SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Philosophy: Business Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
19259	Master of Philosophy: Business Management
ORIGINATOR
Rand Afrikaans University
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY			NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
Was CHE until Last Date for Achievement			HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework
QUALIFICATION TYPE	FIELD		SUBFIELD
Master's Degree	Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies		Finance, Economics and Accounting
ABET BAND	MINIMUM CREDITS	PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL	NQF LEVEL	QUAL CLASS
Undefined	240	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	Regular-Provider-ELOAC
REGISTRATION STATUS		SAQA DECISION NUMBER	REGISTRATION START DATE	REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date - Status was "Reregistered"		SAQA 2663/05	2006-07-01	2009-06-30
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT		LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2010-06-30		2013-06-30

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 is replaced by:

Qual ID	Qualification Title	Pre-2009 NQF Level	NQF Level	Min Credits	Replacement Status
74005	Master of Philosophy in Business Management	Level 8 and above	NQF Level 09	180	Complete

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION

The primary purpose of this qualification is to provide qualifying learners with intellectual and specialised competencies and practical skills in the acquisition, interpretation, understanding and application of business management principles. The learner should obtain a focused competence depending on the topic of the dissertation. The learner should show evidence of independent and original scientific work. The learner will also display competence in the application of relevant research methodology and the proper written communication of the research process and findings.
The learner should be able to reflect on his/her research decisions and applications, and to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of business management

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

Learners accessing this qualification should demonstrate their ability to read, analyse and reflect on study material and relevant literature on a post-graduate level (NQF 7). Learners should be able to communicate effectively using academic Afrikaans/English in written and oral form. Learners must be able to manage their own study programme and time effectively. Learners must have acquired applied competence in the context of management and be able to make managerial decisions in the context of the managing profession.

A learner who is in possession of an Honours Baccalaureate Degree on NQF level 7 or equivalent in any subfield of Business Management may apply for admission to this qualification. A learner submits proof of his/her qualifications and experience, as well as a research proposal. The Department must specifically approve the research topic; problem statement, research objectives, research methodology and study programme before the learner may register as student and commence his/her studies. The Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences may refuse a learner admission to this degree if of the opinion that the learner's academic background in this field is insufficient. The proposed topic and supervisor for the dissertation must also be approved by the Execute Committee of the Senate on recommendation of the Faculty Board.

Recognition of prior learning:

Current competencies in the field of business management that have been acquired by experiential learning in this field through related studies and/or experience will be assessed. Such competencies may assist the learner in gaining access to the programme, advanced placement in the programme or recognition of degree status on condition of continuing education at this institution.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learners should be able to:

1. Assess and apply business management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts; identifying and analysing complex issues and problems relating to business management strategies and policies, and propose, and implement alternative courses of action and solutions.

2. Work in a team with a variety of role players, including political role players, professional and administrative members of the business management profession, as well as people on the grassroots level related to the business.

3. Act responsibly with respect to, and accept responsibility for, activities undertaken in the course of his/her assessment and application of business management concepts and principles.

4. Through independent study and teamwork, plan and undertake advanced research in business management, including gathering, analysing, integrating and interpreting related complex and highly advanced information.

5. Communicate effectively with different role players in business management orally and in writing by applying principles of communication and reflecting on the communication skills applied.

6. Explain and utilise the management technology appropriate to the business management environment.

7. Analyse the importance and role of the business management on a macro-and a micro level.

8. Explore different learning strategies to acquire and improve the various skills and capabilities required of a business management practitioner.

9. Contribution to the level of professionalism, expertise, effectiveness and efficiency of the business management profession, thus having a positive impact on the economy and contributing to the redress of poverty in the country.

10. Demonstrate a positive approach towards different communities and sensitivity towards social, economic and cultural differences and needs in these communities.

11. Effectively seek employment and entry into the business management profession as a highly specialised and advanced technical or research specialist (both across the business management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis) and thus establish for himself/herself a specialised and advanced career therein.

12. Effectively and responsibly organise and co-ordinate resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Can the learner:

1. Demonstrate an ability to Identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about business management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts. The learner must assess and, where relevant, correctly apply complex and advanced concepts and approaches to business management problems, strategies and policies; thus proposing and implementing, alternative courses of action and solutions. The learner must be able to reflect on the application made and assess the success, or otherwise, thereof.

2. Work in a team. The learner must demonstrate an acceptable level of social sensitivity in his/her relationships with others and work effectively in a management team by implementing the relevant theory and reflecting on the implementation made. Finally the learner must display a thorough specialised knowledge and understanding of the various role players involved in, or affected by business management.

3. Display an ability to act responsibly and honestly in interactions with other role players in the business management profession. The learner must also display an ability to accept responsibility for any activities required of him/her in his/ her assessment and application of the various business management concepts and principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.

4. Demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of Business Management, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on business management issues, by utilising relevant theoretical and highly specialised and advanced research principles and reflecting on the research undertaken. The learner must also be able to show that he/she can plan and undertake complex research through independent study and teamwork, both across the business management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

5. Effectively and professionally communicate with the different role players in the field of business management in an academic and practical manner by applying the theoretical principles of communication and reflecting on the application made. This should be done orally and/or in writing and include the use of visual/graphic aids.

6. Explain and operate necessary management technology, in particular specified computer hardware and software including Internet and databases. The learner must use a computer as well as business management related databases skilfully. The learner must show that his/her command of the management technology is sufficient to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts.

7. Analyse and explain the importance and the role of business strategy and the management thereof internationally, regionally, nationally, provincially and locally. The learner must also discern between analyse and explain the roles of business management on macro- and micro-levels.

8. Identify and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a business manager, professional or regulator.?

9. Analyse and explain the link between the number of business management professionals, and level of professionalism in the business management, as well as the effectiveness and efficiency of business and therefore of the economy. The learner must assess the role that more effective and efficient businesses will have in the economy and the impact which this will, in turn, have on the standard of living of the country's population (e.g. the redress of poverty)

10. Demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different communities and sensitivity for the social, economic and cultural differences within these communities? The learner must analyse the particular distribution needs of different communities, taking into consideration their various social, economic and cultural differences and therefore their different needs and requirements in respect of business management. The learner must show an ability to apply business management concepts and principles to make proposals within complex and unpredictable contexts that will improve the circumstances of these communities.

11. Demonstrate acceptable employment seeking skills for entry into the business management profession by applying theoretical principles of employment seeking and career-pathing, as well as reflecting on the application thereof. The learner must demonstrate an ability to undertake academic leadership, advanced research, professional practice based on research and/or senior managerial occupations. The learner must also demonstrate that he/she has acquired specialised and advanced competencies in his/her chosen business management career.

12. Display an ability to effectively and responsibly plan, resource, organise, coordinate and optimise the resources, opportunities and processes particularly engaged in the filed of business management, by applying relevant theoretical aspects and reflecting on the application made. The learner must also demonstrate an advanced level of responsibility and organisational ability with respect to his/her own activities. Finally, the learner must demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the financial implications of all activities undertaken.

Formative assessment practices that will be implemented:

The learner must attend compulsory discussions with hi/her supervisor according to a prescribed programme. If the learner is not making satisfactory progress and not meeting the requirements of the Department of Business Management, his/her registration shall be cancelled by the Dean of the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences on recommendation by the Departmental Chairperson.

Summative assessment practices that will be implemented:

Integrated assessment, focusing on the achievement of the exit-level outcomes, will be done by presenting a dissertation and an article ready for publication in a scientific journal to the supervisor. The dissertation must furnish proof that the learner is capable of scientific research and the application thereof. Under normal circumstances, 200 pages for a dissertation in one and a half spacing on an A4 page will suffice. The Department of Business Management may institute other requirements for dissertations.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

1. Access to qualifications on a lower level:
Learners who wish to gain access to certificates, diplomas or degrees on NQF level 5 to 7 may be allowed, subject to approval by the Dean and panel of participating departments. Credit will be retained for modules passed previously.

2. Access to qualifications on the same level:
A learner who has registered for the same or another related degree at another recognised higher education institution, or a related degree at RAU, can enter this qualification in mid-stream, with the permission and motivation of her/his supervisor.
The learner who wishes to exit the RAU M Phil (Business Management) on NQF level 8 in mid-stream, i.e. change to another similar degree at RAU or another higher education institution, may do so, with the permission and motivation of his/her new supervisor.

3. Access to qualifications on a higher level:
The learner who has successfully completed the M Phil (Business Management) qualification on NQF level 8 will have the opportunity for further study at RAU or another educational institution through a doctoral study (D Com or D Phil. or Ph D. or D Tech) in Business Management or a related field on NQF level 8.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Both internal and external assessors are appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Business Management Sciences upon recommendation by the Department of Business Management. The internal and external assessors must assess the dissertation of the learner, and submit a report regarding the dissertation, clearly indicating whether the dissertation is accepted unamended or after improvements have been made, whether it is referred back for revisions and re-submission for examination, or whether it is rejected.

There must be at least one internal assessor (who acted as supervisor for the study) for a masters learner and there must be at least one external assessor who is regarded as a specialist in the chosen field of study.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Qualified assessors, in terms of foundational, practical and reflexive outcomes, will be appointed by the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences of this institution, upon recommendation of the Department, for assessing the learner undertaking this qualification and must meet one or more of the following criteria:

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should be qualified in the area of Business Management and should be in possession of a relevant Master's degree on NQF level 8.

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have the necessary learning and job experience in the area of Business Management.

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have broad experience in the field of education and training, particular with respect to the subject of business management.

Assessors should also be well informed of what is required of them in connection to the assessment of the learner.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some of their learning programmes are moved to being recorded against the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replacement.

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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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