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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
119981  Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
University of Mpumalanga 
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
Registered  EXCO 1212/22  2022-11-22  2025-11-22 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-22   2029-11-22  

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 the Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management is to prepare learners for research-based postgraduate studies. In addition, it serves to consolidate and deepen a learner's knowledge of the field and to develop research capacity in the methodology and techniques of that field. This qualification demands a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence, the qualification provides insight into and promotes understanding of the theories, applications and practices of business management including the roles of managers; managing individuals and teams; leadership and organisational development. The qualification aims to enhance the learners' knowledge of contemporary management theories, research methodologies and techniques. In line with the industry demand, our qualifying learners will be equipped with specific knowledge and applied competencies in numerous fields associated with business, commerce, and management. This qualification will provide learners with the expertise and in-depth knowledge in business management that will support their progress in the contemporary business world. The qualification is structured to prepare and equip our aspiring business leaders, entrepreneurs, employable workers or managers and contributors to the business world and society at large with critical and reflective skills required to enhance and develop businesses.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into modern conceptual, theoretical, and methodological approaches to business management.
  • Assess, evaluate, integrate, and apply their knowledge and understanding, and problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts related to business management.
  • Manage complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests and accommodate multiple views.
  • Demonstrate mastery of a range of techniques and approaches involved in research in business management, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
  • Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in business management and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context.
  • Take decisions and act ethically with integrity and accountability for their work, decisions, and actions.
  • Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex research problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information and prepare a logical response or a solution for the problem.
  • Communicate and share their conclusions and views and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously using appropriate language and technology.
  • Undertake highly autonomous and well-organised learning and time management to achieve consistent proficiency and sustained achievement, and reflect on the learning, evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses and alternative strategies
  • Work efficiently and effectively alone and as a member of a team on a business management project, taking responsibility for own work and use of resources and providing leadership and support when appropriate.

    Rationale:
    The increasingly complex, volatile, and unpredictable business environment requires managers and leaders who can lead in the processes of rapidly generating, embracing, executing, and managing new ideas to transform the business world and society. This qualification is designed to supply the South African economy with skilled qualifying learners who can embrace the unpredictable realities of the business environment by being innovative and adaptive. It is envisaged that the skills developed will not only improve their effective functioning as business managers in the 21st century but also increase their acumen and confidence to engage in the much-needed entrepreneurial activities in South Africa and beyond.

    The curriculum in this honour's degree includes aspects of managing business innovation and entrepreneurship which form some of the highly sought-after skills in the 21st-century business environment. Consequently, this qualification aims to provide qualifying learners with a set of new tools, a mindset and experience in finding, developing, and managing innovative alternatives for addressing strategic business and management problems.

    Participants in the proposed qualification in business management are also grounded in the basic principles of research thus providing a strong foundation for success in higher degrees in business management at any institution, both in South Africa and abroad. The curriculum for this business management honours qualification has been developed after extensive research, a needs analysis and benchmarking exercise with reputable Universities, including internal and external consultation with various stakeholders. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution has an approved Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy which is applicable with regard to equivalent qualifications for admission into the qualification. RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL thus provides alternative access and admission to qualifications and advancement within qualifications. RPL may be applied for access, credits from modules and credits for or towards the qualification.

    RPL for access:
  • Learners who do not meet the minimum entrance requirements or the required qualification that is at the same NQF level as the qualification required for admission may be considered for admission through RPL.
  • To be considered for admission in the qualification based on RPL, applicants should provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that they have acquired the relevant knowledge, skills, and competencies through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to cope with the qualification expectations should they be allowed entrance into the qualification.

    RPL for exemption of modules:
  • Learners may apply for RPL to be exempted from modules that form part of the qualification. For a learner to be exempted from a module, the learner needs to provide sufficient evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates that competency was achieved for the learning outcomes that are equivalent to the learning outcomes of the module.

    RPL for credit:
  • Learners may also apply for RPL for credit for or towards the qualification, in which they must provide evidence in the form of a portfolio that demonstrates prior learning through formal, non-formal and/or informal learning to obtain credits towards the qualification.
  • Credit shall be appropriate to the context in which it is awarded and accepted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
    Or
  • Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Level 8 totalling 165 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 90 Credits:
  • Business Research Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Research Report Mini Dissertation, 30 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in General Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Strategic Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Marketing Management, 15 Credits.

