Nelson Mandela University

Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Business Management

Business, Commerce and Management Studies - Generic Management

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

The purpose of this qualification, following on the Bachelor's Degree, is to provide a first Postgraduate specialization in the field of Business, Commerce, and Management Studies. It aims to develop students with an increased measure of intellectual independence through an advanced level of theoretical and practical engagement. The qualification serves a dual purpose:

  1. To prepare Honours students for research-based Postgraduate study in Business Management by including a discrete research component in the curriculum.

  2. To consolidate and deepen students' knowledge and expertise in advanced contemporary business management theories and practices. It also aims to develop applied competence to meet the needs of the South African economy for well-qualified and competent business managers. Graduates will enter the business environment as well-rounded corporate citizens capable of gainful economic activity while being mindful of their social and environmental responsibilities.

Rationale:

The rationale for this qualification is to enhance the pool of specialized entrepreneurs, managers, decision-makers, advisors, professionals, and researchers actively contributing to the economic landscape of South Africa. By widening the local leadership base engaged in innovative and value-adding economic and scholarly activities, this qualification aims to support and advance the economic development of the country.

Outcomes

  1. In-depth knowledge of contemporary theories, concepts and methods in the fields of Strategic Management and Corporate Citizenship, and the competence to apply such knowledge and methods to business-related managerial problems and cases with full cognisance of the social, ethical and environmental implications of decisions and/or actions and/or recommendations.
  2. Engage in independent learning and research activities by conducting relevant research on a selected business-related topic while adhering to appropriate research principles and protocol and applying appropriate research methods and analytical techniques.
  3. Demonstrate the ability to identify, analyse and solve unfamiliar problems in selected specialised fields of business management by applying business management knowledge, techniques and processes, and critically cross examining and evaluating multiple sources of knowledge.
  4. Demonstrate the ability to propose and review creative solutions to business-related challenges, both orally and in writing, to wider stakeholder and interest groups.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Outline and describe the relationship between the internal workings of a business and its functional subcomponents, as well as the surrounding business environment.
  • Identify key business strategies aligned with key processes and resources to improve overall performance.
  • Make decisions based on relevant data independently or as part of a team, considering the impact on other business areas.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Identify and formulate a pertinent business-related research problem or issue.
  • Conduct literature searches to contextualize the research problem and outline the area of investigation.
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret relevant data using appropriate techniques and software.
  • Prepare a research report meeting academic conventions with well-formulated findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Demonstrate competence in addressing challenges faced by middle and senior business managers.
  • Evaluate proposed options and strategies, providing well-motivated recommendations.
  • Identify and debate various perspectives and approaches in dealing with managerial issues, including ethical and social responsibilities.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Use information technology to enhance productivity and communicate effectively within a team.
  • Stay updated on the latest business methods, practices, and tools through lifelong learning.
  • Conduct diagnostic tests for business viability and present the results coherently.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Research project designed for integrated assessment using knowledge from all aspects of the qualification.
  • Assessment methods include diagnostic tasks, assignments, progress checks, case studies, and simulations.
  • Formal assessment consists of tests, assignments, and a final examination contributing to the final semester mark.
  • Hands-on modules assessed continuously without a final examination.
  • In-house moderation procedures and external moderation for assessment tasks to ensure accuracy and fairness.

Qualification Details

Type
Honours Degree
NQF Level
08
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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Nelson Mandela University
Description
Nelson Mandela University is a comprehensive university located in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. It was established in 2005 through the merger of three institutions, and it is named after the iconic South African leader, Nelson Mandela. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law. It is known for its commitment to social justice, transformation, and community engagement. Nelson Mandela University strives to provide quality education, promote research and innovation, and contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.