Master of Commerce in Finance

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying students with applied specialised competencies in the interpretation, understanding, analysis and application of management accounting principles in the Financial Management field. A qualifying student should show evidence of independent and original scientific work. The aim of this qualification is for the student to develop applied competence in the mastering, interpretation, reflecting on and application of principles in the broader field of finance. Through the minor dissertation, a qualifying student shows evidence of Scientific Research, Application of Scientific Research Methodologies and an ability to reflect thereon in the holistic context of finance.

Rationale

The rationale for this qualification is to provide high end qualifications for students who wish to pursue advanced studies in the field of finance. The complexities and regulatory requirements of the worlds of commerce, economics and the fiscus requires that graduates are able to perform higher order functions.

The purpose is to provide advanced training in finance and to create opportunities for research in niche areas in finance. The learner should be able to take strategic decisions in the context of the financial sector, and to analyse and assess policy, and other decisions impacting this sector.

The learner should also be able to reflect on managerial decisions and applications and to analyse and assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of Management Accounting, Corporate Governance, Financial Management and Regulation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Recognition of prior learning in case of learners not complying with the formal entry requirements will be conducted in accordance with the policy and guidelines of the University concerning the recognition of other forms of formal, informal and non-formal learning experience. Recognition takes place only where prior learning corresponds with the required NQF Level, and in terms of applied competencies relevant to the content and outcomes of the qualification. Through recognition of prior learning learners may gain access, or advanced placement, or recognition of status, on condition that they continue their studies at this University.

Entry Requirement

A potential student should possess a financially oriented Bachelor of Commerce Honours qualification on New NQF Level 8/Old NQF Level 7 with at least either Financial Management and/or Investment Management at third year level. Alternatively, a student should possess any other four-year qualification with honours status on New NQF Level 8/Old NQF Level 7 and have related Financial Management and/or Investment Management financially oriented experience which is considered relevant and sufficient by the department. For acceptance into the programme, preparatory study, an entrance course and examination may be required by the Department of Finance and Investment Management. Successful applicants must prepare a research proposal in consultation with a member of staff of the Department of Finance and Investment Management allocated to them. This proposal must be presented to a panel convened for this purpose. Once a decision has been made that the proposal has been accepted, the student will be allowed to proceed with the research component of the programme. The Department of Finance and Investment Management must specifically approve the field of study, the research topic, methodology and problem statement before the candidate may register for the minor dissertation.

Modules at NQF Level 9.

Compulsory

Developments in Finance, 18 Credits.

Empirical Finance, 18 Credits.

Applied Research Methodology in Finance, 18 Credits.

Minor dissertation: Finance, 90 Credits.

Elective

Corporate Finance, 18 Credits.

Risk Management, 18 Credits.

Competitive Strategy, 18 Credits.

Financial Engineering, 18 Credits.

1. Analyse, evaluate and apply Financial Management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts; identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice and policies, and proposing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating alternative courses of action and solutions.
2. Work in a team with, and adding value to, a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the Financial Management profession, as well as people on the grassroots level in the profession.
3. Act responsibility with respect to, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in the course of his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice and accounting concepts and principles.
4. Plan and undertake, through independent study and teamwork, research in the Financial Management field, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related and complex and highly advanced information.
5. Communicate effectively, orally and in writing, with different role players in the Financial Management profession, applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Optimally utilise the appropriate technology appropriate to the professional Financial Management environment.
7. Analyse the importance and role of the Financial Management profession, and the regulation thereof on a macro-and micro-level.
8. Explore and analyse different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a professional financial manager.
9. Make a contribution to the level of professionalism and expertise in, and effectiveness and efficiency of, the financial management profession; thus positively impacting on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty and improvement of living standards in the country.
10. Demonstrate a positive approach to different communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences and needs, particularly with respect to the Financial Management discipline within these communities.
11. Seek employment and entry into the Financial Management profession, effectively, as a highly specialised and advanced, technical or research, expert, and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career in the Financial Management field.
12. Organise and co-ordinate, effectively and responsibly, resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about management accounting concepts and principles, in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts. Evaluate and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to Generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice and policies; thus proposing and implementing, monitoring and evaluate alternative courses of action and solutions. Reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Display team ship and show his/her ability to add specialised value to a team. Demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made. Display a thorough, specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by, the Financial Management profession.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the Financial Management field. Accept responsibilities for any activities required of him/her in his/her specialised evaluation and application of Generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice and principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Plan and execute research in the field of Financial Management, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on management accounting issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflect on the research undertaken. Plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the management accounting discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Communicate effectively and professionally, in an academic and practical - oral and/or written manner (including the usage of visual/graphic aids) with the different role players in the Financial Management fields by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Operate necessary appropriate technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including internet and databases. Use a computer skilfully and optimally as well as management accounting related bases. Show that his/her command of the management technology is competent to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Analyse and explain the importance and role of the Financial Management profession, and the regulation thereof internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally. Analyse and explain the roles of management accounting at these various macro and micro-levels.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8

• Identify, analyse and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a professional Financial Manager.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9

• Analyse and explain the link between the number of Financial Management professionals and level of professionalism in the Financial Management field, and the effectiveness and the efficiency of Financial Management profession and therefore of the economy. Evaluate the role which a more effective and efficient Financial Management profession will have in the economy and the impact which this will in turn have on the living standards of the population of the country (e.g. the redress of poverty, improved mobility, and improvement of living standards).

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10

• Demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different communities and a sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities. Analyse the particular financial management disciplinary need of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their differing needs and requirements with respect to the financial management sector. Apply Generally Accepted Management Accounting Practice, to make proposals, within complex and unpredictable contexts, that will improve the circumstances of these communities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 11

• Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the Financial Management profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing and reflect on the application thereof. Undertake academic leadership, advanced research, research-based, professional practice, and/or senior managerial occupations. Demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen professional Financial Management career.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 12

• Plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and progress engaged in, particularly in the field of Accounting, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made. Demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect of his/her own activities. Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:Coursework

Learners are continuously assessed via practical group and class assignments, essays, presentations, informal class tests, and formal modular tests in a written mode. They also do independent research that leads to scientific assignments. In addition, learners will assess themselves as well as the work of each other and reflect on the dynamics of this process.

Dissertation

The learner must attend compulsory discussions with his/her promoter according to a prescribed programme. If the learner is not making satisfactory progress and not meeting the requirements of the Department of Accounting, his/her registration shall be cancelled by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences on recommendation by the Departmental Chairperson.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented

Coursework

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes, will be done by means of submitting 8 research essays, which under normal circumstances, a maximum of 10 pages in one and a half spacing on a A4 page will suffice. Each Masters student will have at least one internal promoter/examiner for each essay. There must be at least one external examiner who is regarded as a specialist in the study field. A learner's knowledge and competence with regard to the supervised advanced compulsory modular study programme, is examined and evaluated by way of three written four hour examinations, one per module towards the end of the module.

Dissertation

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the Exit-Level Outcomes, will be done by means of the submission of a dissertation and an article ready for publication to the promoter. The dissertation must furnish proof that the learner is capable of scientific research and the application thereof. Under normal circumstances, 100 pages for a dissertation in one and a half spacing on an A4 will suffice. The Department may institute other requirements for dissertation.