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: 

Diploma in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
91922  Diploma in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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
Diploma (Min 360)  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  360  Not Applicable  NQF Level 06  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:
Business Management is an important component in commerce. In order for South Africa to remain globally competitive, it is imperative to increase the supply of qualified learners with middle-higher-order management capabilities.

The qualification is aimed at ensuring that learners are:
  • Equipped with the knowledge, theory, skills and methodology intrinsic to the Business Management environment.
  • Enabled to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in a professional or academic context where application of the principles and theory are emphasised.
  • Eligible to apply for opportunities in the labour market, professional training, graduate study, or professional practice in a wide range of careers within civil society, the public or private sectors.
  • Developed to levels of intellectual independence which facilitates access to the world of work and promotes critical and analytical citizenship.
  • Provided with higher order capabilities to grow the economy, to advance social transformation, and to remain regionally relevant and globally competitive.

    Rationale:
    This Qualification was developed in response to the workplace need for competent managers across all economic sectors. The current and future needs for competent entry, junior and middle managers have been expressed by employers and employees. The skills, knowledge, attitudes and values required by managers are captured in this qualification by offering good breadth of knowledge on the important topics combined with appropriate occupational and professional contextualisation for its intended purpose. The successful completion of this qualification may increase the learner's employability as a:
  • Field or Floor Supervisor, Assistant Manager or Manager.
  • Store or Department Supervisor, Assistant Manager or Manager.
  • Customer Relationship, Key Account Supervisor, Assistant Manager or Manager.
  • Junior Researcher, Analyst, Business Advisor or Consultant.
  • Service, Sales or Product Representative Assistant or Assistant Manager.
  • Small Business Manager or Owner. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    It is assumed that learners are competent in:
  • Communication with English at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematical Literacy at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning:
  • Admission to this qualification may be obtained by learners who do not meet the minimum entry requirements through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
  • Credit towards the qualification may be granted where competency in a specific component can be established by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence which may include, verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records.

    Access to the Qualification:
    To gain access to this qualification, an applicant is required to have one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate, granting access to Diploma studies.
  • National Certificate (Vocational), at NQF Level 4, granting access to Diploma studies.
  • Senior Certificate with Matriculation exemption. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of the following 24 compulsory modules at the NQF Levels indicated, totalling 374 Credits.

    Modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
  • Company Law, 8 Credits.
  • Socio-Economics, 14 Credits.
  • Brand Management, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy I, 8 Credits.
  • Applied Psychology, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology, 10 Credits.
  • Computer Literacy II, 8 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 5 = 106.

    Modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Financial Management I, 30 Credits.
  • Business Management, 30 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
  • Company Law, 14 Credits.
  • Project Management II, 12 Credits.
  • Project Management III, 16 Credits.
  • Socio-Economics, 14 Credits.
  • Financial Management II, 16 Credits.
  • Brand Management, 16 Credits.
  • Industrial Psychology, 14 Credits.
  • Applied Research, 14 Credits.
  • Experiential Learning, 14 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 6 = 206.

    Modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Business Management, 30 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship, 16 Credits.
  • Financial Management, 16 Credits.

    Total Credits at NQF Level 7 = 62. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply general business principles to real life situations and interpret economic realities of local and global communities.
    2. Manage financial and technology resources in organisations.
    3. Analyse data and brand information.
    4. Demonstrate entrepreneurial and project management skills.
    5. Identify the socio-economic needs of society and display cultural sensitivity within organisations.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    The Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are embedded in the qualification and will be assessed. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • The business management function and scope according to the fundamental general management practices are understood.
  • The core general management practices in a business context are applied.
  • Relevant ethical practices are complied with.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Basic financial accounting practices, financial management principles, e-commerce and securities principles are applied in own work context.
  • End-user computing practices are applied and competency in both hardware and software information technology suites with regard to the office environment is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Brand management, with a particular emphasis on the principles and methodologies associated with brand building strategies, brand equity and the measurement of brand value are discussed.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the scope of brand management and the core brand management practices is demonstrated.
  • Information and research data for business management purposes are managed and interpreted.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • The knowledge and skills associated with entrepreneurship in a commercial context are applied.
  • The project management scope with regard to initiating, planning and executing the overall project from conception to closure is explained.
  • A project is planned and managed and proficiency in project control, evaluation and scoping operational plans, demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • The principles and theories of individual, social and organisational behaviour are differentiated.
  • Conflict handling, motivational skills and cultural sensitivity within professional environments are demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Integrated Assessment is essential to ensure that the purpose of the qualification is achieved in relation to its propositional and declarative knowledge, vocational relevance, reflexive competency and Critical Cross-Field Learning Outcomes.

    Formative assessment integrates the cycle of teaching and learning, and assessment. Study guides and texts contain self-assessment exercises. The scheme of work includes formal assessments in the form of tests and/or assignments based on the learning material and learners are graded and provided written feedback. The process is continuous and focuses on smaller sections of the work and limited in the number of outcomes assessed.

