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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
109682  Bachelor of Commerce Honours 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-   HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Honours Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Finance, Economics and Accounting 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Level 7  Not Applicable  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-31 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2019-12-31   2022-12-31  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields traditionally associated with Business, Commerce and Management that will prepare them to be lifelong learners, employable workers/managers, entrepreneurs and contributors to society and the business community.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in a number of learning fields in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge base economic and scholarly activity is widened.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual economic leaders in their society and who are empowered to play that role. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification can:
  • Learn from predominantly written material.
  • Communicate what they have learnt comprehensively in the medium of instruction.
  • With limited support, take responsibility for their own progress.


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises:

    Formal prior learning:
  • The Hons BCom programmes expect students to have majored in the field/discipline in which they register for Hons BCom.
  • BTech graduates will have to apply for BCom-status.
  • Non-formal and informal prior experiential learning

    Students will be given RPL for individual modules if they can produce a portfolio of evidence or undergo any other recognized means of assessment that shows that they meet the outcomes and associated assessment criteria specified for that module. They may also be awarded blocks of credits towards elective modules. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification may be awarded in part of as a whole through the recognition of prior learning (RPL). Current legislation requires that students complete 50% of their qualification at the institution which issues the certification so for now up to 50% of the degree may be awarded through RPL. 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical Cross-field:

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the modules, which constitute the programmes that lead up to the qualification. They will be assessed within the context of the programmes. The distance education context has particular challenges, which we try to meet below.

    1. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems, creatively and responsibly in fields related to business, commerce and management.

    2. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and contribute to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields related to business, commerce and management.

    3. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies and career.

    4. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information as required in pursuit of the Hons BCom.

    5. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.

    6. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well being of others, in community, national and global contexts.

    7. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader business community.


    Developmental:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of the following development outcomes:

    1. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.

    2. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

    3. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.

    4. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.

    5. The Honours Bachelor of Commerce graduate can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification.


    Specific:

    A Honours Bachelor of Commerce student is actively engaged in becoming a well-rounded, educated person and in preparing for further, more specific study or work environment. As such she or he develops and holds certain values and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification variously in the SAQA fields of Business, Commerce and Management studies (03), Human and Social studies (07), Law, Military Science and Security (08), Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences (10) and Services (11).

    1. The Honours BCom graduate can perform a social critical role in society.

    2. The Honours BCom graduate is able to communicate his/her skills in a rational and logical manner.

    3. Honours BCom graduate can practice the ethics pertinent to Business, Commerce and Management.

    4. The Honours BCom graduate can demonstrate an advanced understanding of the theories and practices in the fields of Business, Commerce and Management Studies.

    5. The Honours BCom graduate can deal with advanced problems in the fields of Business, Commerce and Management Studies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Critical Cross-field:

    Evidence generated in the form of tasks in study materials, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations, will show that graduates

    1.
  • Identify and define complex problems.
  • Apply appropriate knowledge to solving complex problems.
  • Identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems in the business, commerce and management fields by drawing upon theoretical knowledge.
  • Identify, analyse and solve complex concrete and abstract routine and non-routine problems in business, commerce and management fields by drawing upon their own experience.
  • Use their knowledge to offer suggestions for solving business problems at the community and national levels.

    2.
  • Apply people skills (tolerance, empathy, listening skills and leadership) in liasing with other professionals, clients and colleagues.
  • Demonstrate respect for the opinion of others through written reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity through written reporting without bias.
  • Demonstrate the ability to work in groups.

    3.
  • Demonstrate the requisite study skills and learning strategies to study with limited guidance.
  • Cope with the self-discipline necessary for distance learning.
  • Think independently and offer evidence to support their decisions.
  • Identify needs and opportunities for applying economic and management principles in their own lives.
  • Manage multiple deadlines.

    4.
  • Demonstrate increasingly competent research and reporting skills.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to suit their individual needs and to conduct limited research projects.
  • Act responsibly as a scholar (appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism etc.)
  • Follow conventions of scholarship in the various disciplines under study.
  • Critically analyse theories, examples and case studies.
  • Think independently, and offer evidence to support their decisions.

    5.
  • Communicate their ideas and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Responsibly use other's ideas in support of their own (without plagiarism, etc.)
  • Identify and evaluate conclusions and premises in academic arguments.
  • Follow the literacy and numeracy conventions of written use in the disciplines related to business, commerce and management.
  • Use numbers and statistics appropriately and with accuracy.
  • Create and use visuals to appropriately to support their ideas.
  • Use the written communication form to critically analyse, evaluate and critique others' ideas.

    6.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate attitude towards scholarship and technology.
  • Select appropriate technology to suit the needs of the organisation.
  • Use technology where appropriate and feasible in solving business-related problems.
  • Use natural and human resources in a sustainable manner in order to chive the maximum output for the minimum input.
  • Show concern for the physical environment and the health of others.
  • Demonstrate a consideration for the ethics involved in science and technology issues.

