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
118169	Higher Certificate in Business Management
ORIGINATOR
Damelin
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			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		EXCO 0821/24	2021-04-22	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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this Higher Certificate in Business Management is to familiarise learners with the fundamental principles and practices of business management which will allow learners to build a solid foundation on the theories within business management and their application into the 21st-century organisational working environment.

The Exit Level Outcomes of this qualification have been carefully designed and focused on the core theoretical foundations that underpin businesses within the context of South Africa but also the role of technology in the business environment. This qualification is further supported by the Graduate Attributes which are embedded into the curriculum to develop learners in becoming well-rounded ethical and professional business practitioners, adopting a transformative and responsible leader through which their active participation within local communities brings change for the better.

Also, this qualification is designed to address learner literacy and numeracy gaps and prepare them for further studying opportunities at higher educational institutions in South Africa. This supports the notion of lifelong learning that is being driven by government and educational institutions. This qualification is designed to assist in achieving the goals of the government in producing more small, medium and micro-enterprises and provide a vocational educational backdrop for young upcoming entrepreneurs to manage and grown their businesses which will contribute to growing the South African economy. The qualification focuses on addressing the current needs within business and commerce specific qualifications ensuring graduates are successful in their careers.

Rationale:
This qualification is geared towards supporting the goals of the government in building the economy, through the provision of relevant commerce specific competencies to entrepreneurs that will allow them to grow their businesses and contribute positively to the country's economy.

According to the National Skills Development Plan (NSDP) (2016), it is evident that key skills such as the ability to understand and enable work-based readiness skills that will promote the efficiency of both the private and public sector. Learners will be exposed to critical work-based readiness skills so that when they enter the world of work graduates can add a positive impact to the work environment.

This qualification will enable employed individuals to enhance and expand their knowledge and skills about business management. Learners will be exposed to the key functional managerial areas of a business as well as the key activities and theories applied by managers within sustainable and profitable organisations. This qualification is designed specifically with a vocational approach through which both theory and practice is combined to equip learners with the relevant skills and competencies to be employed in entry-level positions within either the private or public sector organisations.

The qualification will empower learners with the most important theoretical and practical competencies to become successful business practitioners within either a large corporate organisation, public institution and/or start-up an entrepreneurial venture. Qualifying learners from this qualification will have a solid understanding of the importance of entrepreneurship and how to become an entrepreneur to contribute positively towards the economy, especially in the current economic circumstances where more entrepreneurs are needed to assist in growing the economy.

This qualification will equip learners with the required competencies and knowledge to take up different business management roles such as assistant managers and business officers within a division or department inside an organisation which supports the scare skill of having small business managers supporting the SMME sector within South Africa. Also, this qualification allows learners the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skillset by studying towards a Diploma or Bachelor's Degree within the commerce discipline.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
The fundamental underlying principle of the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is the granting exemption for modules for which it is determined a potential learner meets the exit criteria. All forms of informal and non-formal learning to admission into its qualifications are recognised. Recognition of prior learning for admission will be applied to learners seeking entrance into the qualification.

Prior learning will be recognised to establish whether candidates are competent in the following areas:

Foundational competence: understanding what they are doing and why they are doing it, that is, what theoretical knowledge they have;

Practical competence: ability to perform a set of tasks and making decisions;

Reflexive competence: ability to integrate or connect knowledge and skills so that learning is achieved from actions and the ability developed to adapt to changes and unforeseen circumstances, i.e. the transfer of learning from one context to another.

Entry Requirements:
The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:

National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.
Or

National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4.
Or

Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 120 Credits:

Business Communication, 15 Credits.

Information Systems, 15 Credits.

Accounting, 15 Credits.

Entrepreneurship, 15 Credits.

Statistics, 15 Credits.

Management Principles and Practices, 15 Credits.

Business Management, 15 Credits.

Work Integrated Learning, 15 Credits.

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively using written, oral and visual presentations.
2. Analyse and assist in the development of commercial based plans within an organisation that yield tangible value-based results.
3. Examine various functions within a commercial context.
4. Demonstrate understanding of sound financial and business management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.
5. Identify the functions, roles and responsibilities that a manager is required to perform.
6. Contribute as part of a team to enhance the teams and functional area effectiveness within a commercial context.
7. Display the knowledge of the principles of financial management, business information systems and economics to manage risk through decision-making frameworks.
8. Contribute to continuous improvement and innovation within a commercial context.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria are applied in an integrated manner to the Exit Level Outcomes:

Create various types of business-related documents using numerous tools.

Gather data from research and compile meaningful reports for decision-making purposes.

