Master of Commerce in Investment Management

Purpose

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with applied competence in the mastering, interpretation, reflecting on and application of investment management principles in the investment field. Through the master's dissertation a qualifying learner should show evidence of scientific research and an ability to reflect thereon in the holistic context of investment management.

Rationale

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Current competencies in the field of investment management that have been acquired by experiential learning in this field through related studies and experience will be assessed. Such competencies may assist the learner in gaining access to the qualification, advanced placement in it or recognition or qualification status on condition of continuous studies at this institution.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Investment Management, NQF Level 8.

1. Evaluate and apply investment management concepts and principles in highly specific and unpredictable contexts; identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to investment management strategies and policies, and propose and implement alternative course of action and solutions.
2. Work in a team with, a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the investment management profession, as well as people on the grassroots level related to the business.
3. Act responsibly concerning, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in the course of one's evaluation and application of investment management concepts and principles.
4. Through independent study and teamwork, plan and research investment management, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related complex and highly advanced information.
5. Communicate effectively, with different role players in the investment management orally and in writing by applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.
6. Reflect on and utilise management technology appropriate to the investment management environment.
7. Reflect on the importance and role of investment management on a macro-and a micro-level.
8. Explore different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of an investment management practitioner.
9. Contribute towards the level of professionalism and expertise, effectiveness and efficiency of, the investment management profession, thus having a positive impact on the economy and contributing towards the redress of poverty in the country.
10. Demonstrate a positive approach towards different communities and sensitivity towards social, economic and cultural differences and needs, in these communities.
11. Effectively seek employment and entry into the investment management profession as a highly specialised and advanced, technical or research specialist (both across the investment management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis) and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career therein.
12. Effectively and responsibly, organise and coordinate resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

• Identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about investment management concepts and principles, in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.
• Evaluate and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to investment management problems strategies and policies; proposing and implementing, alternative courses of action and solutions.
• Reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof.
• 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.
• Display a thorough, specialised knowledge and reflect on of the various role-players involved in, or affected by, investment management.
• Act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the investment management profession.
• Display an ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/her evaluation and application of the various investment management concepts and principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.
• Plan and execute research in the field of investment management, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on investment management issues, by utilising the relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken.
• Show that he/she can plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the investment management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.
• Communicate effectively and professionally orally and/or in writing and include the use of visual/graphic aids with the different role players in the field of investment management in an academic and practical manner by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application.
• Show insight into and operate necessary management technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases.
• Use a computer as well as investment management - related databases skilfully. The learner must show that his/her command of the management technology is sufficient to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts.
• Analyse and explain the importance and role of strategy and the management thereof, internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally. The learner must also discern between, analyse and explain the roles of investment management on macro and micro levels.
• Identify and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of an investment manager, professional or regulator.
• Analyse and explain the link between the number of investment management professionals, and level of professionalism in investment management, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of businesses and therefore of the economy.
• Evaluate the role that more effective and efficient businesses will have in the economy and the impact, which this will, in turn, have on the standard of living of the country's population. (e. g. the redress of poverty).
• Demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different communities and sensitivity towards the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities.
• Analyse the particular distribution needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their different needs and requirements with respect to investment management.
• Apply investment management concepts and principles to make proposals within complex and unpredictable contexts that will improve the circumstances of these communities.
• Demonstrate acceptable employment-seeking skills for entry into the investment management profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career pathing, as well as reflecting on the application thereof.
• Undertake academic leadership, advanced research, professional practice based on research and/or senior managerial occupations. The learner must also demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen investment management career.
• Plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and processes particularly engaged in the field of investment management by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made. The learner must also demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect of his/her own activities.
• Detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken.

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Integrated Assessment Formative assessments that will be implemented

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

Summative assessments that will be implemented

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by presenting a dissertation and an article ready for publication in a specific journal. The dissertation must furnish proof that the learner is capable of scientific research and the application thereof. Under normal circumstances, 200 pages for a dissertation in one and a half spacing on an A4 page will suffice. The department of Business Management may institute other requirements for dissertations.