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SAQA All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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 THAT HAS PASSED THE END DATE: 

Bachelor of Commerce 
SAQA QUAL ID QUALIFICATION TITLE
90910  Bachelor of Commerce 
ORIGINATOR
Oval International Computer Education 
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  368  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 06120/18  2018-07-01  2018-12-07 
LAST DATE FOR ENROLMENT LAST DATE FOR ACHIEVEMENT
2018-12-07   2023-12-07  

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:
This qualification is designed to provide participants, some of whom may be practicing managers, with the essential knowledge and skills required in the corporate business environment to compete effectively, both nationally and internationally. It will also be of benefit to the learners who have other career interests such as teaching or academia. This qualification is workplace oriented and can be tailored to particular management needs with a minimum disruption of work patterns. It will provide the body of knowledge needed for managerial and transformational development. Political, economic, sociological, technological, environmental and legal forces are affecting every sector of the business organisation and every area of governmental and industrial administration.
This qualification will prepare learners to assume the responsibility of management in business, or in other organisations within society.

After successfully completing the qualification, the learner will be equipped with the following:
  • Technical and functional skills in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations and production, human resources and research.
  • Analytical decision-making skills to identify and diagnose problems and to formulate alternative solutions.
  • Communication skills to successfully interact with diverse individuals in a competitive environment.
  • The ability to provide leadership in developmental, transitional and transformational change atmospheres.
  • The ability to innovate and develop good practice and effective management in the socio-economic and cultural context of a developing nation like South Africa.

    Rationale:
    South Africa, as an emerging economy is faced with a shortage of skilled personnel in the areas of entrepreneurship and transformational development. This qualification will help meet these needs under resource constraints. The qualification will enable successful learners to integrate management theory and practice skills with technical and professional skills.

    Successful learners will have the knowledge and skills to:
  • Create employment opportunities and contribute to the national and regional goals of a developing nation like South Africa.
  • Compete successfully in the global business environment both nationally and internationally.

    The Minister of Higher Education and Training encourages a focus on Science, Mathematics and Management. This qualification conforms to this strategy. There is also a serious shortage of trained higher-level management personnel and this Bachelor of Commerce aims to meet these shortages.

    Finally, the programme allows broadening access to higher level qualifications to address the need for managers with a post graduate level of management expertise. 
    		•

    LEARNING ASSUMED TO BE IN PLACE AND RECOGNITION OF PRIOR LEARNING 
  • Communication at NQF Level 4.
  • Mathematics at NQF Level 4.

    Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):
    Recognition of Prior Learning may be granted to applicants on submission of a portfolio of evidence in instances such as:
  • Non-completion of the requirements for the Senior Certificate but with an accumulation of computer related work experience.
  • Partial successful completion of a similar qualification at another tertiary institution, where there is a 75% similarity in syllabus.

    The portfolio of evidence should include verified accounts of previous relevant work done and performance records and which evidence is in accordance with the admissions requirements of the institution and in agreement with the relevant Quality Council.

    Access to the Qualification:
    All applicants must be in possession of at least one of the following:
  • National Senior Certificate with Mathematics granting access to Degree studies.
  • Senior Certificate with Mathematics granting Matriculation exemption.
  • National Certificate (Vocational), NQF Level 4 with Mathematics, granting access to Degree studies.
  • Those who do not satisfy any of the above criteria but have the relevant skills and work experience may be accepted into the programme in terms of Recognition of Prior Learning. However such candidates will have to complete certain requirements as determined in an interview and analysis of their portfolio. 
    		•

    RECOGNISE PREVIOUS LEARNING? 
    Y 

    QUALIFICATION RULES 
    The qualification comprises 16 Compulsory modules and 8 Elective modules, to a minimum total of 368 credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 5:
  • Advanced Communication Skills, 12 Credits.
  • End User Computing, 16 Credits.
  • Management 1A, 16 Credits.
  • Management 1B, 16 Credits.
    Total compulsory credits at NQF Level 5: 60 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 6:
  • Business Economics, 12 Credits.
  • E Commerce fundamentals, 12 Credits.
  • Management Information Systems, 12 Credits.
  • Business Law, 16 Credits.
  • Management 2A, 16 Credits.
  • Management 2B, 16 Credits.
    Total Compulsory credits at NQF Level 6: 84 Credits.

