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
120687  Higher Certificate in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) 
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  130  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0512/2  2022-11-22  2025-11-21 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2026-11-21   2029-11-21  

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
83326  Higher Certificate in Business Management  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  130  Complete 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification is to provide a structured programme for the learner who:
  • Wishes to progress from the basic NQF Level 4 in a business management or commerce related discipline to more advanced learning and career pathways.
  • Is in employment and wishes to gain an advanced qualification in relation to current employment.
  • Is a graduate of a non-business or non-commerce related degree and wishes to enter the business/commerce related discipline through the Higher Certificate in Business Management.

    The qualifying learner will be able to apply the core and detailed aspects of business management principles in practice. The learner will have to prove competency in subjects such as Business Communication, Marketing Management, Financial Management, Human Resource Management, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Project Management, Business Information Systems Management and Economics. These subjects provide learners with the required competencies to be employed in various junior and middle managerial roles in the economic sectors and will enable learners to follow different career opportunities nationally and internationally.

    On successful completion of the programme, graduates will be able to seek positions in both public and private institutions. Graduates will have obtained the capabilities to perform in business related functions as well as management duties.

    Rationale:

    This qualification is geared towards closing the skills gap between what higher education offers and the kinds of skills required by industry and the South African society at large.

    Specifically, the qualification aims to:
  • Integrate and develop business management practices.
  • Facilitate capacity building and human resource development in management education for socio-economic development.
  • Provide affordable access to management education for learners from previously disadvantaged communities.
  • Empower successful learners with management skills and competencies necessary to function, progress and provide leadership in the business environment.
  • Promote equity and redress by increasing the representation of qualified black persons, especially women, in business organisations.
  • Recognise and cater for the career and economic needs of learners who are seeking gainful employment.
  • Meet the needs of those learners pursuing their careers in the field of Business Management.
  • Provide learners with the ability to establish and foster an understanding of an organisation's activities and its business environment as well as its employees.
  • Provide learners with knowledge and practical skills required to perform effectively in a business management environment.

    Business Management is an essential and key business function necessary for the success of any organisation, both strategically and operationally. This qualification therefore reflects the needs of the business sector both now and in the future. The level of flexibility is reflected in the multiple job roles and careers, organisational requirements and changing nature of business management and at the same time it allows the individual to work towards a nationally recognised qualification.

    As this is an entry-level higher education qualification, students who qualify will be empowered with undergraduate-level knowledge, specific skills and applied competence to enable them to pursue practical and rewarding careers in the local, national and regional business and public sector economic environment. The qualification will also serve to provide students with the basic introductory knowledge, cognitive and conceptual tools and practical techniques for further higher education studies in business management. The knowledge emphasises general principles and application. It is anticipated that qualifying students will be able to present their accumulated credits for admission into a cognate Diploma and Bachelor Degree subject to fulfilling the relevant entrance requirements. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    The entry level requirements and rules of admission are Further Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 4. It is therefore assumed that learners accessing this qualification are competent in:
  • Communication at NQF Level 4 in at least two South African languages.
  • Computer Literacy at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:

    In addition to CTI's formal admission pathways, CTI also recognises prior learning which may provide opportunities for admission to the institution. Prospective students may apply to be admitted to CTI using an approved process for Recognition of Prior Learning. In dealing with such applications, the CTI Recognition of Prior Learning Policy will apply.

    Students admitted to CTI through the Recognition of Prior Learning route annually will not exceed 10% of the total number of students admitted to the qualification.

    Access to the Qualification:

    All learners accessing this qualification must be in possession of a National Senior Certificate or a Further Education and Training Certificate at NQF Level 4. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The programme has a total of 130 credits, broken down as follows:
  • Fundamental (compulsory); 10 credits.
  • Core (compulsory); 110 credits.
  • Three Electives from which students are required to select only one; 10 credits.

    Fundamental:
  • Human Resource Management, NQF Level 5, 10 credits.

    Core:
  • Business Management, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
  • Marketing Management, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
  • Business Communication, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
  • Financial Management, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.
  • Project Management, NQF Level 5, 10 credits.
  • Business Information Systems, NQF Level 5, 20 credits.

