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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96797  Higher Certificate in Entrepreneurship 
ORIGINATOR
Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2028-06-30  

In all of the tables in this document, both the pre-2009 NQF Level and the NQF Level is shown. In the text (purpose statements, qualification rules, etc), any references to NQF Levels are to the pre-2009 levels unless specifically stated otherwise.  

This qualification replaces: 
Qual ID Qualification Title Pre-2009 NQF Level NQF Level Min Credits Replacement Status
71771  Certificate: Entrepreneurship  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
Entrepreneurship is the cornerstone of economic growth in today's time. However, in a competitive and complex business environment it needs more than just passion alone. The primary objective of this programme is to provide learning opportunities for understanding the various aspects of entrepreneurship, along with the key functional skills required to practice it.

The secondary objective is to stimulate venture creation and is meant for those individuals who would like to equip themselves with the skills of being self-employed instead of being dependent on a job. On successful completion, this programme will give candidates opportunities to drive economic growth in a business environment.

Finally, the programme creates opportunities, for individuals in companies going through job cuts. This programme can assist individuals to make a new beginning by starting their own businesses.

Rationale:
The Certificate in Entrepreneurship has been developed in response to the growing need to provide students with the necessary skills; or to further enhance their existing skills in establishing their own businesses thereby assisting in improving the economical landscape in Southern Africa. This programme will provide students with the opportunity to assume the responsibility, risk and rewards of starting and operating their own business. The Certificate in Entrepreneurship offers students the opportunity to improve their business management skills. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • The learner is proficient in the language of instruction.
  • The learner is able to work independently.
  • The learner has obtained the general theoretical, practical, and academic knowledge and understanding at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
    Admission to this programme may be obtained through the recognition of prior learning. Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of the minimum admission criteria may be considered for admission through a process of RPL in keeping with the RBS RPL policy.

    Access to the Qualification:
    Candidates for admission to the programme are required to have an appropriate senior certificate or equivalent. No additional Qualifications or experience are required.

    Candidates who do not qualify for admission in terms of any of the above but who feel that they are adequately equipped to cope with the programme will be considered for admission through a process of RPL supported by detailed motivation of the candidate's ability to succeed. The Programme Selection Committee will carefully consider this motivation. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Level, Credits and Learning Components assigned to the qualifications.

    The Certificate in Entrepreneurship is a 120 Credit qualification at NQF level 5.

    Level at which qualification is fixed; Total Credits; Credits required for:
  • NQF Level 5; Total 120 Credits.

    Fundamental Learning:
  • Management Principles: 20 Credits.
  • Business Communication: 15 Credits.

    Core learning:
  • Entrepreneurship: 25 Credits.
  • Small Business Marketing: 20 Credits.
  • Small Business Finance and Accounting: 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Small Business Management: 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Develop the characteristics of successful entrepreneurs.
    2. Communicate effectively.
    3. Use and understand conventional accounting processes for small businesses.
    4. Demonstrate knowledge of the legal context of businesses.
    5. Display knowledge of selected day-to-day management functions of a business enterprise.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Display the necessary knowledge and skills, attitudes and applied competence to enable them to demonstrate administrative proficiency.
  • Display knowledge of management in general.
  • Apply skills of rational judgement and planning.
  • Recognise and appreciate changes within organisations.
  • Make appropriate use of information technology.
  • Analyse and solve operational problems.
  • Display skills for the recording and processing of information.
  • Display ethical behaviour in a corporate management context.
  • Develop the functional competence of a graduate to proceed to middle management level within an organisation. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The four basic functions of a manager are explained.
  • Selected management theories and concepts are evaluated.
  • The context in which entrepreneurs, as managers operate is described.
  • The historical context of management is explained.
  • The role of stakeholders in an organisation is explained.
  • Ways to improving an entrepreneurial organization are identified.
  • The competencies, characteristics and success factors of an entrepreneur are described.
  • Small business development ideas are identified and evaluated.
  • A feasibility and viability study for a proposed business idea is conducted.
  • The legal implications of the form of business are described.
  • The characteristics and rules for establishing different forms of business ownership are identified.
  • Knowledge with regard to the human resource and labour relations functions of a small or medium business organization is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Components of the communication process are described.
  • The communication skills in an entrepreneurial environment are discussed.
  • Written, verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication are applied.
  • Formal business communiqués are prepared.
  • Business presentations are planned, prepared and delivered.
  • Business meetings are planned, prepared and conducted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • The importance of finance in small business development is explained.
  • Financing options for small business are evaluated and chosen.
  • Basic financial analysis tools are applied to measure business performance.
  • Budgets and cash flow plans for a small business are prepared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Different types of franchising agreements are described.
  • The franchisor and the franchise proposition are investigated.
  • The propositions for negotiating and buying existing business are discussed.
  • The exporting process is described.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The strategic aspects of marketing as a success factor for new and small business development are described.
  • Product Development Strategies are initiated.
  • Basic pricing strategies are described.
  • The types and use of different distribution channels are described.
  • A promotional mix for promoting a product is designed including basic internet marketing.
  • Opportunities for strategic alliances are identified.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment centres on:
  • The extent to which the learner has grasped the basic concepts which form the base of management education.
  • The application of theory to a practical context.
  • The methods of research used.
  • A balance between theory and practice and its relevance to the level of the Qualification.
  • The use of appropriate technology to ensure effective communication of ideas.

