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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Business Administration 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
96098  Bachelor of Business Administration 
ORIGINATOR
Ubiquity Open Academy (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  Generic Management 
ABET BAND MINIMUM CREDITS PRE-2009 NQF LEVEL NQF LEVEL QUAL CLASS
Undefined  372  Not Applicable  NQF Level 07  Regular-Provider-ELOAC 
REGISTRATION STATUS SAQA DECISION NUMBER REGISTRATION START DATE REGISTRATION END DATE
Passed the End Date -
Status was "Reregistered" 		 SAQA 1141/23  2021-07-01  2024-06-30 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2025-06-30   2030-06-30  

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.  

This qualification does not replace any other qualification and is not replaced by any other qualification. 

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION 
Purpose:
The primary purpose of the qualification is to provide a well-rounded, broad education that equips learners with the knowledge base, theory and methodology of disciplines within the fields of business and management study, and enables the learner to demonstrate initiative and responsibility in an academic context. Furthermore, the learners will be equipped with knowledge, skills and confidence essential for working successfully in today's competitive global business environment.

The purpose of the qualification will:
  • Increase learning opportunities and options for learners and to give them greater control over their learning through a variety of learning modes and interactions.
  • Enable learners to undertake research in a manner that is appropriate to the field of business and management study in order to prepare them for Postgraduate study.
  • Provide opportunities for them to progress in various sectors of the economy.
  • Produce knowledgeable, intellectually skilled individuals who are able to contribute to improved productivity and efficiency within their work environments.
  • Meet national and/or regional labour market, knowledge or other socio-cultural needs.
  • Expose learners to business culture and ethics in the global and local environment.
  • Expose learners to a set of core competences for the understanding of general management as well expose learners for a specific competence in management and business administration and labour law.
  • Contribute to the full personal development of each learner and the social and economic development of the society at large.
  • Develop team skills and implement basic human resource practices.
  • Develop effective communication skills.
  • Prepare learners for careers in local and international private economic and business environments, as well as in the public sector.

    Rationale:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) qualification will provide a broad framework of knowledge and skills needed in the industry and public sector. This will enable learners to progress along a career path to become knowledgeable workers and/or practitioners in management.

    The qualification allows the learner to work towards a nationally recognised qualification. The qualification will allow for access both, those in formal education and for those already employed in organisations, due to its flexibility. For those learners in employment without formal learning, such learners will be informed and skilled in management.

    This qualification also exposes learners to the skills and knowledge that is expected of stakeholders thus enabling these learners to seek positions such as leaders, middle and top level managers in the private and public sector. Holders of this qualification may be responsible for managing people, resources, and/or projects, including the management of human resources, public relations, advertising, promotions, portfolios, projects, etc.

    The flexible structure of the qualification enables individuals and organisations to select outcomes that meet the diverse roles and contexts required by a wide range of industries and the public sector. Furthermore the BBA qualification is a reputable qualification recognised globally for employment and/or entrepreneurial purposes in various sectors of the economy, as well as in general societal and community development sectors in any broad community. The composition of this qualification underpins the following; (1) empowers South Africans towards development, personally and nationally, and (2) job creation and economic growth which are two key requirements for South African economy which it addresses. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    The institution accepts RPL as an integral part of education and academic practice. It is acknowledged that all learning has value, and accepts the challenge to assess prior learning and award credits to promote life-long learning. The institution follows suit by making sure that people with relevant experience are given preferential treatment above their counterparts that have the same academic qualification.

    The purpose of the RPL Policy is to direct the RPL procedure, to recognise prior learning and in order to provide access into the qualification.

    Recognition of prior learning is based on the following process:
  • An applicant indicates the reason for applying for recognition of previous learning (this could be entrance to a qualification or exemption from certain modules in the qualification.
  • The RPL committee determines the criteria for the recognition of Prior Learning based on the request (this could be the admission requirements of the qualification, the assessment of Exit Level Outcomes of modules for which exemption is requested, or approved guidelines required by the professional body/industry).
  • The applicant must submit a portfolio of evidence of learning in place (what the applicant knows).
  • The RPL committee assesses the evidence of previous learning supplied by the applicant against the criteria and makes a recommendation to the faculty's quality committee in a full report describing the process followed.
  • The committee will make a recommendation to ratify the decision.

    Entry Requirements:
    To be able to gain access to the Bachelor of Business Administration Degree applicants should be in possession of a valid:
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with admission for degree purposes.
    Or
  • Senior Certificate with endorsement. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification consists of 28 compulsory and 2 elective modules at NQF Levels 5, 6 and 7, totalling 372 Credits.

    Modules for NQF Level 5:
  • Business Communication, 10 Credits.
  • Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • HR Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 1A, 10 Credits.
  • Business Mathematics, 10 Credits.
  • Financial Accounting, 12 Credits.
  • HR Management 1B, 10 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 1B, 10 Credits.
    Total Credits: 84.

