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: 

Doctor of Commerce 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
5817  Doctor of Commerce 
ORIGINATOR
University of South Africa 
PRIMARY OR DELEGATED QUALITY ASSURANCE FUNCTIONARY NQF SUB-FRAMEWORK
CHE - Council on Higher Education  HEQSF - Higher Education Qualifications Sub-framework 
QUALIFICATION TYPE FIELD SUBFIELD
Doctoral 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 10  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 091/21  2021-07-01  2023-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2024-06-30   2027-06-30  

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 does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide Doctor of Commerce expert knowledge, specific skills and applied competence in a number of fields traditionally associated with Business, Commerce and Management that prepare them to be lifelong learners, employable researchers, entrepreneurs and contributors to society and the business community.

A second purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with graduates in a number of learning fields in order to ensure that the leadership base of innovative and knowledge-base economic and scholarly activity is widened.

A third purpose of the qualification is to provide South Africa (and other countries) with people who can understand the constructive role they need to play as intellectual economic leaders in their society and who are empowered to play that role. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Learners who register for this qualification can:
  • Communicate effectively at a professional level.
  • Solve complex business, commerce and management problems by applying advanced processing skills.
  • Select, analyse, synthesise and retrieve new information from a range of sources within unfamiliar contexts.
  • Report and justify complex information systematically in a variety of formats.
  • Work independently and apply advanced research methods.
  • Demonstrate a mastery of business principles and concepts.
  • Map knew knowledge in a critical and self-reflective manner.


    Recognition of prior learning:

    This qualification recognises:
  • Formal prior learning

    The DCom programmes expect students to have a Masters or equivalent qualification in the field/discipline in which they register for a Doctoral programme.

    Informal prior learning
  • A doctoral degree, which comprises a dissertation, only cannot be awarded in part through RPL. Faculties and Senate will debate and decide on the issuing of a doctorate through RPL. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    Critical Cross-field:

    All critical cross-field outcomes will be embedded appropriately in the thesis, which leads up to the qualification. The distance education context has particular challenges, which we try to meet below:

    1. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent problems of living, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and responsibly in fields related to business, commerce and management.

    2. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can work effectively with others as a member of a team, group, organisation, community, and contribute to the group output in tasks growing out of the fields related to business, commerce and management.

    3. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can manage and organise her or his activities and life responsibly and effectively, including her or his studies and career [based on the contribution to the body of knowledge].

    4. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information as required in pursuit of the Doctor of Commerce.

    5. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation, in sustained discourse.

    6. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and health and well-being of others, in community, national and global contexts.

    7. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can demonstrate an understanding of the world as a set of related systems by recognising that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation, and by acknowledging their responsibilities to those in the local and broader business community.


    Developmental:

    In order to contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large, it must be the intention underlying any programme of learning to make an individual aware of the importance of the following developmental outcomes:

    1. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can reflect on and explore a variety of strategies to conduct research

    2. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities

    3. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can be culturally and aesthetically sensitive across a range of social contexts

    4. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can explore education and career opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification

    5. The Doctor of Commerce graduate can develop entrepreneurial opportunities by drawing on the various knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in the accomplishment of this qualification


    Specific:

    A Doctor of Commerce student is a leader in his or her field. As such she or he develops and holds certain and integrates knowledge and skills to achieve her or his purposes. The specific outcomes show how knowledge, skills and values are integrated in the qualification variously in the SAQA fields of Business, Commerce and Management studies 03, Human and Social Studies 07, Law, Military Science and Security 08, Physical, Mathematical, Computer and Life Sciences 10 and services 11.

    1. The DCom graduate can undertake independent, advanced research in the field of specialisation.

    2. The DCom graduate can lead innovation based on new knowledge in the fields of business, commerce and management.

    3. The DCom graduate can apply advanced research methodologies to contribute significant new knowledge in the filed of specialisation. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Critical cross-field:

    Evidence generated in the form of a written thesis will show that graduates can:

    1.
  • Independently identify and define complex research problems.
  • Independently apply appropriate knowledge and research skills to solving complex advanced research problems.
  • Identify, analyse and solve concrete and abstract problems in the business, commerce and management fields by drawing upon theoretical knowledge and experiential base in the fields of business, commerce and management.
  • Identify and propose ways to serve the needs of business and commerce.
  • Use their knowledge to offer suggestions for solving problems at the community, national and international levels.

    2.
  • Demonstrate leadership skills, specifically in research.
  • Take responsibility for the nature and quality of research output in the fields of business, commerce and management.
  • Establish professional research relationships by participating in reporting of research findings to peer groups.
  • Promote the tolerance of diversity and the achievement of equity.
  • Communicate the evidence of research findings through written reporting.

    3.
  • Make advanced and sophisticated theoretical judgements and evaluations.
  • Demonstrate the capacity for advanced, independent study.
  • Interact effectively with peer-groups in debate.
  • Manage a demanding professional and private life with the demands of Doctorate-level studies.
  • Think independently and offer evidence to support their decisions.
  • Identify needs and opportunities for applying economic and management principles to the local, national and international business community.

    4.
  • Demonstrate advanced research and reporting skills.
  • Synthesize information autonomously.
  • Use library and other resources effectively to conduct an extensive research project.
  • Act responsibly as a scholar (appropriate referencing, avoiding plagiarism etc.)
  • Show awareness of the conventions of scholarship in the various disciplines under study.
  • Critically analyse theories and other research.
  • Argue appropriately within the relevant discourse community.

