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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 Retail Management |
| SAQA QUAL ID | QUALIFICATION TITLE | |||
| 97823 | Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management | |||
| ORIGINATOR | ||||
| MANCOSA 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 | 360 | Not Applicable | NQF Level 07 | Regular-Provider-ELOAC |
| REGISTRATION STATUS | SAQA DECISION NUMBER | REGISTRATION START DATE | REGISTRATION END DATE | |
| Registered | EXCO 0324/24 | 2024-07-01 | 2027-06-30 | |
| LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT | LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT | |||
| 2028-06-30 | 2033-06-30 | |||
| 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 |
| The purpose of the Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification provides opportunities for continued personal intellectual growth, enhanced marketability and enhanced employability whilst opening up new access routes to additional education and training opportunities. The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification will also provide access to higher education to those wanting to have careers in the field of commerce and will complement the existing accredited qualifications.
Learners pursuing this qualification will gain a comprehensive understanding of various aspects of retail and business management. They will acquire foundational knowledge of retail operations, including merchandising, inventory management, and supply chain dynamics, as well as essential marketing skills focused on consumer behaviour, branding, and digital marketing strategies (Berman and Evans, 2020). The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification also covers financial principles such as budgeting and financial analysis, enabling informed business decisions. Emphasising customer relationship management, learners will learn how to create positive customer experiences that drive loyalty and sales. With insights into e-commerce and digital retail, the curriculum explores online shopping strategies and digital marketing techniques. Additionally, learners will develop critical thinking and strategic management skills to analyse market trends and formulate effective business strategies. Leadership qualities and teamwork skills will be fostered, preparing learners to manage diverse teams effectively. They will also learn about ethical considerations and sustainability challenges in the retail sector, emphasising responsible business practices. The curriculum encourages analytical thinking and research skills, equipping learners to evaluate business problems and develop data-driven solutions. Overall, graduates will emerge with a well-rounded skill set that prepares them for various roles within the retail industry and positions them for ongoing professional growth. Upon completing the qualification, learners will demonstrate a range of essential competencies. They will possess the ability to effectively address real-world challenges in retail and supply chain management through advanced problem-solving skills, enabling them to identify and implement solutions that enhance operational efficiency. Their proficiency in team collaboration will facilitate effective cooperation with peers, fostering a supportive environment conducive to achieving shared objectives. Graduates will exhibit ethical competency, empowering them to make professional and ethical decisions that align with industry standards. Additionally, they will demonstrate technological innovation by utilising trend-oriented and emerging technologies to improve retail processes and enhance customer experiences. Finally, learners will showcase innovative problem-solving capabilities through creative thinking, allowing them to approach challenges with fresh perspectives and devise effective solutions in a dynamic retail landscape (Buehler, TL. 2023). With the current skills need and the scarcity of qualifications in retail management, this qualification aims to produce graduates who are in possession of specific graduate attributes. The below qualification graduate attributes align to the Graduate Attributes of industry demands, communication skills, teamwork dynamics, ethical principles, innovation and creativity, problem solving techniques and critical thinking abilities. With this in mind, the qualification's graduate attributes identified below demonstrate the competencies the learner will possess upon completion of the modules and assessments within the qualification: Upon completion of the qualification graduates will be able to: Upon completion of the qualification, graduates can aspire to the following positions: Rationale: Retail is one of the fastest expanding sectors in the South African economy, employing one out of every five economically active people. The retail sector in South Africa ranks as the second-largest employer after the government and is the third-largest sector in the country's economy. It is estimated that over 20% of the South African workforce is employed in this sector (Tylor, 2024). According to the retail sector report 2022, Retail trade sales represent close to 20% of South Africa's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). The COVID 19 pandemic along with local and international lockdowns has led to a noticeable shift in the way households' shop (Accenture, 2020). The COVID 19 pandemic prompted retailers to enhance their online capabilities, leading many major retailers to introduce same-day delivery services and rapid grocery delivery apps. In the past two years, South Africa's online retail has more than doubled (World Wide Worx, 2021). By the end of 2021, online retail accounted for approximately 4% of the total retail market, with some retailers reporting online sales as low as 2% to 5% of their overall sales (54Collective, 2021). Taking the above into account, the proposed qualification delivers an industry-relevant curriculum, designed with the input of experts to ensure it aligns with contemporary retail trends and practices. A notable feature of the qualification is its emphasis on global emerging markets, providing learners with critical insights into retail management (Alexander and Doherty, 2019). Renowned for its affordability, ensures education is accessible, complemented by robust online support, study materials, thereby nurturing a supportive academic environment. This qualification is favourable as it offered on distance learning, allowing learners to study at their own pace, making it particularly suited to working professionals and those with additional commitments. It can thus be seen that the scope of retail is broad with