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: 

Bachelor of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
61700  Bachelor of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Milpark 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  Level 6  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Registered  EXCO 0733/25  2024-06-30  2027-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2028-06-30   2033-06-30  

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 
Purpose:
The Bachelor of Business Administration is designed to offer a well-balanced exposure to the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to operate effectively in a general management environment, or as a foundation for postgraduate studies in Business Administration or related areas. To set a broad foundation for a conceptual and functional understanding of management issues, this qualification is built around three learning areas, namely, Business Management, Marketing Management and Human Resource Management. Learners are exposed to these areas in a carefully integrated manner that reinforces lateral learning to achieve the set outcomes of the qualification. One of the exit outcomes of the qualification focuses specifically on developing an understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the role of entrepreneurship in business and economic development. In addition to the major focus areas, learners are exposed to fields such as Project Management, Financial Management and Leadership Development, which are selected to align the qualification to the demands of the contemporary business organisation.

This qualification will also enable learners to achieve the following graduate attributes:
  • Human first, digitally fluent.
  • South African-inspired, globally relevant.
  • Creative problem solvers, resilient enactors.
  • Relevant contributors, active collaborators.
  • Excellence within, service beyond.

    The qualification would be suitable for candidates:
  • who require a generalist qualification as foundation in the fields of Marketing, Business and Human Resource Management. The additional modules allow learners to acquire knowledge of the key principles, rules and theories applicable to management.
  • who would like to pursue a formal qualification for a desired career or even career advancement in the field of Marketing, Business and Human Resource Management.
  • who regard themselves as entrepreneurs and would like to start their own business or who need a more formal qualification to run their current business more successfully. At the end of the qualification, learners will be able to contribute to their own business venture or the workforce in a positive, ethical and sustainable manner.

    Rationale:
    Investing in education is critical to economic and social development in Africa, especially in providing Black individuals with greater opportunities for personal and collective advancement. The Education White Paper as published in the Government Gazette (15 August 1997) is very clear about the importance of training effective managers, especially with the view of addressing the imbalances of the past, the following is one of several similar quotes from the document:

    "Production, acquisition and application of new knowledge: National growth and competitiveness is dependent on continuous technological improvement and innovation, driven by a well-organised, vibrant research and development system which integrates the research and training capacity of higher education with the needs of industry and of social reconstruction".

    There is also a clearly defined goal to further the development of managers and management on national level.

    On a regional level, a very small number of accredited higher educational institution offering a similar programme through the medium of distance learning. This accentuates the need for accessible training in management at this level.

    In 1994, the African National Congress (ANC) document: A Policy Framework for Education and Training outlined a vision of a future 'well-designed and quality distance education system based on the principles of open learning' that would contribute to increased access to South Africa's newly enfranchised majority, as well as provide opportunities for redress.

    Echoing the sentiments of the 1995 White Paper, White Paper 3: A Programme for the Transformation of Higher Education endorsed the notion that distance education and on-campus resource-based learning have a crucial role to play in addressing the challenges of expanding access, diversifying the body of learners, being responsive to the needs of non-traditional learners, for example, those already in employment or who need to earn an income to meet study costs, and enhancing quality within the context of limited resources .

    This qualification recognises the skills and knowledge expected of stakeholders or individuals seeking positions such as leaders, middle-and top-level managers in the private and public sector.

    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.

    The qualification will provide a broad framework of knowledge and skills needed in the industry and public sector and essential to progress along a career path for learners who wish to extend their range of skills and knowledge of the industry and public sector so that they can become knowledgeable workers and/or practitioners in management.

    The qualification allows the learner to work towards a nationally recognised whole qualification. The qualification will allow both those in formal education and those already employed in organisations access, due to its flexibility. It aims to develop individuals who are informed and skilled in management.

    The qualification has building blocks that can be developed further and will lead to a more defined management career path at National Second-Degree level. It also focuses on the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes required to progress further. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution admits a limited number of learners through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).