    Elective Modules, Level 8, 75 Credits:
  • Advanced Supply chain Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Financial Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Innovation Management, 15 Credits.
  • Advanced Studies in Operations Management, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of and critical insight into modern conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to business management.
    2. Apply problem-solving abilities in new or relatively unfamiliar environments within broader or multidisciplinary contexts related to business.
    3. Manage complexity, integrate different knowledge perspectives and interests, and accommodate multiple views.
    4. Demonstrate mastery of a range of techniques and approaches involved in research in business management, including qualitative and quantitative research methods.
    5. Demonstrate an advanced understanding of professional ethics in business management and identify and apply ethical rules and conduct in practice within a South African context. Take decisions and act ethically with integrity and accountability for their work, decisions and actions.
    6. Undertake independent research in the field of business management.
    7. Access information from a diverse range of sources to address a range of familiar and unfamiliar complex research problems and issues, evaluate the sources and the information, and prepare a logical response or a solution for the problem.
    8. Communicate and share conclusions and views and the knowledge and rationale underpinning these, to specialist and non-specialist audiences, clearly and unambiguously using appropriate language and technology.
    9. Undertake highly autonomous and well-organised learning and time management to achieve consistent proficiency and sustained achievement, and reflect on the learning, evaluating personal strengths and weaknesses and alternative strategies. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Review and use relevant theories, principles, procedures, practices, research methodologies, methods, and techniques to support the development of convincing arguments.
  • Support critical discussion of business management informed by an advanced understanding of the discipline by reference to current literature and case studies.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Identify and explain problems in business management.
  • Inform analysis of familiar and unfamiliar case studies, theoretically sound by a full understanding of relevant theory and methods.
  • Propose and fully justify given familiar and unfamiliar problems in business management and offer solutions that are based on current best practices and supported by reference to current literature.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Evaluate and address complex issues in business management through the application of advanced knowledge.
  • Balance given familiar and unfamiliar scenarios with multiple conflicting views, the different views are successfully integrated, and tensions are managed.
  • Manage contradictory information, consider alternative viewpoints, and reach a balanced conclusion.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Apply routine and specialized methods used in the study of business management.
  • Understand and describe the inherent weaknesses of an applied or recommended method clearly.
  • Consider familiar and unfamiliar examples, in a range of approaches to data analysis and an appropriate method recommended and fully justified.
  • Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods correctly.
  • Use software correctly to undertake routine and more complex statistical tests.
  • Interpret and report the output of statistical tests in tables and figures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Identify ethical issues in business management and address them in the research paper and all other assignments.
  • Obtain ethical approval prior to any research starting.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Illustrate an ability to undertake independent research in business management in the research report module.
  • Decide on and clearly present the project question and scope.
  • Use a range of information sources and demonstrates a critical evaluation of each source.
  • Use a project plan that includes timeframes and budgets, goals, targets, and indicators.
  • Identify appropriate methods, including statistical methods, where a range of methods are considered, and the appropriate ones are chosen.
  • Consider ethical issues and seek approval if necessary.
  • Collect, collate, and analyse data successfully.
  • Interpret and discuss data in the context of the available information gathered in the literature review.
  • Justify recommendations formulated and supported by the data.
  • Use research report in a format that is appropriate for the discipline and demonstrates no plagiarism.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Access, critically evaluate and include information from a wide range of sources in the research paper and all assignments.
  • Review and analyse existing knowledge in business management.
  • Publish reference to work includes a critical assessment of the validity of the source and the work.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Communicate research project results to professional and lay audiences using appropriate language and technology.
  • Communicate oral arguments convincingly.
  • Communicate complex concepts, ideas, and theories clearly.
  • Presentations are engaging, clear and completed within the given time.
  • Use a standard referencing style accurately and consistently in the research paper.
  • Communicate written arguments convincingly.
  • Present statistical results in the research paper.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Reflect positively and constructively on the learning process using the research journal.
  • Critically consider and successfully incorporate feedback into iterative drafts of work.

    INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT
    Assessment of student learning has been standardised within the theory modules and is both formative and summative.

    Formative Assessment,
    Formative assessment will be provided with a minimum of four formative assessment activities per module and the feedback will be used by the learners to improve their learning. In this developmental approach to assessment, assessment tasks will be provided regularly and closely aligned with each module's learning outcomes; comprehensive feedback is provided to help learners learn, and opportunities are provided for learners to demonstrate that their learning has developed or progressed. Through this, learners are empowered in the assessment process and are assisted to monitor their learning.

    Summative Assessment
  • The extent to which learners have achieved the outcomes of the theory modules will be assessed at the end of each module in a single formal examination. The research project is an excellent tool to integrate learning and assessment.
  • Full details of the assessment are included in each of the module outlines, which have been uploaded.
    For each module, the final module mark is the weighted average of Formative Assessment 60% and Summative Assessment 40%.
    To pass the qualification, learners must pass each module with a final mark of 50% or greater.
    The single final mark for this qualification is calculated as the weighted average of the module marks where the weighting is based on the number of credits for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    This qualification has been compared with the similar qualification offered by the following international countries.