    Summative assessments are in the form of proctored examinations, or equivalent assessment such as a research report which assesses 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 full course. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Diploma in Business Management aligns well with the following three qualifications:

    Kenya:
    The Mount Kenya University in Nairobi offers a Diploma in Business Management over an eighteen month period. This qualification has been developed to broaden the learners' practical knowledge and skills in business management in preparation for the labour market and self employment, as well as for further related studies at degree level.

    This qualification is designed to:
  • Develop an understanding of general issues and approaches to business and management.
  • Enhance self-confidence and the ability to critically evaluate business and development solutions from an ethical, professional and academic perspective.
  • Instil a problem solving attitude and business ethics in the practice of management.
  • Prepare the learners for progress to degree levels.

    The qualification consists of the following 16 compulsory modules:
  • Business Law.
  • Introduction to Economics.
  • Principles of Management.
  • Fundamentals of Accounting.
  • Computer Skills and Application.
  • Introduction to Business Statistics.
  • Principles of Marketing.
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurship.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Principles of Risk Management and Insurance.
  • Financial Management.
  • Business Management Research Project.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • Production and Operations Management.
  • Strategic Management.
  • Project Analysis and Management.

    India:
    The All India Management Association, an active member of the World Management Council, offers a Diploma in Business Management to develop the national managerial ethos and facilitate the furtherance of the management profession in India.

    The qualification is aimed at achieving the following objectives:
  • Educate the learners on the nature of international business management.
  • Develop learners' intellectual capabilities of interpretation and analysis, critical evaluation, selection and synthesis, reasoned argument, research and problem solving skills.
  • Understand international business management problems, select and apply appropriate methodologies and devise solutions to these problems.
  • Analyse the international business management environment and adopt innovative approaches to the development thereof.

    The two-year qualification comprises 23 compulsory modules and is presented as follows:

    Year 1:
  • Managing People.
  • Management Functions and Behaviour.
  • Economic and Social Environment.
  • Accounting and Finance for Managers.
  • Introduction to Information Systems Management.
  • Operations Management I.
  • Marketing Management I.
  • Quantitative Techniques for Managers.
  • International Business I.
  • Managerial Economics.
  • Business Policy and Strategy.

    Year 2:
  • Financial Management.
  • Marketing Management II.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Operations Management II.
  • Information Systems.
  • Insurance Management.
  • Logistics Management.
  • Technology Management.
  • Business Law.
  • International Business II.
  • Corporate Governance and Ethics.
  • Research Methodology.

    Malaysia:
    Sedamai College in Sarawak, Malaysia, offers a Diploma in Business Management that is designed to address the needs of learners who seek to increase their professional value through acquiring both an understanding of global, national and local pressures on business and the competence to respond effectively to industry needs. It provides learners with concepts, frameworks, and analytical problem solving and research skills to enable them to operate confidently and effectively in a global environment characterised by constant change that requires flexible and innovative responses at a professional level.

    The two-year qualification is made up of the following 25 compulsory modules:

    Year 1:
  • Business Administration.
  • Marketing Management I.
  • Business Mathematics.
  • Introduction to Accounting.
  • Financial Accounting.
  • Business Statistics.
  • Microeconomics.
  • Organisational Behaviour.
  • English I.
  • Multimedia Applications.
  • Business Communication.
  • Introduction to Information Technology.

    Year 2:
  • Macroeconomics.
  • Introduction to Cost Accounting.
  • Fundamentals of Finance.
  • Introduction to Business Law.
  • Entrepreneurship.
  • Consumer Behaviour.
  • Principles of Selling and Sales.
  • Marketing Management II.
  • Principles of Public Relations.
  • English II.
  • Research Methods.
  • Business Strategy.
  • Human Resource Management.

    Conclusion:
    Whilst the overall structure of the qualifications varies regarding the areas of study, duration and credit allocation, the focus remains the same. Another common feature is that all the qualifications include a research project. All the qualifications aim to ensure that learners acquire the knowledge, skills and techniques intrinsic to Business Management. This implies therefore that the Diploma in Business Management compares favourably with similar international qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    Horizontally, this qualification articulates with similar qualifications such as:
  • Diploma in Marketing and Entrepreneurial Studies, NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Business Management in Logistics, NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
    Vertically, this qualification articulates with:
  • Advanced Diploma in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management, NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business and Marketing Management, NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
  • Internal and external moderation is carried out by moderators appointed in keeping with the policy of the Institution and in consultation with the relevant Quality Council.
  • The minimum requirement for appointment as an internal faculty member and/or external assessor or moderator is a relevant NQF Level 7 qualification and appropriate experience.
  • A system of workplace assessment might be initiated for certain modules in the qualification, i.e. Experiential Learning. 
    		•

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    External assessors and/or moderators are appointed to validate the learners' examination and final assessments.

    The appointment of individuals in these capacities is governed by the Institution's policy and procedures.
    The selected candidates need:
  • Assessment or moderation experience in the subject fields being assessed.
  • An applicable qualification, at least one NQF level higher than the level of the learner being assessed. 
    		•

    REREGISTRATION HISTORY 
    As per the SAQA Board decision/s at that time, this qualification was Reregistered 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. Boston City Campus (Pty) Ltd formerly Boston City Campus and Business College (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.