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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 Commerce |
SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
84706 | Bachelor of Commerce | |||
ORIGINATOR | ||||
The Independent Institute of 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 | Finance, Economics and Accounting | ||
ABET BAND | MINIMUM CREDITS | PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL | NQF LEVEL | QUAL CLASS |
Undefined | 366 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
Registered-data under construction | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 2027-06-30 | |
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
2028-06-30 | 2033-06-30 |
Registered-data under construction The qualification content is currently being updated for the qualifications with the status “Registered-data under construction” or showing “DETAILS UNDER CONSTRUCTION” to ensure compliance with SAQA’S Policy and Criteria for the registration of qualifications and part-qualifications on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) (As amended, 2022). These qualifications are re-registered until 30 June 2027 and can legitimately be offered by the institutions to which they are registered. |
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. |
PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION |
Purpose:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide graduate-level knowledge, applied competences and the necessary attitudes needed to prepare learners for professional careers within the field of commerce. The Bachelor of Commerce provides solid critical knowledge of general business studies, as well as specialised education in the main area of focus, namely conceptual relevance with stronger emphasis on applied theory and demonstration of reflexive knowledge and competence. This qualification provides for specialisation in marketing, strategic management or financial management from the second year of study, thus enabling the learner to develop the capacity to analyse scenarios in key areas of interest, and to make innovative decisions critical to the development and implementation of a variety of solutions for modern business ventures in the selected areas of specialisation. Rationale: Bachelor's Degrees have the primary purpose of providing "a well-rounded, broad education that equips graduates with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines, and enables them to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic or professional context. Principles and theory are emphasised as a basis for entry into the labour market, professional training, postgraduate studies, or professional practice in a wide range of careers". This Bachelor of Commerce degree has been designed as a constructive contribution to addressing the national skills shortage of versatile business leaders who are required to perform a range of business functions, from financial and/or generalist business managers to entrepreneurs and marketers. The need for the foundational knowledge, practical competence and reflexive application to be demonstrated in commerce are relevant in terms of South Africa's policies regarding its growing trade relations and the globalisation of business. In order to meet this need, graduates of commerce need to be equipped with the critical, analytical and organisational skills required to compete in this global business environment and enhance the sustainability of the South African economy. For learners who wish to follow a career in management, this degree has been designed in such a way that one of three areas of specialisation can be selected: Financial Management, Strategic Management or Marketing Management. Thus, the learner will be able to choose between streams (more conventionally known as "major areas") after having received a solid foundation in the theoretical knowledge associated with key management and business disciplines. In summary, the aim of the qualification is to provide graduates who will be able to contribute management skills to the business sector to sustain economic growth and development in South Africa, increase South African business leadership resources and enhance the constructive role individuals need to play as intellectual leaders, creative and strategic thinkers and innovators in the commercial sector in South Africa. This programme will position graduates to take up postgraduate studies in commerce to allow further specialisation in one of the three areas that they have selected in the programme. The decision to offer specialist streams from which learners can choose from the second year of study adds further value to this degree in commerce as it allows graduates to focus on studies in their own specific field of interest in commerce in a context that prepares them for professional careers within that area, i.e. strategic management, financial management or marketing management. Depending on the streams chosen, graduates will be equipped to take up positions such as: In addition, it provides graduates access into studies for appropriate Postgraduate Degrees for further specialisation in their chosen field of interest. |
LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
It is assumed that the learner would have met the admission requirements and would thus be competent in the language of instruction (English) and the theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding accomplished at that level.
Recognition of Prior Learning: Learners can achieve this qualification in part or in whole through recognition of prior learning. The IIE Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and the IIE Academic Credit Policy guide this process. Recognition of Prior Learning for formal learning (Credit recognition): Learners may apply for credits or exemptions for subjects already passed in-house or at other recognised institutions. Recognition of Prior Learning for informal and non-formal learning: Skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competencies acquired through informal and non-formal learning are also assessed in the Recognition of Prior Learning process. The IIE Recognition of Prior Learning Policy and the IIE Academic Credit Policy guide the process whereby skills, knowledge and experience in respect of competence acquired through formal and non-formal learning are assessed. All Recognition of Prior Learning submissions are centralised at the National Offices of each educational brand and sent to the IIE Registrar and the academic Head of Programme at the Central Office for evaluation. Access to the Qualification: The admission requirements are: OR. OR. OR. OR. OR. |
RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
Y |
QUALIFICATION RULES |
The Bachelor of Commerce comprises 366 credits made up as follows:
Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 96 credits: Compulsory Core modules at NQF Level 6, 84 credits: Elective modules at NQF Level 6: Learners are to select modules totalling 42 credits from the following list: Compulsory Core modules at NQF Level 7, 54 credits: Elective modules at NQF Level 7: Learners are to select modules totalling at least 90 credits from the following list: |
EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
1. Communicate effectively and professionally in a business environment, using academic and professional business conventions and formats.