    Electives:
  • Organisational Behaviour, NQF Level 5, 10 credits.
  • Economics, NQF Level 5, 10 credits.
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, NQF Level 5, 10 credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Identify and explain key Human Resource Processes.

    2. Explain the concept of Business Management.

    3. Explain the key marketing management terms and concepts.

    4. Communicate effectively within a business environment.

    5. Describe financing in an organisation.

    6. Plan a project and the management of its key phases.

    7. Use information systems in a business environment.

    8. Explain the interrelationship of the individual, group and organisation in terms of creating a competitive advantage.

    9. Explain how economic principles impact and influence individual organisations.

    10. Describe the role of the entrepreneur in the South Africa Economy.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
  • Identifying and solving problems in which responses display that responsible decisions using critical and creative thinking have been made.
  • Working with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, and community.
  • Organising and managing oneself and one's activities responsibly and effectively.
  • Collecting, analysing, organising and critically evaluating information.
  • Communicating effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written persuasion.
  • Using science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health of others.
  • Demonstrating an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem- solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
  • Contributing to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of society at large, by making it the underlying intention of any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of:
    > Reflecting on and exploring a variety of strategies to learn more effectively.
    > Participating as responsible citizens in the life of local, national and global communities.
    > Being culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts.
    > Exploring education and career opportunities.
    > Developing entrepreneurial opportunities. 
    		•

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

    1.1 The evolution of Human Resource Management is explained and key historical events and movements are identified.
    1.2 The differences and similarities between Personnel Management and Human Resource Management are identified and examples of each type are given.
    1.3 Human Resource Planning in terms of supply and demand is analysed and reasons for conducting Human Resource planning are identified.
    1.4 Job Analysis methods are described and the outcomes of Job Analyses explained.
    1.5 Job descriptions are compiled in accordance with the requirements of an employer.
    1.6 Recruitment and selection processes are described and steps in the selection processes are summarised.
    1.7 The need for interview preparation is explained, possible interview questions are compiled and an interview is conducted.
    1.8 The phases in an Induction process are identified and a sample induction pack is prepared.
    1.9 Procedures for rewarding employees are discussed in terms of performance management and available remuneration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

    2.1 The evolution of Management in terms of its different stages and theories is explained.
    2.2 The reasons for the existence of business organisations are identified in terms of organisational mission, vision and goals.
    2.3 Planning, organising, leading and controlling tasks of managers are discussed.
    2.4 Key elements and concepts of business structures are identified and the impact of external macro-environments thereon is identified.
    2.5 Organisational behaviour concepts and their relation to organisational overall performance are analysed.
    2.6 Porter's five forces model is explained and implemented for a given scenario.
    2.7 Types of managerial decision making are identified and applied to given situations.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

    3.1 Marketing as a business function is defined and the role of marketing in the organisation is identified.
    3.2 Examples of marketing opportunities are identified and explored.
    3.3 The marketing mix for a given organisation is analysed.
    3.4 Marketing management and its interaction with the business environment is explained.
    3.5 Market segmentation methods are explained and examples of market segmentation are presented.
    3.6 Target market selection process is explained and target markets for a given scenario are selected.
    3.7 Product positioning methods are described and examples of these are given.
    3.8 Forms of competition in the market are explored and a marketing planning process is identified
    3.9 The roles and importance of E-Commerce and service marketing are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

    4.1 The communication model is discussed and an example of the steps in the communication process is presented.
    4.2 The importance of effective business communication is described.
    Range of communication forms includes, but is not limited to: Written, verbal and non-verbal.
    4.3 The advantages and disadvantages of different forms of communication are explored.
    4.4 Various business documents are described and examples of each type and format are compiled.
    Range of business documents includes, but is not limited to: Letters, reports, meeting procedures and documents, Curricula Vitae (CVs), Job Applications.
    4.5 A business meeting is conducted and a business presentation is delivered.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