    Individual consideration: Each RPL application is reviewed by the relevant Head of School.
    Eligibility: Applicants who don't meet all admission criteria, but who meet the below listed requirements can apply under the RPL policy.
    Admission is limited: Not all RPL applicants will be admitted.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is:
  • Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4 with endorsement.
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate, NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4, granting access to bachelor's degree studies.
    Or
  • Higher Certificate in Business Administration, NQF Level 5.
    Or
  • Diploma in Business Administration, NQF Level 6 in the field of business or commerce. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of the following compulsory and elective modules at National Qualifications Framework Levels 5, 6 and 7 totalling 404 Credits:

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 5, 136 Credits
  • Induction to Business Studies, 2 Credits
  • Business Numeracy, 3 Credits
  • Introduction to Business Management, 20 Credits
  • Business Communication, 12 Credits
  • Principles of Microeconomics, 20 Credits
  • End-User Computing, 10 Credits
  • Marketing Management Practice, 20 credits.
  • Business Law, 14 Credits
  • Principles of Macroeconomics, 15 credits
  • Principles of Accounting, 20 credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 6, 120 Credits
  • Operations Management, 20 Credits
  • Finance for Managers, 20 Credits.
  • Business Ethics, 20 Credits.
  • Principles of Human Resource Management, 20 Credits.
  • Management and Leadership, 20 Credits.
  • Workplace Relations, 20 Credits.

    Elective Modules, NQF Level 5, 20 Credits (Select one module):
  • Digital Marketing, 20 Credits.
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.

    Compulsory Modules, NQF Level 7, 128 Credits
  • General Management, 16 Credits.
  • Organisational Behaviour, 20 Credits.
  • Business Research Methods, 20 Credits.
  • Strategic Management, 16 Credits.
  • International Business, 18 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 18 Credits
  • Technology and Innovation Management, 20 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Communicate effectively in a business environment
    2. Demonstrate competence in conceptualising, conducting and reporting on business research at a basic level.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding and application of management principles in a business environment.
    4. Determine the potential impact of legal and economic factors on a business organisation.
    5. Demonstrate a functional understanding of the roles, core processes and interfaces between the various departments of a business.
    6. Demonstrate the ability to contribute to a process of driving transformation and change within a business organisation.
    7. Demonstrate an understanding of the entrepreneurial process and the role of entrepreneurship in business and economic development. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Explain communication strategies for different audiences and contexts.
  • Apply relevant theoretical frameworks and business communication principles to effectively communication with clarity, coherence and appropriateness in verbal, written and non-verbal communication.
  • Utilise communication strategies to facilitate accurate reporting, effective problem-solving and collaboration.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Analyse a business problem to formulate a research question.
  • Apply research methodologies to collect data that will assist in answering a business question.
  • Formulate an evidence-based solution to a business problem.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Apply key management and leadership principles, concepts, theories, and models to determine their suitability and effectiveness in various business contexts to manage physical, human and financial resources.
  • Analyse financial statements, apply basic cash and capital budgeting techniques, and make informed financial decisions, including pricing strategies and project performance assessments, within the context of digital business environments.
  • Identify and determine resource management challenges relevant to a diverse workforce and contribute towards establishing a human-centric, inclusive, and globally diverse business environment.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Explain the key South African legislative frameworks governing business operations demonstrating understanding of aspects such as corporate governance, labour laws, and financial regulations.
  • Analyse and apply ethical norms and standards in business decision-making, considering their impact on corporate responsibility, stakeholder relationships, and sustainable business practices within the South African context.
  • Evaluate compliance with relevant laws and regulation in a business case study.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Explain and correctly relate key microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, concepts, theories, models, procedures, methods, tools and techniques to aspects such as supply and demand, price elasticity, consumer behaviour, market structures, economic growth, and inflation, aimed at making strategic marketing decisions.
  • Appropriately relate the key principles, concepts, theories, models and practices applicable to micro- and macroeconomics in real-world business scenarios to human resource management, including workforce planning, compensation strategies, and employee performance appraisal.
  • Effectively and efficiently apply the key insights relevant to micro- and macroeconomics to various aspects of project management with emphasis on agile methodologies, digital project management tools, and adaptive project management techniques.
  • Relate key microeconomic and macroeconomic principles, concepts, procedures, methods, tools and techniques to analyse and improve supply chain management practices in fast-paced, competitive business environments.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Explain change management across functional areas in business case studies.
  • Identify opportunities to apply change management in a business case study.
  • Apply effective tools and strategies for managing change and building resilience in a business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Identify entrepreneurial opportunities across functional areas in a business case study.
  • Apply the entrepreneurial process in business case studies to compose a business plan.
  • Explain the importance of entrepreneurship in a business within the South African and global context.

