SAQA

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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY

REGISTERED QUALIFICATION:

Bachelor of Business Science Honours

SAQA QUAL ID	QUALIFICATION TITLE
88604	Bachelor of Business Science Honours
ORIGINATOR
Monash 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
Honours 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	120	Level 7	NQF Level 08	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		2031-06-30

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 the Honours degree is to provide a higher level of expertise that is valued by employers and graduates therefore have a competitive advantage in the job market. An honours degree programme is also the first step towards a research-based higher degree, such as a Master of Philosophy (MPhil), Master of Commerce (MCom) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or Doctor of Commerce (DCom) degree. The honours year offers the opportunity to build on the undergraduate degree and to conduct a supervised research project.

The programme further aims to produce graduates who have excellent conceptual, practical and research skills in the respective fields that will be highly prized in both academic and industry circles.

The Honours degree offers skills development and extension that will be invaluable to the expansion of career prospects. Honours students benefit from building their network through small classes of high achieving focused learners.

This programme has been especially designed to offer students the opportunity for advanced study in one of the specialist business areas within the Faculty of Business and Economics and to teach students how to conduct business-related research at an advanced level.

Rationale:

Honours is an upward articulation opportunity provided to undergraduate students who are keen to pursue further study in an intensively supported and well structured programme of independent study. Mentoring and an individualised supportive learning environment are key features of the Honours programme in Business and Economics. The Honours degree offers skills development and extension that will be invaluable to the expansion of career prospects.

This one-year, full-time programme has been especially designed to offer selected students the opportunity for advanced study in one of the specialist business areas within the Faculty of Business and Economics and to teach students how to conduct business-related research at an advanced level.

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING

It is assumed that learners are competent in leaning at bachelor degree level. It is also assumed that they are able to communicate well; articulate thoughts and concepts verbally and in written form, work well in teams and possess the ability to solve problems collectively and as an individual. Applicants should also be proficient in computer use and be familiar with Microsoft Office.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The university endorses policies and procedures to allow for an educationally appropriate alternative and/or supplement to established forms of advanced standing based on the recognition for credit of the following:

Learning acquired in a 'credentialed' context, other than an accredited institution, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other provider recognised by the necessary authorities.
>Students must lodge an application form together with required documentation (e.g. academic transcript, syllabi, course structure, contact hours, assessment details). Applications are forwarded to the relevant committee and assessed.

Learning acquired in an 'uncredentialled' context, such as through work experience or through life experience.
>At present the learner is required to submit details of such experience to the faculty, and each application is handled on a case-by-case basis. The school evaluates the background and experience of the applicant against the course requirements.

Access to the qualification:

Admission to the Honours degree can be obtained through a Bachelor of Business and Commerce or equivalent degree programme offered at Monash University, or an equivalent from another recognised and accredited institution. Candidates should obtain an average of 65 per cent for the undergraduate degree in the specialised area of business.

Prospective students should meet the following entry requirements:

A three year undergraduate qualification or equivalent degree (NQF level 6/HEQF level 7) in a related field of study from an accredited institution with an average of 65% or higher.

English is the language of instruction and assessment at Monash South Africa. Students must meet one of the following English language requirements to be eligible for admission:

A pass in an examination equivalent to English at the higher grade (first or second language) in the South African Senior Certificate, or a score of 4 (50 - 59%) in the National Senior Certificate (NSC).

A ass in English at A level, O level, International Baccalaureate or equivalent.

American Tests of English (paper based) as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), achieving a minimum score of 580 with a Test of Written English (TWE) score of 4,5 or more - scores must be available for both TOEFL and TWE.

Computer-based TOEFL, achieving a minimum score of 237 and an essay rating (ER) score of 5 or more.

Internet-based TOEFL: 90 overall, Writing 20 and no section below 20.

International English Language Testing Service (IELTS), achieving a minimum score of 6.5 (Reading 6.5, Listening 6.5, Writing 6, Speaking 6).

Practical experience in a related field is highly recommended for mature learners returning to higher education studies.

English requirements for international students:

IELTS 6.5 with no individual band score less than 6.0, Reading and Listening bands require a score of at least 6.5; TOEFL 580 with a TWE of 4.5; or an internet-based TEOFL score of at least 90 with 22 in Writing and no section lower than 20.

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING?

EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES

1. Demonstrate in-depth and specialised knowledge of a specialist area in business and economics.
2. Demonstrate an informed and critical understanding of the theory and research methodology of one or more disciplines/fields including extensive grounding in empirical, theoretical, practical, and research methodologies and an understanding of the key research issues in these areas.
3. Relate theory to practice and vice versa.
4. Undertake research in an area of specialisation by selecting and applying research methods effectively.
5. Deal with complex problems using the intellectual research and technological resources and tools relevant to a particular discipline or field.
6. Communicate research activities and findings using the appropriate discourse.

Critical Cross-Field Outcomes

Competence is evident when the learner is able to:

Identify and solve problems using critical and creative thinking by formulating e and solving contextual problems and propose potential solutions.

Have the knowledge, competence, skills and attitudes that will enable them to organise and manage their own activities, work effectively with others as a member of a team, group or community, also to lead and become accomplished in their chosen employment fields locally or overseas.

Operate in any environment, managing uncertainty and an ever changing social context. To participate as an active member of society by contributing to both personal and societal growth.

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information by identifying, sourcing, applying and effectively utilising material and resources in response to individual, employment or community needs.

Communicate effectively with both the layperson and the specialist in both formal and informal contexts, using appropriate technology to illustrate and inform. Instruct the uninformed in areas relevant to the learner's area of expertise and to contribute to an informed community in the field.