    Compulsory modules at NQF Level 7:
  • Research Methodology, 16 Credits.
  • Total Quality Management (TQM), 16 Credits.
  • Small Business Management, 16 Credits.
  • Business Project, 16 Credits.
  • Management 3A, 16 Credits.
  • Management 3B, 16 Credits.
    Total Compulsory credits at NQF Level 7: 96 Credits.

    Elective I modules: Select TWO each from Groups A and B:

    Group A:
  • Marketing Management 1A, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 1A, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1A, NQF Level 5, 16 Credits.

    Group B:
  • Marketing Management 1B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 1B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 1B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.

    Total Elective I credits: 64 Credits.

    Elective II modules: Select ONE each from Groups A and B:

    Group A:
  • Marketing Management 2A, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 2A, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2A, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.

    Group B:
  • Marketing Management 2B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 2B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 2B, NQF Level 6, 16 Credits.

    Total Elective II credits: 32 Credits.

    Elective III modules: Select ONE each from Groups A and B:

    Group A:
  • Marketing Management 3A, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 3A, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3A, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.

    Group B:
  • Marketing Management 3B, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Finance Management 3B, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.
  • Human Resource Management 3B, NQF Level 7, 16 Credits.

    Total Elective III credits: 32 Credits.

    Total credits for the qualification: 368 Credits. 
    		•

    EXIT LEVEL OUTCOMES 
    1. Explain and demonstrate technical and functional skills required in areas such as accounting, finance, marketing, operations and production, human resources and research.
    2. Demonstrate analytical decision-making skills to identify and diagnose problems and to formulate alternative solutions.
    3. Apply communication skills to successfully interact with diverse individuals in a competitive environment.
    4. Demonstrate the ability to provide leadership in developmental, transitional and transformational change atmospheres.
    5. Innovate to implement improved good practice and effective management in the socio-economic and cultural context of a developing nation such as South Africa.
    6. Apply integrated knowledge of research methodology to produce a research report.

    Critical Cross-Field Outcomes:
    All the Critical Cross-Field Outcomes are addressed in this qualification. 

    ASSOCIATED ASSESSMENT CRITERIA 
    Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcomes:
    The following Assessment Criteria may be applied in a generic manner to all or some of the Exit Level Outcomes.
  • The theory of micro- and macroeconomics applicable to medium and small enterprises is explained.
  • Theoretical knowledge is applied to the day-to-day functioning of a medium and a small enterprise through analytical and critical thinking.
  • The concepts of saving and investment are applied to medium and small enterprises.
  • The monetary system is explained and the role of the economy is discussed.
  • The various aspects of business law with regard to the management of medium and small enterprises is explained.
  • Partnership agreements and their application are explained in terms of partners' rights, duties and liabilities.
  • Various types and forms of companies are compared and contrasted.
  • The link between the main business functions and business strategy is explained.
  • The role of each of the functions in achieving organisational effectiveness is explained and the key function issues of a specific enterprise are applied.
  • Understanding of the role of finance and accounting in an enterprise and the nature of operations across a broad span of economic activity is demonstrated.
  • The different ways in which operations can be designed and activities laid out are Illustrated.
  • A marketing strategy is described and a marketing plan for a specific enterprise is drawn up.
  • The responsibilities and functions of the human resource function and the factors that influence human resource planning are explained.
  • The relationships between the external environment and the corporate and business unit strategies and objectives are critically examined.
  • The key components of strategic planning, partnership building and the marketing process are interpreted and discussed.
  • A comprehensive analysis of the different tools and processes used to analyse the market opportunities and threats are presented and understanding of the factors that influence consumer buying decisions is demonstrated.
  • The key components of the micro and macro environments and the implications for effective marketing are discussed.
  • Strategies relating to the management of market segmentation and target marketing; strategic brand management; value-chain strategy; pricing strategy and management are critically examined.
  • The importance of supply chains and value chain delivery networks are discussed.
  • Global market trends and the impact of globalisation in relation to the free-market system are critically examined.
  • Social responsibility and marketing ethics are critically examined.
  • Financial statements are analysed and suitable recommendations are made.
  • Primary and secondary markets are compared and contrasted and the trading places of the three major types of securities bonds, equities, and derivatives are described.
  • The equity markets where stocks are traded and organised are described and the ways in which they operate and differ from each other is explained.
  • Appropriate costing and pricing techniques are used to prepare and appraise proposed capital projects.
  • Principles of qualitative and quantitative research methods are explained.
  • A research report is generated and submitted for assessment.
  • Research is conducted under indirect supervision in accordance with ethical principles.
  • The research proposal is written according to established practice and is presented in the required format.