    Modules for NQF Level 6:
  • Project Management 1, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Business Law 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Business Law 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Management 2, 12 Credits.
  • HR Management 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 1B, 12 Credits.
  • Labour Law, 12 Credits.
  • HR Management 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Management 1A, 12 Credits.
  • Financial Management 1B, 12 Credits.
    Total Credits: 156.

    Modules for NQF Level 7:
  • Project Management 2, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 2A, 12 Credits.
  • Research Methodology, 12 Credits.
  • Management 3A, 12 Credits.
  • Economics 2B, 12 Credits.
  • Management 3B, 12 Credits.
  • Research Project, 30 Credits.
    Total Credits: 102.

    Elective Modules (select two):
  • HR Management 3A, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 3A, 15 Credits.
  • HR Management 3B, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing Management 3B, 15 Credits.
    Total Credits: 30. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Apply management functions of planning, organising, leading and controlling in the work environment.
    2. Develop effective team skills and implement basic human resource best practice within a work environment.
    3. Apply understanding of common business knowledge and marketing management theories and practices in the work environment.
    4. Demonstrate and apply critical thinking in the business world.
    5. Demonstrate elements of an effective communicator in a work environment.
    6. Demonstrate knowledge of business, labour and law and understand ethical and legal business practices and the importance thereof in the business environment.
    7. Apply theoretical knowledge gained of the economic discipline, its principles, concepts and related practices in a market-oriented economy.
    8. Apply project management principles, concepts, tools and techniques.
    9. Manage information and undertake research by selecting and applying research methods effectively. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
  • Evolving of the nature of management theory is described.
  • Management processes within a changing environment are demonstrated.
  • Planning as key management function which includes the nature, types, processes and planning tools required is discussed.
  • Understanding of organising as key management function, with reference to organisational and job design, authority and delegation, change and diversity, is expressed.
  • Understanding of leading as a key management function, and how it is applied is demonstrated.
  • Understanding of ethics and corporate governance as contemporary management issues is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:
  • Foundational principles of human resource management (HRM) within the work context are interpreted and outlined.
  • The systems approach to HRM is developed and how this relates to the work environment is explained.
  • Analytical and diagnostic approaches to decision-making are applied.
  • Human resources planning, including the full value chain, are explained.
  • Implications of legislation applicable to training are explained.
  • Appropriate and effective training and development processes are identified and implemented.
  • Foundations of individual, group and organisational behaviour are analysed.
  • Role of communication, organisational structure, work design and technology, and organisational culture in influencing organisational behaviour is comprehensively examined.
  • Relationship between organisational change and stress management is analysed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:
  • Purpose, role and function of marketing from a business perspective are explained.
  • Consumer and buyer behaviour from a business perspective are explained.
  • Appropriate strategies and marketing plans through the utilisation of the principles of marketing are developed.
  • A marketing mix for a business organisational context is identified and developed.
  • The principles of branding and brand management within the context of a business environment are explained.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:
  • Financial management requirements in the business environment are explained.
  • Knowledge of accounting in the business environment is applied.
  • Administrative skills are utilised to develop budgets related to a project, department or organisation in line with financial requirements applicable to organisational objectives.
  • Reliable and accurate information is assessed and applied to make relevant decisions for financial forecasts, variances and budgets.
  • Accounting information is used to make informed business decisions.
  • Role and environment of managerial finance is described.
  • Financial statements are analysed.
  • Financial management principles and practices are described, analysed and applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:
  • Written, verbal communication is demonstrated and cultural diversity is recognised.
  • Communication skills are applied to maintain effective interpersonal relations and a professional environment.
  • Effective written and verbal communication in support of internal and external business requirements is applied.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:
  • Sources of law are identified and their effects are described.
  • Court system and court procedure are described.
  • Nature and classes of contracts are described.
  • Elements needed to create a contract are identified.
  • Contracts and cases are read and interpreted.
  • Effect of the following upon contracts: fraud, duress, undue influence, contractual capacity, and consideration are discussed.
  • Illegal agreements are identified and discussed.
  • Effects of the statute of frauds upon contracts are described.
  • Personal property and bailment are identified.
  • The employment contract, dismissal, labour practices, dispute resolution, collective labour law, freedom of association, and the rights of organisations and employees against current legislation and case studies are analysed, described and assessed.
  • Labour relations are contextualised and the advanced understanding of the external relations context and statutory employment relations in South Africa is illustrated.
  • Roles of a number of important players in the employment relations context are critically analysed.

