Master of Commerce in Human Resource Management

Purpose

This Master's qualification in Labour Relations Management is designed to provide students with an advanced basis of labour relations management theory as well as the application of its principles in the business world. The degree prepares students for research-based postgraduate study at Level 10. This qualification has as purpose the consolidation and deepening of research capacity in the methodology and techniques of labour relations management and also with the increasing demand for quantitative techniques (for analysis) in practice. Students will acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes to be competent and successful in exercising the functions of labour relations practitioners and apply the skills required to analyse, advice and support employers/employees in the work context regarding labour relations related issues/aspects.

Rationale

This qualification provides the student with core foundation training in research methodology in the labour relations management field. In the composition of the qualification consideration was given to career possibilities and the human resource needs of our country. This qualification also prepares the student for advanced research and academic development on a Doctoral level.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

RPL for access purposes will require the candidate to comply with the admission requirements of the North West University. The North-West University accepts the principle underlying outcomes oriented, source-based and lifelong learning in which considerations of articulation and mobility play a meaningful role. The University also underwrites the view that recognition of previous learning, obtained either by formal teaching programmes at this or another institution, or informally (obtained by experience), is an indispensable element in granting admission or credits with the aim of placing in a specifically chosen teaching-learning qualification of the University.

In recognising previous learning, it deals with provable knowledge and learning that the applicant obtained by following formal teaching qualifications or by experience. At all times the question will be what level of competence was reached, judged in the context of the exit level skills required for the contemplated teaching-learning programmes (or modules therein) or status for which the applicant is applying and not merely about the experience the applicant can prove. The recognition of previous learning takes place in terms of the relevant skills that the applicant demonstrated in the application with reference to the exit outcomes that should be reached in the chosen qualification.

The minimum requirement for admission to the Master's Degree is

• A Bachelor of Commerce.

Or

• A Bachelor of Administration Honours Degree in Human Resource Sciences/Management.

This qualification comprises compulsory modules at Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 9, 180 Credits

• People Management, 16 Credits.
• Scientific Reasoning, 16 Credits.

1. Demonstrate in-depth knowledge and advanced competencies in the identification of a viable research question that can be researched individually or within a group, either discipline-specific or interdisciplinary.
2. Demonstrate the ability to design and apply appropriate qualitative and/or quantitative formats and procedures in an ethical and scientific way to investigate the problem, Interpret and report the research findings scientifically and communicate the findings in writing in accordance with academic protocols, and also orally with the aid of Information Technology, to an audience of academic peers.
3. Demonstrate a critical understanding and the ability to analyse case studies of human resource management and other problems, including the impact on business enterprises.

Integrated Assessment

Assessment of the structured modules, where applicable, takes place by means of internal and external evaluation of assignments, portfolios, project reports and an integrated examination by academic experts with a qualification of at least Level 9. The research component of the qualification is assessed by means of a research dissertation or report, which assesses the student's ability to plan, structure, conceptualise and execute innovative scientific research that makes a contribution to the field/discipline and report the findings thereof. Assessment is initiated when the research proposal is considered by the Committee for Advanced Degrees. Approval by this committee is a requirement for the study. The supervisor also assesses continuously while the dissertation is being written. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialization. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.