    Integrated Assessment:
    Assessment is done via one major project cooperative and through individual efforts that involve:
  • Written documentation.
  • On-site visits to the company that the group is analysing.
  • Interviews with the contact person in the company.
  • Simulation programmes of the intended system/s the group is designing.
  • Peer evaluation.

    These assessments follow a schedule given to learners by the project coordinator. An integrated system of assessment is used; learners are assessed on a regular basis throughout the duration of the learning period. Learners are required to complete class tests, individual and group (syndicate) assignments, and examinations. These continuous assessment exercises comprise the course work mark for each module. 
    		•

    INTERNATIONAL COMPARABILITY 
    The Bachelor of Commerce was compared with the following like qualifications in which the purpose and the modules covered were similar:

    University of Melbourne, Australia, offers a Bachelor of Commerce.
    This qualification combines a common core of specialist subject areas, viz.:
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.
  • Business Management.
  • Marketing Business.

    University of New South Wales, Australia, offers the Bachelor's Degree in Commerce.
    This qualification is flexible and allows the learner to design a Degree to follow interests or career ambitions in:
  • Accounting.
  • Finance.
  • Human Resource Management.
  • Marketing.
  • Information Systems.

    Thompson River University, Canada, offers the Bachelor of Commerce (Marketing).
    This Degree is designed to provide students with the business and management skills necessary to become effective leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs in a competitive economy. The qualification consists of the following:
  • Accounting.
  • General Management.
  • Human Resources Management.
  • Information Systems Management.
  • Leadership.
  • Public Sector Management.
  • Technology Management.

    The results of the comparisons show that this Bachelor of Commerce compares favourably with international standards and trends, whilst addressing the needs outlined in the purpose. 
    		•

    ARTICULATION OPTIONS 
    Horizontal Articulation:
    This qualification articulates horizontally with any Advanced Diploma or Degree in a similar field at NQF Level 7.

    Vertical Articulation:
    This qualification articulates vertically with any Honours Degree or Postgraduate Diploma in a similar field at NQF Level 8. 

    MODERATION OPTIONS 
    Academic staff members in relevant fields at other recognised public higher education institutions moderate all final assessments. In addition, a range of modules from other levels will also be externally moderated.

    The examination question paper is set by internal examiners and is then sent to an external moderator.

    All external moderators should be in possession of at least an Honours Degree in the relevant field, as well as being experienced in setting and moderating examination papers. 

    CRITERIA FOR THE REGISTRATION OF ASSESSORS 
    All lecturers involved in the delivery of lectures and any assessment must be in possession of a relevant qualification at least one level higher than that of the qualification being taught.

    All assessors must be versed in the theory of assessment. 

    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.
     
    NONE 


    All qualifications and part qualifications submitted for public comment, or 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.