    Associates Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7:
  • Understanding of microeconomic theories utilised in the decision making by individual consumers and firms is demonstrated.
  • Macroeconomic theories to decision making and policy prescription are applied.
  • Different functions as applicable to economic problems are correctly performed.
  • Understanding of essential economic theory and its managerial and business implications for banking, financial planning or general commerce is demonstrated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 8:
  • Key project management concepts, control measures and tools are analysed.
  • Project management approaches and methodologies are compared and differentiated.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 9:
  • Research methodology concepts and processes with reference to research in the business and marketing environments are described.
  • Research proposal and project are produced and undertaken.
  • Basic understanding of statistical techniques as a part of and support to research methodology and approaches is demonstrated.
  • Quantitative and qualitative research principles are applied to collect analyse and evaluate data applicable to the internal and external environments influencing business operations.
  • Creativity and critical thinking are investigated, explored and applied to solve problems.
  • Computer skills are used in the gathering, collation and representation of data to meet research requirements.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Formative assessment:
    Learning and assessment are integrated. The study guides will contain self-assessment tasks with feedback. The scheme of work will also include assignments based on the learning outcomes and learners will be given feedback. The assessment process will be continuous with practice and assessment of smaller sections of learning in preparation for the summative assessment.

    Summative assessment:
    Examinations will assess a representative selection of the outcomes, practiced and assessed in the formative stage. For some modules a practical assessment may take the place of the formal examination. Summative assessment will also test the learner`s ability to manage and integrate a large body of knowledge to achieve the stated outcomes of a module. The research project will be an applied summative assessment across the outcomes of the qualification. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor in Business Administration (BBA) is a well-known and widely available international qualification. It generally ranges from a three-year to a four year qualification. Most of these qualifications are very flexible in their 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. Almost all of the BBA's that were researched cover most of the important functions of management. Internationally, the Bachelor of Business Administration is compared with BBA's from Australia and UK:

    Bachelor of Business Administration - Southern Cross University (SCU) (Australia): The SCU's Bachelor of Business Administration is comparable in duration and in terms of mode of delivery: It is a three-year full-time (or equivalent part-time) qualification offered on-campus, by external mode or by a combination of both modes. The programme mix also show very significant similarities to the South African qualification, for example: development of human resources; interpersonal communication; group work; dealing with conflict; staff development and training; industrial relations; organisational communication; staff selection and performance management; managing change; supervision and teamwork; workplace learning; human resource management; contemporary issues in accounting theory; management accounting; financial information for decision making, etc.

    Bachelor of Business Administration: European University (EU) - (European Union): The EU is a cross-border European University recognised by the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science in The Netherlands, the Generalitat of Catalonia (Spain), the Ministry of Education, Portugal, and is United Nations Educational, Scientific and cultural Organisation (UNESCO) chair holder for entrepreneurship and international business management. The EU BBA is comparable in terms of duration (three years). The programme mix also shows very significant similarities to the South African qualification, for example: foundations of business management; writing and communication skills; principles of accounting; micro economics; business and society; intermediate accounting; elementary statistics; macroeconomics; business finance i; marketing management; human resources management; cross-cultural business is-sues; financial statement analysis; strategic marketing; consumer behaviour; marketing research, and more.

    The Bachelor of Business Administration prepares learners for a full range of functions within the business world. The qualification outlines requires 14 modules to be conducted during first year, 18 modules during second and finally 18 modules during the final year. The broad spectrum of this qualification means that learners are able to choose from a wide range of career paths across various business sectors. Many learners also go on to study Master's Degrees.

    Bachelor of Business Administration - Herriot Watt University - UK:
    The Bachelor of Business Administration qualification will help learners to attain professional qualifications by maximising opportunities for exemptions awarded by professional accountancy bodies. In order to attain this qualification; the eight mandatory modules from Stage 1, two mandatory modules from Stage 2 and fourteen elective modules (from Levels 2 and 3) are required. Below are some of the benefits/and or employment opportunities for choosing the qualification:
  • The Bachelor of Business Administration offers the greatest flexibility to learners and allows them to select from a wide range of modules.
  • The course is integrated and structured so that learners will study the fundamentals of management, accounting, finance and economics at Stage 1.
  • Later in the qualification learners can select from a wide choice of specialist subject areas.
  • Learners with a BBA Degree will be equipped to work in a variety of general management and professional positions.

    The qualification aims to enable successful learners to:
  • Develop knowledge, understanding and subject skills in areas of accounting, finance and business management for employment in a variety of careers in commerce, industry, education and public administration.
  • Develop subject interests by allowing selection from a range of specialist modules.
  • Gain a firm foundation, in key areas of accountancy and finance, economics and management to give flexibility of choice in selecting a module to suit their interests and career aspirations.
  • Develop personal abilities (and attitudes for employment in a variety of careers and prepare for lifelong learning and personal development).

    Conclusion:
    The results of the comparability studies conducted in the above-mentioned countries reveal that this qualification is comparable with international Bachelor in Business Administration qualifications. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    The qualification will provide vertical and horizontal external articulation possibilities with all public and private higher education institutions that offer comparable studies at NQF Level 07. In addition, the qualification addresses skills, methodologies and techniques required for the practice of various management disciplines including project management, human resources management and marketing management.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Brand Building and Management, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Business Administration in Logistics and Supply Chain Management, at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Business Administration, 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. Ubiquity Open Academy (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.