    7.
  • Use scientific methods of investigation, testing and evaluation.
  • Select appropriate technology to suit the needs of the business community or employer.
  • Use other technology (computers and the Internet) where appropriate and feasible.
  • Show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology.
  • Apply systems thinking to solving simple economic and management related problems.


    Developmental:

    1.
  • Use help-seeking strategies to further their own learning.
  • Apply what they study in different contexts, both personal and public, real and simulated
  • Show evidence of effective study skills (e.g. analysing and synthesis)

    2.
  • Demonstrate an ability to help others to manage their organisations
  • Monitor and provide input into legislation regarding business, commerce and management
  • Demonstrate the ability to apply and knowledge of corporate governance principles

    3.
  • Manage diversity in different approaches to business, commerce and management problems
  • Demonstrate an awareness of own business and economic culture and background
  • Illustrate the value of open-mindedness and tolerance to self and others

    4.
  • Illustrate the relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the Hons BCom and those of the community at large
  • Make connection from theoretical knowledge to practical application in case studies of the real world
  • Identify the Hons BCom skills, which are highly valued by the business community
  • Use the skills required for efficiency in the workplace imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, interpersonal sensitivity and business acumen
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems within a variety of routine and non-routine contexts and tasks sets to them on the job, in the real world by drawing upon the skills of the Hons BCom (critical thinking, problem solving, entrepreneurial qualities and strategic planning)
  • Adapt to different organisational cultures

    5.
  • Create job opportunities
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and business organisation
  • Communicate that value to others in the business world (business report writing, CV writing skills, communication skills)
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge
  • Evaluate various unknown situations with flexibility and adaptability
  • Formulate and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities within a variety of routine and non-routine contexts


    Specific:

    Evidence in the form of tasks in study materials, written assignments, portfolio tasks, projects, case studies and examinations will show that graduates:

    1.
  • Use disciplinary- and interdisciplinary-based information to take an informed stand in regard to economic, business and trade policies
  • Assume a personal role in the business and economic environments

    2.
  • Answer questions in writing in an acceptable format e.g. business reports
  • Use language effectively to convey ideas and insights intelligibly
  • Evaluate, interpret and generate information in and from a variety of sources
  • Explain the ramifications of economic policy and business decisions in a language which is accessible to the general public and various stakeholders in the business community

    3.
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of the ethics implied by corporate governance principles
  • Apply the knowledge and understanding of the ethics prescribed by the professional bodies in the various disciplines of the programme
  • Understand the need to act professionally and ethically to clients, employees and the world at large

    4.
  • Analyse, evaluate and apply advanced business, commerce and management theories and principles to practical situations
  • Contribute to the improvement and development (in a limited manner) of principles and procedures in practical situations
  • Customise and adapt international business, commerce and management practices and theories of South African requirements

    5.
  • Identify problems in the fields of study and related disciplines (e.g. Economics, Management, Industrial Psychology and Quantitative Management)
  • Develop appropriate solutions for specific contexts
  • Formulate appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract problems


    Integrated assessment:
  • Formative assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides contain self-assessment tasks with feedback. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and students are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes
  • Summative assessment: Examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the student's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module
  • Integrated assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    1. The qualification will articulate with those of other tertiary institutions and with other qualifications. For example, recognition will be given to modules completed at other tertiary institutions and the relationship will be reciprocal.

    2. Upon completion of the Honours Bachelor of Commerce students have a number of options for further study. For example, students may proceed to postgraduate study at the Masters-level. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    1. Within Unisa, first examiners set and assess assignments and examinations. In the case of assignments and examinations. In the case of assignments, the quality is checked by course co-ordinators or team leaders and by the head of department. In the case of examinations, a system of internal second examiners is used to moderate question papers, the marking process and marked scripts. Such second examiners are senior members of staff.

    2. In addition, external examiners act as moderators of examination papers and marked scripts for Unisa Honours courses.

    3. In instances where professional or statutory bodies have a say in determining the curriculum, they could be involved in moderation as well. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    1. Our own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the university's tuition and assessment policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons. A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for some learning programmes leading to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours).

    2. The quality management system:
  • Qualifications:
    The minimum requirement for appointment as a lecturer or external marker at Unisa is an Honours degree and appropriate experience. Where possible, lecturers involved in Honours programmes should themselves hold at least a Master's qualification. In the case of workplace assessment, appropriate professional criteria will be drawn up for each programme.
  • Mentorship:
    All junior and new members of staff are mentored by senior members as they work together in teams. All assessment done by external markers is quality-controlled by internal staff.
  • Training:
    All new members of staff have access to the Bureau of University Teaching's website on assessment and may apply for special training in aspects of assessment at any time. External markers attend markers' meetings prior to assessing assignments or examinations and are given clear guidelines on how to assess particular pieces of work. 
    		•

    NOTES 
    N/A 

    LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS 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.
     
    NONE 


    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.