    5.
  • Communicate their ideas and provide supporting evidence in a sustained manner.
  • Generate and evaluate conclusions and premises in arguments.
  • Follow the language and numerical/statistical conventions of written use in the disciplines related to business, commerce and management.
  • Use advanced statistical research techniques appropriately and scientifically.
  • Use the written communication form to critically analyse, evaluate and critique others' research.
  • Interact with their peers locally and internationally as a leader in the field.

    6.
  • Demonstrate an appropriate attitude towards scholarship and technology.
  • Use the scientific method of investigation, testing and evaluation
  • Select appropriate technology to conduct research.
  • Use other technology (computers and the Internet) where appropriate and feasible to conduct research.
  • Show respect for and a responsible attitude towards science and technology

    7.
  • Draw upon prior knowledge and personal experience when analysing the business and economic world.
  • Look beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries for possible solutions.
  • Apply systems thinking to solve complex economic and management related problems.
  • Follow an integrated approach to learning and studying.
  • Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the discipline/field and relate it to own research.


    Developmental:

    1.
  • Independently evaluate different research methodologies.
  • Select the most appropriate option to conduct their own research.
  • Plan and manage their own research independently.
  • Apply their research results in different contexts, personal and public, real and simulated.

    2.
  • Demonstrate an ability to contribute to solving the problems of society through independent research.
  • Monitor and provide input into legislation regarding business, commerce and management.
  • Act as leaders in the business and research communities.
  • Demonstrate a clear insight into the implications of policy and strategy on various stakeholders.

    3.
  • Demonstrate tolerance of diversity in different approaches to business, commerce and management problems.
  • Illustrate the value of open-mindedness and tolerance to self and others.
  • Manage diversity to the benefit of the individual and the employer.

    4.
  • Illustrate the relationship between the knowledge, skills and attitudes acquired in studying towards the Doctor of Commerce and those of the community at large.
  • Make connection from theoretical knowledge to practical application.
  • Apply the skills, which are highly valued by the business community: imaginative intelligence, emotional maturity, effective communication skills, interpersonal sensitivity and business acumen.
  • Deal effectively with unknown problems within a variety of complex, variable, unpredictable and highly specialised contexts.
  • Adapt to different organisational and global cultures.

    5.
  • Create job opportunities
  • Have a realistic view of their own worth and value to contribute to their local community and business organisation.
  • Communicate that value to others in the business world (business report writing, CV writing skills, communication skills).
  • Demonstrate a healthy self-esteem and confidence in their knowledge.
  • Evaluate various unknown situations with flexibility and adaptability.
  • Formulate and evaluate entrepreneurial opportunities within a variety of routine and non-routine contexts.


    Specific:

    Evidence in the form of a written thesis through intellectual scrutiny and expert external assessment will show that DCom graduates can:

    1.
  • Formulate appropriate responses to resolve both concrete and abstract specialised research problems at complex and sophisticated levels.
  • Develop appropriate solutions for business, commerce and management challenges.
  • Identify the research needs of the business, commerce and management community.

    2.
  • Design new, creative systems based on theoretical principles.
  • Contribute to the development of policy and regulation.
  • Clarify uncertainties and make appropriate assumptions.
  • Prioritise unresolved issues.

    3.
  • Contribute to original knowledge
  • Analyse and critique the latest research in the area of specialisation.
  • Assess the implications of contemporary research in the fields of business, commerce and management.
  • Evaluate and contextualise the latest research in the area of specialisation.
  • Assess and integrate divergent viewpoints in the area of specialisation.
  • Present research results in sustained discourse that integrates information from various sources.
  • Integrate theory and research findings appropriately.
  • Elaborate sufficiently about assumptions to contextualise research.
  • Generalise research findings where appropriate.
  • Use statistics appropriately.
  • Argue with sophistication at a high level of abstraction.
  • Draw appropriate and significant conclusions from research.
  • Present an extensive and appropriate bibliography of references from various sources.
  • Use referencing techniques consistently and appropriately.


    Integrated assessment:

    Integrated assessment: All assessment will integrate knowledge, skills and attitudes and applied competence. There is regular and continuous personal interaction between the promoter ad the graduate to review and evaluate progress on the thesis. Working on the thesis is both summative and formative assessment, since the promoter's continuous input in the writing stage is formative, while the final evaluation of the thesis is summative. An acceptable research proposal is required before the candidate is allowed to proceed with the research. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    Unisa forms part of an internationally recognised accreditation system whereby university qualifications are evaluated against international comparators and accredited accordingly; for example, Unisa's qualifications are accredited in the International Handbook of Universities and in the Commonwealth Universities' Yearbook. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Students may wish to pursue studies at any level of the NQF to suit their personal and professional needs including post-doctoral studies. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    A panel of internal and external is appointed to examine a doctoral thesis. International examiners may form part of the panel. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    1. Our own staff will be used as assessors in a manner that fits into the quality management system of Unisa and accords with the university's tuition and assessment policies. This will also apply to the appointment of outside persons. A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for some learning programmes leading to the Doctor of Commerce.

    2. The quality management system:

    Qualifications:

    Where possible, lecturers involved in doctoral programmes should themselves hold a Doctor's qualification and have appropriate experience. In the case of workplace assessment, appropriate professional criteria will be drawn up for each programme. 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 2006; 2009; 2012; 2015. 

    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. University of South Africa 


    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.