SAQA 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.
SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Higher Certificate in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96799  Higher Certificate in Business Management 
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
71774  Certificate: Business Management  Level 5  Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The Certificate in Business Management (CIBM) is intended to be a one-year programme that provides an overview of the essentials of business management theory and practice. It is designed to provide a convenient and appropriate avenue into business management studies and eventual gainful employment for students coming straight out of school. It is also directed towards persons who may have taken employment in business without formal post-school qualifications and who have limited work experience. The CIBM may thus equip these learners for a formal career in management or small business management. The certificate can provide access to further study at NQF Levels 5 and 6.

Rationale:
  • Serves to integrate and develop business management practices.
  • Facilitates capacity building and human resource development in management education for socio-economic development.
  • Provides affordable access to management education for learners from previously disadvantaged communities.
  • Empowers successful learners with management skills and competencies necessary to function, progress and provide leadership in the business environment.
  • Promotes equity and redress by increasing the representation of qualified black persons, especially women, in business organisations.
  • Recognises and caters for the career and economic needs of learners who are seeking gainful employment. 
    		•

    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 qualification, at least at NQF Level 4.

    The programme will further accept candidates who provide evidence of formal/in-formal prior learning in this field of study. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Learning Component; Credits; NQF Level:
  • Fundamental learning; 20 Credits; NQF Level 5:
    > Business Communication (20 Credits).
  • Core learning; 100 Credits; NQF Level 5:
    > Business Management (20 Credits).
    > Financial Management (20 Credits).
    > Business Information Systems (20 Credits).
    > Marketing Management (20 Credits).
    > Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management (20 Credits).
  • Electives Learning; N/A.
    Total Credits 120. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Overall Exit Level Outcomes:
    On completion of the CIBM programme learners will be able to:
  • Apply basic management principles in a business context.
  • Analyse and use financial information for business decision making.
  • Utilise financial management tools for effective acquisition and use of organisational resources.
  • Utilise Information and Communications Technology to communicate effectively for business success.
  • Identify the critical success factors for starting and managing a small business.
  • Cite the key characteristics of entrepreneurs and their role in small business development.
  • Design and implement marketing strategies to leverage business opportunities.

    Specific Level Outcomes (for each Module):

    Business Management:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Explain the nature and structure of business organisations.
  • Distinguish between the different types of business organisations and forces at work on it.
  • Describe the stages in the evolution of management thought.
  • Identify the central concepts involved that make an effective business.
  • Assess the impact of change on a modern business organisation.
  • Explain the effective use of tools for effective functioning of a manager.
  • Advise on key parameters for effective managerial decision making.
  • Design how an organisation determines and achieves its goals.
  • Evaluate the role of a manager in modern context by using creative problem solving skills.
  • Identify the challenges that contemporary managers face.

    Financial Management:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Define basic concepts in finance.
  • Read the financial statements and make informed judgements on the financial well being of companies.
  • Gain an appreciation and understanding of the sources and utilisation of the funds flow in an organisation.
  • Advise on key parameters for effective financial decision making.
  • Describe the benefits of budgetary planning systems in a business context.
  • Identify and use key factors in making capital investment decisions.

    Business Information Systems:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Describe the operational and managerial roles of information systems.
  • Gain an appreciation of the major concepts, developments and managerial implications involved in computer hardware, software, database management and telecommunications technologies.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of how information technology is used in modern information systems to support the end user collaboration, enterprise operations, managerial decision making and strategic advantage.
  • Utilize IS systems to support decision making.

    Marketing Management:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Explain the interface between marketing management and the environment.
  • Describe the composition of the marketing environment.
  • Analyse marketing opportunities.
  • Indicate how markets are segmented.
  • Outline factors that should be considered when selecting a target market.
  • Describe positioning methods that marketers can pursue in practice.
  • Define the steps in the marketing planning process.
  • Develop basic marketing strategies.
  • Differentiate between different types of competition.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of technology behind the internet.
  • Use electronic marketing concepts to develop new marketing strategies.
  • Explain the nature of services marketing.

    Business Communication:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Describe the components of the communication process.
  • Discuss communication skills and competencies in a business environment.
  • Apply written, verbal and non-verbal aspects of communication.
  • Prepare formal business communiqués.
  • Plan and conduct business meetings.
  • Plan and deliver business presentations.

    Entrepreneurship and Small Business:
    On completion of this module the student will be able to:
  • Define entrepreneurship.
  • Distinguish between entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship.
  • Outline the role of small businesses in the economy.
  • Draw up a business plan for an SMME.
  • Evaluate franchising as a means of entrepreneurial development. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Business Management:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Financial Management:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Business Information Systems:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Marketing Management:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Business Communication:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Specific Level Outcomes for Entrepreneurship and Small Business:
    The final mark for each module is derived from an assignment and a formal two-hour written examination. The final mark for each module is then computed by taking a weighted average of 40% of the assignment mark and 60% of the examination mark. The student must obtain a sub-minimum of 40% in the written examination.

    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 designed in accordance with the principles enunciated in Chapters Three and Four of the Department of Education publication A Qualification Structure for Universities in South Africa, Report 116, DoE (96/02). The programme was benchmarked against similar programmes offered in South Africa and against those of a number of international institutions whose curricula and syllabi are available on the internet. RBS is convinced that the programme compares favourably to those with which it was compared.

    The international institutions against which the curricula were benchmarked are as follows:
  • School of Business Management (Namibia).
  • Moi University (Kenya).
  • Kenya Institute of Management.
  • Makerere University Kampala (Uganda).

    Having identified best practice from leading institutions locally and abroad, the curriculum and content was then developed. The programme has also been structured on the basis of ensuring that it has both national and regional orientation. The inclusion of an 'Entrepreneurship and Small business Management' module is an indication of sensitivity to national and regional imperatives of promoting and developing skills for SMME's. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The programme articulates vertically with the RBS Bachelor of Commerce Degree programme:
  • As the CIBM is a basic Level 5 qualification students can pursue their careers further at a Diploma and Degree Levels.
  • The programme articulates horizontally with the RBS and other Higher Education Institutions Certificate programmes. 
    		•

    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 
    Rules governing the award of the qualification:
    An award of the Regent Business School (RBS) will be conferred when the following conditions are satisfied:
  • The candidate was bona-fide registered student of RBS for Certificate in Business Management programme.
  • Details of the candidate's full name, date of birth, gender, programme and award have been registered by RBS.
  • It has been confirmed that the candidate has completed the Certificate in Business Management programme of study.
  • The award is approved by the Examinations Board. 
    		•

    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.