• Interpret and integrate data into the existing canon of knowledge.
• Formulate recommendations supported by the data.
• Prepare the thesis according to the prescribed format, written in appropriate academic language, and include no plagiarism. The reflective journal and meetings with the supervisor demonstrate the extent to which the learner was able to work independently, albeit under supervision.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Critically evaluate and discuss specialisation in detail current and contemporary concepts, theories, and methods around in the thesis.
• Skillfully incorporate results in the thesis from the research project into the existing canon of knowledge.
• Integrate and apply knowledge in the thesis from the major disciplines within the area of specialisation to sustain and support a discussion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Demonstrate a full understanding of different research paradigms in the thesis.
• Analyse the nature, strengths, and limitations of research paradigms adequately in the thesis.
• Correctly justify and properly implement the research process or select paradigm for the project.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Fully justify research methods selected for the project.
• Carefully apply research methods providing reliable results.
• Discuss and account for potential weaknesses of the chosen methods in the analysis of the results.
• Statistical analyses are appropriate and.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Uncertainty, incomplete data, and limited information in the decision making process.
• Balance decisions and recommendations and fully support the results.
• Highlight recommendations and conclusions, specifically any possible negative consequences and provide comprehensive mitigating measures.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Reflect on social and ethical issues included in all recommendations and propose solutions to the identified problem.
• Engage with feedback positively and use it constructively to improve work.
• Ability to meet deadlines and submit all assignments in accordance with provided guidelines, because of the successful management of learning.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Use current references in the thesis and include the most recent publications.
• Critically review and analyse existing knowledge in the field of study in the introduction and discussion chapters of the thesis.
• Access, critically evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources in the thesis.
• Manage contradictory information well, consider alternative viewpoints and reach a balanced conclusion.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

Oral communication

• Communicate results from the research project to both professional and community audiences using appropriate language and technology.
• Clearly communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories.
• Clearly engage presentations and complete within the given time.

Written communication

• Use appropriate academic language in the thesis, present in the approved style and adhere to norms for scientific writing.
• Use standard referencing styles accurately and consistently in the thesis.
• Ability to include no plagiarism in the thesis.
• Critically consider feedback and successfully incorporate it into the drafts of the thesis.