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 Commerce in Business Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
93833  Bachelor of Commerce in Business Management 
ORIGINATOR
Akademia NPC 
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  390  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:
This qualification has the primary purpose of providing a well-rounded and broad education. It seeks to equip the qualifying learner 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 qualification is to equip learners with knowledge, applied competence and skills related to business management principles. The emphasis is on general business management principles, pertaining to all kinds of managers on all the various managerial levels of an organisation. The qualification also provides a basis for the management principles pertaining to all functional areas of management, such as the management of the marketing, finance, purchasing and supply chain, operations, information, human resources, and industrial relations functions. The qualification also provides a basis for understanding project management. Lastly, various issues pertaining to business ethics, sustainability, corporate governance and social responsibility are also addressed.

Rationale:
This qualification was developed to provide learners with a more comprehensive qualification in the field of Business Management. Learners will not just be introduced to the above mentioned discipline, but will also gain valuable insight into business management at a strategic, as well as a philosophical level.

One of the main aims of this qualification will be to allow for the practical application of acquired theory. Although appropriately structured to address the theories of commerce, business management and related disciplines, the proposed modules at every NQF level are designed in such a way that they all contribute towards practical reciprocity with the business world.

To promote a philosophy of lifelong learning, the qualification aims to provide learners with improved articulation options, thus enhancing learners' chances of accessing higher level qualifications at other institutions. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Learning that has been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal means is recognised for the fulfilment of the requirements of this qualification or part of the qualification. It is required that through assessment practices, the learner should demonstrate competence in the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification. Recognition of Prior Learning is performed by means of an Integrated Assessment as mentioned in the previous paragraph.

This Recognition of Prior Learning may allow for accelerated access to further learning. All Recognition of Prior Learning is subject to quality assurance and is conducted by a registered workplace assessor. 

RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
Y 

QUALIFICATION RULES 
This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Level 5, 6 and 7 totalling 390 Credits.

Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Business Management 1, 20 Credits.
  • Economics, 20 Credits.
  • Commercial Law, 20 Credits.
  • Business Communication, 15 Credits
  • Elementary Quantitative Methods, 15 Credits.
  • Business Ethics, 15 Credits.
  • Introduction to Business Information systems, 15 Credits.
    Totalling 130 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Business Management 2, 20 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, 20 Credits.
  • Purchasing and Operations Management, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting, 20 Credits.
  • Financial Management and Personal Financial Management, 20 Credits.
  • Human Resources Management and Labour Relations Management, 20 Credits.
  • Marketing Management, 15 Credits.
    Totalling 135 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Business Management 3, 30 Credits.
  • Sustainability and Responsible Citizenship, 30 Credits.
  • Project Management, 20 Credits.
  • Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
  • The Management of Innovation and Technology, 15 Credits.
  • International Management, 15 Credits.
    Totalling 125 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply effective communication of information reliably and coherently in Business Management using appropriate and professional formats.
    2. Demonstrate the application of key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of Business Management in interaction with selected appropriate groups through participation in business related activities.
    3. Demonstrate an understanding of the interrelatedness of the different areas of Business Management and how actions, ideas or developments impact on applications of theory and practice.
    4. Evaluate, select and apply the appropriate applications and techniques to solve problems in familiar and unfamiliar contexts.
    5. Demonstrate and apply the knowledge of the management of technology, the management of innovation and the management of people processes within a working environment.
    6. Apply business knowledge and skill in the business environment. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Correct language is used to produce clear and coherent written documents, which follow appropriate management principles.
  • Information and communication technology is applied in the field of management.
  • Non-verbal forms of representation are used correctly and appropriately.
  • Business management information is presented verbally in front of others.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Theory and application of purchasing and supply chain management is explained from four perspectives, namely purchasing, operations, logistics and the integration of processes within these three vitally important areas of the organisation.
  • An understanding of the concepts of entrepreneurship is demonstrated and these concepts are applied in the development of business plans.
  • An understanding of challenges stemming from the movement of goods, human resources, technology, finance and ownership across national boundaries is demonstrated.
  • The management process and the importance of each functional area of management in terms of organisational theory are demonstrated.
  • A critical understanding of various management theories and concepts is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Organisations' information is timely and accurately is managed so that it is available to managers at all levels.
  • Diversity in society and its impacts on the design of appropriate information as well as media-use aimed at different target groups is acknowledged.
    > Range of diversity: Culture, literacy, education, habits, beliefs, access to technology.
  • Understand the complex context in which South Africa organisations operate is demonstrated.
    > Range: Individual, group, organisational and environmental levels.
  • Sensitive issues and practical challenges to business management in a culturally diverse society are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Quantitative skills are applied when solving problems.
  • Problems are solved using analytical thinking and case histories.
  • Knowledge is integrated, e.g. from various disciplines or modes of enquiry, in solving management problems.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Management knowledge is applied to practical business situations and various alternatives are evaluated.
  • Central methods of enquiry are applied and research is conducted independently regarding a business problem.
  • The ability to appreciate the multicultural and socio-economic aspects of the environments in which the international firms operate is demonstrated.
  • Specialised management theories and knowledge in group projects are applied to diagnose problems that organisations face and effective solutions are presented.
  • Strategic thinking techniques to the current position of an organisation, its long term direction, resources, competitive capabilities, its present strategy and opportunities for gaining sustainable competitive advantage are demonstrated and applied.
  • Strategic management process is introduced and the relevance and importance of strategic management to an organisation is explained.
  • Knowledge of various functional aspects of management and the management process in organisational design and change is integrated.
  • Understanding of the project management process is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of finance theory and practice, the effects of technology and a globalising world economy on financial markets and instruments is demonstrated.
  • Four main functions of management, namely planning, organising, leading and control are identified and explained.
  • Planning and maintenance of human resources in an organisation is explained and understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Production forecasts are monitored and controlled using relevant techniques.
  • An understanding of the manufacturing process strategy, capacity planning, layout strategies, location strategies, inventory management and scheduling is demonstrated.
  • A budget is prepared and its effect on strategic and tactical planning is identified and considered.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking responsibility for decisions made is demonstrated.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment practices must be open, transparent, fair, valid, and reliable and ensure that no learner is disadvantaged. Learning, teaching and assessment are in line with each other.