Use science and technology effectively and critically, mindful of its effects on the environment and the health of others.

Demonstrate a mastery of the technology necessary to the learner's field, and a responsible application of its uses. Maintain the utmost regard for the environmental and health impacts of the application of such technology.

Demonstrate an understanding of the world as an interlocking set of related systems. Demonstrate the importance of ethical behaviour and the reliance of a behavioural value system that is sensitive across a range of social contexts.

ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 1:

Knowledge of the discipline, fundamental concepts, their use and application is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the specific discipline/field by applying the relevant theoretical concepts and principles and reflecting on such applications made is demonstrated.

Theories regarding the field of study are evaluated and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 2:

Insight into the key research issues in the field of study is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues in the discipline/field is demonstrated.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the appropriate discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues by utilizing the relevant theoretical research principles and reflect on the research undertaken, is demonstrated.

Knowledge of techniques and skills involved in the research process is demonstrated.

Current research and scholarship in a discipline is analysed and critiqued.

Current research is analysed and critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 3:

An understanding of the grounds, theory, science, and methods of knowledge is demonstrated.

The capacity to relate theory to practice and vice versa is demonstrated.

The relation between theory and practice and vice versa is critiqued.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 4:

An appropriate research programme for the dissertation is selected.

A relevant research topic and survey of the relevant literature is proposed.

The ability to select and apply research methods within the compilation of the dissertation is reflected.

The research project address the issues identified.

The ability to plan and conduct appropriate research in the specific discipline/field including the gathering, analyzing, synthesizing and interpretation of information on related issues is demonstrated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 5:

An understanding of various research approaches and paradigms and methods of data collection and analysis is demonstrated.

The ability to appropriately identify and solve problems and issues related to the discipline/field is demonstrated.

The ability to utilize appropriate technology effectively when dealing with complex problems is demonstrated.

Appropriate solutions to specified problems are developed.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit-Level Outcome 6:

Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively orally communicated.

Academic/professional work is clearly and effectively verbally communicated.

Debates and themes regarding the field of study is coherently presented and discussed.

Integrated assessment:

Unit assessment is based on a mixture of examinations, assignments, practical assignments, and a research dissertation.

In general the objective outlined above for the course will be assessed as follows:

Knowledge outcomes will be assessed principally through examinations and the research dissertation, which will require the students to demonstrate their knowledge of fundamental concepts and their use and application.

Understanding outcomes will be assessed principally through assignments which will require the students to discuss, evaluate or extrapolate concepts and techniques, and through research dissertation which will require the students to show their understanding of particular aspects of theory by discussing or demonstrating its application to a specific case.

Skills outcomes will be assessed through practical assignments, group work and the research dissertation which require the students to use the tools and techniques that they have been taught to create appropriate solutions to specified problems.

Attitudes outcomes will be assessed through the students' participation in project work and group assignments, which will require them to plan and work collaboratively.

INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY

The Faculty of Business and Economics is accredited by the Brussels-based European Federation of Management Development to European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) standards and is currently seeking accreditation to The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business Standards. Accreditation establishes Monash's Faculty of Business and Economics as one of the world's leading higher education institutions in management and business administration. At a programme level this qualification complies with the requirements of the above-mentioned bodies.

ARTICULATION OPTIONS

Monash Honours degree programmes are recognised worldwide and provide eligibility for entry into a range of other graduate programmes at Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma, Masters and Doctoral level, which are all offered by Monash University and at universities across the world.

Horizontally, the Honours Degree in Business and Commerce articulates with the postgraduate degrees at other South African higher institutions and qualifications such as the Master of Commerce.

MODERATION OPTIONS

Assessors and Moderators have qualifications and/or experience recognised by Monash as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor normally holds a doctoral or master's qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing, or at least one level higher than the qualification assessed and moderated.

The purposes of the internal moderation process are:

Monitoring the consistency of assessment records, record keeping and administration.

Provision of appropriate and necessary support and guidance to assessors.

Checking of the appropriateness of assessments.

Monitoring the fairness, reliability and validity of assessment methods.

Checking the results and decisions of assessors for consistency.

Ensuring that assessors support and guide learners.

Ensuring that the language and assumptions used in preparing the assessment are accessible to all learners.

The internal moderation policy requires that:

Summative as well as formative assessments be internally moderated.

A fair sample of all the assessments as well as any assessment in which learners achieved more than 80% or lower than 50% be internally moderated.

The responsibilities of the external examiners involve the following:

Ensuring that the assessment processes are adequate to ensure consistency, fairness, validity and reliability.

Determining the credibility of assessment methods and instruments.

Monitoring the internal moderation systems.

Ensuring that special provision is made for learners with special needs.

The external moderation policy requires that:

Summative assessments be moderated.

A fair sample of all assessments as well as all the assessments in which learners achieved more than 80% and lower than 50% be evaluated by moderators.

All Honours level units will be subject to external moderation.

CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS

Criteria as regulated by the international policy of Monash University and Monash South Africa. Assessors have qualifications and/or experience recognised by Monash as appropriate for the relevant discipline area. An assessor normally holds a doctoral or master's qualification or equivalent accreditation and standing, or at least one level higher than the qualification assessed and moderated.

REREGISTRATION HISTORY

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

NOTES

The accreditation of this qualification was transferred from Monash SA to the Independent Institute of Education (IIE) in November 2018.

LEARNING PROGRAMMES RECORDED AGAINST THIS QUALIFICATION:

When qualifications are replaced, some (but not all) of their learning programmes are moved to the replacement qualifications. If a learning programme appears to be missing from here, please check the replaced 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