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: 

Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
94018  Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management 
ORIGINATOR
Regenesys Management (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
Higher Certificate  Field 03 - Business, Commerce and Management Studies  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  120  Not Applicable  NQF Level 05  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 this qualification is to develop employable professionals as well as equipping people employed in the retail environment with an understanding of how retail organisations function, as well as to function effectively in the retail business environment. The curriculum provides the learners the opportunity to complete a range of relevant management modules which will, upon completion, equip them with the necessary management skills and competency to function successfully in a retail organisation.

Rationale:
The Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management (HCBM: Retail Management) has been developed for people who need to know how retail organisations function, through a fundamental understanding of key retail management functions. The intended outcome of this qualification is the development of graduates who are equipped with the relevant basic management skills to perform their roles and responsibilities more effectively in a retail business environment.

The Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management assists both individuals who are considering a management career in, or are new in the retail environment, as well as those who have been/are working in a retail business and, would like to progress into general retail management. It also offers career opportunities for graduates by broadening their understanding of retail business administration and management practices, so they are able to function effectively in a retail business environment. Furthermore, given the high demand for retail management skills and knowledge (National Development Plan, Skills Development Plan etc), the HCBM: Retail Management will contribute to addressing this need. 

LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
Applicants wishing to be admitted to the Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management through RPL must submit a portfolio of evidence which comprises inter-alia, work related experience and training, testimonials mentioning functions performed, work records, videos of practice and performance records, etc. All such evidence would be considered and evaluated according to the Institution's RPL Policy. As per National guidelines, 10% of the intake will comprise RPL applicants.

Entry Requirements:
Admissions to this Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management learners should have obtained a:
  • National Senior Certificate, granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate (SC), granting access to Higher Certificate studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate (Vocational) at NQF Level 4 or an equivalent NQF Level 4 qualification, granting access to Higher Certificate Studies. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    Retail Management is a 120 Credit qualification at NQF Level 5 comprising six core modules worth 20 Credits each.
    Modules:
  • Fundamentals of Business Management.
  • People Management.
  • Customer Service Management.
  • Retail Marketing.
  • Retail Management.
  • Fundamentals of Financial Management. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of the Business Environment and the Basic Economic Systems.
    2. Apply effective people management principles in order to lead, manage, motivate and improve the performance of individuals and teams.
    3. Know the core functions and principles of sound financial management in the retail sector.
    4. Explain the principles of marketing and the importance of the retail marketing mix.
    5. Communicate all elements and principles of the Retail Value Chain that enhance business performance accurately.
    6. Gather information from various sources in order to understand and apply the principles of Customer Service Management. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Key business management terminology, concepts and definitions are identified.
  • An understanding of the business environment within the retail context id demonstrated.
  • Basic economic systems in which retail organisations operate are explained.
  • The different forms of enterprise or legal ownership are explored.
  • Various management functions are discussed.
  • Roles of the different levels of management are examined.
  • How and why management style has progressed is discussed.
  • Corporate social responsibility is explained.
  • The relevance of emotional, spiritual and intellectual intelligences to self and others is understood.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Human resource management terminology, concepts, and definitions within the retail sector are identified.
  • An understanding of human resource management and human resource models is demonstrated.
  • The importance of relevant legislation pertaining to human resource management is explained.
  • An understanding of key human resource management success and failure factors is demonstrated.
  • The processes necessary to manage group dynamics effectively in order to establish a healthy and productive work environment are described.
  • Retail organisational, team and individual objectives are aligned.
  • An understanding of effective techniques to supervise, delegate and provide feedback to employees is demonstrated.
  • The process of conducting effective performance appraisals is understood.
  • The key processes and techniques to motivate people and manage conflict effectively is outlined.
  • The role that organisational culture and reward systems play in an organisation is examined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • An understanding of financial management terminology, concepts and principles in a retail context is demonstrated.
  • Retail financial planning techniques are understood.
  • Valuations and credit management principles and processes are described.
  • The process of making sound financial decisions is explained.
  • The significance of financial accountability, cost-effectiveness, cost-efficiency and value for money are discussed.
  • Specific ratio analysis of financial statements is conducted.
  • Sound cash management principles are applied.
  • Financial management success and failure factors are described.
  • An understanding of the importance of applicable financial legislation is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Retail marketing terminology, concepts and principles are understood.
  • Retail marketing environment is explained.
  • Principles of retail consumer buying behaviour are outlined.
  • An understanding of retail market segmentation principles is demonstrated.
  • The process of making sound financial decisions is explained.
  • The elements of a retail marketing strategy are specified.
  • The principles of the retail product mix, pricing, distribution and promotion are described.
  • The theory and concepts of merchandising are understood.
  • Various aspects of merchandise management are discussed.
  • Retail marketing success and failure factors are identified.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • An understanding of retail management terminology, concepts and principles is demonstrated
  • Different types of retailers in the retail environment are specified.
  • Factors affecting store location are identified.
  • Fundamentals of retail management within the context of the retail value chain are explained.
  • The elements activities of the retail value chain are outlined.
  • An understanding of merchandise, financial and sales planning is demonstrated.
  • Financial merchandise management is explained.
  • Concepts of stock turn, days forward cover, mark downs, and the knock-on effect are defined.
  • An understanding of warehousing and distribution within the retail sector is demonstrated.
  • Management of processes and people within the retail value chain is outlined.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • An understanding of customer service management terminology, concepts and definitions is demonstrated.
  • Attitudes required to serve customers effectively are identified.
  • The principles of quality and customer relations management are understood.
  • Challenges in implementing quality improvement are identified.
  • Effective communication with clients and relevant stakeholders is established.
  • The importance of managing stakeholder relationships is understood.
  • Sound principles of negotiation with customers in a retail context are applied.
  • The quality of retail products and services is monitored.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The objective of integrated assessment in the Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management is to assess whether the learners have acquired the necessary general management skills to effectively manage a Retail Business.