the result that a career in the field can end up in various areas. Career options range from in-store positions to various alternatives in regional and head offices as well as distribution centres. While being the second largest employment sector and contributing almost 20% towards the entire Gross Domestic Product(GDP) of South Africa and being responsible for employing more than 20% of the entire economically active population, the retail sector is also faced with skills shortages (Blochlinger, 2019). The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification is an undergraduate qualification that responds to the needs of learners and the community through providing appropriate training in retail management and business skills. The qualification provides skills and knowledge relating to the functions and management of a retail business and the key issues associated with understanding retail trading and environments. The qualification provides the knowledge to learners to allow for making changes in the retail environment from a corporate perspective. Retail managers focus on their customers' experience within their store (Umayam, 2024). They ensure that their products are merchandised for maximum exposure and that their employees are trained in excellent customer service and salesman skills (Umayam, 2024). The Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification content is designed to provide graduates with the knowledge, specific skills and applied competence including the development of graduate attributes and qualities. According to Statista (2024), the retail industry serves as a significant contributor to the global economy, comprising millions of enterprises that provide goods and services to billions of consumers. Currently, the further integration of technology is a primary focus for retail leaders globally, therefore many retail executives are actively seeking ways to leverage technology in their operations (Statista, 2024). Retail management encompasses a wide array of sectors, each with its unique characteristics, challenges, and opportunities. Understanding these sectors is crucial for aspiring retail professionals, as this will enable graduates to tailor their skills and knowledge to specific areas of interest. The will attract a diverse range of learners, including working professionals already in the retail industry who seek formal qualifications to advance their careers or transition into higher roles such as store management, operations, or retail strategy. Aspiring retail entrepreneurs also benefit from the Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management qualification's comprehensive coverage of in retail operations, supply chain management, and consumer behaviour. Furthermore, recent school leavers looking for a business-focused degree with a specialisation in retail management, as well as career changers from other industries seeking to transition into retail by acquiring expertise in retail operations, sales, and customer management. The qualification is beneficial to individuals in the below fields and those who want to find employment as listed below: |
| LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING |
| Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
This institution recognises the important role that the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) plays in ensuring equitable access and participation in Higher Education. In this process, non-formal and/or informal learning are measured, evaluated, and checked for equivalence or parity with the formal qualification entry requirements. The RPL assessment process will focus on ways of evaluating a person's knowledge and skills acquired through lifelong learning experiences (formal, non-formal and informal) against a set of pre-determined criteria. RPL Process: Learners are required to submit an RPL application and the committee shall meet and provide outcomes regarding all RPL applications that are presented before the committee for decisions and recommendations regarding entry into the qualifications which prospective RPL candidates have applied for. The decisions are communicated by the committee to the relevant stakeholders in the enrolment department. The RPL process focuses on establishing whether the learner has acquired competence in the following areas: RPL for access: Assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework re-quired. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning. All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the RPL committee. No more than 10% of a cohort will be admitted into the qualification based on RPL. It is assumed that the learning derived from work or life experience will be a major element in the profiles of non-standard entrants primarily by means of a portfolio of evidence. Where appropriate, interviews will also be conducted to assess applicants for selection purposes. Awarding of Credits: The following standard applies: Credits are awarded for individual modules if, in the opinion of the assessors, the applicant has satisfied at least 80% similarity of the outcomes or meets all or most of the outcomes to determine the suitability of being admitted into the qualification. Credit will only be awarded if the applicant passed the module with a 50% or above pass mark with a 12-credit and above. Credits will also be given through Recognition of Prior Learning in accordance with established practice at South African higher education institutions. Assessment for Credit Accumulation Transfer (CAT) is conducted using the portfolio of evidence (PoE) submitted by the applicant. The maximum amount of 'specific' credit granted is 50% and credits may only be accumulated for modules, which are prescribed within the structure of a named award. RPL for admission assesses whether a candidate's prior experience and learning meet the entry requirements for a qualification, enabling them to be accepted into the qualification. In contrast, RPL for credits and/or exemptions evaluates if this prior learning can be counted towards specific modules within the qualification, potentially shortening the duration or reducing the coursework required. Essentially, RPL for admission determines eligibility for entry, while RPL for credits and exemptions grants academic credit or module exemptions based on previous learning. All RPL applications are subject to evaluation by the Admissions and Selections Recognition of Prior Learning Committee. Entry Requirements: Or Or |
| RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? |
| Y |
| QUALIFICATION RULES |
| This qualification comprises compulsory modules at NQF Levels 5, 6, 7 totalling 360 Credits.
