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SOUTH AFRICAN QUALIFICATIONS AUTHORITY 
REGISTERED QUALIFICATION: 

Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
97818  Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations 
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
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:
The purpose of this qualification is to provide learners with detailed knowledge and understanding of entrepreneurship and operating small business. A qualified learner will be able to:
  • Manage a small business in a sustainable manner.
  • Use ICT tools to manage a small business effectively and efficiently.
  • Design entrepreneurial products and approaches for a successful small business.

    Rationale:
    The Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations is designed to provide learners with detailed knowledge and understanding of operations in the area of entrepreneurship and enterprise development. The need to expand the South African economy, especially through increased entrepreneurship in all sectors of the economy, calls for focused and increased training in the area of entrepreneurship and enterprise development. Investment in entrepreneurship development will in the long run produce major returns to society. The aim of this qualification is to create learner awareness of the changing economic conditions of South Africa and also to create depth of knowledge in the area of business practice. Learners will be equipped with skills and attitudes required to establish and operate an enterprise efficiently, effectively and sustainably. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is integrated into this qualification as it prepares learners with knowledge and skills to operate small business in a global society. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Monash South Africa (MSA) adheres to national requirements for the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) and has an RPL policy and procedures in place. MSA thus allows for an educationally appropriate alternative access to the qualification and may recognise the following:
  • Formal learning, such as a course offered by a professional body, enterprise, private educational institution, or by any other accredited provider recognised by MSA. These may include professional development or on - the job - training.
  • Experience of approximately three to five years working within the industry will be considered in conjunction with the academic record of the candidate based on the institutional policy of Recognition of Prior Learning.

    RPL may be granted for admission to the qualification where an applicant's previous non-accredited formal study or informal learning is assessed as equivalent to the prerequisite qualification. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, work and practical experience will be considered in applications for RPL.

    Entry Requirements:
    The minimum requirement for admission to the Diploma in Entrepreneurial and Small Business Operations is:
  • Senior Certificate (SC).
    Or
  • National Senior Certificate (NSC) with endorsement for entry into Diploma studies.
    Or
  • National Certificate Vocational (NCV) at NQF Level 4 with endorsement for entry into Diploma studies or Equivalent. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    This qualification consists of compulsory modules at NQF Level 5 and 6 totalling 360 Credits.

    Modules, at NQF Level 5, 120 Credits:
  • Introduction to Entrepreneurial Business, 15 Credits.
  • Technology and Business 1, 15 Credits.
  • Critical Thinking and Ethics, 15 Credits.
  • Communication Skills, 15 Credits.
  • Business Calculations, 15 Credits.
  • Business Information, 15 Credits.
  • Marketing your Business, 15 Credits.
  • Managing Human Talent, 15 Credits.

    Modules, at NQF Level 6, 240 Credits:
  • Entrepreneurial Economics, 15 Credits.
  • Technology and Business 2, 15 Credits.
  • Accounting, Finance and Costing for Entrepreneurs, 15 Credits.
  • Funding and Tendering (WIL), 15 Credits.
  • Logistics and Supply Chain Management, 15 Credits.
  • Business data, 15 Credits.
  • Project 1, 15 Credits.
  • Technological Innovation and Business, 15 Credits.
  • Entrepreneurial Law, 15 Credits.
  • Fundamentals in Business Administration, 15 Credits.
  • Working in Business, 15 Credits.
  • Workplace Readiness (WIL), 15 Credits.
  • Innovation and Sustainable Business, 15 Credits.
  • Project 2, 15 Credits.
  • The Entrepreneur in a Globalised World, 15 Credits.
  • Self-leadership, 15 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Manage a small business in a sustainable manner.
    2. Use ICT tools to manage a small business effectively and efficiently.
    3. Design entrepreneurial products and approaches for a successful small business. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 1:
  • Principles of methods and operations for small business management are applied.
  • The scaffolding required to run a successful small business is explained.
  • Attributes of an entrepreneur are explained.
  • The main components of running a small business are discussed.
  • The context in which 21st century businesses operate is analysed.
  • Solutions to business problems are designed.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 2:
  • Information and Communications Technology (ICT) applications are developed to manage business information.
  • Appropriate ICT systems are created to support business practice.
  • A practical ICT project demonstrating theory acquired is constructed.
  • ICT is used as an integral part of the operations of a small business.

    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit level Outcome 3:
  • Threats to entrepreneurial enterprises are identified.
  • An entrepreneurial approach to the socio-economic context is developed.
  • Entrepreneurial products are developed.

    Integrated Assessment:
    The Diploma consists of both theoretical and practical components. The two project modules require learners to apply the acquired knowledge from all the modules into practical products. Projects thus integrate the content of all modules acquired to that stage into outputs that include reports, plans, portfolios, and working software applications. The projects are assessed accordingly.
    Integrated assessment methods include the following:
  • Portfolios consisting of written reports, plans, management documents, and software applications
  • Simulations of aspects of business processes, operations and management.
  • Project which is a practical application of theory components: project proposal, project plan, and final summative project. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The London College of Contemporary Arts (United Kingdom):
    The London College of Contemporary Arts in the United Kingdom offers an Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Diploma. This qualification is designed for any learner who is new to self-employment, entrepreneurship, or is simply aiming to realise their full potential in the world of business. This qualification focuses on the main five areas of business, which include, Marketing, Entrepreneurship, Technology and Media, Communication skills, and Personal Finance and Tax, which develop the necessary business skills for success.

    The Entourage School of Entrepreneurship (Australia):
    The Entourage School of Entrepreneurship in Australia offers a Diploma of Business and Entrepreneurship. This qualification has been designed for the purpose of aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage business owners. The qualification provides steps on how to develop a business idea, practical strategies on how to start a business and proven steps on growing a seed stage business.

    Conclusion:
    This qualification compares favourably with qualifications offered in Australia and the United Kingdom. All qualifications provide learners with knowledge and skills to operate small business. Managerial skills such as market strategies are introduced. Learners are also taken through the understanding of technology. Learning also covers practical's in order to complete the qualification. 

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    This qualification provides possibilities for both horizontal and vertical articulation.

    Horizontal Articulation:
  • Diploma in Small Business Management, at NQF Level 6.
  • Diploma in Small Business Management and Entrepreneurship, at NQF Level 6.

    Vertical Articulation:
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship, at NQF Level 7.
  • Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurship, at NQF Level 7. 
    		•

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    N/A 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    N/A 

    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: 
     
    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 


    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.