SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
121567	Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer
ORIGINATOR
Development Quality Partner-LG SETA
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
-			OQSF - Occupational Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Higher Occupational Cert	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	230	Not Applicable	NQF Level 05	Regular-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered		EXCO 1121/24	2024-01-30	2029-01-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2030-01-30		2033-01-30

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
36436	National Certificate: Local Economic Development	Level 4	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L4	163	Complete
36438	National Certificate: Local Economic Development	Level 5	Level TBA: Pre-2009 was L5	142	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to prepare a learner to function as a Business Development Officer.
A Business Development Officer coordinates business development initiatives, assists businesses to achieve greater efficiency and assists to solve business challenges; studies business structures, methods, systems, procedures and ensure compliance with the relevant legislations. A competent candidate shall demonstrate among others the following attributes: honesty, punctuality, initiative, critical analysis, integrity, ethics, professionalism, systematic, analytical and problem solving.

A qualified learner will be able to:

Coordinate business development initiatives between the relevant stakeholders and role-players in the local economic development environment.

Facilitate and provide support to enterprises to achieve greater efficiency in the local economic development environment.

Study organisational structures, methods and systems and make recommendations pertaining to equitable rights and transparent processes for the allocation of resources in the local economic development environment.

Assist and verify compliance in line with relevant legislations and guiding principles in the local economic development environment.

Rationale:
The local economic development strategy is based on the concept of local economic activities that is directly driven by local community participation. This is aimed at sustainability of local businesses, their activities, growth and development of local economy by locals. Sustainable local economic development requires business development expertise to identify, analyse and develop local business development plan that supports local economic development strategy. Development of sustainable local businesses helps create job opportunities, employment and improve livelihoods for local populace.

This qualification has been designed for officials in positions who support the local economic development activities at planning, facilitation, operational and management level. The qualification will equip learners with the necessary competencies to coordinate business development initiatives, assist organisations to achieve greater efficiency and assist to solve organisational challenges for local businesses growth and development.

Learners will be able to implement systems and plans in the local economic development environment to strengthen the economic capacity of local communities through the development of the small and medium enterprises.

Typical learners for the qualifications are those already employed in the local economic development service provision without formal qualification and new entrants. It shall enable those who have been working in the local economic development to acquire a formal qualification for career and study progression to Business Development Officer, and Business Administration and Entrepreneurship respectively. The qualification was developed in collaboration with the local municipalities and business sector. The occupation requires no professional or statutory registration to practice. There is no similar qualification registered on the National Qualifications Framework.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

Learners will gain access to the qualification through RPL for Access as provided for in the QCTO RPL Policy. RPL for access is conducted by accredited education institution, skills development provider or workplace accredited to offer that specific qualification/part qualification.

Learners who have acquired competencies of the modules of a qualification or part-qualification will be credited for modules through RPL.

RPL for access to the external integrated summative assessment:
Accredited providers and approved workplaces must apply the internal assessment criteria specified in the related curriculum document to establish and confirm prior learning. Accredited providers and workplaces must confirm prior learning by issuing a statement of result.

Entry Requirements:
An NQF Level 4 qualification.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

QUALIFICATION RULES

This qualification is made up of compulsory Knowledge, Practical Skill and Work Experience Modules:

Knowledge Modules:

242103-000-00-KM-01 Natural Resource Management, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-02 Business Structural Dynamics, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-03 Adherence to the Business Development Ethical Framework, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-04 Compliance with Specific Sectoral Regulatory Framework, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-05 Interpersonal Skills for Business Development, Level 4, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-06 Identification, Development and Implementation of Strategies for the Enterprises, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-07 Development of Business Packages and Solutions, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-08 Development of Strategic Partnerships with Government/private Sector Incentives Initiatives/ Schemes/Programmes, Level 6, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-09 Advocacy for Equitable Spending and Allocation (Cycle for Policy Development, Issues of legislation, Broad Base Black Economic Empowerment), Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-10 Roles and Responsibilities in Promoting and Marketing Government Projects and Initiatives, Level 5, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-11 The Legislative Framework, Level 4, 5 Credits.

242103-000-00-KM-12 Liaising with Law Enforcement Agencies (Compliance, Licensing), Level 4, 5 Credits.

Total number of credits for Knowledge Modules: 60

Practical Skill Modules:

242103-000-00-PM-01 Coordinate Stakeholder Meetings in the Local Economic Development Environment, Level 5, 15 Credits.

242103-000-00-PM-02 Assist with the Registration of Business Units in the Local Economic Development Environment, NQF Level 4, 12 Credits.

242103-000-00-PM-03 Profile Business Units, Level 5, 12 Credits.

242103-000-00-PM-04 Align Business Units to Existing Business Development Initiatives, Level 5, 12 Credits.

242103-000-00-PM-05 Motivate and Recommend the Inclusion of the Specific Business Development Outcomes with Existing Planning and Development Strategies at Local Municipality, Level 6, 12 Credits.

242103-000-00-PM-06 Apply the Relevant Legislation in Line with Municipal Regulations and By-Laws, Level 6, 12 Credits.

Total number of credits for Practical Skill Modules:75

Work Experience Modules:

242103-000-00-WM-01 The Management Processes for Stakeholder Meetings/Sessions, Level 5, 21 Credits.

242103-000-00-WM-02 The Registration and Profiling Process for Business Units, Level 5, 20 Credits.

242103-000-00-WM-03 The Alignment Process of Business Units with Business Development Initiatives, Level 5, 18 Credits.

242103-000-00-WM-04 The Alignment Process of the Business Development Strategy with Existing Planning and Development Strategies at Local level, Level 5, 20 Credits.