    Country: Namibia
    Institution: Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Business Management Honours.
    This is a Level 8 qualification with a weighting of 120 Credits.

    Purpose
    The NUST qualification aims to enhance the learners' knowledge of contemporary management theories, research methodologies and techniques.
    The NUST qualification is designed to equip learners with deepened and systematic knowledge and expertise in business management. This qualification enables learners to develop the capacity to conduct supervised applied research.

    Entry requirements
  • For admission to the Bachelor of Business Management Honours, applicants must have a Bachelor of Business Management at Level 7 (with at least 360 credits) or an equivalent qualification from a recognised institution.
    Or
  • Three-year Bachelor's degree in domain areas closely related to Business Management, such as Public Management, Human Resources Management, Office Management and Technology, Accounting and Economics, and Business Administration may also apply.

    Compulsory Modules
  • Business Management.
  • Advanced Project Management.
  • Research Methodology.
  • Small Enterprise Support.
  • Mini-Thesis Research Methodology.
  • Strategic Management.

    Elective
  • Management of Technology.
  • Management Consulting.
  • Enterprise Systems Management.
  • Entrepreneurship.
    This qualification is an excellent route to further studies in Business Management or related cognate areas of learning at Level 09.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications are weighted 120 credits at Level 8.
  • Both qualifications have a similar entry requirement which is to progress to a Master's degree, NQF Level 9.
  • Both qualifications articulate vertically to a master's degree in the cognate field.
  • Both the NUST and SA qualifications require candidates who completed the Ordinary Degree in the cognate field registered at Level 7 for entry requirements.
  • Both NUST and SA qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules.
  • The NUST and SA qualifications offer similar modules such as Research Report Mini Dissertation, Advanced Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management and Advanced Studies in Strategic Management.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: Harper Adams University (HAU)
    Qualification title: BSc Honours in Business Management

    Purpose/Rationale
    The HAU qualification aims to enhance the learners' knowledge of contemporary management theories, research methodologies and techniques.
    The UK qualification takes a universal and integrated approach to understanding business, organisation and management, and the development of a broad set of transferrable skills that will last you a lifetime in an increasingly globalised world and one where the nature of work and employment continues to be shaped by advances in digital technology.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules such as Entrepreneurship and Adaptive Management, Strategic Leadership and Finance for Managers.
  • Both qualifications share a similar purpose to enhance the learners' knowledge of contemporary management theories, research methodologies and techniques.

    Difference:
  • The HAU qualification is offered for four years full-time, while the SA qualification is offered for a period of one year full-time.

    Country: England
    Institution: University of Sussex (US)
    Qualification title: Business and Management Studies BSc (Hons).

    Purpose/Rationale
    The US qualification fully prepares learners for a management career. Learners develop a good understanding of business and organisation within a broader societal context, providing them with the foundation for success in a global environment. Learners benefit from having an Academic Success Adviser to help them with academic study skills including critical thinking, presenting, academic writing and note-making.

    Modules
  • Research Methods for Managers.
  • Strategy.
  • Managing Operations
  • Managing Operations
  • Methods for Managers
  • Managing Projects and Technologies for Business Students.
  • Strategic Leadership and Research

    Elective Modules
  • Managing Digital Work
  • Managing Global Supply Chains (OPS&IS)
  • Public Management.
  • Information Systems.
  • International Business Environment.
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship (ENT).

    Entry requirements:
    If the learner's first language is not English, they will need to demonstrate that they meet the University's English language requirements for the degree have applied for. This can be done in several ways:
  • take an English language proficiency test, such as IELTS (International English Language Testing System)
  • provide evidence from other English qualifications that confirm your language level
  • provide evidence that you meet one of our English language exemptions
    Or
  • successfully pass the Sussex Centre for Language Studies pre-sessional English course - If they have not taken an English language test yet, or do not have a current valid test score, the learner can still apply for courses, but will normally be conditional on meeting the institution's language requirement.

    Similarities:
  • Both qualifications offer compulsory and elective modules.
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules such as Managing Operations, Strategic Leadership and Research Methods for Managers.

    Difference
  • The US qualification is offered for three years full-time, whereas the SA qualification is offered for a period of one year full-time. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Arts Honours in Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Family Business Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 8.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Master of Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 9.
  • Master of Philosophy in Business Management, NQF Level 9. 
    		•

    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.
     
    1. University of Mpumalanga 


    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.