    The Assessment methods measure the extent to which the learner has achieved competence in the different areas of study delivered through course modules and contact sessions. These assessment methods include:
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Interpretative and analytical problem solving in the written examination.
  • Work based assignments.
  • Self assessment activities in the course material. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The programme was benchmarked against other programmes in Entrepreneurship offered by other academic institutions in South Africa and overseas.

    The Webster University offers a similar programme. Their Certificate in Entrepreneurship focuses on activities involved in planning, organizing, establishing, and controlling a small business. Includes procedures and problems in starting a business, managerial functions, marketing, and financing a new enterprise, as well as governmental regulations. Core modules are: Principles of Organizational Behavior, Entrepreneurial Financial Management and an Entrepreneurship Certificate Project Course.

    The Excelsior University in the US' Entrepreneurship Certificate program is an online, distance education program. The credits earned can also be applied toward an Excelsior College Bachelor of Science Degree in Business. The course requirements are:
  • BUS 300: Introduction to Entrepreneurship: 3 Credits.
  • BUS 310: Entrepreneurial Marketing: 3 Credits.
  • BUS 320: Entrepreneurial Finance: 3 Credits.
  • BUS 330: Entrepreneurial Business Law: 3 Credits.
  • BUS 340: Entrepreneurial Strategy: 4 Credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • The programme articulates horizontally to other specialist areas. Learners passing the Certificate in Entrepreneurship have a wide choice of alternative fields of study to choose from and can study at any tertiary educational institution of their choice.
  • The Programme is benchmarked with other Certificate Programmes. This enables students to pursue their studies with other institutions if so desired. Credits can be easily transferred between institutions.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • The programme articulates vertically to the Diploma and Degree Courses in the Management Field. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • All examination question papers are externally moderated.
  • The minimum number of examination scripts sent for moderation is 20 or 20% of the total. The Examinations Board approves both the appointment of moderators and final assessment marks. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    To qualify as an assessor an individual must:
  • Generally have a Higher Education Qualification at least one level higher than the course being assessed.
  • Be in the possession of qualifications that are relevant to the programme.

    The following criteria are used for appointing external moderators:
  • Their experience of examining similar programme.
  • Their expertise in the subject area.
  • Have a qualification at least one level higher than the programme being assessed. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced qualification.
     
    NONE 


    PROVIDERS CURRENTLY ACCREDITED TO OFFER THIS QUALIFICATION: 
    This information shows the current accreditations (i.e. those not past their accreditation end dates), and is the most complete record available to SAQA as of today. Some Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionaries have a lag in their recording systems for provider accreditation, in turn leading to a lag in notifying SAQA of all the providers that they have accredited to offer qualifications and unit standards, as well as any extensions to accreditation end dates. The relevant Primary or Delegated Quality Assurance Functionary should be notified if a record appears to be missing from here.
     
    1. Regent Business School (Pty) Ltd t/a Regent Business School 


    All qualifications and part qualifications registered on the National Qualifications Framework are public property. Thus the only payment that can be made for them is for service and reproduction. It is illegal to sell this material for profit. If the material is reproduced or quoted, the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) should be acknowledged as the source.