    The term 'Integrated assessment' implies that theoretical and practical components should be assessed together. During integrated assessments the assessor should make use of formative and summative assessment methods and assess combinations of practical, applied, foundational and reflective competencies.

    A variety of methods must therefore be used in assessment. Tools and activities must be appropriate to the context in which the learner is working. Where it is not possible to assess the learner in the workplace or on-the-job, simulations, case studies and other similar techniques should be used to provide a context appropriate to the assessment.

    Assessors should assess and give credit for the evidence of learning that has already been acquired through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience.

    Assessment methods include:
  • Self-assessment activities.
  • Knowledge tests.
  • Case studies.
  • Report writing.
  • Research and project based assignments.
  • Written examinations.
  • Oral assessment. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The institution endeavours to ensure that all qualifications offered compare well with industry standards and requirements on a national and international level. This is mainly achieved through input during the compilation and assessment of the qualification during the development phase and subsequently through reviews driven by the Qualification Advisory Committee, who are also au fait with international qualifications. The utilisation of academic material, including textbooks and subject literature, published nationally and internationally, is also used to ensure international compatibility.

    The outcomes, assessment criteria, degree of difficulty and the notional learning time of international qualifications were used to develop and benchmarking the BCom in Business Management Degree. The Degree has been compared and mapped against a number of international qualifications in order to determine possible articulation with and progression to qualifications that were designed with similar outcomes in mind. These qualifications are:

    The University of Melbourne, Australia, offers a Bachelor of Commerce with the following modules:
  • Business.
  • Management.
  • Actuarial studies.
  • Economics.
  • Consumer Behaviour.
  • Strategic Marketing.
  • Business Decision Analysis.
  • Accounting Reports and Analyses.
  • Accounting Transactions and Analyses.
  • Finance.
  • Cost Management.
  • Entrepreneurial Marketing.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • International Business.

    The University of Canterbury, New Zealand offers a Bachelor of Commerce with the following modules:
  • Fundamentals of Management.
  • Methods of Mathematics.
  • Introduction to Microeconomics.
  • Introduction to Macroeconomics.
  • Marketing Management.
  • Management Science.
  • Accounting and Financial Information.
  • Finance.
  • Introduction to Financial Accounting.
  • Strategy and Entrepreneurship.

    Conclusion:
    A direct comparison of the title, specific outcomes, assessment criteria and embedded knowledge was undertaken with each, and the best of these, written in a South African context, were incorporated into this qualification. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any cognate Bachelor of Commerce at NQF Level 7.

    The qualification articulates vertically with any cognate Postgraduate Diploma or Honours Degree at NQF Level 8. 

    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 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. Akademia NPC 


    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.