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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Bachelor of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
122318  Bachelor of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Edutel 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
National First Degree  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0724/24  2024-06-04  2027-06-04 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-04   2033-06-04  

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 Bachelor of Business Administration is designed to provide learners with a broad understanding of business principles and practices including how the economic environment influences business managers. The qualification aims to prepare learners for roles in management, leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship, and human resource development in business-related fields.

The qualification further aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of human resources, operations management, financial management, organisational behaviour, business ethics, and strategic management. Learners will be able to integrate and apply knowledge and skills of business administration in fields related to business development, such as professional ethics, leadership, conflict handling and organisational diversity.
Furthermore, the learners will develop an in-depth understanding of current global trends in business strategies and communication technology and acquire the skills to manage the changes in the organisation that these trends will bring.
Learners will also become assertive and effective executives for business and other organisations and prepare for further studies. The qualification covers a variety of business and management principles and aims at developing a learner's intellectual ability, executive personality, and managerial skills through an appropriate blend of business and management knowledge.

Learners who successfully complete this qualification are expected to possess strong analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, and leadership skills.
Overall, the goal of a Bachelor of Business Administration is to develop well-rounded business professionals who can adapt to the dynamic and competitive business environment and make meaningful contributions to organisations across various industries.

Upon completion of this qualification, qualifying learners will be able to:
  • Demonstrate understanding of and the ability to apply business management principles such as communication, human resources management, strategic, operational and project management in the business environment.
  • Integrate and apply knowledge and skills of business administration in fields related to business development, such as professional ethics, conflict handling and organisational diversity.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the economic environment that influences business managers.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of financial management and accounting and its application in the business management environment.
  • Explore and demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills to lead and manage groups and teams in an organisational context.

    Rationale:
    This qualification addresses the need to empower people with the appropriate knowledge and skills to manage employees in such a way as to enable them to reach their full potential. Thus, human resource development becomes instrumental in organisational effectiveness and efficiency. Identifying the strategic link between appropriate individual placements and realising organisational priorities becomes an important duty of all business managers.

    In the context of the high demand for managerial skills and knowledge of the systemic interrelatedness of organisational functions, this qualification directly addresses the management needs of the economy.

    This qualification will fulfil the need for the training of practitioners and business managers over a geographically wide and sometimes isolated environment, with the required knowledge and skills to continually expand the capacity of all employees. Businesses need to analyse and explore ways to utilise their current human resources as effectively and efficiently as possible and to provide for increasing their capabilities to meet society's increasing demands.

    On completion of the qualification, learners can aspire to the following positions:
  • Business Manager
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Business Strategist or Business Consultant.

    This qualification will provide access to higher education to persons wanting to make careers in commerce and industry within the specialised field of business management and administration. Holders of this qualification may be responsible for managing people, resources, and/or projects, including the management of human resources, public relations, advertising, promotions, portfolios, projects, etc. The flexible structure of the qualification enables individuals and organisations to select outcomes that meet the diverse roles and contexts required by a wide range of industries and the public sector.

    Furthermore, the qualification includes opportunities for internships, practical projects, and networking events to help learners gain real-world experience and build professional connections. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    RPL will be applied to accommodate applicants who qualify. RPL provides alternative access and admission to qualifications, as well as advancement within qualifications.

    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.