    Integrated Assessment
    The integrated assessment has the following characteristics:
  • It assesses the extent to which entry-level managers can manage competently and effectively in South African organisations.
  • It measures the extent to which learners have integrated the roles and the knowledge and skills delivered through the different courses/modules that make up the programme.
  • It assesses the five roles in General Management and its application in a chosen specialist stream.
  • It measures applied competence. In other words, it assesses whether learners can integrate the ability to perform important managerial actions competently (a practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to managerial practices (reflexive competence).

    The assessment criteria and evidence requirements are as follows:
    In a practical teaching and learning situation, a simulated situation, or a situation that combines the practical, the simulated and the written, the learner will:
  • Generate, explore and consider options for appropriate action.
  • Identify the most appropriate course of action in relation to the context, topic, learner group, level of learning and resources available.
  • Explain the reasons for that selection as well as what was considered in making the selection.
  • Perform the identified action, while continuously monitoring and adapting performance as required.
  • Explain the reasons for the performance.
  • Evaluate his/her performance and identify areas for improvement.
  • Reflect on the learning and performance.
  • Develop a plan or strategy for future action which reflects an integration of what has been learnt through reflection.

    Formative Assessment:
    Formative assessment contributes 30% to the final mark and consists of a combination of assignments and tests. The exact formative structure per module will be communicated to learners at the start of the semester.

    Summative Assessment:
    Learners will complete a final, summative assessment per module at the end of each semester, which contributes 70% towards the final mark. Learners need to obtain a sub-minimum mark of 40% in the final, summative assessment, and an overall mark of 50%, to pass the module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The qualification is a well-known and widely available international qualification. It generally ranges from a three-year to a four-year qualification. Most of these qualifications are very flexible in their choice of modules or subjects, presumably because of the broad field of management that needs to be addressed to develop general business administration skills. Almost all the qualifications that were researched cover most of the important functions of management. Internationally, the qualification is compared with other similar qualifications from the following countries.

    Country: Australia
    Institution: Southern Cross University (SCU)
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Business Administration
    Credits: 288 Credit points
    Duration: Three-years full-time
    Entry requirements:
    To be eligible for admission to the BBA degree, learners must be admitted to the TUST local bachelor's degree program, and have completed the required SCU English Language Program delivered by QIBA

    Purpose:
    In today's fast-paced business world, the Bachelor of Business Administration provides learners the management skills to harness the people, resources and strategies needed to achieve business goals. Compulsory units provide a broad foundation in business principles from marketing to finance, while a suite of elective units allow learners to tailor studies.

    This qualification can lead to a career in administrative management roles within private and government organisations, human resource management, marketing, international business, finance, and management. Learners may be eligible to join the Australian Institute of Management (AIM). Learners wanting to gain professional accreditation for accounting should study the Bachelor of Business.

    Learning Outcomes:
    Upon completion the qualification, graduates will be able to:
  • Demonstrate and apply in-depth discipline specific knowledge and skills with a global perspective.
  • Demonstrate an understanding and application of research, analytical and technical skills in a broad business discipline.
  • Develop and create effective solutions to straight forward problems from a discipline area.
  • Critically evaluate, analyse and synthesise a straightforward issue or theory from a discipline area to conclude/decision with justification.
  • Apply knowledge and skills creatively in devising solutions to challenges related to a business discipline.
  • Describe and apply a recognised ethical framework to analyse behaviour in a discipline or workplace/organisation.
  • Apply discipline-based knowledge and skills in situations that require autonomy and well-developed responsible behaviour.
  • Demonstrate independent learning skills, reflection in practice, and information literacy skills for lifelong learning.
  • Prepare and deliver well developed discipline advice, knowledge and ideas orally for a business and public context.
  • Prepare and deliver well developed and justified, discipline advice using written communications suitable for business and public contexts.
  • Investigate and identify a broad range of leadership practices in the management of people and self.
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively participate in and reflect upon self and team activities in general business situations.
  • Demonstrate cultural competence in local, Australian-wide and international settings as applied in business and social situations.
  • Demonstrate sensitivity and respect for cultural diversity and the relationship between people in a range of professional and community contexts.