Compulsory Modules, Level 5, 135 Credits Compulsory Modules, Level 6, 105 Credits Compulsory Modules, Level 7, 120 Credits |
| EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES |
| 1. Understand the functional areas of management, including employee performance and store operations to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment.
2. Assess the different market segments, customer profiles, buying habits, customer service principles and customer satisfaction. 3. Apply retail marketing and communication strategies that reflects social, ethical and cultural considerations to effectively engage diverse stakeholders. 4. Analyse key financial issues and contribute to the effective planning and control of financial resources within a retail business. 5. Evaluate retail management information appropriately. 6. Interpret economic realities within South African retail organisational contexts and manage retail supply chain processes to achieve specific objectives in a retail environment. |
| ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA |
| Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:
Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5: Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6: Integrated Assessment: The Assessment Strategy is aligned to the Council on Higher Education Accreditation Criteria (2012), the National Policy and Criteria for Designing and Implementing Assessment for NQF Qualifications and Part-Qualifications and Professional Designations in South Africa (SAQA, 2014). Integrated assessment requires careful consideration to implement formative and summative assessment methods which offer an inclusive and holistic view of learners' learning. Assessments are aligned with the pre-defined learning outcomes per module culminating with the qualification exit level outcomes. Formative and summative assessments are diverse in nature, and these encompass knowledge check questions, case studies, and scenario-based questions. Formative assessments allow for regular feedback to learners, highlighting areas of success and improvement. Summative assessments evaluate learner learning at the completion of a learner's learning journey. Imperative to integrated assessments is the provisioning of feedback to not only learners but also internally, as whereby the results of assessments play a critical role in informing the development of future assessment, assessment practices and the continuous improvement of the qualification. Formative Assessment: The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 5: The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 6: The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 7: Summative Assessment The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 5: The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 6: The following is provided as rationale for the assessments at NQF level 7: The final mark is calculated as follows for the assessments at NQF level 5: The final mark is calculated as follows for the assessments at NQF level 6: The final mark is calculated as follows for the assessments at NQF level 7: |
| INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY |
| Country: Canada
Name of Institution: McGill University (MU) Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce Concentration in Retail Management Purpose of the Qualification: Studying retail management through a concentration or major allows learners to balance creative marketing skillsets with analytics, technology, and operations management, while bridging the gap from theory to real-world application. A retail education at the McGill University, Bensadoun School of Retail Management teaches learners how to engage with the consumer throughout the entire customer journey. Learners gain a core understanding of end-consumer focused retail, with an agile, global lens, enabling learning relevant to a variety of sectors. By pursing a retail management focus, learners build a multidisciplinary critical thinking skillset, creating an executive presence for future workplaces. Learning Outcomes: Through interaction with the school's state-of-the-art Retail Innovation Lab, learners will have the opportunity to learn firsthand about managing all levels of a retail operation using the latest technologies. The practical experience will serve as a complement to the study of consumer behaviour, experiential marketing, omni channel retailing, pricing analytics, efficacy of different payment systems, and global value chain management. With modules in areas like retail innovation, marketing research, e-business, operations and supply chain analysis, and consumer behaviour, learners will develop a sound understanding of the principles and methods of retail management from market research and strategy to distribution and sales. Modules: Similarities: Differences: Country: Canada Name of Institution: Toronto Metropolitan University Name of Qualification: Bachelor of Commerce in Retail Management Purpose of the Qualification: The qualification provides learners with an integrated perspective of the many facets of a retail organisation as well as insight into the broader context of retailing in society. Learners will develop practical and comprehensive knowledge of customer service strategies, 'people' skills, information systems, merchandising and financial acumen as essential elements in the Retail Industry. Modules: Similarities: Differences: Conclusion In conclusion all qualifications in Retail Management share several similarities with SA's qualification. These qualifications all emphasise the development of essential skills in retail management, such as operations, supply chain analysis, and innovations in retailing, and aim to prepare learners for leadership roles in the retail industry. However, the SA's qualification distinguishes itself with its more flexible and affordable distance learning structure, as well as its 360-credit, three-year format. This enables learners to complete their qualifications more efficiently while balancing other commitments, making it an appealing option for working professionals looking to advance their careers in retail. |
| ARTICULATION OPTIONS |
| This qualification allows possibilities for both vertical and horizontal articulation.
Horizontal Articulation: Vertical Articulation: Diagonal Articulation: |
| MODERATION OPTIONS |
| N/A |
| CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS |
| N/A |
| 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. | MANCOSA 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. |