242103-000-00-WM-05 The Application of the Relevant Legislations in line with Municipal Regulations and By-Laws, Level 5, 16 Credits.

Total number of credits for Work Experience Modules: 95

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Coordinate business development activities between the relevant stakeholders and role-players in the local economic development environment.
2. Facilitate and provide enterprise development support to achieve greater efficiency in the local economic development environment.
3. Implement organisational (business) structures, methods and systems.
4. Support and monitor enterprises compliance to legislations in the local economic development environment.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

Identify, describe, discuss, explain business development activities.

Explain, discuss, and implement the processes to coordinate business development activities between the relevant stakeholders and role-players in the local economic development environment.

Discuss and apply the criteria to select specific stakeholders and identify the specific role-players.

Identify, describe, compare, and analyse the different sub-sectors within the disciplines for the establishment of stakeholder networks.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

Describe, discuss, explain, and implement enterprise development and support.

Explain and implement the processes to provide the support for enterprise development.

Identify, discuss, explain, and apply the criteria to select specific enterprises for a local economy.

Describe, explain, discuss, and apply the processes to facilitate enterprise development and support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

Identify, discuss, evaluate, compare, and analyse the different organisational (business) structures, methods and systems in the local economic development environment.

Describe, explain and conduct access to specific credible information in the local economic development environment.

Identify, discuss, and analyse significant difference between equity and equality in the allocation of resources.

Describe, explain, and apply rights allocation processes.

Recommend equitable rights and transparent processes pertaining to the allocation of resources in the local economic development environment.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

Analyse and apply the purpose of the relevant business legislation, policies and guiding principles.

Describe, discuss, evaluate, compare, conduct and verify access to various information on compliance process for the various businesses.

Explain, plan, apply and manage process for encouraging compliance in the different disciplines (highlighting consequences of non-compliance).

Integrated Assessment:
Integrated Formative Assessment
The Skills Development Providers will use the curriculum to guide them on the stipulated internal assessment criteria and weighting. They will also apply the scope of practical skills and applied knowledge as stipulated by the internal assessment criteria. This formative assessment leads to entrance into the integrated External Summative Assessment.

Integrated Summative Assessment
An External Integrated Summative Assessment, conducted through the relevant QCTO Assessment Quality Partner is required to issue this qualification. The External Integrated Summative Assessment will focus on the Exit Level Outcomes and Associated Assessment Criteria. Additional to the written assessment the learner must also submit a portfolio of evidence compiled of outcomes achieved in the workplace.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

Comparability was conducted with similar qualifications in the United Kingdom and Canada in terms of purpose, content, duration and structure.

United Kingdom
Inspire London College offers a one (1) year Office of Regulated Qualification Level 5 Diploma in Business Development (601/6049/4). The qualification requires learners to make judgements and provide creative and practical solutions and ways of responding to organisational challenges and problems. An action-based approach is sought and is meant for learners who have a strong motivation to progress in their chosen career and business pathway. The qualification provides for work experience and practical learning opportunities. The qualification consists of the following mandatory six (6) units, of which each weigh 20 credits.

Responding to the Changing Business Environment.

Effective Decision Making.

Business Development.

Business Models and Growing Organisations.

Customer Management.

Risk Management and Organisations.

Similarities
The purpose, content covered, and level of complexity are like those of the Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer. Both qualifications delivery provides for practical and work experience learning opportunities.

Differences
The United Kingdom's Diploma in Business Development qualification has a shorter duration.

Canada
Conestoga College offers a one (1) year Graduate Certificate: Business Development and Sales. It prepares graduates for a dynamic career in business-to-business sales of products, services and ideas. Students learn the guiding principles of professional selling and complex negotiations, as well as strategies for customer relationship management and strategic account management success. Courses in finance, communication, and business-to-business marketing ensure a strong foundation while courses in sales technology and social selling address the leading edge of the profession. Students will learn how to approach the multi-dimensional world of business development in organisations. The programme provides opportunities for students to practice their selling and business development skills in ongoing live roleplays and real-world case studies.

The certificate covers the following modules:

Principles of business-to-business sales.

Introduction to business development.

Finance for sales.

Business-to-business marketing.

Customer relationship management.

Sales technology, professional selling.

Social selling.

Strategic account management.

Integrated business development and sales.

Negotiations and sales trends and analytics.

Similarities
The purpose and content covered by the programme is like the one for the Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer.

Differences
The Canadian qualification has a shorter duration and is at a higher level to the Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer.

Conclusion
Both qualifications compared cover similar content, purpose, have practical and work experience learning opportunities and level of complexity. The business development aspects of courses are general, whereas are integrated in Higher Occupational Certificate: Business Development Officer, especially in local and district level of economic development.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

This qualification provides opportunities for the following articulation options.

Horizontal Articulation:

Higher Occupational Certificate: Information and Communication Technology: Business Development Consultant, Level 5.

Higher Certificate in Business Administration, Level 5.

Vertical Articulation:

Occupational Certificate: Business Banking Practitioner, NQF Level 6.

Diagonal Articulation:

Advanced Certificate in Business Management and Administration, Level 6.

MODERATION OPTIONS

N/A

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

N/A

NOTES

Qualifying for External Assessment:
To qualify for an external assessment, learners must provide proof of completion of all required knowledge and practical modules by means of statements of results and a record of completed work experience.

Additional Legal or Physical Entry Requirements:

None.

Criteria for the accreditation of providers.

Accreditation of providers will be done against the criteria as reflected in the relevant curriculum on the QCTO website. The curriculum title and code is: Business Development Officer: 242103-000-00-00.

Encompassed Trade:
This qualification encompasses the following trades as recorded on the NLRD:

None.

Assessment Quality Partner (AQP)
Local Government Sector Education and Training Authority (LSETA).

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.

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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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