    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:
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational, NQF Level 4 granting access to bachelor's studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 360 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, totalling 112 Credits.
  • Business Management 1A (Introduction to Business Management), 15 Credits.
  • End User Computing, 7 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 15 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 1B (Introduction to management), 15 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals of Financial Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, totalling 120 Credits.
  • Business Management 2A (Organisational Leadership), 15 Credits.
  • Business Administration 2A (Human resources), 15 Credits.
  • Management Accounting, 15 Credits.
  • Business and Society, 15 Credits.
  • Business Management 2B (Entrepreneurship and small businesses), 15 Credits.
  • Business Administration 2B (Marketing), 15 Credits.
  • Business Statistics, 15 Credits.
  • Information Systems, 15 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, totalling 128 Credits.
  • Business Administration 3A: Financial Planning and Control, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 3A: Ethics and Conflict, 16 Credits.
  • Business Administration 3B: Global Business and Strategy, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 3B: Organisational Diversity, 16 Credits.
  • Business Administration 3C: Project Management, 16 Credits.
  • Business Administration 3D: Operations Management for Sustainability, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 3C: Business Environment and Ethics, 16 Credits.
  • Business Management 3D: Strategic Management Practice, 16 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Exit Level Outcomes
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of and the ability to apply business management principles such as communication, human resources management, strategic, operational and project management in the business environment.
    2. Integrate and apply knowledge and skills of business administration in fields related to business development, such as professional ethics, conflict handling and organisational diversity.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the economic environment that influences business managers.
    4. Demonstrate basic knowledge of financial management and accounting and its application in the business management environment.
    5. Explore and demonstrate an understanding of the knowledge and skills to lead and manage groups and teams in an organisational context.
    6. Examine the nature and scope of the marketing environment to understand entrepreneurship and the marketing environment organisations operate in.
    7. Interpret professional and organisational cultures within a business environment, with sensitivity towards societal and cultural considerations.
    8. Interpret and understand the current global trends in business strategies and communication technology. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 1.
  • Identify and analyse the needs of the target population and serve the needs of individuals and society creatively and innovatively.
  • Describe components of a human resource management system to develop a clear understanding of current human resource systems that are used within the industry.
  • Evaluate the evolution of human resource management to explore the history and development of the human resource management function throughout the years.
  • Identify concepts and tools to understand and explain strategic management.
  • Describe strategic elements to identify and understand the various levels of strategy.
    Investigate the needs of potential customers by formulating economic strategies.
  • Contribute to the group output in tasks growing out of the business, commerce, and management fields by working effectively as a member of a team.
  • Explore group dynamics by observing behaviours and psychological processes within groups.
  • Conceptualise project management concepts and terminologies for better understanding.
  • Characterise project management constraints to understand their impact on project success and explore tools and techniques used in the project life cycle to understand how tasks can be completed efficiently and effectively.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 2.
  • Explain concepts of ethics to understand business ethics and its importance in the organisation.
  • Discuss the relationship between ethics and law to make distinctions between legal, ethical, illegal, and/or unethical behaviour.
  • Distinguish between what is perceived as ethically right and wrong to make decisions on moral dilemmas and competing ethical or unethical options in business.
  • Analyse the assessment of dilemmas to understand that guidance must be provided in business on how dilemmas should be approached.
  • Identify and apply appropriate conflict management strategies to develop conflict management skills for the workplace.
  • Discuss the importance of ethical principles and theories and the importance of ethics within the business environment.
  • Provide and analyse practical examples to understand ethical decisions and how they are dependent on various business situations.
  • Analyse the code of conduct and propose a decision-making procedure where the code does not provide sufficient guidance in specific business situations.
  • Apply an understanding of business situations to identify and implement standards of conduct in business that will ensure that the interests of stakeholders are respected and maintained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 3.
  • Illustrate an understanding of the management of change where managers face new and unique challenges.
  • Identify, analyse, and apply planning and decision aids using theory-driven methods.
  • Explain detailed knowledge of organisational design and evaluate contemporary organisational designs.
  • Develop, implement, and monitor a business strategy using the strategic planning process.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 4.
  • Explain concepts to provide an in-depth understanding of financial management.
  • Analyse pro forma financial statements to explore how they are used in financial management.
  • Develop strategies in management to examine how elements of working capital are implemented.
  • Analyse pre-determined costs and management accounting systems to enable an understanding of the inherent natures and characteristics of each cost type.
  • Provide direct, indirect, fixed, and variable costs to be able to classify and distinguish the different management accounting fundamental concepts.
  • Explain various stock evaluation methods to be able to analyse and select the most suitable method that will support manufacturing cost structures.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 5.
  • Explain the importance and role of leadership in organisations and discuss the theoretical foundations of leadership.
  • Explain the importance of people in management in organisations.
  • Discuss the principles of learning and the general assumptions underlying emotional intelligence.
  • Explain the principles and characteristics of groups and teams within organisations.
  • Discuss and apply the principles of motivation and discuss the different types of motivational theories.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 6.
  • Examine the concept and importance of entrepreneurship in the economy.
  • Discuss the qualities and characteristics of entrepreneurs to enable a discussion on them.
  • Explore the business environment of an SMME to enable a discussion on the business environment.
  • Explore business ideas to understand how to generate and evaluate them.
  • Examine business ideas to understand their viability and the environmental factors to understand the impact these factors have on the marketing of an organisation.
  • Provide the elements and an example of a business plan to enable drawing up a business plan.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 7.
  • Investigate organisational cultures to demonstrate management's role within an organisation.
  • Apply a discussion of contemporary issues related to organisational culture within the context of cultural theories.
  • Explore the nature and layers of diversity within an organisation to understand its dynamics.
  • Investigate contemporary issues related to diversity for a better understanding of how to manage workforce diversity.
  • Discuss the power of businesses to understand their influence on various environments.
  • Construct ideas in the business environment to understand their power in shaping the business government-society relationship.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes 8.
  • Analyse processes to gain a competitive advantage.
  • Explore statistical measures and methods of calculating and ascertaining them extensively to provide a sound quantitative grounding for competence and understanding.
  • Critique principles, concepts, and techniques of data-gathering, classification, summarization, interpretation, and presentation/communication to enhance understanding and appreciation of objective statistical practices.
  • Apply methods and techniques of data organisation and processing to real-life scenarios to promote an understanding of the importance of producing unbiased, reliable research outcomes.
  • Identify concepts of International Trade and Investment to understand the economics and politics of such Trade and Investment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Country: Australia
    Institute name: Tasmania University
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA)
    Duration: Three years
    Credits: 300