    Assignments in the form of Case studies and organisation specific projects, where the different module outcomes are assessed in an integrated manner may be used. The purpose of the assessment is to measure applied competence. In other words, it assesses whether learners are able to integrate the ability to perform important retail managerial functions competently (practical competence), understand the theoretical basis for these actions (foundational competence), and reflect on and make changes to retail managerial practices (reflexive competence). 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Higher Certificate in Business Management in Retail Management is a well-known and widely available international qualification, especially in the United Kingdom. Most of the international qualifications are very flexible in the choice of modules or subjects, presumably as a result of the broad field of management that needs to be addressed to develop general business administration skills. The following qualifications were considered for comparison.

    The Open University in England offers a qualification a Certificate of Higher Education in Business and Management. This certificate of higher education comprises 120 credits and focuses in more detail on business, leadership and management or on retail management.

    The Aspire Institute of Community Education in London offers a one year short programme in Retail Management for beginners. This course is the ideal tool for learners wanting to gain knowledge in the field of retail management, whether it is for the purpose of entering the retail trade through the establishment of a small business, or wanting to gain knowledge to allow for further study in the fields of management to enter a retail organisation at a higher level.

    The Australian College of Higher Studies offers a Certificate IV in Retail Management. This qualification provides the skills and knowledge for an individual to be competent in frontline management skills of those working in a retail or business-to-business environment. It applies to those who are managing a small retail outlet, a section or department within a larger retail store, a small business-to-business outlet, or a section or department within a larger business or franchise. Recognition of Prior Learning is available (on application) to learners with prior skills, experience, knowledge or qualifications obtained from formal studies or training, in a related area. Recognition may reduce the duration of your studies.

    Conclusion:
    The qualification compares favourably with qualifications and short programmes offered by other institutions from other countries. The qualifications considered for this purpose offer similar modules with some of them consisting of the same number of credits. These qualifications also allow learners a chance to apply for further studies at a higher level after completion of their studies as this one does. The qualification gives recognition to individuals with previous retail supervisory experience in roles to enrol and the qualifications considered also apply this principle. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Learners who complete this qualification will be entitled to apply for further studies from the same institution or other institution at the same NQF Level or a Level above subject to meeting the entry requirements.

    Horizontal articulation possibilities include:
  • Higher Certificate in Management.
  • Higher Certificate in Business Management.
  • Higher Certificate in Commerce in General Management.

    Vertical articulation possibilities include:
  • Advanced Certificate in Management.
  • Diploma in Business Management.
  • Diploma in Retail Business Management. 
    		•

    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. Regenesys Management (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.