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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE:

Master of Commerce: Strategic Management

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
3143	Master of Commerce: Strategic 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		Generic Management
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
73984	Master of Commerce in Strategic 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 applied competencies and practical skills in the acquisition, interpretation, understanding and application of strategic and general management principles. The M Com develops the research and conceptual skills of the learner in the marketing field. A qualifying learner should show evidence of scientific research and an ability to report thereon. The learner should also be able to reflect on his/her research decisions and applications, and to assess the effect thereof in the holistic context of strategic and general 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 and practical skills in strategic management context and be able to reflect on strategic managerial decisions in the context of the strategic management profession

A learner who is in possession of an Honours Baccalaureate in Strategic Management on NQF level 7 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 with 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 is sufficient. The proposed topic and supervisor for the dissertation must also be approved by the Executive Committee of the Senate on recommendation of the Faculty Board.

Recognition of prior learning:

Current competencies in the field of strategic and general management that have been acquired by experiential learning in this field through related experience or studies, 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 at this institution.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

The learners should be able to:

1. Assess and apply strategic and general management concepts and principles in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts; identify and analyse complex issues and problems relating to strategic and general 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 strategic and general 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 strategic and general management concepts and principles.

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

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

6. Reflect on and utilise management technology appropriate to the strategic and general management environment

7. Reflect on the importance and role of strategic and general management on a macro and micro level.

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

9. Contribute towards the level of professionalism, expertise, effective-ness and efficiency of the strategic and general management profession, thus having a positive impact on the economy and contributing towards 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 strategic and general management profession as a highly specialised and advanced technical or research specialist (both across the strategic and general 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 coordinate resources and opportunities, including own activities, and taking into consideration the financial implications thereof.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

1. The learner must demonstrate an ability to identify, analyse and solve complex issues and problems, demonstrating critical and creative thinking about strategic and general 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 strategic and general 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. The learner must be able to 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 comprehension of the various role players involved in, or affected by strategic and general management.

3. The learner must display an ability to act responsibility and honestly in interactions with other role players in the strategic and general 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 strategic and general management concepts and principles, particularly in highly specialised and unpredictable contexts.

4. The learner must demonstrate the ability to plan and execute research in the field of strategic and general management, including the correct gathering, analysing, integrating and interpretation of information on strategic and general management issues, by utilising the 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 strategic and general management discipline and on an interdisciplinary basis.

5. The learner must effectively and professionally communicates with the different role players in the field of strategic and general 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. The learner must demonstrate an insight into 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 strategic and general management-related databases skilfully. The leaner must show that his/her command of the management technology is sufficient to support advanced research in complex and unpredictable contexts.

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

8. The learner must show that he/she is able to identify and continue to develop the different and specialised skills and competencies necessary in the execution of the activities and responsibilities of a strategic and general manager, professional or regulator.

9. The learner must analyse and explain the link between the number of strategic and general management professionals, and level of professionalism in strategic and general 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. The learner must demonstrate a positive and specialised approach towards various different communities and sensitivity towards 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 with respect to strategic and general management. The learner must show an ability to apply strategic and general management concepts and principles to make proposals within complex and unpredictable contexts that will improve the circumstances of these communities.

11. The learner must demonstrate acceptable employment-seeking skills for entry into the strategic and general 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 strategic and general management career.

12. The learner must display an ability to, effectively and responsibly plan, resource, organise, co-ordinate and optimise resources, opportunities and processes particularly engaged in the field of strategic and general 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 his/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 Economic 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 means of a dissertation and an article ready for publication 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 dissertation.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

1. Access to qualifications on a lower level:
Learners that have successfully completed the M Com programme, can apply to be admitted to any management or related programmes, including certificates, diplomas or degrees on NQF level 5 to 7 subject to the admission criteria of the institution.

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 midstream, with the permission and motivation of his/her supervisor. The learner who wishes to exit the RAU M Com (Strategic 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 Com (Strategic 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) on NQF level 8 in Strategic Management or a related field.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Both internal and external examiners are appointed by the Dean of the Faculty of Economic and 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 unammended or after improvements have been made, whether it is referred back for revisions and resubmission 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 examiner 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 comply to one or more of the following criteria:

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should be qualified in the area of strategic and general management and should be in possession of at least a relevant masters degree on NQF level 8.

* Assessors for the learner undertaking this qualification should have the necessary learning and job experience in the area of strategic and general management.

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

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.

NONE