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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Operations Research 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
100904  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Operations Research 
ORIGINATOR
North West University 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  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 08  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Reregistered  EXCO 0821/24  2021-07-01  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2031-06-30  

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
72758  Bachelor of Commerce Honours  Level 7  NQF Level 08  120  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The purpose of the qualification is to equip students with a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence with regard to relevant aspects of Operations Research and thereby consolidate and deepen the student's expertise in this field. Furthermore, the student will come to understand the important role of research in the world of business, particularly in operational research, and will be trained to perform authentic evaluations and research under supervision, aimed at actual and relevant problems in this field of expertise. The qualification aims to foster progressive thinking in the field of operations research, by developing a cadre of scholars with a wider and deeper understanding of the specialisation. This qualification prepares candidates for further postgraduate studies at Master's level and beyond, specifically in the field of Operations Research.

Rationale:
It is widely accepted that South Africa has a shortage of well-trained, critically thinking scientists who are capable of proceeding towards independent, high quality research. This qualification is aimed at providing South Africa with significant numbers of graduates who are able to undertake advanced research under the guidance of an expert through the acquisition of the necessary research skills and tools in the specific field of Operations Research. These young scientists will ensure the broadening of the local leadership base of innovative and knowledge based economic and scholarly activity. The second rationale of this qualification is to provide students with the necessary knowledge, specific skills, applied competence and professional attitude in the field of Operations Research to utilise the opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, gainful economic activity and rewarding contributions to society. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
An applicant who cannot provide formal proof of compliance with the prescribed admission requirements for this qualification with prior learning and relevant work experience may be admitted to the Honours Degree study after the procedure for Recognition of Prior Learning in terms of the institution's RPL policy has been completed successfully. Such recognition is within the sole discretion of the University and within the context of faculty requirements. This qualification requires that the entrant will already have a Bachelor of Science (BSc) or an equivalent standard qualification in the field of Operations Research at the institution or other institutions or equivalent institution. The institution subscribes to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The institution endorses the view that Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element in deciding on admission to and awarding credits in an explicitly selected teaching-learning programme at honours level. RPL does not only imply assessment to determine the level of skills and knowledge comparable to Level 7 the candidate already possesses, but also the skills and knowledge the candidate has to master additionally prior to being accepted for the honours qualification. The assessment processes involved with RPL are the same as those followed for awarding credits in the formal graduate setting. An RPL candidate seeking credits for previously acquired skills and knowledge, must still comply with all the requirements as stated for modules, programmes and qualifications. The difference lies in the route of the assessment, since RPL assessment may be holistic in nature taking the context of the programme as well as the prior knowledge and experience of the person who is being assessed into account.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum requirements for admission into the Honours Degree studies are:
  • Bachelor of Science (BSc) Degree with Operations Research passed at Level 7 with at least 60%. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification comprises compulsory and elective modules at Level 8.

    Elective Modules, Level 8:
  • Optimization-2, 15 Credits.
  • Production Planning And Scheduling, 15 Credits.
  • Theory Of Games, 15 Credits.
  • Forecasting Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Reliability Theory, 15 Credits.
  • Network Analysis, 15 Credits.
  • Inventory Control, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8:
  • Optimization I, 15 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
  • Stochastic Models, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge of computational scientific principles, bodies of content and conceptual issues.
  • Understand the techniques and strategies involved in scientific enquiry and computing problem-solving.
  • Think critically and creatively, while working as an individual, in teams and in multidisciplinary environments, showing leadership and performing critical functions.
  • Effectively communicate orally and in writing with scientific and lay audiences using modern and appropriate technology, and finally.
  • Understand the professional and ethical basis of scientific enquiry, identify and analyse problems in computer based systems, execute research work, interpret collected data and information in scientific literature of computer development and programming, and be competent to report in detail on such work. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit level Outcomes:
  • A systematic and integrated knowledge and understanding of, and an ability to analyse, evaluate and apply the fundamental terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories is achieved.
  • The ability to apply appropriate discipline-related methods of scientific inquiry and independently validate, evaluate and manage sources of information is demonstrated.
  • An understanding and application of, appropriate methods or practices to resolve complex discipline-related problems and thereby introduce change within related practice is critically reflected.
  • Professional and ethical behaviour within an academic and discipline-related environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations is displayed.
  • Scientific understanding and own opinions/ideas using appropriate discipline-related and academic discourse as well as technology are communicated.
  • Effective functioning as a member and/or leader of a team or a group in scientific projects or investigations, with self-directed management of learning activities and responsibility for own learning progress is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Continuous formative assessment strategies in the form of assignments, tests, semester tests etc. are employed as well as integrated summative assessments in the form of formal examinations and a mini-dissertation/ project report etc. Oral presentations of smaller integrated research projects in individual as well as group context may also be employed. Students are continuously assessed on the application of integrated knowledge and advanced skills in order to assure that they are competent for the work place. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) Level Descriptors for Higher Education Qualifications Framework (HEQF) Level 8 were used to design the qualification standard. These Level Descriptors are internationally benchmarked criteria based upon published work of the National Quality Assurance bodies in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, New Zealand and Australia. Thus the qualification compares favourably with other similar Bachelor of Science (BSc) Honours qualifications, nationally and comparability internationally with regard to outcomes and assessment criteria, programme design, degree of difficulty and notional learning time. The graduates that complete this programme will be able to serve internationally as mathematicians, teachers, etc. and will be ready for further study in Mathematics on postgraduate level internationally. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows for vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Masters Degree in Operations Research at Level 9. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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. North West University 


    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.