2. Formulate, implement and evaluate business strategies based on discipline-specific concepts, principles and business analysis. 3. Assess and interpret the financial position of a business entity to inform strategic business decisions. 4. Respond to given or contextual abstract problems related to the business environment. 5. Take informed ethical business decisions, drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches, within a business environment. 6. Apply a range of methods to resolve problems or introduce change within a business environment. 7. Use information systems and appropriate technology in business. Critical Cross-Field Outcomes: All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in the qualification. |
ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7: Integrated Assessment: Formative assessment: Learning and assessment are integrated. Continual formative assessment is required so that learners are given feedback on their progress in the achievement of learning outcomes. The scheme of work includes assignments based on the learning material and learners are given feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited numbers of outcomes. Summative assessment: Summative assessment is concerned with the judgement of the learning in relation to the Exit- Level Outcomes of the qualification. Such judgement includes Integrated Assessments which test the learner's ability to integrate the larger body of knowledge, skills and attitudes that are represented by the Exit-Level Outcomes as a whole. Examinations, projects, laboratory reports or equivalent assessment such as a portfolio of evidence assess a representative selection of the outcomes practised and assessed in the formative stage. Summative assessment also tests the learner's ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. Integrated Assessments are designed to achieve: |
INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
The IIE qualification was compared with Bachelor in Commerce qualifications in the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. It shows a substantial degree of similarity to Bachelor in Commerce qualifications in the Canada and Ireland, especially the National University of Ireland and Queen's School of Business in Canada. The concept of a single qualification with the potential to be used across a range of sectors, i.e. private, public and non-governmental, is common in the qualifications.
Countries that operate on the basis of an NQF include the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. A direct comparison of the title, Exit Level Outcomes and Assessment Criteria was undertaken with each and comparison was made with qualifications and outcomes for commerce degrees. The comparison showed a substantial degree of similarity to the international qualifications with which it was compared with at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands, Edge Hill University in England and the University of Melbourne in Australia. The qualification compares favourably with the three-year full time qualification offered at the University of Melbourne. It combines a common core of specialist subjects, i.e. Accounting and Finance, Business Management and Marketing Business. The Bachelor in Commerce at the University of Auckland in New Zealand allows a wide choice of majors which provide preparation for a variety of employment opportunities in business or as a base for postgraduate degree study. The University of Canterbury offers learners a wide choice of subjects to prepare them for the world of business, finance and marketing. Studying the degree at the Manchester University offers learners a chance to enhance their knowledge in the different commerce disciplines. The Bachelor's Degree in Commerce offered by the University of New South Wales is flexible and allows the learner to design a degree to follow interests or career ambitions in accounting, finance, human resource management, and marketing or information systems. This qualification compares favourably with similar qualifications offered internationally. |
ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
This qualification articulates horizontally with a cognate Bachelor Degree or Advanced Diploma at NQF Level 7.
This qualification articulates vertically with a cognate Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma at NQF Level 8. |
MODERATION OPTIONS |
Internal Moderation:
The Assessment of Learners at course level: Internal Examiners/Internal Moderators: The role of internal moderation is to ensure that assessments are conducted appropriately and fairly and are a valid indication of a learner's performance. It is also a key element of Quality Management across all IIE campuses. Lecturers who are involved in the assessment of learning outcomes need to be able to account for all levels of assessment including assignments, examinations and portfolios. Moderation of assessment is formalised within the institution on both an internal and external level through the IIE Quality Management Systems per IIE Policies. Feedback on internal moderation is provided to respective lecturers and academic staff across the campuses through a moderation report. External Moderation: The Assessment of Learners at exit qualification: External Examiners/External Moderators: External Examiners/External Moderators will be appointed to examine the exit level subjects of a qualification. Criteria for the appointment of external moderators include: |
CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
N/A |
REREGISTRATION HISTORY |
As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered in 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. | The Independent Institute of 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. |