Report and communication of various functions within a commercial enterprise.

Communicate both written and oral work effectively.

Apply financial management principles and decision making frameworks to manage operational risks.

Demonstrate general management functions of an entry to middle manager.

Identify project priorities by considering a range of options to make the operational decision.

Evaluate ongoing business administration plans to assess their effectiveness.

Apply management concepts, principles and methodologies to decision making within a commercial context.

Apply ethical considerations in all business transactions and processes.

Discuss fundamental financial and business management principles.

Describe key opportunities and challenges that are present daily for managers.

Analyse the effectiveness of a process and procedure.

Demonstrate detailed knowledge of the management functions from the day to day management perspective.

Apply innovative and/or continuous improvement projects according to generally accepted theory and practice.

Use tools and techniques to manage processes within a commercial context

Integrated Assessment:
Assessments will be conducted through formative online assessments which weigh 10% and individual assignments weighing 40%. Summative assessment is through examination which weighs 50%.

Experiential Learning:
The mark for the Work Integrated Learning module is assessed based on the learner's and mentor's feedback in the Electronic Portfolio of Evidence (EPOE) that they are required to hand in.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The outcomes, assessment criteria, degree of complexity and the notional learning time of this qualification have been favourably compared to similar qualifications from the following institutions:

Certificate in Business Studies, Massey University, Auckland, New Zealand:
The Certificate in Business Studies is designed for learners who want a formal university qualification but do not want to undertake a full degree qualification. It is ideal if you wish to pursue an interest in a particular subject area or study a range of courses for personal interest. Massey's business and management qualifications are ranked as some of the best globally. Massey University's business and management studies rank in the top 250 (by QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) rankings). Learners can use the Certificate as a stepping stone to study for a degree. Learners must meet the normal university entrance requirements to enrol for a course of study for the Certificate in Business Studies. Learners could then graduate with the Certificate, then apply to cross-credit 15 credits of Certificate courses toward an undergraduate degree, provided the courses comply with regulations for that degree. If learners wish to credit courses totalling more than 15 credits, they must surrender the Certificate in Business Studies before the transfer of credit will be granted.

St. Lawrence College, Business Management & CO-OP (Certificate), Vancouver, Canada:
The St. Lawrence College qualification is intended to prepare a learner for a career in the field of business. At the end of this qualification, learners will be able to demonstrate a knowledge of business management operations, including an understanding of Human Resource Management, Marketing and Business Law. Career opportunities keep expanding, in virtually every industry, as the global marketplace continues to develop. Graduates will have the opportunity to work in a broad range of employment settings in all sectors of business and industry, in both domestic and international locations.

Certificate in Management, London South Bank University, London, England:
The Certificate in Management is designed to promote the development of the general management skills and abilities required in a rapidly changing economic environment, both by individuals, already operating in, or those seeking to take up supervisory and managerial roles. The qualification will develop the skills of analysis, problem-solving and proactive thinking. It will provide the underpinning knowledge and understanding required to operate effectively in a managerial role that's why it's designed for those managers who want to develop and accredit their professional competence and knowledge base. The general management qualifications include associate membership of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) with the opportunity to apply for full membership when the course is completed. They are accredited by the CMI and learner membership subscription to the CMI is included in the course fee.

Higher Certificate in Business, National College of Ireland, Dublin, Ireland:
This Higher Certificate in Business is an ideal introduction to contemporary theories and approaches to modern business practices. Learners will study key areas such as marketing, human resource management, business communications and much more. This full- time qualification is highly practical; learners will learn to understand the business world using real-world examples, guided by expert faculty. On completion of this two-year qualification, the learner will have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of business which will enable you to pursue further study or to enter the world of work in a variety of business areas. Many learners who enrol on this course later decide to use this qualification to progress on to a degree qualification. As a graduate of this qualification, learners will:

Have specialised knowledge of the key theories and principles relevant to the business.

Build personal skills in communication, problem-solving and teamwork.

Understand the latest thinking in areas of HRM, marketing, Finance and Management.

Have an ability to apply knowledge and skills to problem-solve within the business world.

Comparison:
Best practices have been identified from leading institutions locally and abroad, ensuring that the curriculum and content are relevant and addresses the needs of both industry and prospective learners. The South African qualification is comparable to the above international qualifications in terms of content, purpose, rationale and learning outcomes. This qualification is unique as it includes a component of Entrepreneurship that supports the national goal of increasing the number of entrepreneurs managing and growing their businesses.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification allows possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Certificate in Human Resource Management Practice, NQF Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6.

Bachelor of Business Management, NQF Level 7.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

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.

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