    Entry requirements:
  • Partially completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level.
    Or
  • Completion of an equivalent AQF Certificate IV

    Purpose:
    A Bachelor of Business aims to enable learners to critically apply routine discipline knowledge, while understanding the theoretical underpinnings, and to communicate discipline, advice, and ideas clearly. Learners develop skills in problem-solving and decision-making for straightforward situations in practice, using social, ethical, economic, regulatory, and global perspectives. Bachelor of Business graduates will be able to contribute to their profession and society within a culture of independent lifelong learning. The Bachelor of Business provides the opportunity for graduates to acquire an understanding of business and to develop a coherent body of knowledge in various majors, which will allow them to meet the entry requirements necessary for associate membership of the relevant professional bodies.

    Career outcomes:
  • Management and Organisation Analyst
  • Advertising and Marketing Professionals
  • Finance Managers
  • Accountants

    Course structure
    Modules:
    Finance, comparable with Fundamentals of Financial Accounting.
    Managing People and Organisations
    Marketing, comparable with Business Administration 2B (Marketing).
    Media and Communications is comparable with Business Communication.
    Hospitality Management
    Tourism Management
    People and Organisations
    Introduction to Markets and the Economy
    Data Analysis for Business, comparable with Business Statistics.
    Accountability and Accounting is comparable with Management Accounting.

    Similarities:
  • The Tasmania University (TU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years.
  • The TU qualification accepts learners who have completed an undergraduate course at Diploma level or those with AQF Certificate IV.
  • The SA qualification also accepts learners who have completed a diploma in the relevant field and a national senior certificate.
  • Both qualifications share similar modules, such as financial accounting, marketing, business economics and others.
  • The SA qualification will enable learners to develop skills in problem-solving and decision-making for straightforward situations in practice, using social, ethical, economic, regulatory, and global perspectives.
  • The TU qualification will enable learners to integrate and apply knowledge and skills of business administration in fields related to business development, such as professional ethics, leadership, conflict handling and organisational diversity.
  • Both qualifications share similar career opportunities such as:
  • Business Manager
  • Human Resource Manager
  • Business Strategist or Business Consultant
  • Advertising and Marketing Professionals

    Differences:
    The TU qualification consists of 300 credits and the SA qualification consists of 360 credits.

    Country: Switzerland
    Institution name: Swiss School of Higher Education
    Qualification title: Bachelor of Business Administration
    Duration: Three years
    Credits: 185

    Entry requirements:

    Purpose:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration enables learners to manage resources, time, and personnel to effectively start and complete projects. The program combines numerous disciplines in communication, finance, economics, business management and others, which gives learners opportunities to work in various fields in the roles of senior management, strategic consultants, and independent experts in the future.

    Course structure
    Modules:
  • Introduction to Micro-economics, compared with Economics.
  • Marketing Management
  • Business Ethics, compared with Business Environment and Ethics,
  • Business Communication, comparable with Business Communication.
  • Managing Organizational Change
  • International Marketing
  • Finance, compared with Fundamentals of Financial Accounting

    Similarities:
  • The Swiss School of Higher Education (SSHE) and the South African (SA) qualifications are both offered over three years.
  • Both qualifications offer similar modules such as finance and accounting, business communication, economics, business ethics and more.
  • The SSHE qualification will enable learners to manage resources, time, and personnel to effectively start and complete projects.
  • The SA qualification addresses the need to empower people with the appropriate knowledge and skills to manage employees in such a way as to enable them to reach their full potential.

    Differences:
  • The two qualifications differ in the number of credits offered, with the SSHE consisting of 185 credits and the SA qualification consisting of 360 credits. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Advanced Diploma in Retail Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Brand Building and Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Retail Management, NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration Honours, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Disaster Relief Management, NQF Level 8.
  • Bachelor of Business Science Honours, NQF Level 8.

    Diagonal Articulation
  • Advanced Occupational Diploma: Business Banker, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    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.
     
    1. Edutel 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.