    Structure:
    Compulsory Modules:
  • Introduction to Business Law
  • Communication in Organisations
  • Accounting and Finance for Business
  • Economics for Decision Making
  • Marketing Principles
  • Financial Accounting
  • Finance for Business
  • Competitive Strategy
  • Sustainable Business Management
  • Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • International Business
  • Financial Risk Management
  • Applied Ethics and Sustainability
  • Managing Organisations
  • Statistical Analysis

    Elective Modules
  • Learners may select 9 units of university-wide Electives

    Similarities:
  • Southern Cross University (SCU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in three years full time study.
  • The SCU and SA qualifications require applicants who have completed the secondary school qualification with the university endorsement.
  • Both qualifications introduce business administration and focus on numerous areas of business, including business thinking and practices as well as digitalization.
    The SCU and SA qualifications share similar purpose and learning outcomes.
  • Both qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.

    The qualification mix also show very significant similarities to the South African qualification, for example: Development of human resources; interpersonal communication; group work; dealing with conflict; staff development and training; industrial relations; organisational communication; staff selection and performance management; managing change; supervision and teamwork; workplace learning; human resource management; contemporary is-sues in accounting theory; management accounting; financial information for decision making, etc.

    Difference:
  • The SCU qualification consists of 288 Credit points whereas the SA qualification consists of 404 credits.

    Country: United Kingdom
    Institution: European International University (EIU)
    Qualification Title: Bachelor of Business Administration
    Total Duration: 24-36 months
    Credits: 180 ECTS

    Entry requirements:
  • Hold a High School Diploma or an equivalent qualification (e.g., A-Levels, IB Diploma, IGCSE, GED, etc.)

    Learning Outcomes:
    Graduates of this accredited BBA will be able to
    Demonstrate sound knowledge of business principles and cross-functional operations
    Apply critical thinking and analytical skills to real-world business scenarios
    Communicate effectively in diverse, global settings
    Lead and collaborate within multicultural business environments
    Integrate ethical, sustainable, and strategic insights into business planning
    Specialize and innovate in focused industry areas through applied learning

    Structure:
    Core Modules (First 16 Modules - Common to All Learners)
    Specialization Tracks (Final 8 Modules, including a Capstone Project)

    Specialisation to Choose from
  • International Business Management
  • Integrated Marketing Communications
  • Finance
  • Travel and Tourism Management
  • Hotel and Hospitality Management

    Similarities:
    European International University (EIU) and the South African (SA) qualifications are offered in three years full-time.
  • The EIU and SA qualifications require applicants to have completed a High School qualification or its equivalent.
  • Both qualifications will enable learners to analyse and reflect on business techniques that will allow them to make effective decisions; develop the ability to critically analyse, evaluate, and solve business challenges and problems that may arise in the future.
  • The EIU and SA qualifications consist of compulsory and elective modules.
  • The EIU qualification mix also show very significant similarities to the SA qualification, for example: Foundations of Business Management; Writing Communication Skills; Principles of Accounting; Micro Economics; Business and Society; Oral Communication Skills; Intermediate Accounting; Elementary Statistics; Macro Economics; Business Finance I; Marketing Management; Human Resources Management; Cross-Cultural Business Is-sues; Financial Statement Analysis; Strategic Marketing; Consumer Behaviour; Marketing Research, and more.

    Difference:
  • The EIU qualification consists of 180 ECTS, whereas the SA qualification consists of 360 credits.

    Conclusion:
    The South African qualification exists in many forms and permutations. The qualifications tend to share three characteristics: They are:
  • Degree programmes that may be offered internationally as a three- or four-year qualification.
  • Share common outcomes over the spectrum of management.
  • Flexible programmes that allow for subject choice. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification allows possibilities for horizontal, vertical and diagonal articulation.

    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:
  • 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.
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Management and Administration, NQF Level 8.

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

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Recorded in 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. Milpark 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.