    5.1 Basic financial concepts are described.
    Range of concepts includes, but is not limited to: Assets, liabilities, owner's equity, expenses and ratios.
    5.2 Financial statements are analysed and company performance is evaluated.
    5.3 Different sources of finance used in an organisation are described.
    5.4 Financial decision making is described and includes the importance of budgeting, budgetary planning and cash flow in an organisation.
    5.5 Different types of budgets are explored.
    5.6 Different capital investment decisions are identified and an investment project is evaluated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

    6.1 Project Management and its key concepts are defined and its use is described.
    6.2 Project management models are discussed and compared.
    6.3 Project feasibility is explored.
    6.4 Each phase of project planning and the procedures for the phase are plotted.
    6.5 Different types of resources required are identified and resource allocation is discussed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:

    7.1 The uses of computer hardware, software, databases and telecommunications technologies are discussed in terms of their various roles as information systems.
    7.2 The connection between information and the end user is explained and a range of computer peripherals are identified and used.
    7.3 Computer files are created and managed and data storage options are explained.
    7.4 Various software applications are used to create and edit a business document, a spread sheet for analysing numerical data a business presentation.
    7.5 A database is created using relevant software.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:

    8.1 Organisational design is analysed and an example of an organisational structure is presented.
    8.2 The differences between management and leadership are discussed.
    8.3 Leadership approaches and models are discussed and leadership styles are applied to a given scenario.
    8.4 Motivational theories are explained and applied to individual situations.
    8.5 The relationship between motivation and work performance is analysed.
    8.6 Groups and teams are compared and group formation is discussed.
    8.7 The effective use of groups and teams in an organisation is explored.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:

    9.1 Micro-economic concepts applicable to the business environment are explained.
    9.2 Micro-economic theories are critically analysed.
    9.3 Economic data is researched, interpreted and presented.
    9.4 Demand and supply is explained with examples.
    9.5 Elasticity is explained and calculated.
    9.6 Different forms of market competition are compared.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 10:

    10.1 Entrepreneurship is defined and entrepreneurship and intrapreneurship are compared.
    10.2 The role of small business ventures is described as applied to the South African economy.
    10.3 Forms of business are discussed.
    10.4 Franchising as an entrepreneurial opportunity is evaluated.
    10.5 Entrepreneurial skills and characteristics are identified.
    10.6 The environment for entrepreneurship is analysed.
    10.7 The importance of black economic empowerment (BEE), business ethics and corporate social responsibility for entrepreneurs are discussed.

    Formative assessment:
    Throughout the learning programme, formative assessment strategies are used to ensure that exit level and critical cross-field outcomes are achieved. Strategies include:
  • Written assignments
  • Tests (or examination equivalent tests)
  • Projects
  • Demonstrations
    and / or any other applicable method.

    Summative assessment:
    Can take the form of:
  • Oral
  • Written or
  • Practical examinations
    as agreed to by the relevant ETQA or ETQA that has a Memorandum of Understanding in place with the relevant ETQA. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    CTI Education Group has, over and above the HEQC accreditation, validation relationship with other higher education institutions in South Africa and in the United Kingdom. The qualification is comparable with qualifications at the same NQF levels offered by the London School of Business and Management, EDEXCEL, Heriot Watt University, University of Greenwich. NCC Education and other UK based higher education institutions. CTI Education Group has relationships with the above institutions that facilitate recognition and articulation possibilities with the above in situations and other many international institutions. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification has both vertical and horizontal articulation with related qualifications on offer at CTI and at our international partners. Vertically, learners will be able to enrol for a cognate advanced certificate at a higher education institution. Horizontally, the qualification is related to other Business Management courses at the same NQF Levels. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    This qualification is subject to both internal and external moderation. External moderators are required to undergo the relevant and appropriate assessor training by a credible, accredited and registered ETQA. Assessors would be required to have an Honours degree or a Masters degree and relevant teaching experience in the module/s under evaluation or moderation (at least 2 years of experience). 

    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. EDUVOS (Pty) Ltd (Previously Pearson Institute of Higher Education (Pty) Ltd) 


    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.